Connect to our alumni community
GIS alumni work in academia, policy-making, journalism, business, the non-profit sector, as well as many more diverse fields
Shirley HUI 許家欣
- Graduated from HKBU GIS in 2022
- Client Account Manager, Global Wealth Management, UBS
- UNESCO Green Citizen Youth Ambassador
Since graduating from GIS in 2022, I kicked off my professional journey by joining UBS through the Banking Graduate Trainee Program organized by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. This experience laid the foundation for my current role as Client Account Manager in UBS’s Global Wealth Management division, where I manage accounts for Ultra-High-Net-Worth clients. My responsibilities include maintaining client accounts and reviewing client portfolios, ensuring the Client Advisor delivers personalized financial management strategies. Beyond my professional role, I am eager about sustainability and youth empowerment, which led me to serve as UNESCO Green Citizen Youth Ambassador. All these experiences have allowed me to merge my academic insights with my professional experiences, fueling my drive to explore new possibilities and create meaningful change in society.
My HKBU GIS education fostered an interdisciplinary mindset that helps me analyze client profiles, industry trends, and corporate strategies from multiple angles. The university's mentorship program and career talks offered valuable industry insights and showed how academic knowledge applies to real-world contexts. Through social service learning courses with NGOs, I developed practical problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented approach. These experiences were essential in shaping my career path.
Embrace the interdisciplinary nature of your studies. Connect with diverse people, explore different industries, and stay open to various possibilities. Apply your knowledge through internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities - these experiences bridge theory and practice while building essential communication skills. Most importantly, use university resources and program opportunities. If you have ideas, seek support from your department to make them happen. You are in charge of defining your purpose and creating your path.
Stephanie CHAN 陳柳伊
- Graduated from HKBU GIS in 2023
- Juris Doctor, CUHK
My name is Stephanie Chan, a proud alumna of GIS from the class of 2023. Reflecting on the past four years, I am deeply grateful for my education in political science. HKBU provided volunteer opportunities that profoundly shaped my perspective and ambitions. I worked as a research intern and project intern at the Comparative Governance and Policy Research Centre and an NGO focused on sustainability. These roles helped me discover my interest and passion for policy research and environmental law. My journey was particularly enriched by an exchange program at Sciences Po Paris, one of the world's top universities in political science, where I studied comparative contract law. The experience was transformative, igniting a fervent passion for law that continues to drive my aspirations.
Following my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a Juris Doctor as a second degree and completed a challenging yet rewarding legal internship. While studying in the Juris Doctor of Law Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, I feel that each day in this new chapter has been a thrilling adventure, especially since it aligns so closely with my passion for environmental policy and law—a field where I believe we can make a substantial impact on our world.
In the past term at CUHK, I studied Chinese environmental law. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also deepened my commitment to environmental advocacy and justice. I am eager to see where this path leads and how I can contribute to meaningful change in the world. Thank you to GIS and HKBU for helping me discover who I am and what I want to do in the future. Most importantly, I realize how I can contribute to the community and the world.
I am profoundly grateful for the diverse and enriching opportunities provided by HKBU during my undergraduate training, particularly the internships facilitated by the Social Science Faculty. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my career path, especially since internships are not mandatory for graduation. My interest in sustainability and ESG led me to a marketing internship at a social enterprise in collaboration with the Social Science Faculty. This enterprise advocates for urban farming and sustainability, allowing me to engage in public education and promotional activities on social media platforms. Most notably, the enterprise supports corporations in establishing rooftop gardens; the harvested vegetables not only benefit corporate employees but are also donated to food banks and other charitable organizations, thereby aiding those in need. As a social science student, I cherished the opportunity to explore various job roles and develop my interests across different areas.
In addition to major-specific courses, HKBU emphasizes practical experience through service learning. This blend of theoretical and practical learning enriches the educational journey. For instance, in my second year, while studying research methods, we were tasked with choosing our research project topics—an entirely new endeavor at that stage. My project focused on female political participation. To support us, our professor provided reference letters to help us connect with experts necessary for completing our projects. I was fortunate to assist a female district councilor, shadowing her daily duties—an invaluable experience that enhanced my independent thinking and deepened my understanding of various social issues. Moreover, I was introduced to data analysis using SPSS in regular classes, which greatly facilitated my final year project in conducting quantitative research.
Never hesitate to embrace new challenges in life. People often comment that social science students lack a clear career development path. However, I believe this flexibility is actually an advantage. We may explore various jobs, but we're not confined to specific professions. The essence of our education lies in the learning journey—understanding who you are and what you aspire to be through diverse life experiences. These are shaped by both academic studies and practical experiences derived from study-related and extracurricular activities. Reflecting on my university journey, these experiences have molded a new version of me.
Beyond academics, I engaged in a variety of programs, including a Cross-Institutional GE Course Enrollment Scheme, an exchange program, internships, volunteer work, and a social innovation competition. My university journey was both fruitful and rewarding. I accumulated over 200 hours of community service and led a wild boar conservation project. During the COVID-19 period, I served as the president of the HKBU ICAC Ambassador Programme, organizing activities to promote integrity on campus. Although it was a hectic and vibrant period, I continuously learned from others and grew braver in tackling new tasks, whether on campus or in my career. This journey taught me to embrace my inner fears and the uncertainties of living through COVID-19 in Hong Kong and while on exchange in Paris. Life is replete with uncertainties and constant change, but the courage to try new things can lead to profound personal growth.
