Student Profile: Ziruo Li, MPP Class of 2026

While an undergraduate at Peking University, Ziruo Li, MPP Class of 2026, said she originally saw herself on a more “traditional” path. “I was earning a dual degree in economics and Arabic Language and Literature, and I was interested in ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance]. I figured I would get my MBA and then go into consulting or a finance-related job in the U.S. with ESG as my specialization.” 

However, Li said, as her undergraduate experience progressed, she realized that wasn’t the career path she wanted. “While interning with KPMG, and then with Boston Consulting Group, I began to see the pivotal role policy plays in shaping local sustainable development—as well as the connection between social dynamics and economic policies.”  

Her curiosity piqued about the intersection of policy and economics, Li undertook two more internships that focused more on her interest in ESG—one with the International Institute of Green Finance, a Chinese research institute, and one with Greenpeace. “Those internships cemented my interest in the field of public policy, specifically as it relates to renewable energy and green finance.” 

Having decided to pursue graduate work in public policy, Li began researching graduate programs. One critical difference about the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy MPP program stood out immediately. “Most business schools in the US and UK that I had previously been exploring were one-year programs—actually less than a year, from September to June of the next year. I knew I wanted to stay abroad a bit longer and do a summer internship between the two years, and the Harris MPP made that an option.”

Once she began communicating with the Harris admissions team and was preparing to start her application, Li said, she knew Harris was her best choice. “Throughout the admissions process, the staff were extremely helpful, and I had the opportunity to speak with alumni as well, and they answered my questions and shared their experience. It was all very warm and welcoming.” 

Another facet of Harris that Li said she appreciated came to light once she got on campus. “Chicago is a really beautiful city. I live in the South Loop and wake up with a view of the lake, and at night I can see the streetlights and buildings all lit up. Walking by the lake is very peaceful—it’s only a 10-15-minute walk from where I live—and being able to see the city skyline while walking is really beautiful.” 

Academically, Li said the MPP has definitely met her expectations. “I love the atmosphere at Harris. Not only are the professors incredibly knowledgeable, but they welcome our questions and offer support beyond the classroom, sharing networking opportunities and other professional resources.” 

Li mentioned Assistant Instructional Professor Zhaosong Ruan as a faculty member who has made a strong impact on her. “His ‘China and the World’ course clearly and thoroughly explores why certain political events are happening. I appreciate that because in politics, there is a lot of special terminology and language, and Ruan always explains them in a clear, understandable way.” 

Li herself is also seeking to make an impact with students, serving as a Harris Ambassador. “Since I was helped by current students while I was applying, I wanted to do something to connect our future students and help them through the process.” 

As for where she sees herself after graduation, Li said a career with a development bank, “where I can work on Middle East Green Finance projects and devise policies to improve the situation,” would be ideal. “Over the past years, having reflected more on my work/life goals, making an impact while using the skills I have been learning will be a big part of that.”