Celestine Chua

My Story

Before coming to the University of Arizona, I lived in Lansing, Michigan where my father was a small business owner in the automotive industry. Going to work with my father and witnessing a family orientated environment focusing on integrity, commitment, and passion for business is what drew me to the Eller community. I always wanted to get a business degree, but my original plan was to use it as a stepping stone. I did not intend on pursuing it as a career. 

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I have been fortunate to have been a full scholarship athlete on the University of Arizona Women’s Gymnastics Team, a peer mentor for incoming freshmen to help them acclimate to college athletics, former member of the ELITE Program through The Eller College, and a Political Affairs Intern at the Borgen Project. 

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When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, I had just recently medically retired from the gymnastics team due to chronic injuries. My whole world flipped upside down, but I was determined to use this as an opportunity to focus on my professional development. In addition to Marketing, I am also studying Journalism and Government & Public Policy. I wanted to find a career where I could combine all of the things I love to do. 

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Fast forward to first semester in Eller, I have developed a passion for business consulting through our group projects. I am passionate about helping my clients and building relationships with them through problem solving and hoping to add value to their business. I have learned that there are so many avenues that business provides and being around like minded people has been valuable for my education. Being involved in athletics my entire life, I thrive under challenging situations where I have to work together with my team to accomplish our end goal. I have learned how to work well under pressure situations in a “cutthroat” environment and understand the uniqueness of the individual role in team setting. Overall, I’ve learnt a lot through life experiences and from people I’ve been able to interact with and who are very knowledgeable in the industry. I’ve loved seeing how everything I am learning is connected and seeing how all the multifaceted pieces fit together. Having that impact on someone’s life in a positive way is very rewarding. I believe that this joy translates over into business where I can help a client and be there every step of the way to lead them to success. 

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I realized just how much I loved business. Heading into my senior year in the fall, I am very excited to network with employers in business consulting.