As a child in Taipei, Taiwan, I was fascinated by the 2008 financial crisis. I remember, even as a young boy, trying to figure out the fundamental cause of the economic recession. I researched economics, the stock market, bonds.
That’s when I discovered my interest for the business world. I’ve never felt bored with business-related stories and problems ever since, even after moving to the U.S. to finish high school. This love has permeated my professional and academic interests, too: when it was time to make the momentous choice of my major after enrolling in Purdue University, I decided to pursue a degree in business–the subject that had long captivated me.
When I was a child, I would not have believed you if you told me that I would work for a local coffee and bubble tea store in a small town “in the middle of nowhere.” But that’s exactly what I did in West Lafayette–and, surprisingly, I was able to put into practice some of the concepts I learned in the classroom.
These concepts became even more relevant, though, once I joined the Ascend and Scope Consulting student organizations. It was through my involvement with these organizations that I first learned about a potential career as a consultant. I encountered several consultants from the top companies in the world. These professionals shared their experience in the workforce; they described flying all across the globe to meet clients, facing new challenges every day as they worked to solve the most difficult business challenges. After hearing from these leaders, I knew that I wanted to pursue consulting as a career–and I was lucky enough to work on several student-led projects to support local businesses.
Then, I discovered the enFocus Fellowship at a career fair. That was the first time I recognized that you could combine two seemingly disparate concepts: “non-profit” and “consultant service,” together in one organization. I learned all about the challenging business problems that enFocus works to solve, the impact that enFocus has made in the South Bend - Elkhart Region, and how the Innovation Fellows work together to improve the community.
I knew I wanted to be part of this movement. Now, I’m thankful that I am able to join these talented people to make a difference.