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.

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.

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.