Hilary Zheng

Why I Chose Duke Engineering

Two aspects stood out most: the interdisciplinary curriculum that combines engineering, finance, and computer science, and the collaborative community that encourages students to push each other while sharing knowledge. I also valued Duke’s emphasis on experiential learning, where classroom concepts are reinforced with hands-on projects that mirror industry challenges.

I noticed that many top executives have engineering degrees because it builds strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Since I aspire to senior management, I wanted that same foundation. At the same time, Duke has always been a dream school for me, so combining my career goals with that personal connection made Duke Engineering the perfect choice.

Before Duke Engineering

My career choice was heavily influenced by my family, as many of my relatives work in the financial industry. Combined with my natural sensitivity to numbers, this led me to pursue finance as my major and to commit to building a career in this field. During my undergraduate studies, one of my biggest challenges was being overly academic—I relied too much on textbooks and lacked sufficient practical experience.

Over time, I realized that the financial world is constantly evolving. Conceptual knowledge alone is no longer enough. To stay competitive, I wanted to develop more quantitative skills, such as programming, which is why I decided to pursue further education.

After Duke Engineering

This program has shifted my perspective from being primarily textbook-oriented to becoming more practical and adaptive. I’ve learned that success in finance requires more than strong theoretical knowledge, it requires flexibility, technical fluency, and the ability to interpret data in real time. I now approach problems with a mindset that combines conceptual frameworks with practical tools, allowing me to generate solutions that are both innovative and actionable.

I plan to apply what I’ve learned by bridging financial analysis with technological tools to deliver more precise insights and innovative solutions. For example, I want to use data modeling and coding to streamline investment strategies and improve decision-making processes. My aim is not only to support strong financial performance but also to contribute to more transparent and efficient practices in the industry.

5 Most Useful Resources at Duke

1. Use Ask a Blue Devil to connect with alumni and ask questions about their career paths.
2. Take advantage of the platform memberships the university provides, such as S&P Capital IQ and The Wall Street Journal. Use these resources as much as you can.
3. If you’re unsure about your career direction after graduation, schedule an appointment with the Career Center—they can help you explore your interests and options.
4. Your professors are some of the most direct and valuable resources available. Talk with them, ask for their suggestions, and build strong connections.
5. For students using a MacBook, you may occasionally need a PC for a project or homework. Instead of buying one, you can borrow a PC from the library.