Current employer: China Minsheng Bank
Current job title: Value-added service manager (private banking department)
Current location: Beijing, China
“At Plymouth I was able to study an interesting course which has in turn led to an interesting job. Studying at Plymouth has allowed me to establish a solid foundation within the tourism sector; it has not only guided me to the job I love, but it has also taught me the correct way of doing things.”
Has your career path changed since graduation?
Yes. At first I worked for the department called ‘Products Centre’ in our bank, which develops the off balance sheet activities. Half a year later, I realised that my passion still lay in the subject that I had learnt about in Plymouth: the tourism and hospitality sector. After serious thinking, I decided to change to the ‘Business Development Centre’ which could offer me a more favourable position and also allow me to implement some of the knowledge and learning outcomes studied at Plymouth.
What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
The tourism industry in China has not been well developed, and satisfactory jobs are hard to find in this field. In addition, it is even harder for students with tourism-related degrees to find a job in the so called ‘promising’ industries in China, such as the banking industry. Therefore, when I looked for a job after graduation, it took a great effort to find my current position in China Minsheng Bank.
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
I have managed to undertake an extra programme called the Advanced Training Program at China, and thereby add extra value to the services which I can provide. On this programme, the bank I work for cooperated with the World Federation of United Nations (WFUNA) and invited the children of our private banking clients to join in with activities. I feel honoured to have been able to visit the headquarters of the UN in New York and Geneva through this programme, which has given me precious and beautiful memories.
How did studying at Plymouth help you?
At Plymouth I was able to study an interesting course which has in turn led to an interesting job. Studying at Plymouth has allowed me to establish a solid foundation within the tourism sector; it has not only guided me to the job I love, but it has also taught me the correct way of doing things, such as perseverance, concentration, etc.
Do you stay in touch with other Plymouth University alumni or lecturers?
Definitely. Some of my classmates and I live in Beijing, and we see each other quite often. A WeChat group is also set up for us to communicate to those alumni who are spread out across the world. I have also kept in contact with my tutor, Dr Rong Huang. She is a very nice professor and really cares about her students.
Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?
Just one: after all the parties, all the sports, and all the lectures, please do not forget to take your friends and family to the beach, and look back with enjoyment upon your best years.
