London Blogging

Hi everyone, my name is Steven Liu and I will be a senior studying finance at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management this fall. For the past year, I have been studying abroad at the London School of Economics, so please excuse me if I say “chips” when I mean “fries!” I’m really excited to join TEC and B-Stock Solutions this summer.

I found out about TEC from one of last year’s TECers, Alex Mielke. I like how the program takes a holistic approach and reinforces our work experiences with speakers and discussions. I’ve had experience working for startups before; last summer I worked part time for TaskRabbit (formerly RUNmyERRAND) in Cambridge, MA. It was a fun opportunity to learn about the startup lifestyle and get some hands on experience. This summer, I’m ready to go full time.

I first got interested in entrepreneurship in high school when I led my business club’s entry into Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) social enterprise competition. I was attracted to entrepreneurship because I am at my best when I am completely focused, in control, and personally invested in what I’m doing. The experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged my own perceptions of what I was capable of. However, I was tempted by the Dark side of investment banking when I got to college and it wasn’t until I visited San Francisco and Silicon Valley last year as part of BC’s TechTrek course that I rediscovered the joys of entrepreneurship.

I got a fantastic opportunity to meet some really cool entrepreneurs in London, both student and professional, through LSE’s Entrepreneurs Society. I helped put on EPIC, an Apprentice-style business skills competition featuring students from all over the world. I would like to start my own company one day, but as I have already learned this summer entrepreneurial success cannot be forced. The best ideas happen serendipitously and I am confident I will recognize the right situation when I see it. I just have to trust the Force.

Some fun facts about me: I was born in Shanghai, China, and I live in Allentown, PA (yes, the one from the Billy Joel song). In my free time, I like TV, sports, music, and traveling. As you can probably tell from some of the references I’ve been dropping in this post, I’m also a Star Wars fan.

I’m actually still in London as I write this, finishing up the last of my final exams, though I can’t wait to head out to the Bay Area next week and get down to business. I look forward to meeting everyone in person (and right-side up!) Until then, as they say here, cheers!

Red Leader out.