Today we are featuring Ms, Wang Chao, a graduate from the Class of 2018. She recently graduated with honors from Rutgers University School of Business and will be pursuing a Masters in Financial Technology at Imperial College (UK) in the fall.
Explore of the research
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Business Analytics at Rutgers University. American universities generally give students a lot of freedom in choosing courses compared to other systems; students can even enter universities with unspecified majors. The curriculum at Rutgers University is very rich, but also rigorous. The prerequisite courses for freshmen and sophomores involve many subjects in both depth and scope. In addition prerequisite major-related courses, students can also choose electives from other departments as well. Rutgers University even also offers unique credit courses in Wine Tasting, Pilates, and Equestrian which are very popular amongst students. By being to experience introductory courses in different fields, I gradually discovered an interest in the intersection between mathematics and business. This lead me by sophomore year to decide to major business analytics. Everyone should really make full use of the advantages of higher education in the United States by trying different kinds of courses and subjects as much as possible in the freshman year; by doing so you’ll broaden your knowledge and better understand each major’s strengths and weaknesses according to what you’re like and thus better clarify your career path.
In American university classrooms, professors pay more attention to communication and interaction with students. In particular, the business school pays great attention to diversity and professors will provide many opportunities to team up students up from different countries and backgrounds to do projects. At first, I was not confident because of my English accent, but during my interactions with professors and classmates, I realized that English is a tool for communication. In this diverse and inclusive community, no one will care about your grammar and accent, and no one will blame you for wrong answers. If you are confident, well-prepared, use English as a tool of communication, and dare to express your views, everyone will give you encouragement and support.
Before coming to the United States, many students often ask, “How does one get out one’s comfort zone and make good friends from other countries?” I know now that socializing after class is essential in addition regular classroom interactions. Joining a club is important key to driving and expanding your social interactions. There are so many honor societies and interest group for freshmen to choose from.
I joined the Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society during my sophomore year. During this time, I volunteered with my association members in the local community and did free tax return services for low-income students and seniors. The association also brought me many opportunities and resources to contact the human resources in large enterprises which really helped me with my professional skills and career path. I also made many excellent friends, learned about the cultures of other countries, and exercised my speaking ability and teamwork ability on a regular basis. It is very important to accumulate valuable network resources in the university; making excellent friends with you will have lifeline bonds will help for future career development.
I also used holidays to reward myself for travel and leisure. I am also curious about the world and there’s something about going for a walk and not knowing whether you’ll encounter something new that will enrich your life. During my four years in college, I stood in Times Square in New York City, hiked a glacier in Alaska, embraced the ocean in Cancun, romped in the playground of Orlando, and experienced the sun and sand of Los Angeles. Looking back on these journeys, each experience means something to me and is forever etched in my mind. I suggest that you can go out for a walk, view and experience different lives and cultures and nature. These journeys help us to expand our experiences, broaden our horizons, and sharpen and expand our minds. Isn’t that what studying abroad is all about?
It has always been my goal to go on to graduate school. It is recommended that you plan whether you want to go to graduate school and the major you want to study as early as possible so that you have enough time to get everything ready.
Because the freshman courses are often introductory, it’s critical that your first year GPA is strong. In addition, actively strive for increase your resources, participate in club activities, school competitions community service; all of this services to enrich your undergraduate life in both depth and scope. When I was a freshman, I signed up for the school’s analytics competition, and together with my teammates, we ended up being in the top ten for the entire school. I analyzed cases, gave suggestions, and made presentation slides in front of Johnson & Johnson executives. That month, while balancing schoolwork, I spent most time of my time in the library analyzing case studies. Although the pressure was very high, I benefited a lot from the exchanges and debates with my teammates. It strengthened my idea of learning business analytics.
Sophomore year was also very important year in regarding applying for MA programs. You should make good use of winter and summer vacations to find internships or scientific research projects in school or through school partnerships to enrich your resume. There are many companies that offer field study and internship opportunities for freshmen and sophomores. Seizing the opportunity and early experience helps us build a clearer career goal.
The third year is the most critical and challenging year. We not only need to do academics and internships, but also get an ideal GRE score. The courses during junior year are basically professional intensive seminars and we need to maintain close contact with the professors. Actively participating in class and frequently meeting with professors after class to will help you get a strong recommendation letter and increase your chances for a successful graduate studies application.
The three years in the International Department were undoubtedly the best time of my life. Thanks to all the teachers for your teaching and support during those three years! I also miss the unforgettable moments of growing up with my classmates! I remember when we dressed up for Halloween, went to dance parties, played games together, and had water gun fights. At Christmas, teachers and students get together to perform shows, draw gifts, and more. I once founded a music club in the International Department and we participated in the Duke Kunshan International Festival as well as performing in seniors nursing homes. I am very happy and proud to have worked with so many music-loving members and bring joy to the community.
During the three years of high school, the International Department witnessed my growth, created a wellspring of good memories of my youth and embarked us on a new journey.
Words to my future alumnus
When we arrive in the United States, we will completely break away from the protection of our parents and teachers and will need to face all unknown challenges alone. Students must learn to find courage in challenges and build a strong spiritual world to motivate themselves to keep moving forward.
In addition, self-study is an indispensable skill in college so in high school, you must gradually get used to independently developing good study habits. You must set high standards for yourself. Only by being accustomed to being disciplined, organized, and focused will you not slack off in an environment of excessive freedom and no restraint.
During high school, you must take AP exams if you can. Taking AP courses not only helps us stand out when applying to college, but also earns us credits, saves time, and saves tuition so we can take other courses of interest in college. In other words, when you enter school with five or six AP scores, you will find that you have already won at the starting line. You will have the right to skip basic courses and go straight to advanced courses to speed up your graduation. You will have the right to choose courses before students in the same class thus avoiding the situation of not being able to grab the right class with the right teacher. You will have the opportunity to compete for scholarships and save thousands of dollars in tuition. AP courses also help get us ready for the level of study required at college.
Finally, make good use of the resources and opportunities provided by the International Department, participate in more clubs and competitions, make more contributions to the community, and do what you can to always be improving yourself.
Life is a story best told with wisdom, courage, and persistence.