Zhan Xiaoman, graduated in 2016 from UIC's Contemporary English Language and Literature Programme, holding a master's in Media Management from Hong Kong Baptist University, is now pursuing her second master's degree at Harvard University in Education Leadership, Organisations, and Entrepreneurship. Her transition from Shenzhen's corporate scene to the global academic stage ignites a career defined by ambition, adaptability, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Career pivot: Back to campus
Before Harvard, Zhan spent six years managing corporate communications and investor relations at a unicorn company in Shenzhen. Observing artificial intelligence (AI)'s transformative impact, she re-evaluated her career trajectory, aspiring to contribute to innovative intersections of education and technology. After three months of independent preparations for graduate school applications, she received offers from Harvard, the University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University. Harvard's focus on leadership and entrepreneurship ultimately aligned best with her vision.
Zhan Xiaoman on Harvard University's Orientation Day.
At Harvard: Pioneering interdisciplinary education
From entrepreneurship classes at Harvard Business School to courses on social impact investing at the Kennedy School, and AI and law at MIT, Zhan strategically curates her education to align with her career goals. Beyond required courses, she has audited renowned courses like Justice by Michael Sandel and CS50: Introduction to Computer Science.
Zhan Xiaoman attends Prof Michael Sandel's Justice Lecture
"Every day here feels like a new beginning," she said. "I am surrounded by leading experts, engaged in discussions on global education and emerging technologies."
Zhan Xiaoman attends an academic conference on Whitehead's process philosophy hosted by UIC at Harvard
Harvest at UIC: A liberal arts mindset
Zhan's academic and leadership journey began at UIC, where she majored in Contemporary English Language and Literature. Influenced by its liberal arts education, she embraced the challenges of interdisciplinary studies, active classroom participation, and taking leadership roles.
As the chairman of the Contemporary English Language and Literature Professional Association, she edited academic journals, and organised activities from zero to one, nurturing critical skills like adaptability, decision-making, and team collaboration. These skills laid a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial mindset, which she continued to develop during her master's studies at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Zhan Xiaoman (front row, third from left) poses for a graduation photo with her classmates.
"This experience taught me to thrive in uncertainty, dare to make decisions and take responsibilities," Zhan explained. These formative years also deepened her appreciation for global perspectives and cultural diversity.
Zhan Xiaoman (front row, centre) edited a professional magazine with classmates at UIC
Vision for the Future: Transforming Education with Technology
Zhan aspires to bridge education and technology, focusing on AI-driven innovations to make quality learning accessible worldwide. Additionally, she plans to explore impact investing, steering capital towards socially beneficial education projects.
"True growth comes from embracing risks and stepping out of comfort zones," she advises younger students. "What matters is not perfection but the lessons you gain from trying."
From MPRO
Reporter: Uki Zhou
Photos provided by the interviewee
Editor: Cecilia Yu
