Don’t Trap Yourself in a Box—The World Is Bigger Than You Think

“You should go into marketing.” “You’re not from this field, so you probably won’t get accepted.” “Stop dreaming—liberal arts majors can’t get into the tech industry.”These words once echoed in my mind, like an invisible wall that trapped my courage to explore more possibilities. But later, I realized that what matters more than how others see us is how we define ourselves.

As a student in the Department of Marketing at Feng Chia University, and someone who transitioned from an IT background to marketing, my journey has been full of academic twists, project challenges, and the trials of interning at a foreign tech company. Unlike most of my peers, these experiences eventually led me down a different path: applying to graduate schools in the United States.

Finding Direction Through Trying—Turning Dreams Into Options

At first, I was simply curious about “international marketing,” “brand strategy,” and “the connection between technology and people,” but I didn’t know how to turn these interests into reality. It wasn’t until I participated in a series of hands-on courses and industry-academia collaborations in my department—such as the old market rebranding project with the Taichung City Government, the smart metro signage design project, and an internship at a foreign semiconductor company—that I gradually discovered what I truly wanted. It wasn’t just the creativity of advertising, but making strategic and actionable decisions in the international market.

Interdisciplinary Capstone Project — Action Recognition Interactive Digital Marketing Billboard

A Bigger World Through Internship

It was during my internship at ASML that I began to seriously consider the possibility of studying abroad. Working in the IT department of this Dutch multinational, I was exposed to cross-departmental collaboration, process management, and systematic thinking. For the first time, I realized that work could be both logical and global in perspective. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds made me wonder: if I could learn on an even bigger stage, would there be more possibilities? During that time, I wasn’t just completing tasks—I was searching for my future direction. So, I decided to apply to graduate schools in the United States, to broaden my horizons and push myself higher.

Internship at ASML Taiwan

Support from Professors—A Key Force Moving Me Forward

The process of applying to graduate school is not just about filling out forms or taking English tests; it’s a marathon of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-advancement. Along the way, I was fortunate to have the support and guidance of my professors, especially Professor Yi-Jing Lee. From choosing schools to preparing recommendation letters, she gave me a lot of concrete and heartfelt help, allowing me to find my direction again when I was lost.

Breaking Through Myself—Only Then Did I Realize How Bright I Could Shine

When I finally received admission offers from top-30 U.S. schools like New York University and Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, I will never forget the shock I felt in that moment.It wasn’t just about “getting accepted”—it was a recognition of myself: I am also qualified to stand on a bigger stage.

I will never forget the shock I felt in that moment.It wasn’t just about “getting accepted”—it was a recognition of myself: I am also qualified to stand on a bigger stage.

This journey wasn’t about relying on agencies or luck, but about stepping out of my comfort zone again and again, being willing to ask questions, and actively seeking help. There were doubts and setbacks along the way, but I never gave up.

Admission Offer from New York University, a Top 30 University in the United States

Served as the Course Instructor for Curation

To the Future You: Don’t Rush to Define Yourself

If you are like I was three years ago—not knowing where your future lies, or even doubting if you have anything special—I want to tell you:

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to bravely take the first step, to try, to learn, to ask, and the world will respond to you.

Don’t rush to fit yourself into the boxes others give you, because you have the right and the ability to walk your own path.

Don’t Rush to Define Yourself