Department of English Hosts Spring 2025 "Mentorship" Professional Development Forum

The Department of English Party Branch and the Student Affairs Office of the School of Languages and Communication Studies held the Spring 2025 "Mentorship" Professional Development Forum online on the evening of January 11. The event aimed to revisit the spirit of reply letters and highlight English department alumni's outstanding contributions in serving the Belt and Road Initiative. Distinguished alumni from the English program were invited to share their career development experiences, offering insights on university study planning, industry characteristics, and workplace experiences related to Belt and Road career paths.

The "Mentorship" Professional Development Forum stands as one of the signature initiatives of the Department of English Party Branch's collaborative education mechanism and its program for cultivating outstanding talents. It aims to facilitate student growth and success through the transmission of alumni experiences. The event was hosted by Hao Yunqi, a 2024 undergraduate student from the Department of English, and attracted nearly 100 teachers and students online. Dai Jiangwen, Chair of the Department of English, delivered concluding remarks summarizing the forum.

Three alumni were invited to share their experiences. Wang Yan, a 2016 undergraduate from the Department of English at Beijing Jiaotong University with a dual degree in Finance, currently works at the Uganda Office of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, responsible for business development and legal compliance. Tao Jiongyi, a 2022 undergraduate from the Department of English at Beijing Jiaotong University with a dual degree in Finance and a Master of Management from Duke University, joined Lalamove after graduation as a Global Trainee. He has worked in Hong Kong's research and development department responsible for competitor analysis and overseas market expansion, served as a B2B Sales Manager in Bangladesh, and currently works on user acquisition strategies for new domestic businesses. Xu Chao was admitted to the Department of English at Beijing Jiaotong University in 2004. After graduation, he joined China Machinery Engineering Corporation, dedicating himself to international engineering procurement and construction (EPC) projects, with work experience in Nigeria, Pakistan, Iraq, and other countries.

Wang Yan emphasized that English studies during university should focus on foundational training. She recommended students seek exchange opportunities, actively engage in serving Belt and Road countries, expand cross-cultural perspectives while maintaining GPA, and plan life goals early. Wang noted that language majors have broad opportunities in foreign-related employment, with overseas posts enhancing cross-cultural communication skills and fostering international cooperation. Such roles also develop multitasking abilities and provide good living conditions. Language graduates can leverage their interests and professional strengths to find suitable development paths, creating more possibilities for career growth.

Tao Jiongyi discussed differences in overseas lifestyles and work methods, and their impact on personal life and cognition. He also addressed the realities and challenges of working abroad, including broadening cognitive boundaries, reduced competition, and improved work-life balance. Tao recommended students strengthen both hard and soft skills before graduation, emphasized the importance of English and communication skills, and offered valuable advice on learning a second foreign language or pursuing dual degrees. Finally, he encouraged everyone to focus on overseas opportunities in the coming years, noting the significant market scale, resource advantages, strong complementarity, and broad prospects in Belt and Road countries, urging students to proactively grasp these trends.

Xu Chao shared his career insights and explained the EPC work model, including its advantages and challenges for both employers and contractors. He also introduced 14 core elements of EPC management and talent requirements in international engineering management. Xu shared his work experiences in Belt and Road countries, encouraging everyone to build a community with a shared future consciousness of solidarity and shared responsibility. He called on the new generation to "tell China's stories well," continuously learn through practice, and fulfill the mission of cultivating international talents.

The event featured a lively atmosphere. During the interactive session, students actively asked questions, and the alumni patiently provided answers, sharing practical experiences on minor degrees and online self-study. Students expressed that the event not only broadened their horizons but also inspired them to learn from outstanding alumni serving the international community and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

At the conclusion of the forum, Dai Jiangwen, Chair of the Department of English, delivered a summary speech. She expressed great pleasure in gathering outstanding alumni from various industries through the online event to share experiences and extended sincere gratitude to the alumni for their careful preparation, professional sharing, and sincere selfless attitude. She also encouraged current students, as fresh forces in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, to further broaden their international perspectives, hone strong professional skills, fully utilize multimedia platforms for learning, and contribute wisdom and strength to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a better world.

The "Mentorship" forum was filled with a strong academic atmosphere and youthful vitality throughout, showcasing the outstanding excellence of English majors at our university. The senior students demonstrated the broad prospects of the English major through solid professional knowledge and rich practical experience. The participating students were deeply inspired, expressing that they would draw motivation from the alumni stories, continue traditions and forge ahead in their studies and work, contribute more BJTU strength to embody the profound connotation of the reply letter spirit, and interpret the responsibility and commitment of the new generation youth through practical actions.