Jae Won Lee: How the NUS MBA Fostered Personal Growth and Leadership
|
|
Jae Won Lee
|
For Jae Won Lee, a 2024 graduate of the full-time NUS MBA program, pursuing her MBA was not solely a career move. The experience was also for her personal growth. After several years in the corporate world, she sought to broaden her perspective, sharpen her strategic thinking, and improve her leadership skills. Now a portfolio manager at NPS Infrastructure Investments, Jae Won reflects on how the NUS MBA shaped her path.
Expanding horizons: learning beyond finance
Coming into the program with a finance background, Jae Won initially hoped the MBA would refine her technical skills or open up new opportunities. “My expectation of the MBA program was either it’d refine my technical skills or transform my career into ‘something fancy,’” she shares. “In the end, yes, you can say my expectations were met, but the true value of the MBA program was the ability to learn directly from peers who bring practical insights from a range of industries and countries.”
Through discussions and case studies, Jae Won gained insights beyond finance. “I gained a deeper understanding of how market trends and technology impact sectors beyond finance,” she explains. The collaborative nature of the program also strengthened her adaptability and strategic thinking. “Working on group projects and tackling real-world business challenges taught me to approach problems more holistically and work with diverse people from different backgrounds.”
Collaborating across disciplines: lessons from a marketing project
According to Jae Won, one of the best parts was learning to collaborate with peers from different fields and countries. A marketing class project stands out as a pivotal moment. “The goal was to expand plant-based meat in Singapore,” she explains. “I worked with a team that included peers with marketing expertise, tech, healthcare, and more, with different nationalities as well.”
Initially, Jae Won focused primarily on financial metrics like market size and growth rate, reflecting her financial background. However, her peers encouraged her to broaden her approach. “My friend from marketing emphasised the importance of brand perception in new markets,” she recalls. “It was an eye-opening experience, especially from a country like Korea, where plant-based meat is still a relatively uncommon concept.”
This collaboration enriched her understanding of market entry dynamics and reinforced the value of a holistic approach to problem-solving. “Learning to see challenges through the views of different industries has enriched my problem-solving approach,” she adds.
Another memorable experience for Jae Won was a consulting project for EY Consulting, focusing on adopting metaverse technology in Southeast Asia’s tourism and hospitality sector. “The project challenged us to design practical solutions for implementing metaverse technologies, such as immersive training platforms and virtual spaces, specifically tailored to the needs of hotels and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) venues,” she shares.
Jae Won’s team included classmates with expertise in tourism, marketing, technology, and finance, which was instrumental in tackling the project from various angles. “This collaboration made me realise the importance of viewing business challenges through different lenses, as each industry brought unique perspectives to issues like customer experience, labour shortages, and high operational costs in the hospitality sector.”
Reflecting on the experience, she adds, “This project not only broadened my understanding of emerging technologies like the metaverse but also provided me an opportunity to deep dive into the tourism sector.”
Advice for future NUS MBA candidates
To future candidates, she offers two critical pieces of advice. “My biggest advice to prospective students is to embrace the collaborative and supportive culture of the NUS MBA. One of the strongest aspects of the program is that it creates a comfortable learning zone where you can share your thoughts openly and learn from your peers.”
Since graduating, Jae Won has tapped into the NUS global alumni network to gain mentorship and career insights. One of her most valuable strategies has been initiating coffee chats with alumni. “These informal meetings have provided me with firsthand insights into diverse fields and career paths,” she shares. “During my job search this year, I got advice and insights about companies I’d apply for. Many alumni shared lessons from their career journeys, which has been inspiring.”
This network has helped her feel supported in professional development and stay updated on industry trends. Even after graduation, it creates a sense of camaraderie and connection.
Therefore, she also encourages potential students to be proactive in building relationships. “Start forming connections early,” she advises. “The relationships you build during the MBA often extend far beyond graduation. Recently, my cohort reunited in Seoul to celebrate a friend’s wedding, reminding me of the lasting bonds we formed at NUS.”
Conclusion
Jae Won Lee’s experience demonstrates how the NUS MBA provides students with the tools, insights, and connections needed to succeed in competitive industries. As a portfolio manager at NPS Infrastructure Investments, she continues to apply what she learned, shaping her career with renewed confidence and adaptability. If you’re looking for an immersive experience to refine your skills, broaden your perspective, and reignite your career focus, the NUS MBA might be your next step—find out more today!
