Hoping to learn more about the student organizations at Harvard Kennedy School?
With nearly 100 student organizations on campus, Harvard Kennedy School offers students many opportunities to connect with peers who share their interests and backgrounds.
One such group is the Impact Investing Club, for which Jeff Zhou MPP 2026 serves as the vice-chair of events. Originally from New York, Jeff worked as head of investor relations and portfolio operations at Untapped Ventures prior to coming to HKS. Here at HKS, Jeff hopes to deepen his work at the intersection of innovation and public policy while continuing to collaborate with NGOs. We asked him to tell us more about his involvement in the Impact Investing Club, his HKS experience, and his advice for applicants.
What is your role in the Impact Investing Club?
As the vice-chair of events, I spearhead the planning and execution of the club’s programming throughout the year. My role involves sourcing and coordinating speakers, managing all event logistics, and creating an agenda that aligns with the club’s mission statement. Additionally, I help build community by organizing social mixers and cross-school events that bring students together from all walks of life.
What role does the Impact Investing Club play in your student experience?
The Impact Investing Club plays a major role in my student experience. The academic year has just begun, and we’ve already hosted multiple speaker sessions—one of them with former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick. We also hosted a networking mixer with Harvard Business School that brought in around 60 attendees. However, my most memorable moment with the club so far has been serving as a course assistant for the Impact Investing Study Group taught by Anubha Shrivastava. Although I come from an investing background, analyzing case studies closely with peers has exposed me to entirely new perspectives.
“The Impact Investing Club plays a major role in my student experience. The academic year has just begun, and we’ve already hosted multiple speaker sessions—one of them with former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick.”
Jeff Zhou MPP 2027
What has been your favorite part of HKS so far?
I have enjoyed taking advantage of the many opportunities the school offers. In addition to my work in the Impact Investing Club, I also serve as co-chair of the Building and Infrastructure Caucus and chair several conferences. Outside of student activities, I’ve had the privilege of attending multiple John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum events, ranging from a conversation with Vice President Mike Pence to a panel with the cast of Veep. The world truly feels like your oyster at HKS, and no day is ever the same.
What advice do you have for students applying to HKS?
Know your “why.” With so many opportunities available here, it’s critical to clearly articulate the ones you hope to pursue. You don’t need to have your entire schedule planned out, but having concrete goals will help you stand out. Additionally, leadership is very important at HKS. Take time to seriously reflect on what leadership means to you and how you’ve demonstrated it throughout your academic and professional journey.
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