Ioana Economos '17

1. Please tell us a little about yourself!

I was born in New York and then moved to Hong Kong for 7 years where I completed middle school and high school while traveling extensively throughout Asia and China. I graduated from Wellesley College in 2017 with a double major in Economics and Chinese as part of my liberal arts education.

2. Why did you decide to become a Chinese Language and Culture major? How did it shape your experience at Wellesley?

While I enjoyed learning Chinese in high school, I desired a stronger linguistic and cultural foundation so I decided to continue my studies when I got to Wellesley. My Chinese major helped me improve my communication skills, cultural adaptability and overall understanding of the world. I also feel that I better understand the Chinese and American points of view given the current geopolitical challenges between the two countries.

3. What are you doing now?

After completing my Fulbright Fellowship, I moved to New York where I have been working as an analyst at a global asset management firm. It’s extremely rewarding to help my clients build their wealth and ensure their future financial wellbeing. I keep in close contact with my friends from Hong Kong and China, and we go out for dim sum and Chinese conversation.

4. How has your Wellesley experience and your major influenced your life/career after college?

As globalization spreads, China has become increasingly important in the economic, geopolitical and cultural spheres. My Chinese major has afforded me an expanded worldview and ability to better understand China’s role in the world of its citizens. This broader perspective allows me to analyze and opine on the global economy in a thoughtful and educated manner, and help my clients prepare their portfolios accordingly. At a personal level, adding an understanding of China to my US and European experiences makes me a better global citizen and helps me network across markets and cultures.