William Zhu, soon-to-be graduate of the Enterprise Risk Management program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS), serves as University student senator for the SPS Student Government (SPSSG). In this role, Zhu is committed to SPSSG’s mission to represent and advocate for students within the numerous SPS master’s programs and the broader student body.
“I am thrilled to serve as senator for SPS Student Government,” said Zhu. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our vibrant community and to support my fellow students.”
With an undergraduate degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, in economics, Zhu has acquired extensive national and international experience in both the corporate banking and capital management sector. He recently presented at the International Conference on Management Science and Industrial Economy Development in China, and aims to continue advancing his skills and expertise.
In a recent conversation with SPS, Zhu reflected on his journey at Columbia so far. “I was excited to join Columbia for the opportunity to develop professionally and academically,” Zhu said, “but it was my involvement with SPSSG and the Columbia Senate that truly elevated my Columbia experience.”
Zhu believes the skills he has developed complement his technical knowledge in financial management, making him a more well-rounded and dynamic professional. “Working alongside driven, ambitious, and like-minded student leaders allowed me to grow exponentially,” he said. “These roles pushed me to step up and refine essential skills like strategic communication and effective problem-solving as I navigated complex situations to create a better community for our student body.”
In addition to serving on the SPSSG, Zhu founded the International Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program as a way to help international students adjust to life at Columbia University.
After graduation, Zhu plans to apply his newly acquired skills to the financial services industry. Looking back on his time at SPS, he shared, “I’m grateful that my journey at Columbia has equipped me with the resilience and confidence to face future challenges and pursue success.”
About SPS Student Government
The mission of the SPS Student Government (SPSSG) is to create a unified community for all students across SPS programs. The SPSSG is elected by their peers to represent each master's program as well as the student body at large and advocates for student interests before the SPS administration, faculty, alumni, and the greater Columbia University Community.
About the Enterprise Risk Management Program
The Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program at Columbia University prepares graduates to inform better risk-reward decisions by providing a complete, robust, and integrated picture of both upside and downside volatility across an entire enterprise.
Fall 2025 application deadlines for the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management program are March 15, 2025 for applicants with international documents, and May 1, 2025 for the final deadline. Learn more here.
