Tzu-Ling’s comments were originally featured in her profile on the Poets&Quants MBA to watch list 2024.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Tzu-Ling (Linda) Huang from Taipei, Taiwan. I am a passionate project manager in smart transportation and a fashion maniac. Before enrolling into WBS I was Assistant Sales and Project Manager at Kingwaytek Technology.

What drew you to study at WBS?

In both my personal and professional life, I respect uniqueness and innovation, and I strive to learn new skills for addressing practical issues. The emphasis on innovation at Warwick Business School, together with its CORE values of Curiosity, Openness, Restlessness and Excellence completely align with my values.

I think the environment at WBS also perfectly balances serenity and convenience. The area around the school has well-developed living facilities, and it is only a 10 to 15-minute drive from the centre of Coventry.

Did you have any initial thoughts before starting at WBS?

Coming from the start-up industry, I initially thought that finding the balance between innovation and business would require a lot of experience and thus be difficult to learn through just one course. However, the teaching style made it much more accessible and provided a roadmap to get an innovation off the ground.

What were you challenged to do during your MBA?

To think innovatively, to narrow down and deconstruct complex questions into manageable parts, and to devise effective strategies to address them. This process was not just about finding solutions; it was about evolving our approach to problem-solving, showcasing the depth and adaptability we’ve gained through our MBA experience.

What is the proudest moment of your MBA journey?

One of the proudest moments of my MBA journey was self-sourcing a dissertation project alongside my classmate Yun Chen, where we sought collaboration opportunities with a company. This adventure was like solving a complex puzzle; interviewing diverse individuals to define our direction, clarifying problems, and assembling a coherent theme for our research.

What did you enjoy most about the Full-time MBA?

I thoroughly enjoyed the LeadershipPlus module. The core aim of LeadershipPlus is to develop a personalized leadership style by understanding one’s own personality and learning how to collaborate with people of different personalities.

The reason I favoured this course is its practical framework, which aids in learning about team management—an inherently abstract subject. This approach not only facilitated a deeper understanding of how different leadership styles affect team dynamics but also equipped us with the tools to effectively manage and lead diverse teams.

What was working along your classmates like?

I have truly observed the CORE qualities in my classmates. In discussions, everyone eagerly shares diverse views and respects different opinions, fostering a collaborative and understanding learning environment.

What support is on offer at WBS?

Our program is an intensive one-year course, which means everyone’s schedule is extremely tight and busy. However, whenever I needed help with academics, career advice, or personal matters, my classmates were always willing to pause their own tasks to assist me. Furthermore, the ability of our cohort to develop close relationships in such a brief period was an unexpected and valuable gain.

Is there anything you’d do differently during your MBA?

I wish I could have been less self-conscious. At the beginning of my MBA journey, I felt behind my peers and underqualified. However, it took some time to convince myself that I could inspire my classmates and there is no need to force myself to follow a path that does not align with my own pace and learning style.

Recognizing this earlier would have allowed me to embrace my unique perspectives more fully, fostering a more confident and enriching MBA experience.

What are your career goals following your MBA?

My number one goal will be to focus on the smart transport industry and play a key role in shaping the future of mobility. Secondly, I aim to utilize my work and learning experiences to inspire young women in the tech industry and support them in their career journeys.

Moving forward, I plan to support and empower more women in similar situations, advocating for their leadership and enhancing industry diversity.