2017 Best & Brightest: Erica Chuong, Villanova School of Business

Erica Chuong

Villanova School of Business

An idealist and a dreamer – a highly ambitious individual with a passion for adventure.”

Fun fact about yourself: I am fascinated by aviation and hope to obtain a private license one day.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

High School: Upper St. Clair High School

Major: International Business, Management, and Global Leadership Fellow

Minor: Business Analytics, Business Law & Corporate Governance, and Chinese

Favorite Business Courses: Business in Emerging Markets, International Marketing, and Strategic Thinking and Implementation

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College: Villanova Cheerleading, Pi Beta Phi (Social Chair), and Villanova Fashion Event Planning Coordinator

Where have you interned during your college career? IMG Artists Asia (Singapore, Singapore), Paychex (Rochester, NY), Unilever (Sao Paulo, Brazil), and Govberg Jewelers (Philadelphia, PA)

Describe your dream job: Global CEO or Global Advertising Director of a fashion house

Who is your favorite professor? Dr. Jonathan Doh

Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? Elon Musk

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Business is not just about sales and profits – it is about collaboration and teamwork, about the art of negotiation, about acting ethically to drive sustainability, and most importantly, about using a variety of viewpoints to come up with the best solution possible.

What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? Having the opportunity to gain a better understanding of different markets first-hand, in addition to exposing myself to various working environments

Where would you like to work after graduation? Vogue or Elle

What are your long-term professional goals? To gain substantial experience in a variety of sectors and transition into a role that allows me to oversee operations on an international level

“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I realized the breadth of skills that I’d gain with a business degree that could be applied to a number of industries and sectors .”

“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a travel blogger.”

“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…how much my aspirations would expand, and that there are never enough hours in a day to accomplish these aspirations.”

What was the happiest moment of your life? When I first traveled internationally to Thailand – it sparked my interest in international affairs and fueled my current passions .

Which academic or personal achievement are you most proud of? Placing first at my first gymnastics competition

What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? Elephant

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My professional mentors introduced to me at Villanova as well as my family for supporting me

Fun fact about yourself: I have traveled to 27 countries over the past 4 years.

Favorite book: #GIRLBOSS

Favorite movie: The Devil Wears Prada

Favorite musical performer: Beyoncé

Favorite vacation spot: Bangkok, Thailand

What are your hobbies? Traveling, photography, gymnastics, and interior design

What made Erica such an invaluable member of the Class of 2017?

“Erica is a dynamic, energetic and extremely incisive student. What makes her especially engaging is her global and cross-cultural experience and perspective. She studied abroad and interned in three distinct regions of the world, and she brings these insights and experiences into the classroom and workplace.  She has one of the most critical qualities of any student – curiosity – and she is passionate about learning, especially when it helps her understand global issues and their implications for business.  She was an absolute pleasure to have in class and I look forward to following her many accomplishments and achievements.”

Jonathan Doh, PhD
Professor, Management & Operations
Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in International Business
Faculty Director, Center for Global Leadership
Villanova School of Business

DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017