Xu Ming is an alumna of the Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China) in 2016 with the major of Finance, Accounting and Management. After completing her undergraduate degree, Ming went to Dubai, a city that she was unfamiliar with, and since gained the experiences of working and living abroad. Here's the online interview with Ming, who is currently in Dubai.

Living life to the fullest with no regrets

Why did you choose the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)?

I studied in Jiaxing No.1 Middle School in Zhejiang. When it came to choosing a university, one of my teachers introduced UNNC, which gave me the first impression of its "new and interesting" feeling. I thought it would be a new experience and I preferred to stay in Zhejiang, so I made this choice. It proved to be a great choice.

What are the changes in you after studying at UNNC?

Firstly, it is the improvement of my English language skills. The English teaching environment has allowed me to practice speaking and listening skills. My colleagues in Dubai thought that I studied English in an English speaking country. The training of communicating, writing and presenting in English at UNNC has enabled me to live well abroad. Secondly, it is the freedom of thought that encourages students to develop the field of their interest and practise independent thinking. The free and open campus atmosphere makes all the ideas possible in both academic and student club activities. As long as you go all out, you will leave UNNC with no regrets.

Experience and Improvement

Tell us about your current job.

I do auditing, previously working at KPMG and now at PwC. Auditing usually requires to know the customer's needs and do good planning. The important parts include the company's financial background, work mode and the balance of payments. Knowing these parts in advance and combining them with the company's financial situation can help us better advise the company. In general, the audit work is handled by a project team.

What to prepare to make a difference in your industry?

I think communication skills and detail processing are important. In auditing, we need to maintain close and timely communication with customers to ensure the accuracy of work. We also need to respect the customers in all forms of communication. The audit work also needs to have a strong capability in planning and task coordination. I used to work overtime and stayed up until two o'clock in the morning. Hence, I learned that being able to manage the time well is a crucial skill in the hectic work life. Although auditing is a tedious and repetitive job, however, new problems do arise that require solutions through our own experience. Therefore, it is important to gain experience and reflect on ourselves in daily work.

Xu Ming's advice for her juniors

"Firstly, if you do not have a clear plan for career development, the university is a good opportunity for trial and error, gaining the internship experience, and connecting yourself with society. These will help you plan for future development. Secondly, be bold in doing things that you want to do, do your best, and never give up. Thirdly, you should make full use of the university resources, join the activities, enhance your leadership and organisational skills, attend public lectures to broaden your knowledge, acknowledge your weaknesses, get involved in various activities, and strive to improve yourself."

Talking about future planning, Ming hopes to work in the finance industry and experience life in more countries.

There is a saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" — we believe, no matter what kind of challenges, she can cope with it. 

All the best, Xu Ming!

Published on 02 September 2019