From MSU to private equity: Cameron Tan’s journey of growth, leadership and global impact

Michigan State University is home to exceptional students like Cameron Tan, a finance senior at the Broad College of Business who is forging a remarkable path toward success. As the first MSU intern at Takenaka Corporation in Tokyo, one of Japan’s leading construction firms, Tan made history and gained invaluable international business experience. Following his graduation this December, he will continue his journey by starting a full-time position with Tak Development, Takenaka’s New York subsidiary.

Reflecting on his time at MSU, Tan credits Broad’s opportunities for preparing him for a promising career in finance.

“MSU has been the biggest influence toward my personal and professional growth,” Tan said, noting how the university’s transformative impact has prepared him to excel in his future endeavors.

His journey began with his choice to attend MSU, a decision driven by the university’s renowned business education and its strong global connections. His direct admission to the business school provided him with a solid academic foundation and set him on the path toward achieving his aspirations.

“I was inspired by the reputation of the Broad College of Business finance program and the global network of Spartans that Michigan State University had to offer,” Tan said. The university’s proximity to home, its vibrant athletics culture and his acceptance into the Residential Business Community made his decision even easier.

“Being able to secure my future major and spot in the business school right out of high school was an additional benefit that drew me toward MSU,” he added.

Born in Michigan, with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, and raised in Japan for the first five years of his life, Tan grew up with a multicultural perspective that has become a cornerstone of his identity and professional aspirations. Tan comes from a family with strong ties to real estate, and his early exposure to business and diverse cultural experiences laid a solid foundation for his future. Fluent in English, Japanese and Chinese, he developed the ability to navigate different languages and cultures — a skill that has proven invaluable in shaping his global outlook and career in finance.

“Being trilingual and understanding cultural differences allowed me to foster strong relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds,” he said. The experience reinforced his belief in the importance of global fluency in today’s interconnected world.

“Learning multiple languages allowed me to better understand my identity and feel comfortable being different than everyone around me.”

Tan’s impressive journey extends far beyond MSU. As an assistant mathematics instructor at Henry Ford College, he participated in the inaugural “College Bound: The Hawk Advantage” program, designed to help lower-income students prepare for college-level coursework in math and reading. Tan supported professors during lectures, conducted individual and group tutoring sessions and fostered a welcoming environment in the diverse classroom. This experience gave him the chance to make a direct impact on students’ lives, offering a sense of fulfillment that complemented his academic achievements.

“Grades are one way to reflect on my work, but being able to teach others and see the impact of my hard work toward a real person gave me a different type of happiness than receiving a good letter grade,” Tan said.

One of the most significant milestones in Tan’s journey was his groundbreaking internship at Takenaka Corporation, a global leader in construction and real estate development. Thanks to a special partnership between the Broad College and Takenaka, Tan was selected as the first MSU intern to participate in the company’s newly established summer internship program. This opportunity was made possible by the shared Spartan legacy between MSU and Takenaka Corporation, with the company’s Honorary Chairman, Mr. Toichi Takenaka, an alumnus of the Broad College’s MBA program, serving as a key connection.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the first intern from MSU at Takenaka Corporation,” Tan said of the historic achievement.

This prestigious internship marked a personal milestone for Tan and paved the way for future MSU students to explore similar international opportunities. The program provides invaluable real-world experience, exposure to international business practices and the chance to build meaningful professional relationships. It also showcases the strength of MSU’s global network, reinforcing the value of connections and opportunities that extend far beyond campus. Tan’s experience at Takenaka is a testament to the impact of MSU’s partnerships and the global reach of its graduates.

“He made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just being an intern. It felt like since we were both a part of the Spartan community, it was natural for me to be a part of the Takenaka community,” Tan recalled. His internship also offered him the unique opportunity to connect with Mr. Takenaka. His mentorship was instrumental in shaping Tan’s professional development.

Mr. Takenaka’s philosophy of maintaining strong relationships and sharing knowledge with future generations had a lasting impact on Tan. Inspired by this mentorship, he became an Education Abroad Student Ambassador, aiming to share his experiences and insights with the next generation of Spartans.

“I will be sure to carry his wisdom with me throughout my career,” he said, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the MSU community.

As Tan prepares to join Takenaka Corporation’s New York City subsidiary, Tak Development, he reflected on the role MSU has played in shaping his path. “MSU has been the biggest influence on my personal and professional growth,” he said. “The Broad College of Business provided me with the coursework, preparation and global network I needed to succeed.”

Tan’s success story offers valuable lessons for future MSU students, particularly those pursuing careers in finance or private equity. One of his key pieces of advice for aspiring finance majors is to identify their unique competitive advantage: “There should be something about you that gives you a clear edge over your competition.”

In addition, “going abroad and experiencing a different culture … will completely change who you are and allow you to grow as a person,” he said. This global perspective, he believes, will not only enhance personal development but also increase marketability in the global workforce.

Through hard work, dedication and the support of MSU’s global network, students can achieve their highest goals and impact the world. As Tan continues his career journey, he embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Spartan — a leader, a global citizen and an ambassador for MSU’s legacy.