"As a Chinese master’s student, I can speak to the challenges many of us face in planning our careers. Due to the compressed, one-year timeline of a master’s program, most of us don’t have the time to fully explore career options. It takes the guidance of exceptional individuals to find our way, and for me, that’s where the careers team at the University of Exeter made all the difference.
What makes the China Career Ready program stand out is not just its content, but the genuine care and empathy shown by Simon and the team. The program wasn’t just about career advice, it was about being there for us, supporting us through the ups and downs of career planning, and giving us the tools to succeed.
The employability sessions, especially those on understanding the jobs market in China and the UK, and finding graduate opportunities, were eye-opening. The information was crucial in helping me adjust my job search strategy.
Another pivotal moment was when I attended the session on “CVs in China and the UK.” My CV was initially very generic and I hadn’t realised how different the expectations were in each country. After applying the tips from the session, I was able to tailor my CVs and align with what UK and Chinese recruiters look for. This change led to a noticeable improvement in the number of responses I received.
What I found most impactful was the emotional support and mental guidance I received from the team. One conversation with Simon stands out to me as a turning point in my journey. At one point, I felt completely lost and frustrated. Simon guided and encouraged me to step back and reassess my situation—to stay open to opportunities outside the UK, like positions in Shenzhen, China. This guidance was transformative, I realised that staying open-minded and adjusting my expectations could lead to new opportunities."
