If you’ve ever dreamt of launching into the startup universe, this story might be the spark you need. Arthur Shi’s path is one of entrepreneurial spirit, friendship, and success.
Shi, a 2019 graduate (B.S. in Computer Science with Distinction) first discovered the world of entrepreneurship as a freshman when he stumbled upon MPowered—a campus hub for entrepreneurial minds. Then, thanks to a family friend who was involved in MHacks, Arthur got his first taste of the hustle and grit that makes startups tick.
His curiosity didn’t stop there. Arthur soon applied and was accepted into the prestigious Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ELP) with the Center for Entrepreneurship, where he met some seriously talented and driven people (and made lifelong friends, too). This program was instrumental in showing him a world full of potential, encouraging him to chase after his passions. “ELP was a game-changer,” Arthur recalls. “It wasn’t just the opportunities, but the people I met—smart, driven individuals who encouraged me to explore and seize possibilities.”
After graduation, Arthur set his sights on working at a startup and joined Snowflake, then a late-stage private company. Snowflake’s exponential growth was extraordinary, but as the company expanded, Arthur found the corporate culture somewhat stifling. This realization fueled his decision to pivot back to the dynamic world of early-stage startups.
Arthur’s career shift is a valuable lesson in understanding where you thrive. While Snowflake provided invaluable experiences, Arthur learned that staying true to oneself and seeking fulfilling work environments is crucial. He learned that, in corporate settings, tasks aren’t always flashy or acknowledged, but doing the important work, no matter how uncelebrated, is where growth happens. “Do them because they’re important…you learn and grow from them,” he advises.
Once he changed gears, Arthur, driven by his passion for enterprise SaaS, took on a role as founding software engineer at a new sales tech startup. This new venture saw him take a turn from infrastructure-focused roles to application-driven innovation—proving the flexibility and adaptability that we all need in our careers.
Reflecting on his experiences, Arthur emphasizes the value of cultivating a growth mindset and genuine curiosity. His advice to students? “Don’t wait around for opportunities to land in your lap. Dive into projects, even if they start small—every step is a learning opportunity. Find friends who share that energy for creating and experimenting,” he says.
Interestingly, Arthur’s professional journey is deeply interconnected with his University of Michigan ties. His first job at Snowflake came through a classmate in ELP, and his current startup is supported by Human Capital, a venture capital firm with ties to his former college peers. This speaks volumes about the lasting connections fostered through the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the university.
Arthur Shi’s story is a compelling example of how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a supportive network, can lead to impactful career paths. His journey encourages us to pursue what truly excites us and reminds us of the power of connections in shaping our professional lives.