Zhixin Ge, a graduating year four student of International Business with French at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), has already started her first job at Unilever’s Shanghai headquarters, while many of her peers are still considering the choices for their future.
She believes that the workplace also has a lot for her to learn, and from campus to the workplace, UNNC played a crucial part for her.
When Zhixin was a year one student, she participated in AIESEC’s volunteer project in Azerbaijan during the winter break; in year two, she did an internship at Minth Group, a renowned automobile body part manufacturer. In year three, Zhixin seized the opportunity to go on exchange at the NEOMA Business School in France.
"In college, there are numerous opportunities for students to do internships at famous enterprises, study overseas, or volunteer at home or abroad – through which inspiration occurs. For example, I experienced the education of a world class business school in Europe and had chances to communicate with professors and students from all over the world, which I enjoyed a lot," Zhixin recalled. She hoped to study for a Master’s in the UK or France.
However, soon Zhixin noticed the chaos and risks of traveling abroad caused by the pandemic and realised that it might be a better choice to find a job domestically first. “UNNC has always emphasised the development of critical thinking, so it didn’t take me long to make this decision,” she said.
Zhixin admits that it turned out to suit her the best. Through the University and information-sharing groups, she has tried various posts from HR to marketing in her five internship experiences. As a business student, she values practice, which also enlightened her passion in work.
“The strong alumni connection at UNNC also benefited me a lot, such as the sharing of excellent senior students,” Zhixin said. She appreciates the support from alumni, which broadened her vision and offered attainable resources. To Zhixin, the four-year undergraduate study helped her develop an international vision and clarify her real passion, giving her courage to strive for an ideal future.