Beijing Global Center Spring Career Events: A Gateway to China's Job Market

Hundreds of Columbia students and alumni connected with China's vibrant job market through a series of virtual fairs and an insightful panel.

March 08, 2024

Partnering with schools and career offices, the Columbia Global Centers | Beijing opened doors to vast career opportunities in China for Columbia students and alumni, providing invaluable insights and forging connections that pave the way for a bright professional future.

Across three dynamic virtual career fairs and an insightful alumni career insight panel, more than 500 students and recent graduates from Columbia Engineering, Columbia GSAS, Columbia Business School, and Columbia SPS connected with 40 industry giants and broadened their professional horizons.

Learn more about the Beijing Center's career education program.

Engineering Aspirants Meet Industry Leaders

Engineering

The Columbia Engineering Virtual China Career Fair, a collaboration between the school's Graduate Career Placement Center and the Beijing Center, was a resounding success. More than 255 students and recent graduates mingled with top-tier companies like BOE, CATL, Tencent, goetzpartners, and Jinko Solar over three action-packed days.

By bringing together a diverse array of Chinese companies and industry leaders, the event allowed participants to dive into extensive discussions about the future of engineering, learn first-hand about the inner workings and opening opportunities at these organizations, and receive personalized advice from seasoned employers.

Engaging with companies at the forefront of sectors such as technology, finance, and consumer goods offered a real-time look at how these firms drive economic growth and innovation within China and on an international scale.

Finance and Quant Experts Chart New Territories

Quant & Finance

In the world of finance and quant, 79 eager attendees from seven Columbia GSAS and Columbia Business School graduate programs engaged with seven leading China-based companies. The Spring 2024 Columbia Finance and Quant Career Fair, jointly hosted by Columbia GSAS, Columbia Business School, and the Beijing Center, provided a platform for real-time interaction and in-depth industry insights.

SPS Students Get the Inside Track

SPS

The Columbia School of Professional Studies Virtual China Career Fair, hosted by the Career Design Lab at Columbia SPS along with the Beijing Center, saw 139 students and recent graduates dive into the world of technology, gaming, smart healthcare, consulting, and consumer goods. Participants connected with major names like Kwai, Honor, and PwC, learning about the exciting prospects across varied industries.

Participating companies outlined the skills and qualifications they value, reflecting the broader competencies sought after in China. This helped SPS members understand the talent needs within the country, giving them a blueprint for how to position themselves as valuable assets in a competitive Chinese job market.

Alumni Impart Wisdom at Career Insight Panel

GSAS alum

The Alumni Career Insight Panel, co-hosted by Columbia GSAS and the Beijing Center, provided an intimate setting for sharing and learning. Seventeen Chinese alumni from Columbia offered 48 students and recent graduates a glimpse into their career journeys in culture and arts, marketing and public relations, financial services, academia, technology, and consulting.

Alumni shared experiences and strategies for success, illustrating the ways in which Columbia graduates can leverage their skills in a market as diverse and dynamic as China's.

Hearing about the real-world experiences of alumni in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities within the Chinese market offered participants a nuanced understanding of the economic, social, and cultural factors that influence business operations in China, as well as the country's global economic interactions.

A Springboard for Global Careers

Each event was meticulously designed not just to present job opportunities but to cultivate a deeper understanding of China's job market, industry landscape, and development trends.

The discussions also provided insights on how Columbia students and alumni can leave their mark through the development of effective study plans and the acquisition of necessary skills that are relevant to their desired positions. Attending these events allowed them to expand their networks and connect with mentors and peers who could propel them forward on their career paths.