I went to UCL to study Economics after graduating from Concord. And then I had my master degree in Money Banking and Finance at University of St. Andrews. I went back home in 2012 and worked as a manager in a local bank for three years. Then I realized that was not something I wanted to do as a career, but I want to devote myself in the field of education.

I am currently working as the Award Leader of the BSc Accountancy Programme, of the Sino-British Education Programme in Chengdu University of Technology. I am also teaching two modules in Economics and Finance.

Q) Why make the change of career direction?

After three years of working in a bank, I realised that the space for continuous development was quite limited.  Due to risk control and local regulations, we did not have many choices of what financial products we could be involved with. Daily tasks became quite mechanical and yet, there was no time for self-development.

Accidentally, I went to a job fair and saw the advertisement of my current job. Being a teacher was not something I had thought about, although I often felt grateful for all the teachers I had in Concord.

I did not feel I was qualified enough although I did have bachelor and master degrees from two of the world’s top universities.  But the challenges as well as the opportunities of self-development were quite attractive (the programme offers PGCIE and MA Education courses through Staffordshire University in the UK). So I gave a demo class to the university and luckily, I got the job. And now I am the Award Leader of the Accountancy Programme.

Q) Did Concord influence you? 

Looking back from now, the experience of studying at Concord indeed helped me to develop all the way along. I had many good teachers at Concord, Mr. Madden was my Economics teacher and he triggered my interest for Economics. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Chadwick gave me Math classes.

They did not only teach us what to learn, but more importantly, how to learn. We had preps in Concord, which enhanced our self-discipline. We could choose the subjects we were interested and we had many chances to try out different things. My eagerness for knowledge was developed and enhanced by the two-years' study at Concord and when there was intrinsic motivation, learning became quite interesting and has become my life-long goal.

And when I am a teacher myself, I tend to give my students what my teachers at Concord had offered me--- respect, courage, and wisdom.  

Q) What is your advice for anyone thinking of becoming a teacher?

I think the qualities that would be essential for a career in both Finance and Education would include, but not limited to, the willingness to develop and to cooperate; and the ability to put oneself in others’ shoes and a very good time-management skill.

Q) Why attracts non-UK students to study finance at UK universities?

• Very good teaching resources—students have many chances to learn from really good professors and professionals in the field of Economics and Finance.
• A more developed financial market as a base model for analyses.
• Internship opportunities in top financial institutions in the world.

Q) What did you like when you were a student at Concord?

I basically like everything in Concord. Just name a few here:

• My teachers
• Food at student canteen
• Scenery on and around campus
• Infrastructures including the library, the swimming pool, student kitchen and dormitory
• International atmosphere with classmates from all over the world and cultural exchanges
• Opportunities to choose different modules and try out new things

Q) Any final words of advice for students who are leaving Concord in 2022?

I hope you have benefited as much as I did from Concord and could visit back as much as you could. Just remember everything Concord has taught you, and try to be an alumni that Concord may be proud of.