DataNB
The latest from the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training

NB-IRDT is proud to have had the opportunity to work with students on many projects and initiatives. Our student spotlight series will highlight some of the students we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with.

Meet Tianjao Yang, who was a part of our 2022 Pathways to Professions experiential learning program. Recently, we reached out to Tianjiao to ask about her experience working with NB-IRDT and what she hopes to do next.

Tianjiao is a 5^th-year student at the University of New Brunswick with plans to graduate in winter 2023 with a major in economics and a minor in math.

How did you get involved with NB-IRDT?

I read about (and applied for) the summer experiential learning program P2P from the International Student Advisors Office Newsletter. I found the program was very intriguing, especially the BoostNB stream that I was part of in the summer of 2022.

What did your role entail? What was your biggest accomplishment in your role?

I was one of the student researchers in the BoostNB stream. I updated, analyzed and interpreted open-source longitudinal economic data using excel. I prepared and presented research findings through an online dashboard of economic indicators that was updated and produced by the whole team. We also used an infographic and social media accounts to post economic stretch goals and definitions over time to increase the reach of research results to the general public. My biggest accomplishment was creating visuals and blurbs for BoostNB social media accounts (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)

How has your time at NB-IRDT impacted your educational and/or career goals?

I would say that my goals are more solid because of my time as a student researcher with BoostNB. Because of my time in P2P, I am 100% sure that I would love to  pursue further studies in economics and I’m considering research as my career goal. 

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

The most valuable thing that I have learned from being part of BoostNB is to appreciate the strengths – the good things – that your team members have and learn from them. It might be how they manage their time, if they have a more efficient way of time management. It might be how they prepare things in a word doc. It might be the way they ask you to do things or provide their insights or objections. This is also how this position has impacted me: to learn from people around you even if it’s really small things that you may not have noticed before.

Do you have any advice you’d like to give people reading this post?

My advice would be the most valuable thing that I have learned: To appreciate the strengths of people around you and learn from them.

Stay up to date with Tianjiao and her future endeavours by connecting with her on LinkedIn.