Case Study: Maureen Yu
Name: Maureen Yu
Nationality: Hong Kong
Your Job
Job title: International Officer
Employer: Central College Glasgow
Typical Day:
My main role is to help the College in increasing its international student recruitment, focusing particularly in the Chinese market. In order to do this I participate in overseas exhibitions and communicate with educational agencies by telephone and through MSN online messenger, an online web messenger, which is widely used in China. Enquirers I deal with include issues regarding offer letters, visa support, enquiries on our courses and student accommodation. My mornings are usually the busiest time of my day due to the time difference between China and the UK. As well as promoting the College and recruiting students, I also provide international student support. When Chinese students arrive, I help them settle into the UK by arranging accommodation, organising social activities, etc. I also work on various initiatives and projects on an ad-hoc basis. For example, setting up new courses based on the market demand in China, forming partnerships with organisations like Education UK, organising Chinese-related events for staff and students, etc.
Typical Projects
1. Educational exhibitions held in China to promote the College and to learn more about the market demand from students. Whilst in China I also use this time to contact educational agencies to ensure close business relationship is maintained between the college and our agents.
2. Organising social events for international students so that they can learn more about the culture in Scotland.
3. Setting up courses which are high in demand in China – For example, English Language courses and summer courses are our recent initiatives.
4. Finding potential agencies and partnership opportunities which are considered to help our international development. For instance, local institutions in China to collaborate with the College in student exchange programmes, Education UK to provide promotional opportunities, etc.
Training and Development
1. My networking and interpersonal skill have improved due to the many networking opportunities that have arisen through the College. Not only do I need to develop close relationship with educational agencies and institutions in China, I also attend different networking events/receptions held by China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), Scottish Development International (SDI), etc. in the UK to meet with potential business partners.
2. My knowledge in the education sector in the UK is built through attending conferences organised by Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU), Education UK, etc.
Application Process for Current Employer
I didn’t apply for the job directly with the College. Instead, it was through the Scottish Networks International (SNI) who arranged the work placement when I became an Associate member during my MBA study. The College contacted SNI seeking a Chinese national to help in the area of international recruitment. After viewing my profile, SNI asked me whether I would be interested in this position and arranged an interview for me with the College.
Keys to Success
The main aim of my job is increasing international student recruitment, mainly through verbal communication as well as promoting the college through educational agencies and by attending exhibitions. In terms of promoting the college in China, I believe that being a former International student in Glasgow is very advantageous as I am able to share my experiences and knowledge with both the parents and the students. Also due to my background of being an International student who is a Chinese National has been vital in my role at the college as the they were looking for an applicant who could not only speak fluent Chinese but who also understood Chinese culture and customs. These skills are vital especially when communicating with my Chinese counterparts.
Other skills I have developed are being adaptable to the demand of the International Education market. For example, it is important that the College has the right products and services which can satisfy the Chinese market. Therefore I have to understand the market demand and pass the information onto the relevant departments within the college so that the respective course can be set up.
Your University Experience
Qualifications: MBA
Year of Graduation: 2006
Use of Careers Service:
I have attended several career and job fairs organised by the Careers Service. However, the most helpful one was having SNI representatives come to the University to introduce the service they offer. Then I filled out the application form to become its Associate member, got an interview, and got my current job offer.
Work Experience Whilst at University:
The current work placement began on a part-time basis in May 2005 when I was working on my dissertation over the summer. Meanwhile, I also helped the University at their Open Day in 2006. It was a great experience to give guidance to potential students and talk to them about my university experience. I think it was this particular moment which triggered my passion in helping overseas students.
Your Job Seeking Strategy:
1. I have sought different professional advice in writing up my CV appropriately. The School of Business and Management arranged for a few human resources professionals to give us speeches regarding writing up CVs.
2. I regularly keep my CV up to date and always include whatever is relevant from my experience. For example, volunteering experience and other professional training.
3. Showing potential employers that I am well-rounded in different perspectives like art, music, sports, culture-oriented, apart from my marketing profession.
Advice to Current International Students:
I think the Scottish Networks International (SNI) and Fresh Talent Initiative are both excellent schemes. SNI is very helpful in providing Associates with information and networking opportunities. Although the SNI is not an agent so cannot guarantee work placements for all Associates, it is great for arranging networking events which will allow you to build up your exposure and to meet different people, who could be potential employers. If you want to gain the work experience in the UK, SNI is definitely the first to contact. However, if you consider position and salary as most important, then I would recommend you try to apply a job through newspapers, internet, job agents.