MS in Organization Management & Strategy, Class of 2026
Suzhou → Philadelphia → New York → Shanghai
Quick Facts About Maotou
Hometown: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Undergraduate: Drexel University — Finance & Legal Studies
Work Experience: Personal Trainer
Why MSOMS: Interested in global business, startup culture, and cross-campus education
Fun Fact: Multi-sport athlete (tennis, ping-pong, boxing, swimming, track & field)
“Studying at NYU Stern and living in New York was like being in a movie where you are both a character and the film director.”
— Maotou Zhou
From Suzhou to Two Global Campuses
With a background in Finance and Legal Studies from Drexel University, Maotou joined the MSOMS program seeking a more global, interdisciplinary approach to business strategy. His journey spans from Suzhou, Philadelphia, New York, and now Shanghai — each city shaping a different part of how he learns, works, and sees the world.
A multi-sport athlete, personal trainer, and curious scholar, Maotou embodies the cross-campus energy of the MSOMS program: ambition, international, and lifelong learning.
A Summer in NYC: Fast, Cinematic, Transformative
New York became more than just the location of his summer term — it became a “film set.”
“Every morning walk felt like a scene. But in the classroom, you always felt grounded by the people around you.”
His most impactful course was Understanding and Managing Money Flows with Professor Dan Gode — a class that strengthened his financial reasoning while delivering memorable life lessons.
Why he loved it:
Complex accounting → Easy to understand reasoning
Personal anecdotes → Engaging and memorable
Expert technical skills → real-world relevance
Maotou at the Microsoft company visit during the summer in New York.
A Fall in Shanghai: Slower Pace, Deeper Thinking
Shanghai brought a different type of inspiration — more reflective, more spacious, but equally exciting.
His favorite course this Fall semester is Advanced Strategy Analytics with Professor Jing Chen, a class he describes as both demanding and energizing.
“It was challenging yet mentally invigorating trying to connect all the different kinds of business synergies.”
This collaborative, analytical mindset has shaped how he approaches business problems across industries.
Maotou with NYU Shanghai's Qilin mascot.
Community That Matters: Orientation, Alumni Stories, Faculty Support
When recalling meaningful moments, Maotou highlights the connection and community::
- Orientation at NYU Stern where he was warmly welcomed by faculty and staff
- Social activities to meet students across programs
- Alumni lunch chats
- Faculty support that felt tailored and personal
“I thought faculty might be too busy to connect with every student — but I was completely wrong.”
These interactions helped him build confidence, gain practical career insights, and feel anchored in two major global cities.
Maotou meeting with MSOMS alumni
Career Vision: Where Strategy Meets Creativity
After the MSOMS program, Maotou hopes to work in technology, entertainment, or startup innovation — ideally in China or back in New York.
What he’s envisioning:
- Fast-moving teams
- Cross-functional strategy
- Environments that reward curiosity, creativity, and agility
Maotou attended S-Tron Shanghai, an event focused on tech start ups.
Final Words for Future Students
“Stay open. Stay curious. Be Bold. Don’t Rush.
Whether in New York or Shanghai, there’s always someone willing to help — and always something new to explore.”