# Humans of Stern: Ziqi Yao

Undergraduate Prospective Students

October 27, 2016A series of student spotlights by Stern

![](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/ziqi%20.jpg?itok=2BW92zcb)
**Ziqi Yao** (BS ’17)
**Concentrations**: Finance and Marketing, Minor: Psychology
**Hometown**: Storrs, Connecticut
**On Campus Involvement**: [IBEX](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/portal-partners/current-students/undergraduate/study-away/semester-away/international-business-exchange-program) Ambassador

**Best cheap eats?**
[Eva's Kitchen](https://www.yelp.com/biz/evas-kitchen-new-york) on 8th St.

**Favorite class you took at Stern?**
Management and Organizations with [Professor Schaumberg](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/rebecca-schaumberg).

**Favorite emoji?**
The angel smiley.

**Best place to study on campus?**
Bobst – 6N.

**What is currently on the top of your bucket list?**
Learn photography.

**What would you never leave home without?**
My phone and sunglasses.

**Best book you have read so far this year?**
Malcolm Gladwell’s "[The Tipping Point](https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624)."

**If you could live in another decade, what would it be and why?**
The great Roman Empire – their society was very organized but also ridiculously crazy.

**Three adjectives to describe yourself?**
Organized, eccentric, creative.

**What views of Stern have changed since you entered as a freshman?**
When I first came to Stern it seemed like a homogenous community. After being here for four years, I realize people have many more interests than just business, and I appreciate the diversity that it brings to my University experience.

**If you could choose the next [ISP](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/global-study/international-studies-program) location, what would it be and why?**
Brazil – it’s the biggest country in South America. It has natural beauties like the Amazon Forest. Politically and economically, there is a lot of change going on right now which would be interesting to learn about.

**Are you involved in any extracurricular activities or internships?**
I’m involved with the IBEX ambassador program. I took part in IBEX when I went on exchange to [Copenhagen Business School](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/portal-partners/current-students/undergraduate/study-away/semester-away/international-business-exchange-program/partner-schools/copenhagen-business-school). After returning, I was invited to be an ambassador, and now I liaise with the other ambassadors and our advisers. What I’ve Ioved about IBEX is being able to share my experiences and inspire other people to go on exchange. It is a really unique experience offered at Stern and more people should take advantage of it.

**What is something you have learned at Stern that has helped you outside the classroom?**
How to collaborate – Stern encourages a lot of group work in classes which has not only improved my public speaking skills but also my teamwork abilities.

**Why did you decide to come to Stern?**
Stern has a lot of wonderful resources to develop professionally and self discover. I also wanted a change in pace, so I chose to further explore New York City.