UIC President Prof Tang Tao and Provost Prof Chen Zhi gave a career talk to students on career planning under the new international situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
They analysed the difficulties faced by international education in the post-pandemic era, and answered students' questions about future planning, to help them form more precise directions.
Prof Tang Tao - Comprehensive talents with a global vision and multi-cultural experience are needed at any time
President Tang suggested that students take their interests, advantages, abilities and other practical aspects into consideration when deciding whether to pursue overseas study. He believes that students studying abroad shall adopt the attitude of "drawing on others' strengths and making up for one's weaknesses", to further enhance their ability and competitiveness under the new international situation.
President Tang at the lecture
President Tang Tao said that although the instability and uncertainty of the international environment increased, peace and development are still the central themes of the times. From a long-term perspective, the internationalisation of education would continue to advance, and comprehensive talents with a global vision and multi-cultural experience would be needed at any time. Thus, global awareness would be necessary for pursuing international education in the post-epidemic period.
President Tang mentioned that as for the difficulties encountered in the application process, UIC would provide comprehensive support for students, such as holding joint postgraduate programmes, university education talks, international graduate education fairs and overseas visits. He also encourages students to make full use of the school's high-quality resources or to seek guidance and help from experienced teachers and outstanding seniors.
Students listening carefully
Regarding the choice of entrepreneurship, President Tang Tao mentioned that during the fifteen years of running UIC, there had been several outstanding graduates starting their own businesses, and he encouraged students with creative thoughts and abilities to explore and make attempts.
Prof Chen Zhi - There is no right or wrong choice as long as one works hard
In the lecture, Prof Chen Zhi shared his study experience. Although he got a high score in TOEFL, he still encountered communication difficulties when he first went to the US. He then borrowed his classmates' notes and listened to the lectures repeatedly with a cassette tape recorder, and finally got good marks. During the process of studying abroad, Prof Chen encourages students to adjust themselves quickly and respond positively when they encounter difficulties.
Prof Chen Zhi sharing his learning experience with students
Out of his love for ancient Chinese literature, Prof Chen transferred to the University of Wisconsin in the US. At that time, he taught Chinese to foreigners part-time besides studying six courses. It was a challenging time for him, but again he greatly enhanced his abilities.
Prof Chen hopes that students can pay more attention to their choices so that they can carefully combine their interests and abilities when making plans. He concluded that people are always in the process of continuous learning and exploration; thus, as long as one works hard, there is no right or wrong choice.
Students asking questions about future planning
At the end of the lecture, President Tang and Prof Chen said that they hoped UIC students, whether they choose to pursue further studies or start a business, would take the responsibility of actively participating in the overall development of the country and the construction of the Greater Bay Area, as well as making their own contributions to the country and society.
From MPRO
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Zhang Fan