Never forget to consider an exchange program. Living and adapting to a new cultural environment abroad is an incredible experience. Studying in Paris for a term was a magical memory in my life, filled with encounters with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and adapting to different educational styles. Do not hesitate to chart your own path for an exchange before graduation. You’ll cherish this vibrant time of your youth.
Yu Wai WONG 黃裕瑋
- Graduated from HKBU GIS in 2016
- Political officer at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong
Upon graduation, I joined the political and press team of the European Union Office in Hong Kong, and received three months of training with the EU. In 2018, I was recruited into the HKSAR Government, working at the Registration and Electoral Office. I left and joined the Consulate in 2020.
The training I had received at HKBU served as the backbone of all of my previous and current job duties, with the most fundamental ones being my ability to think critically and write succinctly. In particular, the knowledge about politics and an international perspective acquired was proven conducive to my longer term career development.
The exchange programme offered by the university and the department was a unique way to learn and grow. During my six-month study in the UK, I was able to understand better world politics and engage in academic debates in a much more meaningful way. All this has helped me solve real world issues in practice.
Try to ask as many questions as you can. There are no stupid questions. The teachers are always there to help. This is one of the most possible ways to make the best use of the invaluable resources available.
Be open. Don’t be afraid of being challenged by your fellows.
Take your coursework seriously. Never take it lightly. This makes a huge difference in determining how high you can achieve. Find a partner who can evaluate and criticise your work. Write before you think. Check if you are delivering the messages you want to deliver. Avoid repeating yourself and cliché in your writing.
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Nura ALDABERGEN
- Graduated from HKBU European Studies (German) in 2023
- Digital Content Coordinator at Marks Consulting Social Media Agency based
in Switzerland
- Sales Administrator at NUOVO
Since graduating from HKBU with a degree in European Studies (German) in 2023, I have worked as a Digital Content Coordinator at Marks Consulting, a Switzerland-based social media agency specializing in digital strategy, and as a Sales Administrator at NUOVO, a company focused on innovative lifestyle products, gaining valuable experience in both digital marketing and sales.
Education and training at GIS/European Studies taught me the basics of any work: to learn and practice. The mandatory exchange year showed me how to handle stressful situations, solve problems step-by-step, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. All of the major-related subjects trained me to think critically and independently about the issues that business or I might face. Without these experiences, I would not be prepared to step into the professional world.
Whenever possible, apply the gained knowledge to practice through internships, freelance gigs, part-time jobs, etc. When you don't understand, clarify with your professor or classmates. Network!
Tianyi ZHAO
- Graduated from HKBU European Studies (French) in 2023
- Master’s Degree in International and Public Affairs (The University of Hong Kong)
- Assistant to Consul General (Consulate General of Belgium in Hong Kong)
Since graduation, I have tried out some opportunities in different domains as I wanted to explore my possibilities, in IR- and government- related domains, in finance, in translation… however, I still found international relations my passion and thus been working for a consulate. I describe this experience as rewarding as I have been engaged in diplomatic activities and cultural exchange initiatives. In addition to textbook definitions, I got to explore what diplomacy is in real life practiceducation and training at GIS/European Studies taught me the basics of any work: to learn and practice.
Without the interesting experiences at European Studies, I would not have the idea to work in government- and diplomacy-related bodies. The coursework provided me with a deep understanding of global politics and cultural dynamics. This foundation is essential in my career path. European studies emphasised analytical and critical thinking skills, which have been invaluable in assessing diplomatic situations and developing strategic responses.
Haman WONG
- Graduated from HKBU European Studies (German) in 2023
- Programme Officer at International Student Exchange Centre Ltd. (2023-2025)
- German Teacher Training Certificate at Goethe Institute HK / DAAD (2024)
- Assistant Merchandiser at United Chinese Plastics Products (2025)
Since graduating from European Studies (German Stream), I joined a study tour agency that specializes in organizing educational trips to Europe and Australia. In 2025, I transitioned to my current role as an Assistant Merchandiser, focusing on artificial floral products and decorations.
My undergraduate training in European Studies, particularly a year-long exchange in Germany, has equipped me with valuable interpersonal skills and a broader international perspective for coordinating with suppliers and clients in my career. This experience has also enhanced my ability to think critically and holistically, drawing on my knowledge of European politics and culture.
Engage in more activities at university or during your exchange. There are numerous opportunities to explore your interests and strengths, which can significantly benefit your future career. Connect with more people and learn from one another.
Lavinia LAI
- Graduated from HKBU European Studies (French) in 2019
- International Executive MBA (IAE Lille) in 2021
- Linguistic and Cultural Project Manager, Nomen International (2021-2024)
- B2B Marketing Specialist for the French market, Synology (present)
Upon graduating from HKBU, I returned to France to continue my education. During my MBA programme at IAE Lille, I completed a 4-month internship at a branding agency, which led to a full-time position as a Project Manager. In this role, I specialised in managing linguistic and cultural projects, collaborating with numerous French companies across various sectors. This experience was particularly rewarding, as it provided valuable insights into the French market landscape and allowed me to strengthen skills essential for roles that require creativity, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking.
The rigorous language training in European Studies was essential for preparing me to live and work abroad (in Europe). Achieving fluency enabled me to thrive in professional settings, build relationships, and collaborate across cultural barriers. My exchange year in France was particularly transformative, requiring me to step out of my comfort zone as I adapted to a new academic system and managed daily life in a foreign language. This immersive experience strengthened my independence, resilience, and adaptability while deepening my language skills and intercultural awareness.
