This November, we were pleased to bring a series of events online to our Chinese alumni and students, as a response to the cancelled central delegation to China.
As part of Bristol Connects Live– our online series of career and professional development events, members of our Chinese alumni community shared their experiences at two webinars focussed on Top Accounting firms, and Entrepreneurship to an audience of students and recent graduates.
Suwei Jiang (MBA 1998) who has worked at PWC in London since graduating and is now Partner- responsible for their China Group, hosted the Accounting event. She was joined by Weiwei Hu (MSc 2009), Partner of Data Tech Analytics Business at EY in London; and Kevin Chan (BSc 2001) who joined us from Shanghai where he is Transactions Partner at Grant Thornton China.
Suwei spoke about the benefits of being part of a large accounting firm. She said, “There is no better platform to experience such a wide variety of sectors and issues facing our economy and society, and collectively work with excellent colleagues to find solutions”.
Weiwei shared her top tips to graduates. ‘Build your network at an earlier stage of your career. Find the right team and the right industry within the company. Go and explore and embrace the variety within the firm.’
The panel also shared their advice for interviews. ‘Don’t be afraid to speak up and have a view; and have a reason to support that view.’
Kevin encouraged applicants to learn more about the firm they are applying to, including researching recent cases in the news. Suwei shared some excellent advice. She said, ‘Don’t read the ‘How to prepare for interview’ books. We want to see the real you. ‘
The entrepreneurship event was hosted by Kai Liang (BSc 1999) who works as Director of Business Development at MEL Science, Kai was joined on the panel by fellow entrepreneurs Mingke Luo (MSc 2005), Founder and CEO of MRS.ai, Laura Shang (LLB 2012), Managing Partner, Shanghai Know-How Law Firm and Yi Zeng (MSc 2016), Founder of Yi Cha.
The panel members commented about how it is important to think creatively and to ensure you are passionate about the business idea you are going to start. Yi encouraged attendees to “find a good mentor, to guide you through the process” and how networking is very important.
Laura and Mingke agreed that it was important to be brave and be optimistic when starting a business. Yi said it is important to “review your business plan and make it realistic”.
Bristol Connects is also a great way to grow and establish your network. Bristol Connects is an exclusive online platform for Bristol alumni and students. Activate your account and take advantage of the Career Expert module and make connections to alumni working in your industry.
The event recordings will be listed on our digital recordings webpage shortly.
All alumni who helped out at the event are volunteers on our Bristol Volunteers programme. If you are experienced in speaking publicly and are willing to share your industry insights or ways of working, then we would love to welcome you as a panellist or event host. Please contact the Bristol Volunteers team at alumni-volunteers@bristol.ac.uk.