Alumni Interview: The Lehigh Business One-Year Master’s in Management (M²) Experience

This article is based on interviews conducted in November 2021 with alumni of Lehigh University’s College of Business. The two interviewees are outstanding graduates of Lehigh’s one-year Master’s in Management program, and both have since joined well-known securities firms in China.

Drawing on their personal experiences, they discuss why they chose Lehigh University, how the Pre-Master Boot Camp (PMBC) prepared them for graduate study, and what it was like to complete the Master’s in Management program. We hope their stories will help prospective students gain a deeper understanding of Lehigh Business.

Fengqu Yang

• Investment Advisor at Essence Securities

• Graduated from Binghamton University in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics

• Graduated from Lehigh University in May 2021 with a master’s degree in Management

Jiawei Weng

• Investment Advisor at Xiangcai Securities

• Graduated from Western University in Canada in May 2020 with an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Economics

• Graduated from Lehigh University in May 2021 with a master’s degree in Management

Q1: Why did you choose Lehigh University and the Master’s in Management program?

Yang:

The first thing I considered was, of course, the university’s academic strength. Lehigh is a prestigious and long-established university in the northeastern United States, with an excellent reputation and particularly strong business programs.

Since I studied economics as an undergraduate, choosing a graduate program in management felt like a natural next step. Location was another important consideration. I completed my undergraduate studies in New York State and wanted to attend a university relatively close by. I therefore applied only to schools on the East Coast, which made traveling, driving, and moving much more convenient.

Weng:

Lehigh University is home to one of the most highly regarded business schools in the United States. Earning a Master’s in Management from Lehigh gives graduates a strong starting point as they enter the professional world, and that can have a significant impact on a person’s future.

Rather than asking why I chose Lehigh, I would say that I simply had no reason to turn it down.

Q2: What was your experience in the Master’s in Management program like?

Yang:

It was both challenging and rewarding. I cannot think of a better way to describe the experience.

Graduate study is naturally more demanding than undergraduate study. What impressed me most about the program was that every Lehigh professor was highly accomplished in their respective field. During class, they frequently introduced engaging real-world cases that helped us understand how academic concepts could be applied in professional settings.

The program also helped me gradually shift my mindset from that of a student to that of a working professional. Although the coursework was demanding, I was very happy because I was gaining knowledge that could genuinely benefit me in my career.

Weng:

The program moved at a fast pace, but it was never disorganized. The assignments given by our professors were carefully structured, logically connected, and highly time-sensitive. The professors were truly masters of time management.

I believe that after completing the program, every student will realize that they have gained a tremendous amount of valuable and practical knowledge—often without even noticing how much they were learning along the way.

Q3: Did you encounter any difficulties while completing the program online during the pandemic?

Yang:

The most obvious difficulty was definitely the 12-hour time difference. I am sure anyone who attended online classes from China during that period can relate.

Our classes were held at night and sometimes continued until the early hours of the morning. In addition, graduate courses involved a great deal of group work, so we had to coordinate meeting times with classmates in the United States almost every day. We were constantly staying up late and waking up early—it felt like we were practically losing our hair from exhaustion!

Weng:

The biggest challenges were the time difference and the difficulty of coordinating group assignments remotely. Surviving on very little sleep while trying to schedule meetings and complete assignments with classmates was certainly a major obstacle.

However, with the dedicated support of our professors and advisors, I believe these difficulties never became insurmountable barriers.

Q4: What are your future plans, and what led you to your current career path?

Yang:

I currently work at a securities firm. Since I studied finance-related subjects, I have been able to apply what I learned directly to my work.

In my view, the securities industry has considerable growth potential. Unless something unexpected happens, I do not plan to change industries in the next few years. My goal for the future is simple: I hope to continue developing professionally and earn more money.

Weng:

I currently work at a securities firm. I do not yet have a detailed long-term plan, but I am happy with my present position.

Although the future is uncertain and may involve many unpredictable factors, I would still like to continue building my career in finance.

Q5: Did the PMBC program help prepare you for your graduate courses?

Yang:

The PMBC program served as an important bridge between my undergraduate and graduate studies.

It introduced me to many subjects that I had not encountered as an undergraduate but that later provided an essential foundation for my graduate coursework. Because of this preparation, I did not feel completely lost when I began studying those topics in the master’s program.

Weng:

The online Pre-Master Boot Camp allowed me to familiarize myself with Lehigh’s academic environment and course structure in advance. It also gave me a strong foundation for the graduate-level coursework that followed.

Q6: Was there a Lehigh professor who made a particularly strong impression on you?

Yang:

Professor Haoyan Sun was one of the most patient professors I met. I used to feel overwhelmed whenever I saw programming code. However, when I was learning R, Professor Sun explained every step with great care and taught me how to use R to solve practical problems. I am extremely grateful to her.

Weng:

Without a doubt, it would have to be Professor Todd. He is a humorous and insightful Harvard PhD. He was also a longtime critic of Donald Trump, and his exam papers even featured unflattering photos of Trump—which always made us laugh.

Q7: In one sentence, how would you recommend Lehigh University to future students?

Yang:

“Many people’s regrets come from not knowing how to choose, failing to stand by their choices, or constantly changing their minds. Since you have chosen Lehigh, stay committed—you will discover an entirely different view along the way.”

Weng:

“I believe you will never regret choosing Lehigh University. Studying at Lehigh is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and I hope it will help you become a better version of yourself.”