Voices of Jelper Club Members - Anton Schonweis, Harvard '27: Anton’s journey with Jelper Club

This edition spotlights Anton, a Munich‑born polymath whose path has already zig‑zagged from competitive table‑tennis courts in Germany to the lecture halls of Harvard. Along the way he has juggled sleight‑of‑hand magic, late‑night philosophy debates, and a growing fascination with Japanese Zen. Today, he is carving out a niche at the intersection of financial economics, public policy, and cross‑cultural understanding. A journey in which Jelper Club has become both a compass and launchpad.

Anton Schonweis

――To begin, could you please introduce yourself?

Anton: Hi there! I’m Anton, originally from Munich. From an early age I was curious about what lay beyond Germany, so when the chance came to study in the United States I seized it. Landing at Harvard opened my eyes in unexpected ways; the reality of the U.S. wasn’t always what the brochures promised, but that dissonance nudged me toward Eastern philosophy, especially Zen, and ultimately toward Japan. Outside academics I’ve played table tennis at a competitive level, practiced close‑up magic, and never missed a chance for a lively intellectual debate.

――Why did you choose Harvard University?

Anton: Anton: I think “chose" is a bold word to use here. I applied to most top US schools but only got into one. Back in 10th grade I almost left school to launch a start‑up even though I had no concrete idea yet! In the end I decided to firm up my economics foundations first. When Harvard offered admission, the combination of academic rigor and an open canvas for my eccentric interests was a no-brainer decision.

――What inspires you to pursue economics?

Anton: Anton: At first it was simple curiosity: economics felt like a toolkit for understanding the world. I tried out psychology for a semester but missed the elegance of mathematics. Then I discovered financial economics—where human decisions meet beautiful quantitative structures. It clicked. Now I’m aiming at macro‑level policy research, where the numbers matter because they shape real lives..

――How has your background shaped your career goals?

Anton: Growing up I was always the “people person” among math prodigies. I love numbers, yet I thrive on conversation. Studying Zen sharpened my sense of service: I want technical insight to translate into policies that genuinely help communities. So my path blends analytic rigor with human connection, whether in public finance or social‑impact investing.

――How did you first hear about Jelper Club?

Anton: Pure serendipity. During my first semester a friend was buzzing about Tokyo start‑ups and dragged me to a Jelper Club pop‑up event on campus. I subscribed to the newsletter on the spot and was hooked. Its steady stream of updates made Japan feel reachable instead of abstract.

――What has your experience been like using the platform?

Anton: The weekly newsletter is my favorite. It shattered some romantic myths I had about Japan and replaced them with tangible pathways: internships, work‑style explainers, visa tips. The platform is also my go‑to hub for connecting with Japan‑minded peers. When I was in London researching hypnosis last summer, I used Jelper Club to crowdsource interview participants who shared an interest in Japan. It’s reassuring to know opportunities are always one click away.

――Any advice for fellow Jelper Club members?

Anton: Stay curious but grounded. Don’t over‑idealize any country, but explore its realities with an open mind. Follow your passions, aim to add value for others, and remember to smile along the way.

――Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Anton: Harvard has plenty of “bucket‑list” American experiences !If you’re in town, let’s catch a Red Sox game! Or, if you prefer calm to crowds, join me for a two‑hour Zen meditation session. Either way, I’d love to connect with more students who bridge cultures through Jelper Club.

At Jelper Club, we’re dedicated to linking globally minded students like Anton with opportunities in Japan’s dynamic economy. If you’re eager to translate your international perspective into meaningful professional experiences, explore our platform. Your next step toward Japan might be just one click away.