Victoria Zhu

Contact

vicz@wharton.upenn.edu

Ask Me About…

I’ve had unique experiences both in Portugal through the GRIP program, and anticipate upcoming at LSE in London, which I’d be happy to share with other students.

In Porto, my internship involved working in English and Mandarin Chinese while also learning to communicate with clients in Portuguese, despite having no prior background in the language. I can offer practical tips and specific resources for language learning and cultural immersion.

My unconventional path into banking with Port Wine and Tourism in the GRIP program has taught me how to craft a compelling internship story for recruiting in competitive fields like Commercial and Investment Banking. I can assist students in leveraging non-traditional experiences to strengthen their internship profiles and stand out in their career pursuits.

Looking ahead to my time at LSE in London, where I’ll be recruiting for Investment Banking placements while managing coursework in a different time zone, I anticipate further unique challenges and opportunities. I’ll be able to share firsthand strategies for navigating the recruitment process remotely and managing academic responsibilities effectively in an international setting.

Furthermore, my extensive experiences living across seven cities and three countries have significantly developed my cultural sensitivity and ability to adapt to new environments. I can provide guidance on overcoming cultural shock and thriving in international workplaces.

In summary, whether it’s about language learning, navigating non-traditional career paths, international recruitment, or cultural adaptation, I’m here to share my unique perspectives and help students make the most of their own international and academic journeys.

My Experience Abroad

During my Freshman summer, I interned as a Business Development Intern in Porto, Portugal, where I pitched port wines to investors and spearheaded the launch in the Chinese market. This experience provided me with invaluable skills in client-facing communication, strategic planning, and market entry strategies, which directly applicable to my coursework and concentrations in Strategic Management and Finance.

Subsequently, these skills played a crucial role in securing internships at HSBC for my Sophomore summer and at J.P. Morgan for my Junior summer, where I applied my understanding of strategic rationale, international mindset, and client engagement to land my internship offers and excel this summer in commercial banking.

Looking forward to studying abroad at LSE in Spring 2025, I am eager to enroll in courses such as MG206 and MG307. These courses will not only complement my academic pursuits but also broaden my understanding of global business dynamics, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations in international finance.

From my internship this summer, I have organized an in-person visit at HSBC’s UK Branch that I will be able to attend while studying abroad. Pursuing these connections are crucial for gaining deeper insights into the global finance industry and advancing my professional goals.

In summary, my internship experiences and academic focus have shaped my path towards a career in banking and international business. They have equipped me with practical skills, deepened my academic knowledge, and forged connections that will be instrumental in achieving my long-term professional ambitions.

Other Highlights

• One of my favorite experiences was my contribution to the diversity and inclusion efforts of my internship in Portugal. Sogevinus only provided company cellar visits in European languages, despite having many clients from China who were unfamiliar with the listed languages. As the only Chinese-speaking member, I proposed an idea, and was approved to develop and give private client tours in Mandarin, enhancing client engagement and inclusivity. This initiative not only strengthened client relationships but also aligned with Sogevinus’s commitment to diversity. It was rewarding to see how my idea positively impacted sales and client relationships.
• I attended a Portuguese cooking class with my co-worker to learn how to make the famous “Pastel de Nata.” From crafting dough to filling pastries, the class provided insights into Portuguese culinary traditions and history. It was a fun way to bond with colleagues, deepen cultural appreciation, and savor the delicious results together.
• Getting to know my diverse group of co-workers was another highlight. Their kindness and willingness to share their knowledge about Portuguese language, culture, and activities was truly one of my highlights. I still talk to many of my co-workers even now, and I am thankful to have made lifelong friends all around the world.
• Lastly, I am incredibly excited to visit HSBC’s UK branch next Spring. Meeting with head of Credit Solutions will provide firsthand insights into UK banking practices and expand my international finance knowledge. I am certain that this will be one of my highlights from studying abroad.