New Career Development Programme for Chinese students
Published 28 June 2012
Lancaster University Management School has run a unique programme of events which develop the careers and employability skills of Chinese students studying at the School.
Students at the Unilever Graduate Scheme workshop
The Global Career Development Programme builds on the success of a recent visit to China, in which LUMS staff met several major employers to discuss recruitment for our 'Chinese returners'.
More than 100 LUMS Chinese students attended the sessions which were supported by international employers, partner universities in China, the Lancaster China Management Centre (LCMC) and the Lancaster University Confucius Institute.
Sun Yat-sen University
Dean Shu Yuan (centre) with Dr Radka Newton and Ajaz Hussain
The Global Career Development Programme launched on 28 May 2012 with Unilever China and Sun Yat-sen University. Professor David Brown opened the event, welcoming students and outlining the strategic importance of Lancaster-China relations, the role of the LCMC and the importance LUMS attaches to the employability of students returning to China after graduation.
LUMS Postgraduate Careers Adviser, Ajaz Hussain, coordinated the first event jointly with Chinese student volunteers. Ajaz said: “Despite this being a busy time of the academic year for our final-year students and postgraduates, I am delighted with the turnout and support extended by our student volunteers. The event was student-led, and promoted and executed in a very professional manner.”
Following an introduction to the LU Confucius Institute by Dr Brady Liu, Dr Qihai Huang shared research findings on the meaning, importance and nature of developing guanxi (relationships).
Unilever China Graduate Scheme representatives with Natalie Redfern of LUMS
Unilever China
Graduate scheme representatives from the Unilever China Future Leaders Programme delivered a presentation and interactive skills development workshop. Prizes were generously donated by Unilever China and Renren Inc.
The second part of the event focused on the China Labour Market with special guest and scholar, Dean Shu Yuan from the International Business School at Sun Yat-sen University. Students learnt more about graduate recruitment trends and the challenges faced by Chinese returners. They were also able to ask questions about different industries, sectors and recruitment practices across the many sectors and regions in China.
Dean Xu Xinzhong (centre) with Libby Packham and Ajaz Hussain
China employment market
On 7 June, we were joined by another respected scholar, Dean Xu Xinzhong, from Lingnan (University) College, at Sun Yat-sen University for an informal talk on the China employment market. This very interactive session provided valuable insights for students from an expert in both Eastern and Western recruitment methods. Professor Xu is an alumnus of Lancaster University Management School, having completed his PhD at LUMS in Accounting and Finance in 1993.
The Global Career Development Programme concluded with a networking event with 25 managers of state-owned enterprises from China. The managers were in Lancaster to take part in a short course with a focus on youth career development in the UK. The networking lunch provided an unique opportunity for LUMS students to learn about career opportunities in state-owned companies in China and contributed to their overview of the China labour market.
Students networking with managers of state-owned enterprises
Knowledge transfer
Dr Radka Newton, Head of the LUMS International Office, said: “I am delighted that our strong relationships with partner universities in China and also with the All-China Youth Federation are seeing this two-way knowledge transfer. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the employability and student experience, while recognising the value our senior alumni can bring to helping our current Chinese students.”
With these events and more planned for the future, Louise Briggs, Head of the LUMS Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations team, said: “These events are essential to support the career transitions for our students who plan to enter a competitive global market. We are delighted to have such prominent scholars from our prestigious partner institutions in China, top Chinese employers and a strong alumni base come together to support LUMS students.”
These events were organised jointly by the LUMS International Office and Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations team.
