George Qian
Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University
“Clever, hilarious, charming, GQ magazine cover material.”
Fun fact about yourself: I’m the only person in family who was born in the U.S. (the rest were born in China).
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
High School: Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy/Montverde Academy
Major: Finance/Business Technology
Minor: Computer Science
Favorite Business Courses: Modern Data Management, Intro to Finance, Models and Methods of Optimization
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College: Golf team captain, 2x Golf Team Tartan Award recipient, SAAC member 2014-2016
Where have you interned during your college career? The First Tee in Davenport, IA – Assistant coach (taught putting, short game, full swing, etiquette, and rules of golf to students aged 5-12)
Describe your dream Job: PGA Tour Golfer
Who is your favorite professor? Wolfgang Gatterbauer – very fast-paced class, great at teaching all parts of modern data management, and cared about students’ learning.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? The communications aspect of business is applicable to everything. I will definitely carry forward what I learned in business communications and presentations into my professional golf career.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? People, especially in the business world, lose attention very quickly. Effective communication is always direct and brief.
Where would you like to work after graduation? PGA Tour Golfer
What are your long-term professional goals? Win on the PGA Tour, win majors, and become the best player in the world.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Support your business education with something more technical, such as computer science or human-computer interaction.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…my brother started a successful career with his business major.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a computer science major.”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…which business concentration/track I was most interested in.”
What was the happiest moment of your life? Shooting 69-67 to win the Iowa PGA Junior Championship and qualify for the Junior PGA Championship in 2013.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my 4.0 at the Tepper School and (hopefully) being a 3-time All-American golfer.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? Tortoise – quiet, consistent effort always wins.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents – if it were not for their courage in coming to America, I would not be alive (one child policy).
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? A smart kid who did really well in school, but somehow always found time to practice golf and have fun.
Favorite book: Putting Out of Your Mind – Bob Rotella
Favorite movie: Fight Club
Favorite musical performer: Chance the Rapper
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with good weather and golf courses
What are your hobbies? Piano, guitar, golf
What made George such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“George reaps the benefits from being a very focused and committed person. Academically, he is near the top of his class and is a well-respected leader in the classroom. On the Men’s Golf team, he has received individual honors as an All-American, and has helped his team set school records. He wants to continue golfing after graduation at the highest possible level, and it will continue to be exciting to see what he can achieve.”
Steve Pajewski
Acting Executive Director of the Undergraduate Business Administration Program
Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017