My favourite thing about Sheffield is how friendly and welcoming everyone is here

Why did you decide to study MSc East Asian Business?

There are tons of reasons that I choose to study MSc East Asian Business. I think the essential reason is that I also studied East Asian business as part of my undergraduate degree. I felt that a postgraduate degree in East Asian business would help me to deepen my knowledge and gain insights from a European perspective.

What do you like most about your course and the subjects you study?

I actually enjoyed almost all of the classes in East Asia Business, with my favorite being Dr.Christina's Contemporary Chinese Business and Management because the mind maps in the lectures give me a basic understanding of the concept of business management. Secondly, students were assigned case studies which allowed us to put into practice what we had learned. I love that the process of analyzing business cases can improve our analytical skills and develop our critical thinking.

What made you want to study in the UK?

UK higher education degrees and qualifications are recognized by employers and academics worldwide. Students get the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers. The UK has a multicultural society, with a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and faiths. We will find widely varied cuisine, strong transport links, famous music festivals, and international sporting championships. My favorite thing about Sheffield is how friendly and welcoming everyone is here. I also love how Sheffield is surrounded by nature such as the western park, even right in the middle of the city!  So I decided to come here for my Master's study.

What attracted you to the University of Sheffield?

I was attracted by the University of Sheffield’s Careers Service, which provides all kinds of training courses. I now have a part-time job at the University of Sheffield as a student panel member to monitor publicity distribution and the views of students on environmental changes affecting education and the student experience. So, I knew that there are also many job opportunities for students. I've attended many workshops provided by the 301 Academic Skills Centre, the University Library, and the Careers Service Centre. They help sharpen and improve my academic and professional skills. Although in the Covid-19 period, I won’t regret choosing to study at the University of Sheffield.

What is it like to be a PG student in the School of East Asian Studies?

Many modules in the School of East Asian Studies I attended are quite large and have two or three teachers and professors co-speaking together. Besides, partners and executives from well-known companies are invited from outside the School to share with us. The idea from the perspective of the enterprise enables students to grasp knowledge not only in the classroom but also in enterprise.

Do you know what you want to do at the end of your course?

I want to look for jobs in an industry related to my master’s degree and think outside of my comfort zone which could throw up some interesting new opportunities. Applying to graduate schemes on career connect at the University of Sheffield is a great option. And, while waiting to secure my graduate job, it's an ideal time for me to do some internships and work experience placements. Not only will these look great on my CV, but they'll also let me try different jobs and find out which one suits me.

Has the University been helpful and able to advise you on how to reach your goals after graduation?

Sure, I would tell students thinking of coming to Sheffield to invest in themselves for their future careers. The employment adviser from the careers service will help graduates gain knowledge and experience for different practical purposes. My job shop at the University of Sheffield also allows me to work with global engagement as an international student ambassador and to contact prospective students, all helping me add valuable skills to my CV and broaden my range of experience for the future.

What do you like most about living in Sheffield?

My favourite thing about Sheffield is how friendly and welcoming everyone is here. I also love how Sheffield is surrounded by nature such as the western park, even right in the middle of the city!  Its universities and colleges are positioned within the city centre, not miles by bus or train to out-of-town campuses. It puts students right in the heart of Sheffield city life and makes getting to and from classes so much easier. Because Sheffield is such a student-friendly city, with campuses dotted around the city center, it has a welcoming feel. You found a lot of businesses – from cinemas and music venues to theatres and cafes – offering special discounts for students.

What has been the most difficult thing to get used whilst living in a different country?

Expats can struggle with being far from friends and family. Keeping in touch with loved ones is vital for your mental health and success living abroad. The challenge can be finding time to stay in contact and dealing with different time zones. So, I made a point to schedule regular conversations with my loved ones and learn the time difference. Luckily, technology can help with this. Setting a regular time for a skype session or phone call will ease the distance and make for a better transition to life abroad.

Do you have any advice for students from your home country thinking about studying MSc East Asian Business at Sheffield?

If you come to study a Master of East Asian Business at Sheffield, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Asian business environment and how it is affected by domestic and social changes, globalization, and political developments. Through optional modules, you will have the opportunity to analyze a particular East Asian country of interest to you through case studies or to stretch your knowledge according to your interests and career goals.