When Alan Jian first heard of the Canfield Business Honors Program (Canfield BHP), it was through the recommendation of a high school upperclassman. Drawn to the program’s smaller program and support system, he knew it was for him. Now as a triple major of Canfield BHP, Finance, and Sustainability, Alan has been surrounded by a unique blend of business and sustainability.
Alan’s university experience has been immensely enriched by his involvement in clubs like the Philanthropy Investment Team (PIT) within University Securities Investment Team (USIT), Undergraduate Business Council (UBC), Beekeeping Society, and University Management Business and Research Association (UMBRA). Through PIT, he has had the opportunity to help directly by donating $120,000 annually to charities, applying analytical skills to make a tangible impact. UBC, on the other hand, introduced him to a diverse and uplifting community where students are challenged to forge their own unique paths. Among the many courses Alan has taken is one that stands out: Corporate Social Responsibility with Professor Nathan Barrymore. Through the course, his understanding of the intersection of business and social and environmental issues was reinforced, further cementing his passion for sustainability and ethical decision-making.
Balancing courses, being a leader, and outside interests is not an easy feat, but Alan has mastered prioritizing energy rather than time. While acknowledging he is not perfect, he has developed the mindset of not allowing disappointments to send him into a spiral. “It’s all about balancing emotions- and energy, rather than productivity,” he says.
His MAN 101 peer mentor had encouraged Alan to expand beyond the traditional business careers. The internship reaffirmed his passion for climate impact work and redirected his career plans. Beyond the job itself, he loved working with the people, noticing how a pleasant work environment makes any job rewarding.
Through the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership program, he obtained an internship with the U.S. Forest Service as a Fisheries Intern at Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest. His passion for sustainability and public service motivated him to take this new opportunity, where he spent eight weeks conducting field surveys, snorkeling river streams to conduct fish counts, mapping road impacts, and even crawling under culverts to see environmental change. Alan would go to beaches and track fish populations over time to study the impact of environmental factors on native fisheries. He utilized measuring sticks, tape, boots, and wet suits to take physical surveys, extensive notes, and pictures.
The experience was tough and enlightening. Living in the forest for the summer he had to drive an hour just to go to the grocery store. There was no cell service in the bunkhouse he lived in. This truly pushed his boundaries and was a mind-opening experience. While this was a homogenous land, Alan learned a lot about diversity, human condition, and kindness. Because it was such a small community Alan learned a lot about people’s previous stories and what they bring to the table. Even though everyone came from different backgrounds they are all working together to protect the same land.
Aside from studies, Alan enjoys writing and poetry in his free time. He also enjoys hosting friends with dinner parties and cooking traditional Cantonese food.
In 5 years, Alan hopes to be in a dynamic learning environment as he wants to continue to learn no matter where he is. He admires the Canfield BHP alumni network and hopes is ready to utilize that network both professionally and socially.
To the incoming students in Canfield BHP, Alan says that there is a lot of uncertainty and both internal and external pressure. He says to push yourself and be very intentional on the decisions you make and how you spend your time. “College is the best time to explore and learn about yourself. It would be a waste of time to just explore one path, explore multiple! It’s now or never!” Alan’s journey in the Canfield Business Honors Program is a testament to how his passions and interests of business and sustainability has allowed him to make an impact.