Li, Danyang
Q1: I am very pleased to have this opportunity to interview you and share some of your personal experiences with our younger students. I wanted to ask, why did you choose our university and our program in the first place?
Danyang：It was also an opportunity. At that time, I had the chance to be recommended for a domestic graduate program and was in the process of applying for various universities’ recommendation exams. By chance, I saw the enrollment news of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) on a website, and also inquired about some information about this school from various sources. I learned that it has abundant teaching resources, reputable industry mentors, and a high academic positioning.
On one hand, I hope to solidify my foundation in finance through the strong educational resources available and adapt to a globalized teaching atmosphere. On the other hand, I also hope to leverage the influence of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) in the industry to gain more opportunities to connect with financial practices, allowing me to have a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the entire industry before entering the job market. Of course, with the support of scholarships from the school, the cost-effectiveness of the program is also one of the reasons for my choice.
Q2: As for the program, it is fortunate to have such outstanding students. When learning in the program, did you encounter anything that left a deep impression on you?
Danyang：During my studies in the program, there have been many memorable experiences, such as recording a job application video entirely in English, writing a complete financial analysis report for a company, debugging VBA codes with classmates to the point of frustration, and having late-night snacks with classmates during exam weeks under the library building. These are all small but fulfilling and beautiful moments of student life.
Q3: Many students in our program juggle between studying and internships, feeling tired and confused. Do you have any personal experiences you would like to share with your fellow students?
Danyang：Balancing study and internship can indeed be challenging for most students, including myself. During my second year of study, I often had to intern during the day and rush to class at night, using the late hours of the night to complete assignments.
Finding a balance between the two certainly requires individual analysis based on different backgrounds. If one’s energy allows for ensuring the quality of study and completing internship tasks, that would be ideal. However, I personally believe that work is a lifelong commitment. The internship phase is just a taste of the workplace, providing a quick guide and foundation for job hunting. But the core competitiveness of individuals should still be based on knowledge and skill accumulation. When one’s abilities are in place, landing a good job is just a matter of time.
Q4: In the program’s curriculum, what do you think are the most useful knowledge or courses you have learned?
Danyang：Financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and quantitative foundations. These are the fundamental disciplines of finance. For me, it is not just about mastering the calculation and comparison of indicators, but more importantly, as a finance professional, it is crucial to possess analytical logic and problem-solving skills. Regardless of whether these skills will be directly used in future job positions, successful individuals never enter a battle unprepared; comprehensive learning and solid foundational knowledge are essential to maintain competitiveness among numerous graduates.
Q5: Is there a course that left a deep impression on you, or perhaps a course that you consider the most unique in the program?
Danyang：We had a course where many industry mentors were invited to guide students in their projects, which was the most rewarding for me. Previously, my understanding of finance was limited to formulas and concepts in textbooks. However, that course allowed me to step out of undergraduate knowledge and truly stand from a practical perspective, understanding the core of various segments in the financial industry, including fund investments, quantitative strategies, alternative investments, and more. It helped me transform my financial framework from individual points to a comprehensive perspective.
Q6: For students who are considering applying to our master’s program, and are struggling with the decision between further studies and employment, do you have any good advice?
Danyang：Planning in advance is crucial for both options. I have seen many classmates around me choose to continue their studies because they couldn’t find good jobs or were worried about not finding good jobs, leading to various difficulties during their Ph.D. studies. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a Ph.D. does not align with their future plans. Avoiding problems at the beginning does not solve anything; it just delays the inevitable. I recommend that everyone make decisions early based on their characteristics and future plans, focusing on winning a significant battle, which is the correct choice.
Q7: In terms of job hunting, do you have any career planning advice to share with younger students?
Danyang：My personal advice is, especially in the early stages of a career, to look for a relatively large platform. This way, you can have more exposure to industry practices and better resource foundations. However, we should not only consider the size of the platform but also factors like work atmosphere, future development opportunities, salary packages, and more. A career is a marathon, so considering the long-term implications of your current choices will provide you with clearer guidance.
Q8: Do you have any insights on job hunting or interview tips that you can share with our younger students?
Danyang：Stay confident! Stay positive!
Job hunting is a mentally exhausting process, and during the interview, you may face numerous competitors, including highly talented individuals from top schools. However, always remember that everyone has their unique strengths. An interview is a two-way process, where showcasing your characteristics and strengths is key.
