Sabrina Li, '25 BSB: Building Connections and Career Confidence
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Program
’25 BSB
Minor
Business Analytics
Fun Fact
My scallion pancakes are lowkey to die for.
College Internship
- Optum – Product & Operations Analyst Intern – Minneapolis, MN (Summer ‘22)
- UnitedHealthcare – Network Pricing Intern – Minneapolis, MN (Summer ‘23)
- Deloitte – Strategy Summer Scholar – Minneapolis, MN (Summer ’24)
Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business?
I used to be reluctant to interact with strangers, especially in a more formal setting. Throughout my four years at business school, I learned that nothing matters more than people. It’s so important to get to know the people you’re surrounded by and discover who they are besides the role they play in a professional setting. Additionally, take the initiative to surround yourself not only with those who bring you the gift of fulfillment and comfort, but also those who are willing to challenge and push you to think critically.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
I have actively engaged in various roles that have enriched my academic and extracurricular experiences. I served as a Carlson Ambassador and peer career coach while also working as a teaching assistant for courses such as Marketing Research (MKTG 3011), Strategic Management (MGMT 3004), and Design Your Career (BA 2021). Additionally, I contributed as a consultant and undergraduate principal with the Carlson Consulting Enterprise and took on a leadership role as the vice president of outreach for the Undergraduate Consulting Club from Spring 2023 to Fall 2024. My consulting experience further expanded at 180 Degrees Consulting, where I progressed from consultant to team lead and ultimately vice president of Finance. I also held key positions with the Chinese American Student Association, initially serving as the events coordinator before becoming co-president from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023, and I actively participated in the UMN Treble Choir.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why?
I would’ve networked earlier and much more frequently. I came into business school with the common misconception that networking is talking to people just to get a job. I became a lot more comfortable talking to others when I realized that establishing real relationships and genuine curiosity to learn about aspiring personalities is what networking is. After that shift in mindset, I unveiled so many more cool sides to people and established new friendships and mentorships that I will cherish for decades to come.
Throughout my four years at business school, I learned that nothing matters more than people. It’s so important to get to know the people you’re surrounded by and discover who they are besides the role they play in a professional setting.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field?
The most effective way to learn about business is to be hands-on, so start exploring internships, research opportunities, extracurricular activities, and the amplitude of resources your school offers as early as possible. Even if you don’t know where to start, do something and you might end up discovering new interests or crossing out jobs you are not drawn to doing. It’s always better to go in the wrong direction for a bit than to not move at all.
Additionally, business students are gifted with the freedom to be innovative and curious. So, if you can, pursue other academic interests and obtain interdisciplinary knowledge, talk to people to hear their stories, keep up with geopolitical news, and give yourself room to grow in different directions.