Cornell University Precollege Studies
Risk Management in Emerging Markets | Summer 2026
In the summer of 2026, I completed Risk Management in Emerging Markets through Cornell University's Precollege Studies program, earning college credit while studying alongside other high school and university-bound students. The course explored the political, economic, and institutional forces that shape business in emerging economies, introducing frameworks used to evaluate geopolitical risk, industrial policy, global supply chains, and international development.
The program offered a rigorous introduction to university-level coursework. Through intensive reading, analytical writing, and independent research, I experienced the pace and expectations of a college classroom while developing the study habits required to succeed in higher education. I am proud to have completed the course with an A, earning top marks across the semester's discussion posts, written assignments, and final research project.
The course demanded a level of commitment that far exceeded a typical high school class. Each week required extensive reading drawn from academic journals, policy reports, business publications, and current international news. Rather than memorizing concepts, students were expected to synthesize multiple perspectives and apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary events.
Keeping pace with the workload required several hours of reading each day, careful note-taking, and consistent preparation before every discussion and assignment. The volume of material encouraged me to develop more disciplined study habits and stronger time management skills. By the end of the summer, I had become much more comfortable processing large amounts of complex information and identifying the connections between different sources.
Experiencing this workload before entering university gave me confidence that I am prepared to excel in future college-level study.
College-Level Coursework
Understanding Risk in a Global Economy
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was its interdisciplinary approach to risk. Rather than viewing risk solely through the lens of finance, we examined the political, social, and technological forces that influence international business decisions. Topics included industrial policy, corruption, demographic change, environmental regulation, technological competition, and the role governments play in shaping innovation.
A particular focus of my final research project was China's "Little Giants" program, an industrial strategy that supports highly specialized manufacturing companies occupying key positions within strategic supply chains. Studying this policy challenged me to think about innovation beyond well-known technology companies and instead consider the smaller firms that quietly underpin entire industries. The project required evaluating China's strategy through the analytical frameworks introduced throughout the course while comparing it with international models of industrial development.
Reflection
Looking back, the greatest value of the course was not simply the knowledge I gained about international business, but the experience of working at a genuine college level. The pace of the class demanded sustained focus throughout the summer, and every assignment built upon previous lectures, readings, and discussions. Success depended on remaining engaged with the material every week rather than preparing only for major deadlines.
Completing the course with an A was especially meaningful because it reflected months of consistent effort. More importantly, the experience demonstrated that I can thrive in an academically demanding environment, balancing intensive reading, analytical writing, and independent research while maintaining a high standard of work.
I am deeply grateful to Cornell University's Precollege Studies program and my instructor for creating such a challenging and rewarding learning environment. Earning college credit while studying material at this level has strengthened both my academic confidence and my enthusiasm for pursuing further university study.