2013 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Qianyi Zhao is a junior pursuing a Business Economics and Statistics double major with a Minor in Accounting. Born and raised in Beijing, China, Qianyi had been proudly nurtured by the traditional Chinese culture until she came to UCLA for college at the age of eighteen. During her time at UCLA, meeting new friends and taking inspiring classes have greatly opened her mind. In addition to her strong academic achievements, she also volunteers at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and Project Literacy. Her internships in the past two years at China EverBright Bank, The Veloz Group, and AXA Advisors have also given her hands-on experience in the business world. In her spare time, Qianyi likes to swim, long-distance run, play the piano, and sing in the UCLA University Chorus.

Future Plans: Qianyi feels fortunate to have learned accounting, which has opened a window to the business world. Along with her skills with numbers and background in statistics, Qianyi is looking for an internship for the coming summer as a transition into her final year at UCLA. Eventually, she hopes to work as a financial data analyst in corporate finance after she graduates with College Honors in Spring Quarter 2015.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly appreciative and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. This award greatly relieves the financial burden from my family so that I am able to take more challenging courses in college and focus on my studies rather than working extended hours. This honor also convinces me that I have made a right choice to study accounting and finance, and enhances my confidence to work in the field that I am interested in. I hope to give back to UCLA as an instructor after my dream comes true. Again, I would like to thank the Professor Simons Scholarship donors for their generous support.