Wendy Wu

1. Why did you decide to do an MBA?

“You can change three things with an MBA: location, industry and function. My purpose was a bridge to land in the Netherlands, experience the culture, and work here. I work in sustainability, and the Netherlands is a leading country in this field. I chose RSM because we have around 40 nationalities in our batch, and I wanted my classmates to have a similar amount of work experience as me so I can learn from them too. And it has a good reputation.”

2. What has been the most challenging assignment or activity?     

“It’s a very intense schedule, and you have to do a lot at the same time; your own assignments, team work and group discussions. It’s a challenge because you have to use your time efficiently and know how to communicate with your team mates from various backgrounds. I’ve learned not to make stereotypes and assume people’s patterns. Be straight up and ask how people best work together. And be clear so everyone stays on the same page.”

3. Do you notice different cultural approaches to working within diverse teams in the programme?

“I noticed people from Asia might be more hesitant to speak up. I’ve been encouraged to speak up and say more. I think people are worried about their English. But actually people don’t care about grammar, they want to know your opinion. Also, people from different cultures have different ways to give feedback. We discuss our styles and ways to deliver to help each other become more familiar and not offended by judgment.”        

4. How would you describe the RSM MBA experience?

“My classmates are amazing. RSM can get people together from all around the world in Rotterdam. I encourage you to be open minded and talk more to your classmates. I’m enjoying this culture shock and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m also developing my soft skills. If you want to become a manager at a higher level, you have to learn how to express your feelings so others know what you’re thinking. It’s an efficient way of making sure things get better.”

5. What advice would you give to others to make the most of their MBA experience?

“Talk to people to learn more about the course and the culture. Each MBA programme has different contents. RSM focuses on being a force for positive change. So ask yourself what your personal values are. If you start the programme, don’t limit yourself. Talk to as many classmates as possible; they’re an important factor.”                          

6. How do you feel about living in the Netherlands?

“The weather isn’t actually as bad as I expected from people’s stories. It’s less humid than in Taipei. And people in the Netherlands are very friendly. I don’t experience any discrimination because there are so many faces from different countries. It’s a positive experience to be here. And I also like the bicycle paths; I cycle to campus every day, even in the winter. It’s great.”  

7. What does the future hold after the RSM MBA?

“I want to move to management level. Being in the Netherlands gives me access to a wider range of organisations and multinationals. I hope the RSM MBA can bring me real business networking resources to keep my career path in sustainability consulting, or in sectors like CSR in international companies. I would like to get the work experience here, and then eventually take these experiences back to Asia to help the sustainability development there.”