Meet Charlotte Tian, BWYA Class of 2018
Meet Charlotte Tian, BWYA Class of 2018
Charlotte Tian joined BWYA in 2015 as a grade 10 student, seeking an international education and the IB programmes. “I liked that IB wasn’t just about test-taking — it’s interdisciplinary and focuses on the learning process,” she explains. Coming in as the “new kid” could have been daunting, but Charlotte quickly found her place through shared interests in art and photography. “I spent a lot of time exploring Beijing with my camera, shooting architecture and bonding with friends who loved art.”
Charlotte embraced BWYA’s diverse community and opportunities. She became President of Model United Nations, travelling to Singapore for conferences, and credits these experiences for building confidence and public speaking skills. “I loved being surrounded by people passionate about different things — science, art, literature. That exposure was inspiring.” She also recalls writing her Extended Essay (EE) in Mathematics, a challenge that shaped her academic path. “Not many students chose maths for EE, but with support from my teacher, Mr. Ambler, I learned how to tackle open-ended problems. That experience later helped me in real life.”
After BWYA, Charlotte headed to Northwestern University, earning a bachelor’s in Mathematics and a master’s in Computer Science in just four years. Today, she works in Chicago as a quantitative trader at IMC Trading. Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. “Quant trading was a niche field with limited resources. It reminded me of writing my Extended Essay — carving out your own way, problem-solving without a rulebook.”
Charlotte’s advice for current Wolves: “Learning isn’t just about tests or getting into a school. Be curious, explore different ideas, and find what truly interests you.” Looking back, she adds one thing she would change: “I wish I’d done more sports! Now I climb, ski, and play tennis — but I didn’t start until college.”
Thank you, Charlotte for sharing your journey with us! If you’re an alumnus who would like to revisit your alma mater, simply scan the QR code below to book your visit.
