By Lingling Jiang MPA 2025
I recall sitting in the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum as an incoming student for orientation feeling both excited and nervous. Returning to the Forum as an orientation leader the following August, with a year of experience behind me, I listened to the same pivotal question, “What’s your why?” and reflected on how much had changed.
Serving as an orientation leader has been the highlight of my experience at HKS. I often shared advice with new students during orientation, and now I am happy to share some words of wisdom with the next incoming class.
Be intentional
It’s vital to have clear intentions about what you hope to gain from your HKS experience. Being “intentional” doesn’t necessarily mean having a specific post-graduation job in mind. Rather, it’s about knowing what you want to get out of your HKS experience. Do you want to switch sectors, delve into new topics, or gain experience in a different country? Being clear about your direction can help you navigate the myriad of events and opportunities at HKS.
My classmates often note how quickly time passes when you are surrounded by so many opportunities—from seminars with heads of state to endless exciting conferences. Having a defined direction can help you filter out distractions. For me, I am centering my HKS experience around social intrapreneurship, so I have tailored my educational journey to include relevant courses, made connections with specific professors, and engaged with like-minded alumni.
Expect the unexpected
Often, your experience at HKS won’t unfold exactly as you imagined. I thought my first year would be filled with activities and socializing. Instead, I faced significant family and personal challenges, which led to a totally unexpected year. I ended up spending much less time on campus that I planned. Despite this, I focused on exploring new directions, and I maintained my sense of well-being by keeping a weekly journal and giving myself grace. I learned the importance of prioritizing what truly mattered to me, and I wish someone had reassured me earlier that it was okay to say “no” without feeling like I was missing out.
Learn how to get it done
We all come to HKS with grand aspirations—you probably even wrote about them in your application essays. We learn so much about what’s wrong in the world and what the right policy solutions might be. But how far you will go depends on how much you can make things happen. Many alumni report that courses on leadership, power and influence, and communication have been particularly beneficial when they later try to drive positive changes within their governments, companies, and organizations. It’s one thing to have great ideas—but executing them requires the ability to understand power dynamics, craft compelling narratives, and build alliances.
Focus on the people, enjoy the journey
Attending HKS provides an unmatched opportunity to be surrounded by passionate, impact-oriented individuals from around the globe. The classes and student activities are exciting, but it’s the people that make HKS such a special place.
I still remember how shocked I was when an alumnus who graduated over 30 years ago told me he had just gotten off the phone with his HKS roommate; they still talk almost every month and are lifelong best friends. You might or might not meet your best friends here, but you will definitely meet fascinating people and build true, meaningful relationships. Never forget to enjoy the late-night conversations, debates after class, dances at the formal, and walks alongside Charles River.
Regardless of how you shape your experience, it will be memorable. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
