Yueming (“Helen”) Li

MIT Sloan School of ManagementMBA Optional Admissions Essay

Round II Application for Fall 2017

It is our CHOICES that show what we truly are,

far more than our

ABILITIES.

- Albus Dumbledore

<Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets>

Academic2005.9Sending me off to college was one of the happiest memories shared by my family. While my score in the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (“Gaokao”) could get me into any universities in Mainland China, I chose the Chinese University of Hong Kong for not only a full-ride scholarship but also the wider exposure, a different culture and world-class academics.

2008.1A semester’s exchange at the University of Pennsylvania was life-changing. I learned to work with classmates from

all over the world and was continuously encouraged to think ‘globally’.

2009.9Cutting a roasted pig was a thousand-year long tradition in China to celebrate academic success. Upon graduation from college, I realized that being a trader/quant will not make me happy, but decided to switch my field of study to one where more people tend to believe in the common good. Therefore, I chose to study Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

Professional

2012.4 – 2017.1Three prestige companies:• My internships at Bain & Co. and the United

Nations reinforced my belief that private sector behaviors can be shaped by good policies for the greatest good, and I devoted myself to the interplay between the private and public sector professionally

• From academic consulting to tangible consulting, I progressed steadily, developed technical and soft skills and grew my impact

2014.8 Two Certificates• Although I knew that having

a certificate may not lead to immediate returns, I was determined in the hope of learning something new and challenging myself.

• I almost burst into tears when I received the email from the CFA institute that I finally passed Level III.

• After 2 attempts at Level II and 3 attempts at Level III, I finally passed and became more confident because after failing for so many times, I kept on taking the risk and failing better!

2016.12 Two Initiatives, Two Rewards

What do I do for Fun? 2012.6 – 2016.93.5 miles, 10k, and a half marathon:• Running keeps pushing me getting out of my ‘comfort zone’

and more importantly, has taught me how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, as one of my favorite saying is ‘it’s in discomfort where change lives’

2011.10 – 2017.1Five years, One Drama Club:• Founding member of Chicago Windmill Drama:

started from UChicago and now it expands the entire metropolitan area

• From actress, to director, to producer, I learned that every team member, no matter the leading actor or actress or the back-stage coordinator, is significant and one can only shine in the success of the whole team

And more: ballroom dancing, Yoga, and museum volunteer

So, who am I?

• I thrive• By taking risks • By keeping pushing myself to my limit• By continuous learning

• I am open-mind, flexible, determined, persistent

• I maintain a work-life balance and take good care of my body

Next Step?Academic

Further enhance my analytical rigors and real-world problem solving skills via Action Learning and the flexible

curriculum

ProfessionalMake close friends with my

ocean and build a network of life-long relationships with the

collaborative, humble, and innovative talents

LifeInterested in: FinTech Club,

Greater China Club, Health and Fitness Club, Sloan

Entrepreneurs for International Development, and Travel &

Hospitality Club