Du Wanyi graduated from Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China) with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting and Management in 2012. After gaining her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at Georgetown University, she joined the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy in 2015 and now acts as the Media Relations and Chinese Content Manager. On a daily basis, she studies international issues and policies, and promotes the cutting-edge analysis of distinguished experts from the worldwide Carnegie network to the public.
Promoting social development through media
Du Wanyi attended her Gaokao (aka 'China's National College Entrance Examination') in 2008 – a year where there were many critical events and issues: the Wenchuan Earthquake, children’s food safety scandals, the Beijing Olympic Games and so on. Arousing Wanyi’s interest in the media industry and its role in promoting social good, she believes that the media is a useful tool in informing the public of the truth and provoking governments to improve their policies.
Wanyi worked as an intern for Hunan TV for a year. She was responsible for recruiting volunteers as well as designing and organising public welfare activities. The internship inspired her to think of how to design programmes and spread ideas effectively, giving Wanyi a deeper understanding of the media industry. "At that time, I gained a better understanding of how media works. And I wanted to learn more about how other social groups and social policies worked and interacted together. I became interested in studying the interaction between media and social policies." As a result, she pursued a master’s degree in the USA, majoring in public policy, which allowed Wanyi to find the answers she was looking for. She was a production assistant at CCTV and Emerald Planet TV during her postgraduate studies. After graduation, she was offered a position at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy. "I have learned a lot about the media, how it affects the public and policy, and how governments use the media to publicise their agenda."
"UNNC has laid a solid foundation for my development"
Wanyi said that she fell in love with UNNC (University of Nottingham Ningbo China) at first sight when she saw those beautiful British-style buildings on campus in the promotional videos. She also chose UNNC because of the strong recommendations she received from her friends and family as well as the excellent teaching staff and the unique intercultural environment the University provided.
The study of Finance Accounting and Management at NUBS China has facilitated her future career development from three aspects: her ability to comprehensively think about business operations, analysis of issues from multiple perspectives, and the broadening of her horizons. All three have had a profound effect on her postgraduate studies and career.
‘Social and economic development depends not only on accounting or finance, but also on management, organisational behaviour and other fields. My undergraduate studies at NUBS China laid that solid foundation for me.’
"UNNC has changed the way I think"
"Critical thinking is one of the most important things that UNNC has taught me. At the beginning of the first year, we learned about the structure and logic of essays, including how to open an argument, dividing sections and conclusions, etc., which made me realise the importance of cultivating logical thinking. During my four years, the tutors often trained our critical thinking skills, and I learned to search for sources from different perspectives, and clarify cause and effect when writing essays. I’ve benefited a lot from that. In addition, UNNC attaches great importance to group discussions and cooperation. In such an environment, I learned how to work efficiently in a team, knowing how to allocate tasks reasonably and make good use of team members’ strengths."
After class at UNNC
Wanyi had the most enjoyable free time at the Drama Club. As the President, she led over 100 members to provide theatre programmes and events, cooperated with TNT Theatre Britain and the drama clubs of other universities in Ningbo. She co-founded the Ningbo Drama Association and served as permanent director. During her tenure, the Drama Club was awarded the Most Popular Club and Best Club of the Year. Through these experiences, she improved her leadership and interpersonal skills. More importantly, she met friends who shared the same aspirations and values as her. Even though she has graduated several years ago, she still keeps in close contact with them.
Bright future
Wanyi enjoys her current work in international communications. ‘International relations were more predictable in the past. Currently, we’ve seen more uncertainties and instabilities that may significantly shape international policies for the next five or ten years.’ She hopes to conduct more in-depth research of the field and accumulate more experience, hoping to help bridge the gap between the public and policymakers through her efforts in communications.
To UNNCers
Congratulations to those who are now members of UNNC.
"During your study here, while embarking on the journey of learning knowledge, cooperating with others, and pursuing your dreams, I hope you can find your true self."