Full-Time MBA Student Profile Nobu Kawai, ’17
Hometown: Takaoka-Shi, Japan
Education: University of Tokyo, Bachelor of Economics
Before Booth: Risk Management, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Chiyoda-ku
2016 Internship: Dream Incubator, Tokyo
Nobu Kawai, ’17: 00:04
Everyone in Booth are curious about different cultures and different backgrounds. I worked for a Japanese commercial bank called Sumitomo Mitsui and I hope to switch my function to operations management in an international setting. I can bring the organizational management skills which I learned from Managing in Organizations class, taught by professor Prendergast. We learn theories and practices in human resource management, which I feel I need to learn for expanding our business in Southeast Asia because there are many people with different backgrounds and we have to manage a local operation.
Nobu Kawai, ’17: 00:51
I chose Booth because the culture exchange. People are really happy to exchange their views and thoughts. I moved to Chicago with my wife, Kayoko, and three-year-old daughter, Nanoha. We decided to join International Week to serve Japanese food. We provided sushi and tempura; also, we played Japanese flute to share Japanese traditional culture with Booth people. Their smile is everything to me, and that made me feel I made the right decision.
Most Memorable Booth Moment
As the co-chair of the Japan Club, I organized a Japan trip during spring break with more than 50 students and their partners. It was really interesting to exchange our thoughts and views.
Advice to Anyone Considering an MBA
I definitely recommend visiting campus. There is a lot of opportunity to feel the real academic experience, including a class visit. If you are unable to visit, you should try to reach out to a current student by phone of Skype. Everybody is happy to help you understand the Booth community and culture.