Ryan Zhang (Class of ‘25) was born and raised in Yingkou City, Liaoning Province, China. After graduating from Beijing Language and Culture University, Ryan moved to Tokyo, Japan, where he spent several years as a Senior Manager at KPMG Consulting, working with major automobile manufacturers like Nissan on digital transformation initiatives. Ready to pursue an MBA, he came to the U.S. for the first time in 2023 to join the Darden community.
In the summer of 2024, after his first year at Darden, Ryan ventured into new professional territory by interning at bluesheets, an AI startup in Singapore. This experience marked the fifth country where Ryan has lived and worked, and he recently spoke with CGI to reflect on how this latest international experience has enriched his global perspective.
The Unexpected Path to Singapore
When Ryan entered the recruiting process for summer internships, he never anticipated that his journey would lead him to Singapore. His original plan was to continue his career as a consultant in the United States. However, a chance connection with a UVA alum introduced him to bluesheets, a fast-growing startup in the AI sector. Having spent most of his career in consulting firms, Ryan found the opportunity to work in a dynamic startup environment intriguing, albeit outside his comfort zone.
Transitioning from the structured world of large corporations to the fast-paced, flexible environment of a startup was a significant shift for Ryan. “At bluesheets, there were fewer rules, and everyone was doing everything they could to push the company forward,” Ryan shared. “It was the exact opposite of my previous experience. At first, I tried to bring my consultant mindset to the table, but I quickly learned that in a startup, it’s all just about taking the next actionable step.”
Ryan credits Darden’s rigorous case study method with preparing him to adapt to this new environment. “Darden taught me to look at problems from multiple angles and to be comfortable with ambiguity. This experience was invaluable when dealing with the ever-changing nature of a startup,” he said.
A Shift in Career Perspective
Singapore, known as the crossroads of Asia, offered Ryan a unique cultural experience. “Singapore is a confluence of cultures with people from all over the world coming and going,” he noted. Working in such a diverse environment allowed Ryan to engage with colleagues, clients and investors from various backgrounds, enriching his professional experience and broadening his global perspective. During his internship, Ryan also attended a Darden reunion in Singapore, which further strengthened his connection to the global Darden community.
Ryan’s time at bluesheets has had a profound impact on his career trajectory. Before this experience, Ryan was on track to climb the corporate ladder within a large organization. However, working in a startup environment opened his eyes to the possibility of taking a different path. “The more time I reflect on my path, the more I realized that I don’t want to be just another small fish in a big pond,” he reflected. “I need to make an impact for myself, and this experience gave me the confidence to explore all options for my future.”
Back at Darden, Ryan adjusted his electives to focus more on AI and management, reshaping his career ambitions. “I’m not just a student anymore; I’ve been in a position where real decisions were on the line,” he said. This experience has reshaped how he approaches his studies and what he envisions for his professional journey.
Advice for Future International Interns
For MBA candidates considering an international internship, Ryan’s advice is clear: “Take the opportunity to explore. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.” The support system at Darden — from peers and faculty to alumni — gives you the courage to take risks. It’s important to keep that community around you as you navigate these experiences.
Ryan’s journey across five countries — from China to Japan, the U.S., the Philippines, and Singapore — underscores the power of global exposure in shaping a well-rounded, adaptable professional. His story is also a testament to the enduring strength of the Darden community, which continues to support its members across borders and throughout their ever-evolving careers.
Below are some images Ryan took while exploring Singapore.
