Department of Communication Studies Holds "Here Come the Seniors" Career and Further Study Sharing Session

On June 6, 2025, the Department of Communication Studies of the School of Languages and Communication Studies, Beijing Jiaotong University held its "Here Come the Seniors" Career and Further Study Sharing Session in Room 610, Siyuan West Building. The event was co-chaired by Professor Li Bing, Chair of the Department, and Associate Professor Huang Biaowen, Associate Chair of the Department. Dr. Zhang Kui, class advisor for the 2022 Communication Studies cohort, and more than 40 undergraduate students attended the session. During the event, 14 outstanding seniors from the Class of 2025 generously shared their experiences, offering a comprehensive roadmap for the career planning and academic advancement of current students.

Employment: A Practical Guide to Multiple Career Paths

Wei Changfeng, currently a Product Manager at Tencent, dissected the full process of internet product development and emphasized three core competencies: defining clear execution boundaries, managing supervisor expectations, and actively pursuing high-value projects. Hou Xintong shared insights from her 128 job applications and extensive internship experience, pointing out that domain-specific experience often matters more than corporate prestige. She recommended maintaining an updated tracking sheet for all applications—a strategy that ultimately helped her secure a position at Xiaomi Auto. Wang Jintian, who successfully passed the civil service examination, detailed the entire preparation timeline, highlighting that in the Aptitude Test, focus should be placed on data analysis and logical reasoning, while essay writing should closely follow the logic of the given materials.

Postgraduate Recommendation: Targeted Strategies for Success

Wu Yumeng, admitted to Peking University through recommendation, shared her detailed application journey and emphasized that distinct research interests are key to standing out. She encouraged students to tailor application materials to specific universities and research directions, and generously shared her preparation experience across written exams, interviews, and academic reviews. Wu Zheng, admitted to Sun Yat-sen University as the top-ranked candidate, proposed a "value emphasis" strategy—transforming technical skills into academic or research value (e.g., enhancing data analysis proficiency) to gain a competitive edge.

Postgraduate Entrance Exams: Scientific Long-Term Preparation

Bai Liyang, who gained admission to Peking University, advocated for a structured, consistent study schedule, suggesting fixed daily study hours and in-depth reading of professors' papers to better understand exam expectations. Yang Huan, admitted to Minzu University of China, recommended building a systematic knowledge framework and studying according to personal habits. She also compared various journalism and communication exam preparation institutions, offering advice for choosing the most effective programs.

Studying Abroad: Growth through Openness and Strategy

Jin Yixiang, who received offers from multiple top universities in the UK and Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of internship experience, application strategy, and personal statement writing. He recommended completing at least three internships at leading companies, applying to schools in a 4:4:2 ratio (ambitious, target, and safety), and clearly articulating motivations for academic pursuit, field of study, and school choice in personal statements. Zhao Linrui, admitted to the Journalism Master's program at the University of Hong Kong, shared her full preparation process as a "non-traditional applicant", covering IELTS preparation, current affairs accumulation, internship portfolios, off-script reporting, and written tests. She encouraged her juniors with a heartfelt message: "Destiny will take us where we're meant to go".

Special Guest: Insights from Campus Recruitment

Xu Mingxi, a double BJTU graduate (B.A. 2019, M.A. 2023), shared his job-hunting journey, which culminated in joining Xiao Tian Cai after receiving multiple offers. He summarized four key steps for job seekers:

1. Enrich your résumé – with clear direction and domain-specific experiences;

2. Apply widely – maximize visibility across multiple platforms;

3. Prepare strategically for interviews – tailor your self-introduction and key points;

4. Make thoughtful decisions – evaluate both sincerity and fit in final offers.

Additionally, four alumni joined online from different cities to share their experiences: Zhang Qingyang (admitted to UCL and LSE), Liu Yanjun (admitted to the LSE + USC dual program), Chen Ziyan (recommended to Sun Yat-sen University), and He Hangbing (recommended to Tianjin University). They provided detailed guidance on application planning, document preparation, and interview techniques.

Amid the tide of the intelligent media era, this four-hour sharing session illuminated the path forward for younger students. Through their personal journeys, the seniors conveyed a powerful message: whether one chooses employment, postgraduate study, recommendation, or overseas education, only by staying grounded, knowing oneself, and acting with precision can one truly stand out in today's diverse and competitive landscape.