Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Developing and maintaining partnerships with British, French and other European universities. Organising group programmes and promoting the programmes to students in cooperation with the marketing team. Directing parts of the operational side of our programmes out in China and Vietnam. Acting as the personal welfare contact for all participants on our programmes.

I typically spend the morning communicating with my colleagues in Asia, discussing operational matters and problem solving. In the afternoon I'll contact universities over the phone or via email to discuss upcoming marketing events or presentations. Or perhaps talk to students during pre-departure phase to prepare them for life in China or Vietnam. As well as supervise and train new members of staff to organise promotional events and deal with our bookings.

The unexpected. There are always new challenges when you are operating a business in a different county & business culture. It makes me approach problems in a different way and keeps me alive. I love seeing this change in many of the students who participate on our programmes too, its really nice to see them develop their perspective and expectations of the world.

With 6 different offices across Asia and 1 in the UK, communicating across time zones can be a challenge. As we grow, we're always looking for the most efficient ways to communicate and to get things done consistently across the board.

My job varies seasonally too, during Autumn and winter the biggest challenge tends to be trying to meet marketing and outreach goals in a short space of time. During spring and summer, our busiest season in Asia, I often work for several months from one of our China offices. During summer the biggest challenges tend to be logistics, problem solving and time management.

I have always loved learning languages, travelling and discovering new cultures. I enjoyed my year abroad and various summer adventures so much, I wanted to help other students discover these places and gain as much from new experiences abroad as I had.

I use both my language skills from my degree; French - with our university partners, Chinese - with our partner companies in China. I draw a lot on my presentation skills and teaching experience both during marketing season in the Autumn and during the busy summer period in China. Teaching helped me to develop a lot of confidence and presentation tactics. Most of all though, I rely on the sometimes intangible skills that I built on during various travels abroad: cultural awareness, social and networking skills, patience, problem solving, negotiation and good listening skills.

June 2014 - Graduation
June - July 2014 - English Teaching in London - ISIS Education
Aug - Sept 2014 - Internship in China - InternChina
Sept 2014 - Feb 2015 - Trainee Branch Manager in China - InternChina
Mar 2015 - Aug 2017 - Branch Manager in China - InternChina
Sept 2017 - Now - European Partnerships Manager in UK - Pagoda Projects (InternChina)

Developing my role further within the organisation, managing more aspects of a growing business.

Take every opportunity to gain a wide range of experience during your university years, not just work related but new experiences outside of the office too. Not having a clear career path is not a bad thing so long as you take the time to analyse and reflect back on the skills that you pick up along the way. Ask all the people you meet questions about their daily working life, don't be afraid to be curious.