Di Bai, MBA 2009

Home region
Beijing, China

Undergraduate education
Nankai University, 02, Bachelor of Business Administration

Previous job
McKinsey & Co., Beijing

 
HBS Clubs
Finance Club, VC/PE Club, Asia Business Club

Growing up with parents who worked for China's state-owned enterprises, Di Bai has personally witnessed the transition from a planned to an open-market economy. "For local companies, the change has been difficult," Di says. To contribute to China's growing development, Di assumed positions at Proctor & Gamble and McKinsey where she could, "learn and apply best practices from established companies."

 
After five years of work, Di wanted more: more practical business lessons, more international exposure and more preparation for broader management responsibilities. "I came to HBS for its rigorous curriculum, diversified student body, unparalleled reputation, and outstanding alumni network," Di says.

 
Answers for known – and unknown – problems

"Before I came to HBS," says Di, "I looked for answers to my known 'unknowns.' After being here for a semester – even as I've solved previous problems and clarified old confusions – I realize I have more unknowns to resolve. That's why I think the HBS experience is an eye-opening and transformational journey."

 
Di appreciates the way the first year's Required Curriculum "covers all the facets of general management as a comprehensive base for many careers over the long run." More importantly, Di says, "The HBS experience has deepened my understanding of leadership and reshaped my mindset. Now I understand that a business leader must put business decisions into their cultural and social contexts, and strike a balance among multiple responsibilities. This is especially significant for people like me coming from developing countries where the legal and regulatory systems are not well established. We have to do business in imperfect situations – but it's a great opportunity to contribute to a healthy and sustainable business and social environment."

 
Local prosperity within a global powerhouse

In many ways, Di's career continues to be one of transitions. To make the move to HBS, Di found "encouragement and support" from the Pre-MBA International Program, Career Services, and the Harvard International Office.

 
As part of her transition to her longer-term ambitions – "to make positive and far-reaching impact in my home country as well as the globe" – Di has accepted a summer internship with the principal investment group of Merrill Lynch in Hong Kong. "Ultimately," Di says, "I want to actively participate in China's economy, especially the prosperity of local enterprises."