After Graduating in May, a Chinese Major Looks Back
As a testament to the rising popularity of Chinese Studies at UConn, LCL was proud to see its first batch of Chinese majors graduate in May of 2015. One of these pioneering graduates was Marc Schuman, a Chinese and Accounting dual-degree recipient who is now proving his mettle in the international finance industry. We asked Marc to share a few words on his experience in the Chinese Section of LCL, and this is what he had to say:
During my four years at UConn, a lot changed. When I originally arrived on campus in 2011, there was a small Chinese department that offered only a couple of courses a semester. Four years later, three of us graduated as Chinese majors, in a department that was growing very rapidly. Going through the Chinese program at UConn allowed me to build a strong set of skills, including speaking Mandarin and understanding the Chinese culture. I was really lucky to study under Meng Laoshi, Yang Laoshi, Cheng Laoshi (Johnny), Cheng Laoshi (Anna), and others. Not only did we spend time in the classroom, but we celebrated Chinese holidays and engaged in other cultural activities. In addition, I had the opportunity to spend a half a year in China, where I studied and traveled. The combination of studying Chinese and accounting (in the business school) also gave me the opportunity to intern for an international financial services firm in Hong Kong. Currently, I am working in New York City at a large financial services firm with exposure to companies that conduct transactions all over the world. The experiences I have had with Chinese have certainly helped in terms of my professional career. However, the greatest benefit to learning Chinese has been the friends I have made from all over China. Even while living in New York, I am constantly meeting up with Chinese friends and co-workers for dim sum, hotpot, and more. Learning a language is a long journey, but the rewards are so gratifying. It will lead you on the road of wonderful surprises and life-changing events. I would highly recommend pursuing any language at UConn—the rewards are endless!