Lillian Chang is a Junior in the Canfield Business Honors Program at UT Austin, a student showing a mix of academic excellence, campus involvement, and a passion to make a difference. UT Austin was Lillian’s dream school, inspired by her parents’ alma mater and the university’s prestigious business program. Although she had initially considered studying pre-med, she chose business because of the dynamic opportunities it offered. “I didn’t know much about Canfield BHP at first, but the smaller classes, close-knit community, and discussion-based learning style drew me in”. What struck Lillian as special about Canfield BHP, however, was an altogether different kind of teaching and learning. Canfield BHP provides intimacy among classmates and teachers alike. In her eyes, it’s this sense of a team effort that will provide an easy and enriching segue into business.
Two classes that have made huge impressions on Lillian through the course of her Canfield BHP career were OM 235 and ACC 311. Operations Management was “eye-opening” as she learned that everything we use passes through an amazing supply chain; Professor Morrice created life for this complicated nature of studying with anecdotes of his professional endeavors. This class gave Lillian a different perspective on world economies that really opened up her curiosity for the nuts-and-bolts logistics around how businesses do what they do. Accounting 311 was taught by Professor Charrier, this class was entertaining and interactive. She “played music and made accounting exciting”, Lillian says. It helped her solidify that accounting is what she wants to pursue as a career. Professor Charrier’s ability to make difficult concepts understandable left a lasting impression on her academic and professional journey.
Being a busy student, Lillian stresses the importance of organization and self-care. She keeps herself organized with Google Calendar and to-do lists. She prioritizes waking up early to do her assignments. Lillian emphasizes that taking care of yourself on a daily basis is vital to your happiness. She takes time to play the guitar or piano or go on a run. To Lillian, balance doesn’t just mean staying on top of tasks; it’s about making space for happiness and reflection.
Lillian’s campus activities reflect her commitment to service and leadership. She is a part of HBA where she serves as the Vice President of Communications. She oversees the newsletters and all of HBA’S social platforms. She says “The HBA community makes UT feel smaller and more personal. I love helping underclassmen and learning from upperclassmen,”. This position has helped her not only to develop her communication skills but also to be more involved in the Canfield BHP community. In addition she is involved in Asian American Campus Ministry where she connects with students of a similar background and faith leading her to feeling more included on campus. She is also a counselor for Ignite where she supports freshmen through the ups and downs of campus life. She is also a part of Chi Kappa Phi Service Sorority where she volunteers at an underprivileged elementary school, running activities for children twice a week. She also makes time to reread the Hunger Games every summer.
Lillian interned with Deloitte as a Discovery 1 Intern this past summer which gave her valuable insights into the professional world. She worked on a mock M&A project and explored Deloitte’s various service lines. She worked on a consulting project for a city government that allowed her to apply problem-solving skills learned in Canfield BHP classes. “Canfield BHP’s team projects prepared me well for the collaborative environment,” she says. This internship confirmed her interest in tax and underlined the importance of adaptability and teamwork in corporate settings. During her time at Deloitte, she was also able to shadow professionals in various roles, giving her a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations and career pathways.
When asked what the biggest lesson she has learned being a Canfield BHP student was, she reflected on how she has learned to better handle rejection. “At UT and Canfield BHP, everyone’s a high achiever,” Lillian reflects. “Getting rejected from competitive organizations was a surprise, but it taught me to appreciate depth over breadth.” These experiences have prepared her for challenges in the professional world, where perseverance is key. She’s learned to embrace rejection as a stepping stone, using it to refine her goals and grow stronger. She shares advice for incoming Canfield BHP students: “Everybody is on their own journey. Don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t forget why you came here. Live in the moment, and enjoy it.” Indeed, success is not an ideal but a process—of growth and authenticity.
In five years, Lillian aspires to be making an impact in her career, whether that be at a Big 4 firm or in industry. She considers meaningful work and a collaborative environment to be important. Canfield BHP’s emphasis on critical thinking and team-building discussions continues to prepare her for a dynamic future. “I want to be surrounded by people I enjoy working with and doing work that challenges me,” she says.
Lillian’s favorite memories are often the small, spontaneous moments-studying with friends, casual conversations, and bumping into familiar faces on campus. “These little interactions make UT feel like home,” she says. Being involved on campus in organizations like HBA has not only enriched her experience but also strengthened her sense of community. With her drive, curiosity, and compassion, Lillian Chang epitomizes the best of the Canfield Business Honors Program. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength in community, perseverance, and pursuit of passions with purpose.