During her four years at UIC, Ding Ziyi experienced significant personal and professional growth, enhancing her critical thinking and research skills. Now, she is heading to Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications for her postgraduate study.
Ding Ziyi
Her instructors, global experts in their fields, encouraged her participation in multiple international forums, such as the conference held by the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR), and with Dr Chally Lim's guidance, she published review articles in SSCI journals. "Not only academic support, UIC's teachers also provide me with personalised career planning advice and reference letters for my postgraduate applications," she said.
Ding Ziyi (left) with Associate Head of Department of Communication Dr Xu Xiaying
Ding Ziyi (right) with Dr Chally Lim
Her major integrated knowledge from diverse areas, including public relations, advertising, business, as well as opportunities to delve into social sciences or computer science through elective courses. The opportunities to study in one of the overseas or domestic partner institutes and the summer programme fostered a global network of mentors and friends for her. "Luckily, I have made friends with diverse backgrounds, and got a reference letter from Dr Narayanan Ganapathy of the National University of Singapore."
Workshops and exhibitions held by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offered her practical exposure. The internship at Ogilvy China - Beijing branch honed her real-world abilities with regular assignments, improving her writing and communication skills, which were crucial for her graduate school applications.
Ding Ziyi gives a presentation on publication
Recalling her time at UIC, Ding said the school had perfectly fit her expectations for a university experience. She not only gained rich professional knowledge and skills but also found a stage to express herself and realize her self-worth. With a vast road ahead, she will continue to follow her heart, pursuing her dreams in the future.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photos provided by Ding Ziyi
Editor: Deen He
