Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school? 

I am a multicultural individual with a Chinese and Korean heritage. I was born in northern China and raised in the southern city of Kunming. After obtaining a Bachelor of Law in Sociology from Shanghai University, I decided to take a gap year. During this time, I monetized my education blog and created online language learning courses. Following an internship with a marketing start-up in Shanghai, I worked as a producer on a short documentary. This led me to eventually enroll in graduate school.

How did you learn of the Digital Social Media degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg? 

USC Annenberg is ranked as the top school for communication in the world. My blogging experience showcased the power of social media, and I had a chance to join the alum network with successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders and innovators who are changing the social media game. Joining the USC Digital Social Media Program means opening the doors to a world of opportunities. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, I’ll be at the forefront of the digital media industry and have access to some of the biggest players in the field. Not only will I develop the skills and knowledge to excel in the digital media world, but the program’s emphasis on STEM will also provide me with a solid foundation in technical skills that are in high demand. This, combined with a supportive and entrepreneurial culture, makes USC Annenberg the ideal place to launch my digital media career.

What have you enjoyed the most about the Digital Social Media degree program? 

I can confidently say that this program has been an incredible journey filled with memorable experiences and opportunities. Meeting and learning from inspiring figures like Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, was a moment that personally inspired me and profoundly impacted my career trajectory. The professors in the program are true industry leaders, bringing their real-world experience and insights into the classroom and providing a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in the digital media industry. The program allowed me to delve deeper into the social media industry and gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends, technologies and best practices. With the resources and support provided by the program, I was able to launch my own digital media business, and the mentorship from the faculty and community of talented peers only added to my growth and success. Overall, the USC Digital Social Media degree program has been a truly enriching experience, and I’m excited to take all that I’ve learned and apply it to my future endeavors.