Qiwen Zheng
I’m Qiwen Zheng from China. If I had to describe myself in three words, I’d say I’m adventurous, curious and enthusiastic. I have a deep, genuine passion for exploring the world, both through knowledge and experience. I love hiking, running marathons and traveling—I’ve visited more than 40 countries across four continents. Every new place teaches me about people, nature and how we coexist. Life is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it.
"Lasting change starts with personal growth—only with a grounded, reflective mindset can we tackle global challenges effectively."
Driven to make a difference: a student’s vision for a more sustainable world
Qiwen Zheng came to IE University driven by a sense of global responsibility. Recognizing her own privilege, she feels motivated to do more than just lead a comfortable life—she wants to help others thrive. For her, that means contributing to solutions that protect the planet and empower communities, especially in the face of complex environmental challenges.
Qiwen is passionate about sustainability and the interdependence between humans and nature—values that have shaped both her academic journey and professional choices. She completed a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at the University of Sydney and a master’s degree in nature management at the University of Copenhagen. She then went on to spend a year working at China’s Giant Panda National Park, focusing on endangered species and community-based conservation.
Recognizing her strength as a "spokesperson for nature," Qiwen realized that in order to maximize her impact, she needed to strengthen skills in areas like project management, data analysis, finance and international frameworks. The Master in International Development at IE University proved to be the perfect fit. "The program equips students with practical skills to turn passion into tangible impact, and that’s exactly what I sought," she says.
Equally important to Qiwen was the opportunity to develop her cross-cultural communication skills and connect with people from different backgrounds. The diverse and international community at IE University, with more than 140 nationalities represented, provides the ideal setting for that growth.
Qiwen’s experience in the Master in International Development has given her just the skills she was looking for. Unsurprisingly, given her motivations for coming here, she counts group work as a highlight. She has relished being put into diverse teams; it has placed her in challenging situations that have taken her outside her comfort zone and pushed her to understand unfamiliar perspectives. Ultimately, this has led to transformative experiences that she knows are preparing her to thrive in a global career.
Qiwen also praises the values-driven community and the many networking opportunities at IE University. The professors, who are actively working in the fields they teach, bring fresh and current perspectives that give Qiwen direct insight into the constantly evolving worlds of sustainability and international development. "Their insights into international mechanisms are invaluable—like having a compass in a complex field," she comments.
Together, these factors have enabled Qiwen to broaden her skill set and see opportunities that were not previously on her radar. While her focus before the program had been on natural science and conservation, she is now excited about interdisciplinary opportunities in fields like biodiversity finance, bioeconomy and sustainable entrepreneurship. For Qiwen, the Master in International Development has given her the chance to merge her passion for nature with scalable, systemic impact, adding a new and exciting dimension to her career prospects.
Reflecting on her time at IE University, Qiwen draws on a quote she heard from Danijela Milić of the UN’s International Organization for Migration during her Global Immersion Week in Geneva: "Clear your room before trying to save the world." This quote, which deeply resonated with Qiwen, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and resilience. She believes lasting change starts with personal growth and that only with a grounded, reflective mindset can we tackle global challenges effectively.
Qiwen’s advice to anyone considering studying the Master in International Development is clear: "Engage relentlessly." IE University is full of opportunities, such as workshops, lectures and competitions—but you have to go out and get them. She adds, "The more you put in, the more you’ll grow, connect and turn ideas into action."
Qiwen did just that in the Venture Lab. Along with three other students, she co-developed a sustainability-driven social enterprise called "Bambooda." The experience gave her valuable insights into real-world entrepreneurship and innovation, while allowing her to put her learnings from the classroom into practice.
Looking to the future, Qiwen hopes to work in international organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—where she previously completed an internship—or the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). She aims to put everything she has learned at IE University into practice, working toward driving environmental policy and pursuing her ambition to contribute to meaningful, lasting change in the world.
