Interested in connecting with HKS alumni around the world?
Long after graduation, many alumni stay engaged with HKS in some capacity. Xi Liu MPP 2015 became involved with the HKS China Regional Alumni Network to connect with classmates, current students, professors, and fellow alumni.
Originally from Beijing, China, Xi Liu MPP 2015 completed two bachelor’s degrees at Zhejiang Univerisity and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, master’s degree at Harvard Kennedy School, and PhD at Tsinghua University. She is currently working for two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on youth development: the Nanjing World Youth Development Service Center and Hi China International Youth Development Alliance.
Read below to learn about her journey to HKS and her experience with the HKS China Regional Alumni Network.
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Please share some of your favorite moments from your time at HKS.
In my second year at HKS, I became the president of the China Society (now known as the Greater China Society). We organized many seminars focused on China. On Harvard’s campus—more than 10,000 kilometers away from China—you can find experienced experts like Professor Tony Saich whose work and research centers on the relationship between China and the world. HKS is such a special place because you can learn from professors who have played a direct role in formulating the policies you’re discussing in the classroom.
How did HKS shape your career plans?
HKS changed my entire career trajectory. I studied finance and mathematics during my undergraduate education and later pursued a career in financial investments. However, everyone at HKS is striving to change the world. Inspired by the HKS motto “Ask what you can do,” I began to think about what more I could do and decided to put my ideas into action. I resigned from my job in financial investments, devoted myself to social welfare, and founded two NGOs focusing on youth development. One of them obtained special consultative status with the United Nations.
How did you become involved with the HKS China Regional Alumni Network?
To this day, I recognize the value of HKS. I joined the HKS China Regional Alumni Network and later became its president in hopes of continuing to do more for the school as an alumna.
“HKS changed my entire career trajectory. ... Inspired by the HKS motto ‘Ask what you can do,’ I began to think about what more I could do and decided to put my ideas into action.”
Xi Liu MPP 2015
What kinds of events have you organized for alumni as president of the HKS Regional Alumni Network?
Over the last year, I have been focusing on organizing HKS Alumni Breakfast Discussions. Usually held on weekends, these events bring together alumni and renowned experts from various industries to have closed door conversations about specific topics: international relations, how AI can change lives, the development of capital markets, and more. In the past, we have invited former Chairman of China Investment Corporation Xiqing Gao, HKS’s Dean for Strategy and Engagement Gordon Hanson, Nio Inc. co-founder Lihong Qin, and others. Open to alumni and their friends, we held 23 HKS Alumni Breakfast Discussions in 2024, which attracted nearly 2,300 attendees.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying to HKS?
HKS is a place dedicated to cultivating future leaders. As you work on your application, show how you plan to help the world instead of simply talking about how excellent you are.
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