How this UBC MBA alum turned a global learning experience into career success in Korea
When Chris You enrolled in the UBC MBA program, he was searching for a launchpad into global finance. Today, as a Vice President of the Export Credit Agency team at Citi in Korea, he’s living proof that the right education, paired with persistence and a global mindset, can open doors in even the most competitive industries.
Chris’s career started in ship financing, where he frequently collaborated with international banks and law firms. It was during this time that the complexity of financial structures sparked his interest in banking.
“Finance can be a tough industry to get your foot in the door—especially if you haven’t started your career in it,” he says. “Pursuing an MBA felt like the right move to put myself in a more competitive position.”
Having completed his undergraduate degree at UBC Sauder, Chris returned to familiar territory for his MBA. “Who wouldn’t love Vancouver? I had a high tolerance for rain, so ‘Raincouver’ wasn’t a problem,” he jokes.
A global network and a chance encounter
Though he had initially envisioned staying in Canada after graduation, the global opportunities in finance—particularly in Asia—proved too exciting to pass up. After graduation, while exploring job opportunities in Singapore, a casual coffee catch-up with a former colleague led to an introduction at Citi. That meeting turned into a job offer—and eventually, a career-defining role.
“A lot of great job openings are filled through personal networks. Fortunately, I’d maintained relationships with bankers and lawyers from my previous role, and that opened the door to Citi.”
From the moment he joined Citi, he hit the ground running.
“A week into my role, I attended a live deal documentation meeting and was asked to contribute in front of a large group,” he recalls. “At Citi, you’re expected to have a voice and perform at a high level from day one. That shaped my work ethic early on.”
As a VP, Chris is now responsible for structuring Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing, supporting and promoting inbound and outbound international trade activities that enable Korean businesses to expand their global footprint. Working across time zones, industries, and international agencies, his work spans a wide range of industries—renewables, semiconductors, automobiles, and beyond—each with its own set of challenges.
“The most exciting part of the job is the diversity. It’s not just shipping anymore—I get to work across so many industries and see firsthand how our work helps companies expand globally.”
Approaching business from a global perspective
Chris credits the UBC MBA with equipping him for the fast-paced, cross-border nature of his work.
“My role requires coordinating with government agencies, investors, and clients across time zones and cultures,” he explains. “Studying alongside classmates from different cultures and industries gave me the foundation I needed to succeed globally. The program really pushed us to think beyond borders.”
He fondly remembers his experience during the UBC MBA’s Global Immersion Program in Tokyo and recalls Professor Davidoff as a standout in his learning experience—especially his sharp insights and references to The Wire.
“It was that mix of insight and personality that made the experience so memorable.”
Building a lifelong network
While not every networking event led to a job, the relationships he formed during the UBC MBA continue to pay dividends.
“I truly believe the connections you make during the UBC MBA will be a part of your lifelong network. There will always be opportunities to support each other,” he says. “If I could give folks any advice, it would be to focus on building meaningful relationships. When reaching out to alumni, take the time to do your research—and above all, be kind. People naturally gravitate toward those who are thoughtful and grounded.”