Ming Fan Prepares Foster Students to Lead in the Digital Economy

To stay competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses need to harness technology to drive strategy and growth. At the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, Professor Ming Fan is ensuring that the next generation of leaders won’t just keep up – they’ll set the pace.

As a pioneer in e-commerce research and faculty director of the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program, Fan has played a pivotal role in shaping a curriculum that blends innovative technology with strategic business acumen. His passion for teaching, combined with his deep industry insights, provides students with the skills they need to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Teaching information systems, with purpose

According to Fan, the only way to remain a top scholar, researcher, and instructor for over two decades is to be passionate about the work you do. “It is truly a privilege to teach talented and motivated students,” Fan shares. “Teaching is a source of motivation for me, as it pushes me to stay current and continuously learn.”

Fan has been a cornerstone of the Foster MSIS program, shaping its curriculum and inspiring students with his engaging teaching style. Through his courses and mentorship, Fan has inspired students into consultant roles at McKinsey & Co, analyst roles at Amazon, and program and product manager positions at Microsoft, and beyond. 

Fan’s teaching approach integrates theory with real-world application, ensuring that students develop a strategic perspective on technological and market shifts. His IT Strategy course explores key sectors within IT, including e-commerce, streaming, FinTech, and semiconductors. For example, students analyze leading platforms such as Amazon and Shopify, alongside emerging players in developing economies, including Mercado Libre, Alibaba, and Sea Limited. 

Another key theme, in the past few years, has been the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry, with in-depth studies of Intel, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor – companies that serve as the foundation of the IT sector and fuel the AI revolution. By examining these industries, students gain critical insights into the forces shaping the digital economy, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate and lead in the evolving technology landscape.

Designing a curriculum for career success

As the faculty director, Fan has been hands-on in designing the program’s curriculum from the very beginning. “The Master of Science in Information Systems program is very dynamic, and we always incorporate the latest technologies into our curriculum,” Fan says. “We were the first program to offer AI classes or to teach generative AI at Foster.” 

Fan refers to the program’s approach to teaching technology as simultaneously very broad and very in-depth. “Analytics and machine learning are very popular topics but we don’t just teach the applications; we focus on the back end as well.”

In the MSIS program, students get the best of both worlds. They learn not only about cloud computing and AI but also how to approach them from a strategic perspective. 

“Our program is in the Foster School of Business so we want students to be both savvy in technology and business. Technology is important, but the strategy is how the technology will change companies and society.”

The program’s duality ensures that students learn how technology drives business strategy, improves processes, and enhances productivity. “The technical knowledge taught in a business school environment is what allows students to thrive in any role after graduation.”    

Seattle: A hub of opportunity

One of the biggest advantages of studying at Foster is its location in Seattle, a city with a dynamic and diverse economy. While tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft have a strong presence, Fan emphasizes that opportunities for MSIS graduates extend far beyond the tech sector. From biotech and retail to agriculture, defense, and startups, a huge range of industries in Seattle are always looking for skilled professionals with information systems expertise. 

“The Master of Science in Information Systems program connects students with Seattle’s business community, which includes not just large corporations but also start-ups and smaller, innovative companies,” Fan explains. “This environment offers incredible career-building opportunities, networking events, and case competitions.”

Students benefit from Foster’s strong industry connections, gaining hands-on experience and access to mentors who can help them break into competitive roles in technology and business.

Path to success in MSIS

By now, we’ve established that Professor Fan is a modern-day renaissance man, fusing the world of business and technology in his courses. But who are the students that shuffle into Fan’s classes every week? 

Some MSIS students come in with strong technical backgrounds, looking to strengthen their expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning while developing the leadership skills needed to guide teams. At the same time, the program welcomes career changers who may not have extensive technical experience and are eager to develop the strategic mindset needed to transition into the world of technology-driven business.  

If you’re passionate about enrolling in the Master of Science in Information Systems program but don’t yet have the technical expertise for the rigorous curriculum, Fan advises that the MSIS Accelerate Program is the best place to start. 

Held every spring, the quarter-long preparatory program is designed for people who want to strengthen their technical skills before starting the master’s program. It covers key concepts and necessary languages such as Python, SQL, and data networking, making it an excellent option for anyone without a strong technical background. 

Maximizing the Foster School of Business experience

For those hoping to juggle the program with full-time work, the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is a STEM-designated program with evening and weekend classes that allow you to learn and grow without quitting your day job. The program places you in the classroom with experts like Professor Fan to explore artificial intelligence (including GenAI), cloud computing, machine learning, cybersecurity, and executive leadership. 

Fan has guided hundreds of students toward professional success through the MSIS program. His key advice is to take initiative, stay engaged, and leverage every opportunity the program has to offer. He shared his tips for incoming students: 

Be prepared from day one. Many MSIS courses are rigorous, and professors expect students to come to class ready to engage. Completing pre-class readings and assignments will set you up for success.

Actively participate in classroom discussions. The most successful students don’t just absorb information – they challenge ideas, contribute their perspectives, and debate key concepts.

Take advantage of the Foster School’s career resources. The MSIS program offers career coaching, networking events, and case competitions that can help students stand out in the job market.

Explore Seattle’s business scene and untapped opportunities across Washington state. Internships, industry meetups, and collaborations with businesses provide invaluable hands-on experience.

Consider MSIS Accelerate if you need to build technical skills. This short preparatory program is an excellent option for people without a technical background.

With Fan’s leadership, the MSIS program continues to evolve, ensuring students are well-equipped for the future of business and technology. Whether through his research, teaching, or program development, Fan remains dedicated to helping students build the skills – and the confidence – to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Systems program here.

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