Derek Pan
“Strategically agile leader driving sales growth and profitability with unwavering work ethic and mentorship prowess”
Hometown: Aurora, Ontario
Undergraduate School and Major:
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Coca Cola Bottler Canada, Key Account Manager
What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
With Philip Morris, was the normalization of IQOS heated tobacco product and able to create a long-term sustainability within Greater Toronto Area, Ontario.
With Coca Cola, currently resigned a new exclusive contract after months long negotiation with one of the national wholesaler that increase over 100 percent in volume and profit.
When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind?
When I think about UCL, the first word that comes to mind is “Prestige.” The reason is obvious. From its history as the first school accepting women, to its 30 Nobel Prize winners, and countless famous past and current inventors and business leaders, such as Alexander Bell who invented the practical telephone in the past, and the current TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew.
What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you tochoose the program, and why were they so important to you?
There are two aspects of the program at UCL that align perfectly with my personal and career situation. Firstly, the focus on data analytics is paramount. In industries like CPG and FMCG, data is everything. UCL’s emphasis on tools like Power BI, Tableau and its comprehensive curriculum have elevated my expertise to a new level. Now, I can confidently present data, create meaningful graphs, and make informed decisions supported by calculated data analysis.
The second aspect is the flexibility offered in both module scheduling and program completion timeline. Balancing full-time work, starting a new business, and caring for two young children, aged 6 and 2, presents significant time constraints for skill improvement at a prestigious institution. However, UCL’s flexibility allows me to prioritize spending time with my children and excelling at work, while also enhancing my knowledge and skills.
What course, club, activity, or experience excites you the most and why?
The UCL immersion event is definitely one of the experiences that I really enjoyed. Learning about the UCL MBA support team, exploring its history, and interacting with other students in person significantly enhances my online module interaction experience.
What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs?
One resource I highly recommend for MBA students is Simon Sinek’s work, particularly his concept that “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Understanding and articulating the purpose behind your actions is crucial for building meaningful connections with stakeholders. Sinek’s insights can transform how you approach leadership, communication, and strategy, fostering authenticity and differentiation in a competitive business landscape.
What are two things you have learned that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?
Academically, one surprising thing I’ve learned from my UCL MBA is the power of data analytics. While I anticipated gaining a foundational understanding of analytics, I was surprised by the depth of its impact across various business functions. Learning to harness data-driven insights has not only enhanced my decision-making abilities but has also provided a new lens through which to understand and optimize organizational processes.
Outside of academia, my role as a Key Account Manager at Coca-Cola has revealed a surprising insight: the critical importance of each account. I’ve come to appreciate that certain accounts serve distinct segments of the community, and even a minor pricing error can reverberate throughout the entire chain, impacting the broader community. This realization underscores the significance of meticulous attention to detail and strategic decision-making in managing accounts effectively.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into your MBA program?
Gaining admission into our MBA program requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond just meeting basic academic criteria. One crucial piece of advice is to emphasize the value you can bring to the cohort. Reflect on your unique experiences, perspectives, and skills that will enrich the learning environment and contribute to the collective growth of your peers. Additionally, take the time to thoroughly analyze and respond to each essay question.
Rather than providing surface-level answers, delve deep into your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations. Use the essays as an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion for business, and alignment with the program’s values and objectives. By focusing on both the qualitative aspects of your application and demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the essay prompts, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing admission into our MBA program.
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