To help doctoral students enhance their career planning abilities and employment competitiveness, on the afternoon of April 1, the School of Management organized an employment guidance and sharing session for doctoral students. Four outstanding PhD graduates working in international organizations, overseas universities, domestic “Double First-Class” universities, and state-owned enterprises were invited to share their job-hunting and employment experience.

Wang Haixiao, Deputy Secretary of the School Party Committee, Bai Jie, Student Employment Supervisor, attended the event, which was hosted by Gong Xue, PhD counselor.

Dr. He Zilong, who will join the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), shared his promotion path from intern to formal staff. He systematically introduced the job application procedures and key points for international organizations. He noted that the UN internship portal and the International Organization Talent Training Program by the China Scholarship Council are important channels. He advised PhD students to finish research tasks early and reserve sufficient time for international project practice or other employment preparations.

Dr. Liu Haichao, who will conduct postdoctoral research at Simon Fraser University in Canada, shared strategies for applying for overseas research positions.

On the basis of publishing several high-level papers, he obtained a joint-training opportunity in France through supervisor recommendations and academic conferences, laying a solid foundation for later applications to overseas universities. He suggested that PhD students regularly check recruitment platforms such as LinkedIn, take the initiative to contact top universities and distinguished scholars in their fields, and strive for opportunities for overseas academic development.

Dr. Zhang Xu, who joined the Business School of Hohai University, compared applying for university positions to “leveling up in a game”, emphasizing that each stage tests comprehensive qualities.

He recommended that PhD students take part in supervisors’ research projects as much as possible to accumulate practical research experience, be brave to try during job hunting, and strive for every opportunity with full effort.

Dr. Zhang Sihan, who joined Shaanxi Transportation Control Group Co., Ltd., shared her transition from academic positions to enterprise roles.

By analyzing corporate annual reports and industry white papers, she accurately matched her research strengths with the strategic planning direction of intelligent transportation. She advised PhD students to correctly understand their own strengths and weaknesses, prepare for job hunting in advance, and improve success rates with targeted efforts.

During the interactive session, attending PhD students held heated discussions on topics including university position selection, postdoctoral career development, and work pressure in academia and enterprises. The four guests answered questions and provided suggestions one by one.

Wang Haixiao systematically introduced the employment destinations of PhD graduates in the past five years, analyzed the characteristics and existing problems of doctoral employment. He pointed out that PhD students should strengthen planning awareness, conduct academic and career planning early, improve core competitiveness according to the requirements of target institutions, and dare to break through their comfort zones to seek opportunities in diversified fields. He encouraged PhD students to take this sharing session as a starting point, set clear goals, and move forward steadily.

This sharing session helped PhD students understand the current employment situation, provided a comprehensive and in-depth insight into high-level talent career paths, clarified career orientation, and enhanced job-hunting competitiveness.

In the future, the School of Management will continue to optimize its employment guidance system, expand career development channels, and provide solid support for high-quality employment and diversified development of doctoral students.

(Written by Zeng Jingming, Gong Xue Reviewed by Wang Haixiao)