The hallowed halls of the University of Cambridge await Economics student, Isabella Zhang (OH 2024), who is one of Haileybury’s latest graduates to continue her studies overseas. 

Since 1209, the University of Cambridge has educated some of the world’s greatest thinkers and innovators — from Sir Isaac Newton and pioneering computer scientist, Alan Turing, to Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, Dame Emma Thompson and renowned primatologist, Dame Jane Goodall.  

The world’s third oldest university also beckons for Isabella, with the Haileybury graduate packing her bags to depart for the UK this year.  

Isabella will read Economics at Cambridge after being part of a growing cohort of female students who are choosing to study Economics at Haileybury. 

“I think my choice to study Economics has partly been influenced by the fact that I was born in Shanghai, which is a very commercial city, and my parents work in commerce,” says Isabella.  

“During COVID-19 I also started my own online business selling jade jewellery and that experience has helped me realise that the commercial world offers unlimited possibilities.” 

Isabella began buying and selling jade jewellery online when she was in Year 8 and she has continued to run her business, only pausing temporarily to prepare for her VCE examinations. The experience of buying and selling has given her real-world insights into business management, the production chain, balance sheets, marketing and labour relations. Isabella is committed to only working with ethical factories and ensuring that employees in the industry are safe from exploitation and unfair work practices. 

“I’m fascinated by jade because it is naturally formed, so each piece of jade jewellery is unique. I spent most of my pocket money buying different pieces and when I ran out of money, I decided to sell some pieces so I could buy new items. That’s when I realised there are quite good profits in jade and that I had the foundations of a business,” says Isabella. 

“I’ve learnt a lot about the jade industry and the commercial world, and that sparked my interest in studying economics.” 

Isabella, who joined Haileybury in Year 10, says the School has been instrumental in igniting her interest in economics and in helping her to achieve her dream of studying overseas.  

“Haileybury has been a significant part of my life — if I hadn’t studied there, I may not have got the results I needed to take me to Cambridge. I have amazing memories of the School and so many people supported me and helped me to achieve my best,” she says. 

As she prepares to settle into life in England, Isabella is already planning for the future and hopes to complete a post-graduate degree or find an internship in the world of economics.