Cherry Zhang is a Brigham Young University–Hawaii alumna originally from Shenzhen, China, now residing in Hong Kong, China. She graduated in December 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Today, with a Master's in Digital Management and an IBM internship, she's bringing her curiosity, and love of connecting with people into her career as a Technology Transformation Consultant.
What's Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at BYUH?
My favorite memory was definitely visiting different labs at HGB, meeting with different tutors, and joining their review sessions before exams. This really helped me improve my grades and strengthen the knowledge I had learned in class. The tutors I met were very patient, professional, and sweet. They were very friendly and helpful, and later became my friends as well. It also drove me to become one of the tutors in the last few semesters. I truly enjoy the rewarding process of tutoring.
How Did BYUH Shape Who You Are Today?
BYUH is incredibly diverse; I meet people from all over the world. It’s so cool to learn about various cultures and traditions, especially during the vibrant Culture Night and Food Fest. These events truly highlight the university’s strong commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion.
Also, the Aloha Spirit there is something I can’t experience anywhere else. People are pure and genuine, always willing to help at a level that feels comfortable for me. The students and staff are genuine treasures.
On top of that, professors are approachable and happy to help whenever I stop by their office. They patiently walk me through questions step by step, with no boundaries between students and faculty.
The small class sizes make learning more engaging and lively. This environment really helped me become more outspoken and confident in myself.
What Are You Doing Now Professionally?
I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Digital Management from the University of Hong Kong. I completed a six-month internship at IBM as a Technology Transformation Consultant. In October, I will join a consulting firm in the same role.
In my work, I focus on business strategy and data analytics, using tools such as Power BI, SQL, and Excel to deliver insightful reports and support client projects.
How Did Your BYUH Education Help Prepare You for Your Career?
BYUH taught me to be genuine in how I treat people. The way you treat others is often the same way they will treat you in return. People can be a great help if you have the right strategy — being genuine and building trust. Connection is incredibly powerful, no matter what field you work in.
With the slogan “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve,” BYUH courses focus on developing both soft and hard skills. Through field trips, role-playing, and interactive games, students get to experience real-world situations. The engaging course materials and thoughtful design encouraged me to think about the “why” behind the content, not just the content itself. This has been especially valuable since many jobs today require strong strategic thinking. I’ve learned to dig deeper and think things through more thoroughly.
Most importantly, BYUH cultivated in me the desire to serve others. We all need help sometimes. The volunteer work I did during my time there, laboring on the farm, serving at the temple, and helping people move and clean—taught me the importance of being selfless. These experiences showed me how to express care and love while reflecting God’s example.
What's a Highlight or Achievement You're Especially Proud Of?
I'm especially proud of the “Empower Your Dream” business competition I joined; it was my very first business competition. With no prior experience, assigning tasks and figuring out how to maximize our strengths as a team was challenging. As team lead, I learned how to delegate effectively and collaborate with my teammates to solve problems together.
We developed strong competitive advantages, but just a few days before our final submission, we discovered that our competitors had already executed a very similar idea. We quickly pivoted and came up with alternative perks to strengthen our proposal. Although we didn’t advance, my team and I worked extremely hard, and the experience taught me the overall structure of building a business case and how to present our process clearly. Most importantly, it sparked my creativity and pushed me to think beyond “what” and “how”; I learned to deeply consider the “why” and the logic behind every decision. This helped ensure our ideas made sense not only to the judges but also to people hearing the concept for the first time. The experience made me fall in love with business competitions. During my Master’s in Hong Kong, I joined quite a few more. I truly enjoy the entire thinking process; it feels like managing a real project from start to finish.
What Advice Would You Give to Current BYUH Students?
Exploring beyond formal academic studies, not just secluding yourself in textbooks. Go have a casual chat with your professor, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, or take interesting extracurricular classes like wood carving, drumming, or hula dance, etc. Finding a part-time job you truly enjoy is equally valuable.
Most of all, step outside your comfort zone to interact and make friends with people from different countries. When you properly manage your time for the Lord, He will maximize your value. Have faith and stay steady in the direction you are going.
What Does Being a Seasider Mean to You?
Being a Seasider means I really have to make time for the beach. I can honestly say that watching the calming blue ocean has helped reduce my nearsightedness prescription, and it feels incredibly healing.
Also, it teaches me to think of others first, to serve them and put myself in their shoes. That way, when I am in need, there will be people ready to support me too.
What's Something People Would Be Surprised to Know About You?
I really love dancing, and I believe it’s in my DNA. People often say they can see a very sassy side of me when I dance, a side I don't usually show to others.