Webinar Recap | Lehigh University College of Business Alumni Sharing: Insights into Studying, Job Searching, and Career Development in the U.S.

In 2024, HYP Global successfully hosted an online alumni sharing session featuring graduates from the Lehigh University College of Business.

The webinar invited three outstanding Lehigh University business school alumni:

Yue Yuan

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics

• Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees in Applied Economics, Lehigh University

• PMBC Program Lecturer

• Currently working as a Researcher at Alfest, a leading U.S. wealth management company

Jingting Zhao

• Undergraduate Degree from Penn State University

• Master’s Degree in Accounting and Information Analysis, Lehigh University

• Currently working as a Senior Information Systems Consultant at Focal Point Data Risk, a CDW company (Fortune 500 enterprise)

Liyang Qiu

• Former PMBC Program Student

• Master’s Degree in Applied Economics, Lehigh University

• Currently working as a Business Analyst at Joblogic-X Corp

The three speakers came from different academic backgrounds, including Economics Ph.D., Applied Economics, and Accounting & Information Analysis. They shared their experiences from multiple perspectives, including how to choose a graduate program, how to utilize university resources, and how to plan future career paths.

During the webinar, the alumni shared their academic experiences at Lehigh University, their decision-making process when choosing programs, and their career development journeys after graduation. Their insights provided valuable references for students planning to apply for U.S. business graduate programs and those interested in career opportunities in the United States.

Learning Experiences at Lehigh University College of Business

At the beginning of the webinar, the three alumni introduced their academic experiences at Lehigh University.

One of the alumni, Sunny, began her studies at Lehigh University in 2013. She initially enrolled in the Master’s program in Economics (ECON) and later continued into the Ph.D. program, completing her doctoral degree in 2019.

After graduation, she joined a wealth management company in New York, where she currently works on economics-related research projects, including supporting academic research, writing reports, and developing economic models.

Another alumnus, Liyang Qiu, shared his graduate study experience and his academic background in Applied Economics.

The third alumna graduated from Lehigh University’s Master of Accounting and Information Analysis program. She shared how she gradually transitioned from an accounting background into information technology consulting and cybersecurity consulting.

Although the three alumni studied different fields, they all highlighted the positive impact of Lehigh University’s curriculum design, faculty support, and campus environment on their personal and professional growth.

Why Choose Lehigh University?

During the webinar, the alumni shared their reasons for choosing Lehigh University.

One alumna explained that during the application process, she was attracted by Lehigh’s strong academic reputation in her field and the close alignment between the curriculum and her career goals.

After enrolling, she found that Lehigh’s programs were not only practical but that professors were also highly supportive and willing to help students overcome academic challenges.

Regarding the Master of Accounting and Information Analysis program, she specifically mentioned that the curriculum goes beyond traditional accounting courses. It also includes programming languages such as Python and R, data analytics courses, and areas such as IT Audit.

These interdisciplinary courses allowed her to combine her accounting foundation with technology-related skills and gradually transition into consulting and compliance-related fields after graduation.

Another Ph.D. graduate shared that one of the important reasons she chose Lehigh University was its geographic advantage.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is relatively close to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia.

This location allows students to enjoy a comfortable campus environment while also accessing metropolitan resources, including industry events, internship opportunities, and professional networking opportunities.

Campus Environment and Student Life at Lehigh University

Throughout the webinar, the alumni frequently discussed their experiences with Lehigh University’s campus environment.

They described the campus as beautiful, with a moderate size that allows students to build close relationships with professors and classmates.

One alumna shared that Lehigh’s campus is located in a valley setting, providing opportunities for walking, outdoor activities, and relaxation outside of academic responsibilities.

She believes this environment helps students maintain a healthy balance between academic pressure and personal well-being.

At the same time, Lehigh’s proximity to New York and Philadelphia allows students to explore different cities during weekends, participate in professional events, and expand their career networks.

The alumni noted that Lehigh University provides a strong balance between academic development, personal life, and career preparation.

How Business Programs Support Career Development

During the webinar, the graduate from the Master of Accounting and Information Analysis program shared her career transition experience in detail.

