Mickey Zheng, BS '26

Name: Mickey Zheng 

Hometown: New York City 

Program: Quantitative Economics and Data Analysis and Public Policy and Management  

Awards: Mickey is a recipient of two nationally competitive scholarships administered by the U.S. Department of State to study abroad in South Korea in 2024: Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship.  

What activities were you involved in during your time at UAlbany? 

I participated in UAlbany Taekwondo Club, Economics Student Association, Office of Career and Professional Development Peer Career Advisor, Residential Assistant, Albany International Representative (AIR), Purple and Gold Ambassador, and Badminton Club. 

What were some highlight experiences of your undergraduate career? 

Winning three Taekwondo medals at various tournaments through the Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo Conference (ECTC) league, interning at the U.S. House of Representatives through the Semester in Washington Program and studying abroad in South Korea.   

What’s next for you after graduation? 

I am a second-time awardee of the Critical Language Scholarship program for the Korean language. I will be returning to South Korea to study the Korean language this summer. I will also be teaching English in South Korea in 2027 as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. 

Do you have any advice for incoming undergraduate students? 

Do not hesitate to start with no experience. Start volunteering or join a club, utilize the career office.  And better yet, there are ways to get academic credits for them!