Hi there, I’m Yifan Chen. I was born and raised in a suburban district in Shanghai, called Qingpu. It stands in contrast to the familiar touristic perceptions of Shanghai, typically with skyscrapers and bustling crowds. Instead, my hometown doesn’t have those modernized scenes that much. Its charm lies in the quiet beauty of its rivers, trees, picturesque sunsets, and other tranquil sceneries, all of which have become special memories in my mind.
St. Louis, to a certain degree, looks like my hometown, not being overwhelmingly urban, but boasting beautiful natural landscapes all around. This similarity, in fact, played a part in my decision to pursue my studies here. As a person who first studies abroad, I feel that choosing a place with a similar look could make life easier.
Speaking of the motivation to choose the MSHA program at WashU, I believe it’s largely driven by the presence of CEL. Prior to my decision, I was captivated by the enriching opportunities that the CEL could provide to MSBA students. Through Browsing the CEL webpage and conversing with alumni, I came to understand that the projects offered by the CEL not only enable students to apply classroom knowledge but also boost their project management skills and pave the way for their future career paths.
I made the choice to participate in the CEL practicum course during the spring semester. It turned out to be one of my most rewarding decisions. Throughout this course, I collaborated with a diverse team consisting of two MBA and two MSBA students. Our task involved resolving a data analytics issue for New Balance, a globally renowned athletic brand. Each team member contributed distinct skills and experiences. Beyond my own data analysis expertise that I added to the mix, I found myself continuously impressed by my teammates. Our team leader was particularly adept at overseeing the multifaceted project and efficiently aligning project goals with external stakeholders’ interests. Moreover, other members consistently identified opportunities for enhancing the project and applying their unique experiences. This project concluded with an in-person presentation, and we had the privilege of visiting the New Balance offices in St. Louis.
The CEL practicum provided me with even more than I had expected. I consider myself fortunate that our work was recognized by the stakeholders at New Balance, leading to my opportunity to serve as a data analysis intern over the summer. I take immense satisfaction and pride in the knowledge I’ve gained, the experiences I’ve had, and the accomplishments I’ve achieved through this CEL project. Naturally, I extend my profound gratitude to my team, faculty, and staff for their unwavering support, care, and assistance, which were key to my academic success. Now, as I look to the future, I’m eager to delve deeper into the world of data analysis and make step-by-step contributions to my upcoming role with New Balance.
Finally, just some fun facts. For a few years, I’ve been a fan of three different things: ramen, aquarium, and sports. Once I came here, I tried to understand St. Louis based on these 3 things. Firstly, when it comes to ramen, Nami Ramen has stood out to me primarily due to its convenience to both WashU and my residence. The taste of the ramen may not be the best I’ve ever had, but still worth a visit. Second, the St. Louis aquarium. The first time I went there, I was attracted by its unique design. The aquarium was previously an old train station and inside there are still original fixings from the original landmark. Lastly, in terms of sports, the Cardinals cannot be ignored for sure. The first time I watched a Cardinals game was on Thursday. I was amazed to find the stadium almost at full capacity! Fans wearing shirts bearing the names of Cardinals’ legends like Molina and Pujols were everywhere. The dedication of the Cardinals’ fans is just unbelievable.
