BIS in Individualized Study

Dylan Hayes, 2025

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

One of the most engaging and well-taught classes I’ve ever taken was Chinese Foreign Policy with Professor Ketian Zhang. Professor Zhang was incredibly well-prepared and made a three-hour class fly by. I was genuinely excited for a three-hour Monday class! The subject material was wonderful and interesting, especially considering how important the U.S.-China relationship is globally. The final paper, where I analyzed China’s maritime strategy in the Second Thomas Shoal, was one of my favorite assignments. The exams were tough but fair, and I felt like I really learned a lot. I would gladly take this class again! 

Also, International Economic Policy with Professor Donald Boudreaux completely changed the way I think about trade and international economics. He’s a fantastic professor and made complex ideas really clear and memorable. His blend of history and metaphors when describing complex economic topics made them really easy to follow and understand. I learned so much about how free trade benefits not just countries, but everyday people. Lower costs and more choices benefit everyone. I wrote my final paper on the impact of free trade on economic growth, which helped tie everything together. The exams were challenging but very fair. It was one of those classes that just really sticks with you, and one that I would also gladly take again! 

What activities were you involved in during your time at George Mason that impacted you?  

While I wasn’t involved in clubs or study abroad, something that really stood out to me was how many great conversations I had with my professors outside of class. Whether it was through Zoom or speaking with them after class, I found myself regularly reaching out to talk more about the material. Those discussions helped me learn even more about the topics we were studying and really helped me with how I thought about things. It also made me feel more connected to the school and my professors, which was a big deal for me, coming back to college after time in the military and sometimes struggling to feel like I belonged. 

What is your most memorable moment at George Mason inside or outside of the classroom?  

One of my most memorable moments at George Mason was finding out I had been selected as one of the CHSS Outstanding Students and being asked to speak at a program focus group. I’ve never really thought of myself as anything special, especially since I wasn’t the best student back in grade school or high school. So, to be recognized like that after all the hard work I’ve put in really meant a lot to me. It made me feel like everything I’ve been working toward is paying off, and it was just a really great moment. 

As you are reflecting on your time at George Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey? 

One piece of advice I’d give is to really believe in yourself and remember you can do anything you set your mind to! George Mason has incredible professors, and the level of support from all across the university is really second to none. Also, this location brings amazing opportunities from internships to networking, and those things can make a big difference. My advice is to take advantage of everything around you; this is a really incredible place! 

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans? 

After graduation, I’m hoping to begin a new career in wealth management. I’ve spent a lot of time preparing by meeting with professionals across the industry, completing my senior project on the different career paths and philosophies within financial advising, and taking the SIE exam, which is the first required step toward becoming a licensed securities representative. I’ve also been fortunate enough to receive multiple job offers and am looking forward to working with a great team on what could become a long-term opportunity to grow, help clients, and eventually manage my own book of business.  

What really excites me about this career is the chance to build meaningful relationships and help people solve real problems, especially when it comes to something as important and stressful as their financial future. I’ve always enjoyed solving puzzles and completing difficult challenges, and being able to do that in a way that helps other people is something that appeals to me very strongly.  

I want to thank my amazing family and my incredible girlfriend Mikaela. They’ve been incredibly supportive every step of the way, and I genuinely couldn’t have done any of this without them.