Before attending the ‘Maximising career opportunities in China’ session, I was both excited and a little nervous. Would the insights be relevant to my career goals? Would the panellists share practical strategies?
Fortunately, the session turned out to be incredibly insightful, featuring three accomplished alumni:
- Xinlei Hong, Strategy and Transaction Consultant, EY
- Yuxuan Chen, Finance Associate, Mars
- Stacy Hu, Senior Business Director, XYZ Robotics
Each panellist shared valuable experiences and strategies for navigating the Chinese job market. Xinlei Hong emphasised the importance of having a clear career plan with structured five-year and ten-year targets. He highlighted the need to keep your CV updated and stay active on job platforms.
Yuxuan Chen provided insights into the common recruitment process for those interested in finance. The application typically involves CV submission, an AI interview with recorded behavioural questions, a group discussion, an assessment centre with discussions and individual interviews, and a final round with senior directors. Since the process is similar across firms, early preparation is essential.
Stacy Hu shared HR insights and interview preparation tips. Internships play a crucial role in making fresh graduates stand out. If you lack experience, highlighting strengths such as a high GPA, leadership roles, or unique projects can help. Networking with industry professionals and asking insightful questions can also open doors to new opportunities.
With AI-driven recruitment on the rise, Stacy advised candidates to incorporate keywords from the job description in their responses and to use AI tools to optimise applications. Ensuring applications pass initial screening filters can improve job prospects in an increasingly competitive market.
The value of a University of Edinburgh degree in China was another key discussion point. Xinlei and Yuxuan both emphasised that overseas experience enhances a candidate’s appeal, with a global perspective and bilingual skills making candidates more competitive.
By the end of the session, I felt much more confident about my job search in China. The panellists provided practical advice that clarified the job market landscape and the steps needed to stand out. Their insights reinforced the importance of planning ahead, gaining relevant experience, and building strong industry connections.
The real-world experiences shared by the alumni made the advice more relatable and actionable.Tanya, MA (Hons) Finance and Business student
I was glad I attended this session as it gave me clear guidance for career success. These events provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities that can help shape a successful career path.