Anna Li

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Team-player, driven, empathetic, and curious.”

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I learned how to bike last year and now love going for bike rides along the Chicago lakeshore

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Chicago, Public Policy

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Associate Consultant at L.E.K. Consulting

What word best describes the Chicago Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far and why? I have consistently experienced the pay-it-forward culture from my time as a Dougan Scholar during my undergraduate years at UChicago to my deferral period as a Booth Scholar and now as a first year MBA student at Booth. Students are always willing to help answer any question ranging from classes to careers to clubs to restaurant recommendations.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The flexible curriculum is an important part of the Booth MBA experience because it allows students to pursue their interests and create their own paths. Coming from a liberal arts undergraduate background, I wanted to take certain classes earlier on in my first year to explore new areas and fill in gaps.

How did COVID-19 change your perspective on your career and your life in general? COVID-19 further emphasized the importance of work-life balance and sense of community in the workplace. I started taking more breaks throughout the day to go on a walk or spend time with my family.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? After completing a few years in investment banking and strategy consulting, I decided to pursue my MBA in order to take a step back, deepen my knowledge in specific areas, grow my network, and explore different career paths. After graduation, I hope to continue exploring careers at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? None

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program? It’s important to understand your own goals and priorities. Upon self-reflection, you can pick the program that best fits what you’re looking for since they are all unique. Talking with current students and alumni, visiting campus, and sitting in on a class are helpful in this process as well. If you’re still in college, you can consider taking the GMAT during the end of senior year since it may be more challenging after a few years of working.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2023