She explained that her undergraduate background was in accounting. After entering Lehigh University, she gained exposure to data analytics, Python, and R programming through the program curriculum.

Because the program combines accounting knowledge with information technology skills, it allowed her to explore broader career opportunities.

After graduation, she initially began her career in IT Audit and later transitioned into Cyber Security Consulting.

She believes one of the greatest strengths of the Lehigh program is its comprehensive curriculum, which helps students build interdisciplinary capabilities.

For students who hope to expand from traditional business fields into technology-related industries, interdisciplinary coursework can provide more diverse career options.

U.S. Job Search Experience: How to Improve Competitiveness

Career development and job searching were major topics of the webinar.

The alumni noted that the U.S. job market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, especially for international students. Finding the first job requires long-term preparation and strategic planning.

They recommended that students begin career preparation during graduate school rather than waiting until graduation.

Start Career Planning Early

The alumni suggested that students should identify their future career direction as early as possible after entering graduate school.

For example:

• Students interested in data analytics should develop relevant technical skills in advance;

• Students targeting consulting careers should build project experience and communication skills;

• Students pursuing specialized professional fields should strengthen their technical knowledge and practical experience.

Once students understand their goals, they can adjust their coursework and activities according to target job requirements.

Utilize University Career Service Resources

The alumni emphasized the importance of university career development resources.

They explained that Lehigh University provides Career Services, including:

• Resume reviews;

• Mock interviews;

• Job search resources;

• Career planning guidance.

One alumnus shared that she did not fully utilize Career Services during her time at school and encouraged current students to actively take advantage of these resources.

Importance of Networking

The alumni highlighted that Networking plays an important role in the U.S. job search process.

Many opportunities are not only found through public job postings but also through alumni connections, industry professionals, and referrals.

Therefore, actively participating in:

• Career Fairs;

• Industry events;

• Alumni networking activities;

can significantly benefit students’ future career development.

Resume Preparation Tips for U.S. Job Applications

During the webinar, the alumni also shared advice on resume preparation.

They explained that U.S. employers often review resumes based on keywords related to job requirements.

Therefore, students should customize their resumes for different positions rather than submitting the same version for every application.

For example:

• If a position requires Python skills, students can highlight relevant coursework or project experience when applicable;

• If a role emphasizes data analytics, students should showcase related courses, projects, and practical experiences.

The alumni recommended practicing Resume Tweaking—adjusting resumes based on target positions—to improve alignment with job requirements.

Balancing Academics, Life, and Career Preparation

Beyond academics and career preparation, the alumni also shared their experiences living in the United States.

They explained that while graduate study requires significant time and effort, students should also maintain a balanced lifestyle.

In addition to completing coursework, students can:

• Participate in campus activities;

• Communicate with classmates;

• Explore nearby cities;

• Attend professional events.

Lehigh University’s location provides students with convenient access to cultural and professional experiences.

Students can visit cities such as New York and Philadelphia to experience different cultures and expand their professional networks.

The alumni emphasized that studying abroad is not only about earning a degree but also about exploring new cultures, developing personal abilities, and discovering future possibilities.

Advice for Future Applicants

At the end of the webinar, the three alumni shared advice for prospective students.

They emphasized that choosing a graduate program requires careful consideration based on individual goals.

First, students should clarify their future career direction.

Whether they plan to work in the U.S. or return to their home country, having a clear plan in advance is important.

Second, students should make full use of their graduate school experience.

In addition to completing coursework, students should:

• Develop professional skills;

• Gain practical experience;

• Participate in networking activities;

• Utilize university career resources.

Finally, the alumni encouraged students to value their study abroad journey.

Graduate study in the United States is not only a process of gaining professional knowledge but also an opportunity to expand perspectives, build relationships, and explore future career paths.

Through this Lehigh University College of Business Alumni Sharing Session, HYP Global hopes to help more students planning to apply for U.S. business graduate programs gain a deeper understanding of real study abroad experiences and receive valuable guidance for future academic and career planning.