At just 21 years old, John Zheng graduated from Harvard University with his Master's in Real Estate Investment & Strategic Management. It almost seems as if John cracked a magical code to success; but he explains how in just four short years he accomplished so much.

In his sophomore year of high school, John set a goal to graduate with his Bachelor's degree in one year. He enrolled in post-secondary education options (PSEO), self-studying advanced placement courses (AP), a college level examination program (CLEP), and DSST exams which is an internet-based training program. Through all of these opportunities he received college credits. Thankfully, the University of Minnesota Duluth took everything he earned, and after one year in college he moved on to tackling his next feat at Harvard University.

As a ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellow, John was connected to a network of professionals that helped him in his career, as well as exposed him to a number of different organizations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.

His biggest advice for other young professionals is to connect with everyone.

"Your network is critical to your success. Do everything and experiment with your career path and pursue something within entrepreneurship." He says the greatest challenge is being stuck in something you don't enjoy.

"If you don't enjoy the work you do, pivot. Life is too short for you to work in something that doesn't bring you joy. Your vision comes first and strategy comes second." 

His future career goals are to gain as much experience and knowledge of the commercial real estate industry. John is currently pivoting roles from Mortgage Banker to Commercial Portfolio Manager. He hopes to gain more career exposure in the future.