[img_inline align=”” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/qin_na.jpg” caption=”International student Na Qin graduates from DeGroote today.”]

Students from the DeGroote School of Business graduate today. Below, Na Qin, a representative from DeGroote's undergraduate commerce class of 2009, is profiled.

In September 2004, Na Qin arrived in Canada from China to begin an honours commerce degree at McMaster University.

“The DeGroote School of Business is one of the best business schools in Canada,” says Qin, as she recalls her first day on campus. “I remember thinking the school is not so big, but the program has great professors that are approachable and I really like the team-based atmosphere.”

As an international student, finding a degree program that allowed for interaction with professors and classmates was important to Qin in order to help improve her English. During her four years at DeGroote, Qin has been involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities in both the McMaster and Hamilton communities. Not only did she serve as the fourth year representative of the DeGroote Finance Association, but Qin was also on the finance executive of the 2008 DeGroote Business Challenge. She has also participated in the International Student Services mentorship program, supporting new international and exchange students in making the transition to university life in Canada.

Qin's hard work, maintaining a 3.96 GPA while balancing two part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities, “paid off” when she was nominated for the Chancellor's Gold Medal, a university-wide award that recognizes outstanding scholarship, leadership and influence.

“I still feel very honoured by this nomination,” she says, adding, “nothing is impossible if you work hard.”

Following convocation, Qin is planning to take some time off and embark on a career in the world of finance, before pursuing an MBA.

“After four years, DeGroote has taught me about all the aspects of the business world. I have gained the confidence and experience I need to balance multiple, demanding commitments, as well as enhanced my time-management, communication and team-working skills,” she states. “These assets will serve me well in the future.”