Crafting a Curriculum: Nancy Lu ’26
Nancy Lu, a student in the Master of Advanced Management program, chose courses that would deepen her understanding of AI and expose her to different perspectives across the university.
Students in the Master of Advanced Management program have the opportunity to build their own slate of courses from diverse electives at Yale SOM and across the university. We asked students to explain how they customized their curricula and how they will apply lessons from their coursework at work.
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Favorite thing about New Haven: Hiking up East Rock to watch the sunset with friends
Best place to study: Sterling Memorial Library
How did you approach choosing your electives and shaping your customized curriculum?
I approached my curriculum with two goals in mind: building on my prior experience and preparing for the future I want to create. My background is in investment banking and corporate strategy, both fields being rapidly transformed by big data and AI. With that in mind, I selected courses such as Introduction to AI Applications and Large Language Models: Technology and Applications, to understand how AI is reshaping business decision-making. At the same time, I wanted to take advantage of Yale SOM’s unique strength in connecting business strategy with social priorities. Courses like Strategic Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Corporate Sustainability: Strategy and Management helped me expand my perspective beyond traditional corporate frameworks. Finally, I believe electives like Managing Influence and Persuasion and Competitive Strategy will help me strengthen the fundamental leadership and communication skills that are essential in any industry.
What surprised you about the coursework available to you?
I was genuinely surprised by the breadth of opportunities outside SOM and how seamlessly the school is integrated into the broader university. Many of my electives are cross-listed with other Yale schools, allowing me to study a topic through multiple academic lenses at once. For example, Introduction to AI Applications is jointly offered with the university’s computer science department, enabling rich discussion between students on very different academic tracks. Corporate Sustainability is cross-listed with Yale Law School and the Yale School of the Environment, creating an interdisciplinary environment where we debate issues from legal, environmental, and strategic standpoints. This exceptional access has been one of the most inspiring parts of my experience at SOM.
What are your favorite electives so far and why?
My favorite elective has been Strategic Management of Nonprofit Organizations with Professor Judy Chevalier. Her background in economics and strategy, combined with her deep experience in the nonprofit space, brings a level of insight that feels both rigorous and refreshingly practical. This course has expanded my perspective and reshaped how I think about impact, offering a powerful illustration of SOM’s mission to educate leaders for both business and society.
How are you hoping to apply your coursework in your career?
My AI and programming courses have given me a strong foundation in how emerging technologies can enhance—and often complicate—strategic decision-making. Together with the sustainability-oriented mindset that I have acquired at SOM, I feel equipped to approach business growth with both analytical rigor and a long-term societal perspective. I hope to apply this combination in a corporate strategy role, where I can leverage my prior experience and new skills to help organizations grow responsibly in an increasingly complex landscape.
