Sisi Li
How graduates can stand out to international employers
The top weakness international employers see in graduates has nothing to do with their qualifications or academic achievements – but it’s one that students can overcome well before the gruelling rounds of graduate job interviews, says top Master of Business alum Sisi Li.
Ms Li, who graduated in 2013, is now a Senior Finance Advisor at Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Ltd.
There she manages family and insurance trusts, securities, investment, insurance, and banking activities. She specialises in providing optimal and high-value financial plans for individuals and families worldwide across the private wealth spectrum.
“Ping An provides an international environment with employees coming from diverse backgrounds which provides a multidimensional solution to solve work related problems which suit our clients’ needs,” Ms Li says.
But the toughest hurdle for young graduates looking for their first big role, especially in a global company like Ping An, is often “the social aspect”, she says.
The 'great barrier' for graduates
“Probably the number one disadvantage that most (employers) see with our graduates today is a complete lack of social skills which acts as a great barrier to the completion of work duties,” Ms Li says.
Students need to be mindful of building their social skills while still studying on campus, she says.
Joining student societies, participating in internship programs and even practising presentation skills regularly are all good ways to build your social and networking skills, she says.
“I highly recommend (Monash Business School’s) leadership and professional development programs to current students,” she says.
“The professional programs assisted me in resume writing skills, interview skills, and more importantly, helped me with career related questions including time management, workload, and work-life balance.”
Alumni community a natural extension of campus programs
In fact, Ms Li got so much out of campus PD programs and networking opportunities, that she was quick to embrace the Monash alumni community after graduation.
“Being part of the Monash alumni community can be incredibly helpful,” she says.
“The community provides a wider professional network and connects me with fellow alumni. Networking dinners bring together alumni from around the area, provide helpful information about the finance market, and help me widen my networks.”
“It also helps me improve my communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills. Being connected to other alumni provides opportunities for me to develop new relationships outside of Ping An.”
After gaining her Business degree, Ms Li said undertaking postgraduate studies at Monash Business School was a logical next step.
“Monash provides high level educational resources to ensure fair outcomes are delivered for all students,” she says. “The lecturers and tutors were always eager to help.”
Seizing career opportunities
Ms Li says her Master’s degree enabled her to hit the ground running when she returned to China. She is now successfully building her career and seeing exciting opportunities with Ping An.
“This company provides very challenging and exciting opportunities,” she says.
“As a Senior Finance Advisor, my main duties include: preparing finance/insurance lectures for the general public and professionals; hosting finance events; and absorbing new information on a daily basis.”
“Employers in China want to hire graduates with multicultural backgrounds, some industry (internship) experience, language skills and … culturally competent people who know how to communicate and collaborate with colleagues from other backgrounds.”
She is currently involved in the company’s Ageing Service, which provides a tailored and high-quality psychological and physical wellbeing service for clients.
“I am looking forward to getting involved in delivering some investment and retirement lectures for the retirement centres in the near future,” she says.
What else are employers looking for?
Employers are looking for graduates who can solve problems, says Ms Li.
In addition, and especially in China, an international educational qualification is highly sought after, she says.
“Employers in China want to hire graduates with multicultural backgrounds, some industry (internship) experience, language skills and…culturally competent people who know how to communicate and collaborate with colleagues from other backgrounds,” she says.
What top three tips would you give to a current Master of Business student?
- Take your time - enjoy your time studying on campus, while remaining productive by creating your own time schedule.
- Be prepared - think about the internship programs you want to participate in, which will open more doors for your future career.
- Don’t get too stressed! - You’re still young, there are plenty of opportunities ahead and it’s not the end of the world if your project does not succeed.