Finance & Accounting
Biography
I am Bryan Zhang, an Economics and International Business major with a collateral in Chinese, studying as part of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program's (Heath IBEP) 2026 cohort. My passion for economics and engineering was instilled in me from a young age. In first grade, my peers and I would trade packed lunches for strips of beef jerky, and silly bands became a hot commodity exchanged beneath desks, away from the prying gaze of teachers. Late at night, among my collection of books, one of my favorite bedtime reads was David Macaulay and Neil Ardley's "The New Way Things Work," a massive, hardback tome larger than the size of my head, filled with virtually endless diagrams and rich descriptions of contraptions, from the simple pulley to the complex computer. Over time, my inquisitive nature and child-like wonder for those simple playground systems and fantastical machines matured into a deep fascination with the much more complex global economy and all the innovations that drive it forward. I was determined to learn more about these subjects.
To pursue this passion, I took economics classes in high school and joined the debate team to gain perspective on topics like international relations and policy-making. Through these experiences, I saw how economics underpinned all facets of life around the world. As I transitioned into college life, I became involved in student leadership positions. I served as an ambassador for the Baker School of Public Policy, enriching my learning through discussions on renewable energy and climate policy from the perspective of economic policy and careful engineering. I also took on a role on the ChatGPT Taskforce Committee, where I examined the role of AI in learning and college life. These experiences deepened my passion for the intersection of business and engineering, a passion embodied by Heath IBEP.
When I first learned about Heath IBEP, I immediately knew it was the right fit for me. It not only focused on my two favorite fields but also promised a tight-knit community filled with equally passionate students with whom I could share my ideas and experiences. The opportunity to receive guidance from experienced mentors and industry leaders, as well as the abundance of in-depth projects to get involved in, were sure to guide me along my professional development and help me discover my future career path. Whether that path leads me toward public policy or even starting my own business, Heath IBEP is sure to be a transformative experience, and I am truly grateful to be a part of this incredible opportunity.
