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An IPS of Exploration

KC Dang came to W&M looking to differentiate herself.  How did participating in the Local Internship Program and studying abroad in Vienna help her individualize her Mason experience?

KC and a friend on the beach
Differentiating Myself

As a D.C. metropolitan area native, I’ve always been surrounded by intelligent, driven people, and though I fit the Northern Virginia stereotypes of a bad driver and a die-hard Redskins fan, I've always tried to differentiate myself. Furthermore, as a twin, I’ve always sought to set myself apart from my nearly identical genetic copy and the rest of my peers. When I learned I had been accepted to William & Mary early decision, I was ecstatic but a little hesitant because my older sister is a W&M alum and going to the same school did not fit my individualistic profile. In the end, I knew I could bring something different to the Tribe so I packed my bags and headed to Williamsburg.

I am a Finance major with an Accounting concentration,  but my Individual Program of Study (IPS) also involves growing as a professional by challenging myself outside of the classroom. I am so grateful that my professors and mentors have taught me to apply my classroom knowledge and skills to my extracurricular activities.  Sophomore year, I had the opportunity to intern for a financial firm through the Local Internship Program.  I was able to engage with financial advisors and  got to help build a new brand and marketing strategy for this transitioning firm!  Aside from classes and interning, I am in a social sorority and recently served as Social Chair. In this role, I developed my communication and leadership skills and learned how to effectively plan and manage my time and stay in control of stressful or challenging situations.

KC with guards in ViennaInternationalized IPS

Striving to make the most of my college experience and to internationalize my IPS, I studied in Vienna, Austria last semester. Studying abroad halfway across the world, I never thought I’d hear Professor Adkins’ voice in my head. As I created PowerPoints, interviewed local businesses, and gave presentations, everything that I learned in the Foundation Semester kept coming back to me. Being abroad, I got to experience first hand how the skills I’ve acquired will really help me succeed outside of the classroom. In a foreign culture with a rigid structure and unfamiliar language, I had to learn to adapt to what the other students were used to and communicate with them while maintaining the quality of work that I am accustomed to.

Stepping outside of the comfort and familiarity of Williamsburg for a semester, I also realized that I would love to travel more. During my time in Europe, I visited over eleven countries and had the opportunity to try new things. I ran a half marathon in Marseilles, hiked across mountains in Cinque Terre, and had my first ever skiing experience – in the Alps!  These new environments, people, and cultures challenged me and helped expand my global understanding as a business leader and a person.

KC Dang competing in a road race.Life as a Senior and Post-College Plans

As I prepare for my senior year at W&M, I’m spending the summer interning at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Washington DC. In July, I’ll be attending PwC’s National Leadership Conference in Chicago, a program designed to build leadership skills and explore possible careers in accounting. My core studies in Finance and Accounting have prepared me for these experiences and I am confident that my Finance major has given me a good base for anything I decide to do career-wise. 

As far as next year, I am excited to go to Southeast Asia over winter break to continue my international education.  While on campus, I will be serving as the Seminar Assistant at the Cohen Career Center, working with employers to coordinate their seminars and receptions throughout campus. I am excited about this opportunity to communicate with employers and help students find their career path post-graduation.  As far as my career path, I’m still exploring who I am and what I want to do but I do know that I want my IPS to take me around the world and help me find something that really makes a difference!