A Letter to All Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Friends of the School of Languages and Communication Studies at Beijing Jiaotong University (2020-04-22)

Dear Faculty Members, Alumni, and Friends,

Greetings!

As winter turns to spring, the School of Languages and Communication Studies has been established for over a decade. Through the concerted efforts of all faculty, staff, and students, and with the caring support of our alumni and friends from all sectors, the School has made significant strides. Over the past ten years, our faculty size has increased by 23%, the number of enrolled undergraduates has grown by 52%, and postgraduate enrollment has surged by 162%. Research funding has multiplied 16-fold, and the number of students participating in overseas exchange programs has increased by nearly eightfold. Our Communication Studies program has been recognized as a Beijing First-class Undergraduate Program. Today, the School boasts two master's degree programs in first-level disciplines: Foreign Language and Literature, and Journalism and Communication. It also offers two professional master's degrees: Master of Translation and Interpreting, and Master of Journalism and Communication. At the undergraduate level, we offer five majors: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Communication Studies, and Network and New Media. Our graduates have spread across the globe, becoming vital contributors to various sectors of society and the economy.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our work and daily lives, posing immense challenges for the Class of 2020 in their job search. Due to the pandemic, postgraduate admission interviews have been postponed, recruitment quotas have been cut, written tests and interviews have been canceled, internships in Beijing have been halted, and study-abroad plans have been suspended... The Class of 2020 undoubtedly faces the severe test of what has been called the "most difficult year for employment". This year, our School has 208 graduating students (147 undergraduates and 61 master's students). To assist them in securing employment, we have implemented individualized support plans, or "one plan per student", enhanced online career guidance, and provided one-on-one job referrals... However, many graduates are still seeking suitable positions and continue to feel significant pressure on their job-seeking journey.

During this special time of combating the pandemic together, the School appeals to all faculty, alumni, and friends from various sectors: let us stand together in solidarity, share your insights and suggestions to support the employment of the Class of 2020, share recruitment information, and contribute to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes!

"The new bamboo outgrows the old, only because old trunks bolster and uphold." It is precisely the support provided by generations of faculty and alumni for their successors that enables our students to make continuous progress and allows the spirit of Beijing Jiaotong University to endure. We believe that with the help of all our faculty, alumni, and friends, this year's graduation season in the Hongguo Yuan will be even more remarkable!

Undergraduate Employment Contact: Geng Meifang, 18910275543, mfgeng@bjtu.edu.cn

Postgraduate Employment Contact: Lu Qiang, 18911280209, qlu@bjtu.edu.cn

School of Languages and Communication Studies,

Beijing Jiaotong University

April 22, 2020

编译：张天翼