On September 28, international students from East China Normal University (ECNU) attended the seventh session of “Shanghai Unlock” at Jing’an Global Connect, a one-stop service hub that provides support for foreign nationals working and living in Shanghai while also helping Chinese companies do business overseas. Launched by Shanghai’s Jing’an District, “Shanghai Unlock” is a series of themed information sessions designed to offer international residents advice on working and living in the city through presentations and interactive Q&A.

The seventh session focused on employment and entrepreneurship for international students in China. It covered three topics: new trends in how Chinese companies do business overseas; options for employment and entrepreneurship, including business incubation and starting a business independently; and practical advice for international students on finding work or starting a business in China.

Guest Presentation

Guest speaker Wahed Ahmadzai, who also goes by his Chinese name Ma He, drew on his experience with three entrepreneurial ventures to share lessons learned at different stages of his career. His account of the decisions he made on his journey from employment to entrepreneurship helped students understand the importance of considering the broader context before choosing a career path.

Q&A Discussion

During the interactive Q&A discussion, the students asked questions about issues ranging from their own employment experiences to challenges of starting a business. In response, Ahmadzai discussed essential skills in the AI era, factors that help Chinese companies succeed overseas, the demand for professionals with interdisciplinary skills, self-assessment before making career decisions, entrepreneurial risk management, and how international students can develop their core competencies.

He encouraged international students to put their ideas into practice, build professional networks beyond campus, and improve their Chinese language skills. He emphasized that gaining practical experience and exploring different opportunities could help them identify career paths that suited their interests and strengths.

After the session, the students spoke with talent service staff at Jing’an Global Connect. Their questions covered local employment and entrepreneurship policies, employment eligibility for international students, and work visa requirements.

The session gave ECNU international students an opportunity to learn directly from an entrepreneur and seek guidance on employment and entrepreneurship policies. Participating students said it offered useful guidance and helped clear up lingering questions about employment and entrepreneurship.

 

Source: ECNU