Tufts Blogs

It’s tempting to make assumptions about the type of internship, volunteering, or work experience you are “supposed” to pursue based on your major. But at Tufts, I’ve learned that your academic path doesn’t limit you—it opens the door to unexpected opportunities.

When I first arrived at Tufts, I started out as a Biology major. Like many first-years, I thought I had to commit to a certain path right away. But as I explored different classes, I realized and saw how my interests began to shift. I switched to Economics, drawn by my curiosity about markets and financial systems. Over time, though, I found myself wanting an even broader, more global perspective, and that led me to my current major, Chinese Language & Cultural Studies, with minors in Finance and Entrepreneurship.

This winding journey taught me that changing direction isn’t a setback—it’s part of the process. Each switch gave me a clearer sense of what excites me and how I want to combine my skills. At Tufts, I’ve been encouraged to follow those instincts and embrace the flexibility of a liberal arts education.

This past summer, I interned at Fidelity Investments in Boston, working in the Asset Management Compliance, Risk & Business Operations (CRBO) division, specifically on the Data Integrations team. In that role, I often acted as a liaison between different parts of Asset Management—from Fixed Income to Quantitative Research to Technology—serving as the “middle man” to keep processes running smoothly. In addition, I had the chance to work on several value-add projects that allowed me to contribute beyond day-to-day responsibilities and make a tangible impact on the team.

What stood out to me most was how much my Tufts education translated into a professional, fast-moving environment at a global leader like Fidelity. My Chinese Studies major has strengthened my cultural awareness, analytical thinking, and communication skills. My Finance and Entrepreneurship minors have given me technical knowledge and strategic insight. Together, they gave me the confidence to step into a powerhouse company, navigate complexity, and add real value.

Looking back, I see my internship as the perfect example of the Tufts’ liberal arts model in action. I didn’t have to stick with my first major to succeed in fact, my willingness to explore and change directions is what positioned me to find the right fit. For me, Tufts has proven that your major doesn’t confine you to one or two career paths. Instead, it gives you the freedom to carve out your own.