Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of profiles we’ll be posting over the summer to introduce everyone to our incoming Class of 2014. Enjoy getting to know our new students as they get to know each other, our current students, staff, and the entire Tippie community!

John Yates

John Yates

Hometown: Houston, TX, USA

Undergrad institution and major: Trinity University. Business Administration, Chinese.  John Hopkins University – Nanjing Center: Chinese, American Studies.

Current Location: Houston, TX, USA

Current Employment: I am presently a language instructor at Berlitz, where I provide intensive English language instruction and cultural immersion to visiting foreign businesspeople and diplomats. In addition to broadening my international network and exposing me to many different cultures, this job has given me the joy of working with dynamic people and helping them improve their communication skills and maximize their performance in their expatriate assignments. I have also worked in Platinum Group Metals trading, executive recruiting and international trade.

Why I chose Tippie: Aside from Tippie’s prestigious reputation, I am proud to be entering an MBA program that values creativity and that works closely with students to help them reach their professional goals. Even before the first day of class, I am experiencing this commitment through the Jumpstart program.

Something interesting about me: I enjoy writing fiction, reading and traveling, and am also interested in frontier economies.