When studying abroad, clear career planning helps students manage their study time and improve their professional skills, so it is increasingly valued.
What does career planning include? How can Chinese international students enhance their job hunting competitiveness? Our reporter interviewed several overseas students and professionals in the field of career development to hear what they had to say.
Know yourself and plan early
Chen Zilu, who studied in the UK, tailored his career vision when choosing his major. She said: "Although the business major is more popular, my hobbies are more literary and artistic, and I like painting, calligraphy, etc., so I chose the landscape architecture major that is more suitable for me. As far as I know, the employment directions of the landscape architecture major include garden landscape design, Architectural planning, real estate development, infrastructure management, etc. With the development of urban construction and environmental construction, the demand for such positions will increase."
Yang Qian studied at the University of Sussex in the UK. She had already thought about career planning before going abroad. Yang Qian said: "I like to create videos and want to work in Internet content after graduation, so I chose the media major when studying abroad. I think before studying abroad, you should think about what you like and are good at, and make career plans as early as possible. You can Take fewer detours when looking for a job and avoid being at a loss when graduation approaches.”
“Career planning can start when students decide to study abroad, choose colleges and majors.” The person in charge of Zhaopin Recruitment suggested, “Students can plan early to be more calm when they graduate and find jobs. For example, when studying at school, they should pay attention to industry trends and combine industry requirements. Prepare a resume. In addition, according to career planning, students can improve themselves in a targeted manner while studying abroad, gain competitiveness that matches the target industry and position, and take the initiative when applying for jobs in the future."
When applying to study abroad, students need to submit a "personal statement" to introduce themselves and explain why they chose this school and program. Chen An, who studies at Boston University in the United States, believes that independent thinking is required at this step, he said : "Personal planning will be mentioned in the 'Personal Statement'. I think when writing the statement, you need to carefully analyze your professional interests, growth experience and career goals, etc., rather than just follow the trend and talk in general. For example, I am interested in entrepreneurship, Although it is risky and difficult, I decided to give it a try so that I can have clear goals while studying abroad."
Gather information and participate in internships
The reporter learned that internship is an important part of exploring career development and broadening horizons while studying abroad. Recently, Qide Education released the "2023 Postgraduate Study Abroad White Paper". The data shows that nearly 40% of Chinese students have internship plans in the local area while studying abroad.
"Many of my classmates started internships in their freshman year, so it is necessary to act early." Chen Zilu said that during the summer vacation of his sophomore year, he went to an internship at a design institute in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. "This experience allowed me to apply knowledge into practice. The internship not only cultivated personal skills, but also helped me understand the content and environment of the work in the design institute, and I became more clear about my future career goals."
The internship experience inspires students to think more deeply about cities and industries. Cao Yu, a doctoral student studying civil engineering at Kyoto University in Japan, said: "I have practiced in design institutes, construction companies and other related positions, and I want to do scientific research in research institutes. I hope that the cost of living in the city where I work in the future will not be too high, and the economy It’s relatively less stressful.”
How can I get more career information while studying abroad? Wang Qian, General Manager of LinkedIn China, advises international students not to be shy when it comes to job hunting and socializing, and to broaden their understanding of careers by actively interacting with others. Wang Qi said: "Relevant data show that in recent years, 'Generation Z' has become more and more inclined to use social media for career development and to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. In addition, international students can pay attention to recruitment activities of schools and professional organizations, which gather We have brought many high-quality companies to the campus to provide information and opportunities.”
"For international students, 'Networking' is an important career development skill, that is, collecting information and seeking job opportunities through social contacts." Gracie, who is studying business analysis at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, shared her experience , "After graduation, I want to be a researcher at an economic research institution. Economic research institutions generally have a huge alumni network of international students. I met some alumni seniors on workplace social networking platforms, actively sought advice from them, and gained a lot of information."
Accumulate advantages and broaden horizons
Chen Zilu believes that while studying abroad, you can accumulate many international resources to help career development. She said: "For example, at the University of Sheffield in the UK, many professors of architecture are internationally renowned designers. They are invited to give lectures on various platforms around the world. As a student of this school, I can get their guidance at close range. At the same time, Sheffield Students at the university also have the opportunity to participate in activities co-organized by the school and universities in other countries. These experiences can bring unique experiences and make my job resume richer and brighter."
"International students usually have experience of studying and living in different countries and regions, can better adapt to different cultures and environments, and have a broader international vision and experience. This is the advantage of international students in job hunting." Wang Qi said, "International trade, finance Professional fields such as law and law require employees to better understand and adapt to the business culture, market needs and laws of different countries and regions. International students usually have an advantage. In addition, it is also important for international students to be able to communicate fluently in multiple languages. sub option."
In this regard, Yang Lei, a public policy major at University College London, has a similar experience. He said: "After graduation, I want to engage in financial work. As far as I know, many foreign companies have transnational overseas projects and require high foreign language proficiency for applicants. . In addition, I learned the financial knowledge of other countries while studying abroad to adapt to the needs of enterprises for international trade. When I apply for a job, I can show the above advantages."
"Recent data from the Zhaopin Recruitment Platform shows that in the professional services/consulting industry, positions marked with priority for studying abroad rank first in the number of recruitment positions for all fresh graduates; followed by the Internet/e-commerce industry." The relevant person in charge of Zhaopin Recruitment mentioned , “As Chinese companies expand overseas, cross-border exchanges and business cooperation accelerate, the demand for professional consulting talents such as accounting and law increases; at the same time, many companies use cross-border e-commerce platforms to go overseas, and these industries require international students with cross-cultural backgrounds. The demand is relatively high, and this is an opportunity for international students to give full play to their advantages." (People's Daily Overseas Edition reporter Zhou Shuyun)