I began playing chess when I was 6 years old. I always remember the grin on my Dad’s face every time he was waiting for my move and ready to checkmate. Then I would ask to go back and replay. The more I played, the more I could not help asking Dad how he knew my move and thinking how I could do better. Gradually, I learned to predict his moves and adjust my game plan accordingly. In retrospect, I realize what brings me the most joy is that I can put myself in my opponent’s shoes, analyze the fast-changing situation and successfully predict what will happen next.

With the influence of chess, I learned to investigate how things function and connect. I was particularly attracted by how people value things with currency. My curiosity leads me to choose my major in Finance. As of today, my nearly four years of undergraduate study has echoed with the learning experiences and excitement as a chess player in many ways. While I am still involved in chess club to continue my childhood interest, I thoroughly enjoy my new endeavors in finance. Readings in different coursework deepened my understanding of the fast-paced, ever-changing and real-time nature of the financial market. Discussions, sometimes debates with peers and professors broadened my horizon of how vast the difference can be between opinions on a single fiscal policy. Coffee chats and seminars with alumni currently working in the industry particular in Hong Kong-- one of the world largest financial hubs, provided me with many insights into market dynamics. This immersive exposure has reinforced my decision to continue my graduate study in finance and become a professional in the financial industry.

A major takeaway from my undergraduate studies, primarily from my professors and alumni is to stay proactive. Similar to a chess player, a good financial professional should be able to identify the underlying pattern of the market by actively searching for and analyzing the relevant information in the overwhelming sea of financial data. Likewise, as an apprentice in the financial industry, I always seek opportunities to design my own learning trajectories. By working in the Information Technology Service Center at the university and organizing chess competitions with artificial intelligence, I have obtained a more tangible knowledge of how deep information technology has penetrated every aspect of our work and life. I plan to dive deeper into the conjunction of technology and finance. In hopes of equipping myself with more computerized analytical capabilities, I taught myself to use software or for statistical analysis and financial modeling. This self-learning experience enabled me to analyze student responses and extract insights into students’ satisfaction with their education by using statistical methods and tools in the Social Practice Program. I discovered my interest in Fintech while taking the course Financial Markets in China and the World. In particular, I took the opportunity to attend seminars and study a wide range of materials and platforms on blockchain technology, which among  other potentialities, poses a threat to traditional currency. I was fascinated by the power of crypto-currencies and the impact they might generate on our daily life.

Parallel to my studies, I also sought opportunities to put what I learned into perspective by interning with different financial institutions. In GF Securities, I helped sort and analyze financial information for 8 pre- IPO companies, through which I learned the process of due diligence from the financial angle; At the Bank of China, I learned the pipeline of data collection in a bank by working on both the front- and the bank-end for data verification. While on the front end, I often worked with clients with either complicated financial records or who were difficult to communicate with. I developed a series of principles to help me work better with them. For example, I always put myself in the client’s shoes, try to understand their situation and work through the steps together with them. One day after work when I was chatting with my colleagues, I started to talk about my mother, who has worked at a disabled rehabilitation center for over 30 years and about how I often helped to take care of her clients and organize events for them. I came to realize how my previous life experiences and my mother as a role model have shaped my professional ambitions and pursuits.

With a long-standing history of excellence in finance and business, Rady School of  Management at the UCSD is well-aligned with my professional goals to pioneer in forefront of the latest developments in finance and technology. I will be thrilled to receive training and guidance from the top-notch faculty in the Master of Science in Finance program. The focus on experiential learning, the use of cutting edge software will provide me with the best opportunity to succeed in the financial industry upon graduation. I believe my proactiveness, interpersonal skills and enthusiasm in finance will be a great contribution to the school and community.