Student Profile

Jingning Ao

Why did you decide to sign up for Leading with Finance?

For years, the term "finance" was mysterious and scary to me. I really enjoyed the Financial Accounting course in CORe, so I signed up for Leading with Finance to challenge myself and to better understand its significance in business. A miracle happened: fear turned out to be LOVE. This program introduced me to another wonderland!

What was your favorite part of the program?

First, I appreciated all the insights from my peers. Many times, I was able to fully grasp a concept by reading others' explanations and applied understandings in various business settings. The participants in this program had amazing and diverse backgrounds, and that definitely went beyond my expectations.

Second, the course led me through finance smoothly from basic analysis to challenging capital allocation. It stretched the boundaries of my knowledge and broadened my views towards the world.

Third, the content about value creation and valuation offered another dimension to thinking about business model innovation. Value proposition is generally regarded as the core of business models, but financial valuation and creation also have important and different perspectives to look at.

Overall, it is a learning-based, open-minded, and inspirational online community. What I gained are more than my words can express.

How are you applying the skills you've learned in Leading with Finance?

I applied it to both my teaching and research. For teaching, after summarizing what I learned from this program, I introduced finance in a 90-minute class to junior and senior college students in order to show them different ways of doing business plans in the leisure and sport domains. For research, finance plays a significant role: financing resources are considered the biggest problem confronting space tourism entrepreneurs. Mastering finance means holding the key to make a difference in the emerging space industry. I am still working hard on it.

Any advice for people who will be taking Leading with Finance?

First, don't worry if your peers seem to be experts in finance, you can always bring different viewpoints and shine in your way! Second, picturing a startup or your favorite company can be helpful for applying financial knowledge into your own scenarios. Third, enjoy yourself and make friends with the awesome people in your cohort!