International Student Pursuing Excellence Across Three Disciplines

Born in China and now living in New York City, Han Zhang '24 (WSM/NEW) has distinguished herself at Syracuse University by pursuing a triple major in finance, business analytics and advertising, with honors. This ambitious academic journey has been supported by the collaborative and flexible environment at the Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.  

Initially a major in advertising at Newhouse, Zhang’s academic path took a significant turn during the pandemic when she was attending classes online from China. The challenging experience of late-night classes and a desire to explore new fields led her to discover the Whitman School in her second year.   

Zhangs’s passion for finance was sparked during her Principles of Finance course with Professor Fatma Sonmez-Leopold. “Professor Sonmez-Leopold always came in gracefully and brought the material to life. She ensured everyone’s voice was heard and encouraged me to push beyond my limits—a moment I’ll always carry with me. She also gave me great advice about life and taught me the importance of confidently speaking up while still being a true listener for one another, which I think is a crucial skill the business world needs more of,” she says. 

Zhang’s enthusiasm for business analytics was kindled by Professor Kivanc Avrenli, whom she describes as “one of the most talented and humble people, making the class both fun and effective.” The inspiration from these professors played a pivotal role in her decision to add finance and business analytics to her studies.  

Whitman’s supportive environment and emphasis on experiential learning have been instrumental in Zhang’s success. Reflecting on her senior capstone with Professor Ken Walsleben, she says, “Capstone was not easy, but his high expectations and the value he placed on each of us were inspiring. I have a lot of respect for him.” She praises the school for its collaborative nature and the freedom it offers students to experiment and discover their passions. 

Despite her rigorous academic schedule, Zhang has made time for enriching extracurricular experiences. She participated in the Women on Wall Street trip to New York City, where she connected with alumni and visited companies, gaining invaluable real-world insights.  

“The trip to NYC with Women on Wall Street was incredibly eye-opening. It comforted me to know that it's OK not to have everything figured out.  The Career Center's advice of being prepared and expressing gratitude through handwritten thank-you notes was very helpful. I also received valuable advice from alumni that helped me make smarter decisions,” Zhang says. 

As a peer tutor for Beta Alpha Psi, and peer advisors for both Whitman and Newhouse, Zhang enjoyed giving back to the community by helping students from both schools. “It was a great way to meet new people and give back to students in the Syracuse community because I was in their shoes not too long ago,” she says.  

Zhang’s dedication and hard work have been recognized through several prestigious honors. She is a Renée Crown University Honors Program student, a Whitman Scholar—one of only 13 students to receive this highest undergraduate honor—and a member of honor societies, such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi. The flexibility and opportunities provided by the Honors Program, such as early class registration and the ability to take more than 19 credits without extra cost, have allowed her to fully explore her academic interests.  

“The Honors Program gave me the chance to take my favorite classes at SU and even participate in unique experiences like visiting the zoo with a professor who was also a zoo director. These opportunities created strong connections with non-profits and enriched my learning beyond the classroom,” she adds.  

“Coming to a new country was intimidating, but I learned that it is crucial to find a mentor and seek out their guidance. Be humble, listen more, and do not feel pressured to follow trends—focus on what truly matters to you,” says Zhang, who is now a global markets analyst at Nomura. “The Whitman community believed in me and provided a support system that felt like family. I’m grateful for meeting lifelong friends who made me a better person and supported me every step of the way. For international students, finding that support and being open to new experiences is key to thriving in a new environment.”