Like all the others, Yenching Scholars had to redraw their study and career plans and deal with difficulties accordingly due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Yenching Academy of Peking University organized seven Career Development events in the fall semester of the 2020–21 academic year, to facilitate our Scholars in their career development.
The events were organized both online and offline, trying to fulfill demands of our Scholars from different countries and in different stages of study at YCA.
Our teachers, alumni and representatives of 2019 Cohort were invited to the student orientation on 18 September 2020, talking about campus life and career development with 2020 Yenching Scholars. The new students were encouraged to define their future path and realize personal development at YCA, an interdisciplinary, intercultural platform.
On 23 October, the Academy invited Zhang Wen laoshi, the director of Office of Selected Graduates of Student Career Center of Peking University, to explain the policies for selected graduates.
The Academy and Jardines Matheson co-sponsored an online event “Jardines X YCA: Rare Talent Sharing Session” on 20 October, by which our Scholars had a closer look at what a multinational business requires from its eligible candidates.
The job-hunting scene grew grave due to the epidemic. The Academy organized a graduation warm-up meeting for 2021 Cohort graduates on 21 October. Associate Dean Fan Shiming of Yenching Academy gave a speech, and teachers in charge of career, academic and Party affairs attended the meeting. The Academy tried to provide any possible support and one-stop career development and graduation services for the graduates.
Three online career training workshops were held 10 November–1 December. The Academy invited the world-known trainer Malcolm Nerva to give a lecture on career planning and development. Videos were uploaded to the Academy’s teaching platform, and a catch-up was available for those who’d missed the livestreaming due to time differences.
The career development events in the fall semester of the 2020–21 academic year were warmly received by the students. The Academy will continue to provide precision career development services for our Scholars all through their study at YCA.
