Yvette Wu from Yield Exchange

Career Beginnings

Yvette Wu's early career was marked by a lack of a defined plan, as she explored various interests at McGill University. Her fascination with psychology stemmed from a desire to understand human behavior, which initially led her towards a career in clinical psychology. However, the academic world felt limiting due to its inaccessibility to the public, prompting her to pivot towards business.

I have never had a career plan. I'm so bad with career planning. Never really knew what I wanted to do as a job or career, even at a very young age.

--- Yvette Wu

This shift was fueled by her interest in climate change and social justice, leading her to pursue an MBA at UBC and gain practical experience in the corporate world 1.

   

Business Transition

Transitioning from psychology to business, Yvette Wu embraced new opportunities that aligned with her evolving interests. Her decision to pursue an MBA at UBC was a strategic move to gain business acumen and explore sustainability-focused initiatives. This path led her to roles at Best Buy and Aritzia, where she honed her skills in a corporate setting.

You did like a psych degree at McGillivray, did some research, then you did an MBA at UBC, and then you worked at some kind of larger corporations like Best Buy and Aritzia.

--- Evan McCann

These experiences equipped her with the tools necessary to eventually co-found Yield Exchange, a platform that bridges the gap between investors and financial institutions 2.

   

Social Impact

Yvette Wu's career decisions have been deeply influenced by her commitment to social change. After gaining business experience, she sought to leverage her skills to make a positive impact, working with companies like Periodisle and Vancity. Her projects focused on addressing social issues, such as combating high-interest payday loans, reflecting her dedication to creating equitable solutions.

How do I leverage this business experience and acumen that I have to, again, drive some kind of social change?

--- Yvette Wu

This motivation continues to guide her work at Yield Exchange, where she aims to foster transparency and accessibility in financial markets 3.