Jianlin Zheng, MF’24, China
Basic Information
- Name: Jianlin Zheng
- Program and year: MF’24
- Nationality: Chinese
- Previous education background: York University, Commerce (Specialize in Finance)
- Previous or current company and role: I was previously an Assistant in the Compliance Department at Fresenius Medical Care.
Interview Questions
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jianlin (Eric) Zheng and I am studying at the Schulich School of Business in the Master of Finance program, specializing in financial risk management. My interest in Finance started during my undergraduate studies at York University where I specialized in Finance. My journey at Schulich is to strengthen my knowledge and learn about new areas like financial risk management, so I can apply what I learn to my future job.
In my spare time, I like to do something to make my life more meaningful. I am an amateur photographer. I enjoy using the camera to catch the details in our life. In the process of taking photos, it makes me feel our life is filled with love and happiness. Besides that, I am also a coffee maker, I enjoy making lattes and doing the pour-over. It’s just like the music in my life to make me chill by smelling the coffee and feeling the soul from the conflict between time and flavor. What’s more, I enjoy playing golf and snowboarding.
- Why did you decide to pursue a Master program at this point of your career?
The undergraduate curriculums for finance were just the basic knowledge and the framework of finance. What I learned about was more helpful to solve the exam problems and assignments. But it was not enough for the workforce. I want to dive deeper to learn more about this industry.
- Why Schulich?
Schulich stands as Canada’s first business school, distinguished by its unparalleled professionals who provide top-tier resources and networking opportunities to enhance my career path. It is celebrated for its excellent faculty and the diversity of its student population. Engaging with peers from various cultures within the Schulich community has expanded worldwide. And the alumni who graduated from Schulich are all very outstanding in their careers.
- What word or phrase describes your Schulich experience so far?
Networking. Since I have enrolled in the Master of Finance program and became a family member of Schulich, networking has been the keyword in my study life. Schulich offers plenty of chances to communicate with recruiters, alumni, faculties and students. During these events, I can learn different things from others’ experiences and have a unique friendship.
- What have you enjoyed the most about Schulich’s MBA/Master program?
What I have enjoyed most is the good cohesion and the spirit of teamwork. There was one amazing experience that moved me the most. It was a week that most of our group members started having the flu, one after the other. Unfortunately, it was also the week we had to finish four group work assignments. They all required hard work and we needed time to finish them. However, all group members helped each other to finish every part. When some of our group members had bad health conditions, we handed over his or her work. And we finished four group projects efficiently and did excellent work. After that, our friendship has grown even deeper.
- What is your plan after graduation and how has Schulich helped with that?
After graduation, I plan to find a job that focuses on risk management. The courses that the FRM stream requires really help me learn the skills to solve different questions in risk management. What’s more, as the courses rely on the syllabus of the FRM test, they also help me to prepare for the FRM exams after graduation.
- What would you like prospective students to know about Schulich’s Master program?
I would say that you will never ever regret enrolling in a Schulich Master program, just take the leap and join us. It is really a year when you find you can actually strengthen your knowledge and have a wonderful journey. Schulich is not only the place to study, but it also offers you the chance to connect with different experts, alumni and recruiters. And all the faculties are very kind. They contribute not just to your academic success, but also to your career and personal life.
- What advice do you have for someone who considers pursuing a Master program at Schulich?
Be confident. Only if you are confident that you will expose your talent to the public and get more chances to let others know about yourself. As Schulich really focuses on networking, don’t be shy and you are the master of the opportunities.
Embrace your undergraduate learning. As the prerequisite for admission to MF program is a high GPA and a solid foundation of financial concepts, it’s very important to learn as much as you can about finance prior to joining. Focus on your communication skills. Every course in MF programs pays more attention to group work and group presentations. Also, many events require you to chat with others. So it’s critical to have strong communication skills. If you are good at communicating with others, it’s perfect! But if you are not good at this, what I can advise is that you try to push yourself to join volunteer activities or student events to practice these skills.