Ziqi Yao (BS ’17)
Concentrations: Finance and Marketing, Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Storrs, Connecticut
On Campus Involvement: IBEX Ambassador 

Best cheap eats?
Eva's Kitchen on 8th St.

Favorite class you took at Stern?
Management and Organizations with Professor Schaumberg. 

Favorite emoji?
The angel smiley.

Best place to study on campus?
Bobst – 6N.

What is currently on the top of your bucket list?
Learn photography.

What would you never leave home without?
My phone and sunglasses.

Best book you have read so far this year?
Malcolm Gladwell’s "The Tipping Point."

If you could live in another decade, what would it be and why?
The great Roman Empire – their society was very organized but also ridiculously crazy.

Three adjectives to describe yourself?
Organized, eccentric, creative.

What views of Stern have changed since you entered as a freshman?
When I first came to Stern it seemed like a homogenous community. After being here for four years, I realize people have many more interests than just business, and I appreciate the diversity that it brings to my University experience.

If you could choose the next ISP location, what would it be and why?
Brazil – it’s the biggest country in South America. It has natural beauties like the Amazon Forest. Politically and economically, there is a lot of change going on right now which would be interesting to learn about.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities or internships?
I’m involved with the IBEX ambassador program. I took part in IBEX when I went on exchange to Copenhagen Business School. After returning, I was invited to be an ambassador, and now I liaise with the other ambassadors and our advisers. What I’ve Ioved about IBEX is being able to share my experiences and inspire other people to go on exchange. It is a really unique experience offered at Stern and more people should take advantage of it.

What is something you have learned at Stern that has helped you outside the classroom?
How to collaborate – Stern encourages a lot of group work in classes which has not only improved my public speaking skills but also my teamwork abilities.

Why did you decide to come to Stern?
Stern has a lot of wonderful resources to develop professionally and self discover. I also wanted a change in pace, so I chose to further explore New York City.