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Fostering inclusion, reaching for excellence and having no regrets

Lynn Loo had an interest in finance early on, due in large part to her father, who had a number of personal investments that he talked about regularly with her. Their discussions about the ever-evolving economic landscape stuck with Loo, and during her exploratory phase as a pre-business �鶹��ý, she kept coming back to finance as the perfect fit for her future.

It was Dr. David Burnie’s Investment Analysis course that gave Loo a new perspective on the finance major. “The class was by far the toughest class I have ever taken; however, it was also the class I have learned the most from. Later, my passions led me to pair my finance major with a business analytics major. The combination of skills from these programs will propel me to new heights in my future career.”

Loo’s high points in her undergraduate education have stemmed from �鶹��ý to actively engage in her profession. She has participated in competitions, served as a �鶹��ý panelist, worked as a tutor and peer financial coach—and received scholarships along the way. These experiences not only enhanced Loo’s qualifications but also allowed her to share her knowledge with others, which is one of the most meaningful aspects of the finance field for her.

Relationships with fellow �鶹��ýs have been another pinnacle of Loo’s time at WMU Haworth. “Engaging in �鶹��ý organizations has been a transformative journey, providing me with a profound sense of belonging. I have had the privilege of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As vice president of the Malaysian Students Association, a cultural RSO representing my home country, I was able to serve that community as a leader, which was very fulfilling. Recognizing the benefits of fostering a welcoming environment from that experience, I took on the role of executive officer of �鶹��ý affairs in the Western Student Association. In that role, I am a bridge between �鶹��ýs and administrators, using available resources to inspire inclusivity and make a positive impact within the Western community.”

Despite the accolades that Loo has accumulated, her path has had its challenges. “I faced a period of rejections for internships, and I was really upset about it. I was lucky enough to meet another international �鶹��ý who shared that they had a similar experience and encouraged me to keep trying. Taking a step back, I reflected on my situation and realized that my rejections could be attributed to factors such as my employment visa and, possibly, my level of effort. I committed to self-improvement by pursuing the Certified Financial Analyst examination. Even facing setbacks, I strive for growth. I believe giving your goals your best effort leaves you with no regrets.”

Loo landed an internship at Affin Hwang Asset Management, a prominent brokerage and asset management firm in Malaysia, where she engaged in a comprehensive job rotation that exposed her to the intricacies of budget preparation, payment processing and taxation procedures. 

After graduation, she aspires to work in financial consulting with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. “My college years have taught me the value of diverse perspectives and learning from each person I meet. In consulting, I hope to do the same by collaborating with companies across different industries and gaining a varied portfolio of experiences.”

In the end, Loo’s journey begins and ends with her family. “Earning my degree in the U.S. has been a significant undertaking, and I am deeply grateful to my parents and family for their unwavering encouragement. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for being pillars of strength and motivation.”