“Every day not danced through is a missed beat in the rhythm of life."
Diving into a Unique UIUC Economics Experience:
1．What’s the college life and atmosphere like in at UIUC?
My college journey has been a bit different; the first two years were focused on job hunting, so I didn't participate much in school clubs. But overall, I'm really enjoying it! UIUC is known as a bit of a “party school,” and with a large number of international students, drama is part of the package. Right now, I'm working in the career service wing of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, mostly interacting with locals in a vibe that's all warmth and support.
I received a gift package with a handwritten letter when I first came onboard in the department, and I was extremely touched (I still am!). They even bought drinks for all of us.
2. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics—sounds complex! What does your major entail, and what made you pick it?
I initially studied pure Economics and later switched to this interdisciplinary major involving math, statistics, computer science, and a smaller portion of economics. I chose it for visa reasons and because it's practical and interdisciplinary. I'm not much of an academic person, and I felt like pure economics would be too theory-focused. This major allows me to delve into more tangible, STEM-related content, like Python and R.
3. What defines the core significance of the college experience for you?
It's the wild ride of trial and error. College is the transition stage from school to career life; you get to keep the teenage zest while peeping into future possibilities. You get to meet a bunch of people, and some of these encounters might impact you far into the future.
Venturing Through Diverse Internships:
1． You've interned in various fields such as securities research, consulting, VC, finance, and real estate. Can you tell us about the differences between these industries and their responsibilities?
These industries are essentially branches of the financial services industry, sharing foundational skills like research and networking. The only difference lies in the target customer.
2. Ever had a lightbulb moment where skills from one job clicked into place in another? Do you see any underlying logic common to these industries?
Absolutely! When you're doing industry research, for instance, you're soaking up a lot of information, whether from reports, talks, or interviews. You need to have those research skills to pick out useful information and consolidate that into your own insights.
Now, take those skills, and you can apply them to venture capital (VC). Early-stage VC means you're scouting projects left and right. Your research skills come into play to know what industries are making waves in different areas—like finance and medicine in New York, or tech startups in San Francisco. This also comes in handy during Demo Day, where you're hustling for project information. It all requires strong information-retrieval abilities.
3. What do you think is the biggest takeaway from your experiences?
The most significant takeaway for me is the realization of what I truly want through the process of exploration and trial and error. Honestly, I may not have particularly enjoyed the tasks during internships, but the reflections and insights afterward have been invaluable for any industry I may pursue in the future. It's about opening up new perspectives and gaining different angles.
Personal experiences and genuine feelings matter. Take investment banking, for example—many students add a layer of glamour to this profession in their first and second years, seeing it as fancy. I wasn't an exception. However, as I delved into networking, prepared for interviews, and truly understood the job content in this field, I discovered it wasn't my true passion.
For instance, there's a common belief that investment banking involves a client-facing role, interacting with people. However, the reality is during the Junior phase (the first 1-3 years), a significant chunk of your work involves creating PowerPoint presentations, modeling with Excel—quite different from what we imagine.
If I had to recommend, I'd suggest the William Blair program. It's a great way to acquire technical skills. However, it was through this program that I realized it wasn't my cup of tea.
4. Having such rich and diverse career experiences at a young age is an impressive accomplishment! What led you to have clear plans early on and be willing to explore various opportunities? How did you specifically go about it?
My personality has always leaned towards exploring new things. I firmly believe that while society advances, standing still is equivalent to moving backward. So, I've made it a point to keep my thinking, interpersonal skills, and information exposure continually expanding and advancing.
I attended high school in the top international department of a second-tier city. I was always drawn to practical activities, but faced some resistance. People would say it's not the right thing because "high school students should focus on studying." That’s why I believe that when choosing a less conventional path, having robust mental resilience and determination is crucial.
Networking is also essential. I initially encountered various opportunities and resources through participating in business competitions, constantly honing my abilities, and expanding cognitive and action boundaries. It’s important to be proactive; take the initiative!
I'm also grateful for my mom's support. She believes in a well-rounded education, encouraging me to pursue various activities rather than focusing solely on academics. So anytime I want to try something new, her first reaction is never to doubt me. Instead, she encourages me to do anything I set my mind to, so I have the courage to consistently step out of my comfort zone.
Life and Dreams:
1. Any life mottos or role models you look up to?
I’m currently reading Elon Musk’s autobiography, and I’m loving it. I quite resonate with the phrase “Survival for the fittest.” It has multiple interpretations — evolution is one of them, but I prefer understanding it as choosing the path that fits you best.
2. What’s your biggest dream?
To make a positive impact, to positively influence others. This can be achieved in various ways, including coaching or even through this interview. I believe in the power of words.
3. Do you think life should follow a linear path of planning, reflecting, and adjusting, or is it more about doing what you want in the moment?
You need a bit of both. The main track is the former, but don’t always hold yourself to such tight standards. Long-term thinking is crucial; some might sprint in the short term, but find themselves stuck for ages at a certain point. From a life view, it's all about maintaining a steady, forward pace without limiting yourself.
4. How would you rank life, living, freedom, and love?
Freedom > Living > Love > Life. Freedom is having the ability to do what you want. I consider myself quite free now because I'm not bound by public opinion. I feel like when someone chooses to do what they want without fearing judgment from others, then they are truly free. I didn’t have this kind of freedom in my freshman year; when I applied for investment banking back then, I was, in a way, simply following the crowd.
As for the rest of the rankings, I think since you only get to live once, you should do the best with what we have even if you’re not able to live your ideal life. And the right love can give us the courage to do anything.
Producer & Interviewer & Text：Isabella Wang
Formatting：Amy Pan
Translator: Grace Ji
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