Webinar Recap | Exploring Lehigh University: Graduate Learning Experiences in the College of Business and College of Engineering

On December 22, 2023, HYP Global successfully hosted a student sharing webinar featuring current graduate students from Lehigh University’s College of Business and P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The webinar invited two current Lehigh University students, Yan Huang (Data Science) and Xing Gao (MSBA), as guest speakers to share their experiences regarding graduate study in the United States, campus life, academic programs, and future career development.

During the webinar, the two students introduced their graduate programs at Lehigh University based on their own application journeys and academic experiences. They also provided detailed insights into topics including program selection, coursework, campus resources, and how international students adapt to graduate study in the U.S.

Why Choose Lehigh University?

When applying for graduate programs in the United States, students need to consider multiple factors, including their academic background, program fit, university resources, and long-term career goals, rather than focusing on a single factor.

Yan Huang shared that during his application process, he evaluated programs based on his own background and considered factors such as university reputation, academic strengths, and personal development goals.

He mentioned that Lehigh University has strong advantages in STEM fields. In addition, the relatively reasonable cost of living in the surrounding area and the overall academic and living environment were also important factors in his decision.

Although he received admission offers from other universities, after comprehensive comparison, he ultimately chose Lehigh University for his graduate studies.

He suggested that students applying to U.S. graduate programs should not focus only on rankings when selecting schools. Instead, they should consider program compatibility, teaching resources, learning environment, and future career planning.

Small-Class Learning and Business School Resources Enhance Academic Experience

Another guest speaker, Xing Gao, shared that she experienced a relatively small-class learning environment during her undergraduate studies, so classroom size and faculty-student interaction were important factors when choosing a graduate school.

She believes that Lehigh University’s small-class teaching model provides significant advantages for business education. Since business courses often involve case discussions, group projects, and communication with professors, smaller classes allow students to participate more actively and gain more opportunities for interaction.

After enrolling at Lehigh University, she also experienced the university’s investment in business education, including academic facilities, learning spaces, and career development resources.

During the webinar, she introduced that the College of Business regularly hosts various campus activities, including Networking Events and Professional Development activities, which help students expand professional connections and improve their career preparation.

PMBC Helps International Students Transition into Graduate Study

For international students, transitioning from undergraduate education to U.S. graduate programs requires adapting to English-based instruction and different learning methods.

During the webinar, both students shared their experiences participating in PMBC (Pre-Master Bootcamp).

Yan Huang explained that since his undergraduate education was primarily conducted in Chinese, PMBC helped him adapt to an English-speaking academic environment and review foundational knowledge before beginning graduate studies in the United States.

PMBC courses covered subjects including mathematics, communication, and algorithms. Through these courses, he was able to bridge knowledge gaps and better prepare for graduate-level coursework at Lehigh University.

He noted that although adapting to fully English-based instruction requires time, the course content was not completely unfamiliar. By reviewing previous knowledge and adjusting study methods, students can gradually adapt to the pace of graduate education.

Xing Gao also shared her PMBC experience. She explained that although her undergraduate background was related to business analytics, she had limited prior exposure to programming. Since the MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) program includes significant programming components, PMBC helped her gain early exposure to programming tools such as Python and R.

Starting from foundational concepts, the program gradually strengthened her technical skills and helped her build confidence before entering the formal graduate curriculum.

Learning Experiences in Data Science and MSBA Programs

Regarding the Data Science program, Yan Huang shared that coursework involves programming, data analysis, and related technical topics. Students need to dedicate significant time to completing assignments and projects.

He mentioned that graduate-level courses move at a faster pace compared with undergraduate studies. Students need to manage their time independently while continuously improving their technical abilities.

For the MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) program, Xing Gao explained that the curriculum covers areas such as data analytics and programming, requiring students to develop both analytical and technical skills.

She believes that for students with limited programming experience, early preparation is especially important. PMBC provides an opportunity for students to develop foundational knowledge and reduce adjustment challenges after entering the formal program.

Lehigh University Campus Resources and Career Development Support

Beyond academic coursework, the two students also shared their experiences with campus resources at Lehigh University.

They highlighted that the university provides extensive career development support, including career events, networking opportunities, and job preparation guidance.

For international students, career planning is an important part of graduate education. Understanding industry expectations, gaining practical experience, and actively utilizing university resources can help students better prepare for future career development.

Meanwhile, different colleges at Lehigh University provide specialized academic facilities and learning resources, creating a supportive environment for graduate students.

How International Students Adapt to U.S. Graduate Life

When discussing graduate student life in the United States, both students noted that adapting to a new environment requires time.

At the beginning, studying in an English-speaking environment and adjusting to the academic pace may present challenges. However, with continued experience, students can gradually develop effective learning strategies that suit their individual needs.

Yan Huang also shared his application experience. He explained that managing time effectively is essential during the application process, especially when preparing for language exams, application materials, and academic planning.

He recommended that future applicants reserve sufficient preparation time and communicate with universities or advisors whenever they encounter questions.

Student Advice: Utilize University Resources and Plan Ahead

At the end of the webinar, both students shared advice for future applicants.

They emphasized that when choosing U.S. graduate programs, students should make decisions based on their individual situations, including academic interests, learning preferences, career goals, and available university resources.

After entering graduate school, students should not only complete coursework requirements but also actively participate in campus activities, communicate with professors and classmates, and make full use of academic and career development resources.

Through this Lehigh University Current Student Sharing Webinar, HYP Global hopes to help more students planning to apply for U.S. graduate programs gain a deeper understanding of Lehigh University’s academic environment, graduate program experiences, and the real-life experiences of international students.