When students encounter difficulties, it would be helpful to hear advice from the fellows in addition to seeking support from the teachers. To help other students sweep away their worries, some experienced UICers shared their unique approaches to making plans, applying for postgraduate studies, looking for an internship, and overcoming social anxiety.
How to Strengthen Learning Motivation
Liu Rui from the Financial Mathematics (FM) Programme, 2020 cohort
yGPA: 4.0 (First Year)，3.94 (Second Year)
Planning with goals is crucial, according to Liu Rui, who has won the President's Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Since The curriculum at UIC is compact, good time management skills and taking timely breaks could increase efficiency.
Records of the reference materials Liu Rui borrowed from Learning Resource Centre
Liu added that students should put effort into group work, an important opportunity for them to have team spirit, which is vital in the Liberal Arts Education at UIC and their career.
How to apply for your dream university
Mai Jiayi, graduate from the English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS) Programme
Mai Jiayi, a UIC alumna and a postgraduate student in Linguistics (English) at the National University of Singapore, summarised two suggestions on the postgraduate application process. One is preparing early and enriching personal experiences. For example, completing the IELTS test early earned her more time in authoritative competitions and examinations within the discipline and related internships and research programmes. The other is paying close attention to information and delivering application materials timely.
Mai goes to the National University of Singapore for further study
How to overcome social anxiety
Chen Chaofan, 2019 cohort student from the Globalisation and Development (GAD) Programme
As the former vice-president of the GAD Academic Society and the former head of the UIC Model United Nations Association, Chen Chaofan revealed that he once had a social phobia. He suggests that one can allow themselves to "escape" from uncomfortable occasions. When facing arguments, keeping a calm and open mind while sticking to the principles can help to solve conflicts.
Chen Chaofan (top row, second from the left) in a conference on marine conservation
How to obtain an internship opportunity
Ma Yuhan from the Cinema and Television (CTV) Programme of 2019 cohort
Ma Yuhan once worked as an intern at Mango TV (Hunan Happy Sunshine Interactive Entertainment Media Co., LTD.), Xishanju (Zhuhai Jinshan Online Game Technology Co., LTD.), Jilin Radio and Television Station, etc. She suggested visiting the UIC Career Development Centre website, job seeking Apps to look for posts, and consulting alumni for working in the same field as them.
Ma's internship at Jilin Radio and Television Station
How to make your schedule
Xu Junhun from the Accounting (ACCT) Programme, 2019 cohort
Xu Junhun managed to catch up after switching programs from another faculty. He was also the co-winner of a provincial second prize winner of the 11th National College Student "Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship" competition, the executive vice president of the UIC iMusic Association, the art director of UIC Orchestra, the previous president of the UIC Football Association and a peer mentor.
Xu Junhun's multi-tasking ability also reflects in the ingenious schedule he makes.
He would sort his tasks into two types by how urgent and important they are and put them in a graph.
A schedule of Xu Junhun
From MPRO
Reporter: Liang Qianning
Photos provided by the interviewees
Editors: Covee Wang, Deen He
