Frank Wang
Unlocking Potential: The Journey of a Tech Marketing Executive
Meet Frank Wang (FT MBA '13) - a proud Jersey kid, family man, Brooklyn Nets fan, and self-proclaimed adventurer.
Wang's career journey began during the Great Recession, a challenging time that forced him to reassess his career path. Initially working in the retail industry, he realized that opportunities for growth were limited. Driven by a desire to pivot his career, he took a significant leap of faith by pursuing an MBA at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management.
"I like to look back at the point where I was able to take control of my career. Going to Rady and getting an incredible education, as well as exposure to companies, people, and mentors, helped me tremendously to successfully pivot myself into the career I wanted to be in," Wang reflects.
This decision marked the turning point in Wang's professional life, enabling him to transition into tech marketing. It was a move that required courage, vision, and an openness to change. His time at Rady equipped him with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to navigate this transition successfully. Beyond career opportunities, it also led him to meet his wife and start a family in San Diego.
"When I look back at that choice over a decade ago, it has paid off in more ways than just my career. I also got to meet my wife in San Diego, and now we have two kids and love calling this gorgeous place home."
Currently serving as a Staff Product Marketing Manager at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Wang finds immense satisfaction in the creative process of marketing. For him, it's not just about selling a product—it's about crafting compelling narratives, leveraging innovative strategies, and bringing ideas to life in ways that resonate with consumers.
"In marketing, you’re often collaborating cross-functionally to make decisions and move forward. At Rady, I developed a strong foundation across multiple business disciplines. I can use it to build a perspective of how to approach colleagues when I want to drive stakeholder alignment and ensure success for the projects I’m leading."
Wang's success is rooted in a solid foundation of analytical thinking. Rady's emphasis on data analysis empowered him to tackle complex problems head-on, turning numbers into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making.
"I spent more time taking finance classes because it did not come as naturally to me," Wang admits. "I’m a big advocate of making yourself uncomfortable and taking courses that put you out of your comfort zone. But being able to work with my classmates and learn from the best professors ended up turning it into a strength for me."
When asked to describe his Rady experience in one word, Wang chooses "energetic." This reflects the vibrant atmosphere, the innovative spirit, and the sense of possibility that permeated every aspect of his time at the school.
"In my second year, I was on the team that developed the business plan for the StartR Accelerator. We worked together to do the market research and build the case to pitch the project to the school and investors. It’s been incredible to see that program thrive and grow."
In his quest for personal and professional growth, Wang is always seeking new sources of inspiration. He recommends "Your Next Five Moves" by Patrick Bet-David—a book that offers strategic insights invaluable for business development and scaling.
Reflecting on his Rady experience, Wang is grateful for the unexpected lessons he learned both inside and outside the classroom. He found invaluable support from Rady's career services team, who helped him refine his resume, perfect his interviewing skills, and craft his personal brand.
To aspiring MBA students, Wang offers sage advice: “Have a clear goal and be intentional in your pursuits. It's not just about getting a degree—it's about finding a community that aligns with your values, aspirations, and vision for the future.”
