ISB students enjoy virtual career days

By Sam Wong, ISB Alumni Relations, and Nick Yates, ISB Communications

High School students are reflecting on the International School of Beijing’s (ISB) first ever virtual career days. In an example of ISB capitalizing on its strong alumni network and innovating during restricted campus access for Covid-19, High School students last week hosted two days of Zoom conversations with former ISB students advising on career paths.

Thirteen student hosts led career day conversations with seven alumni panelists. The panelists spanned three decades of graduating classes from ISB and represented a wide range of industries including startups, finance, marketing, ophthalmology, academia, hospital administration, and aviation. Panelists, student hosts, and student attendees joined the virtual conversations from all over the world, from the U.S. to the U.K. to China, along with Facebook Live participants from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

The conversations began with student hosts asking the alumni questions submitted to them by their classmates. The alumni shared industry-specific knowledge and advice, but many of them went beyond that by sharing some valuable life lessons and how to find happiness in a career and life after high school.

Student host Alex Z, Grade 12, described the career days as “the perfect opportunity to see how widespread and resourceful the ISB network is.”

Alumnus panelist Edwin Zhang explained he was motivated to be involved in this initiative because “I understand that this can be a difficult time for current students. Therefore, I wanted to give back to the ISB community in my own way. The virtual career conversation is a great platform for this because it allows me to contribute from my own living room!”

The panelists backed ISB students to excel after they leave the school.

“There will always be a need for fresh talent in the finance industry,” said Mr. Zhang. “Even though the market has been affected by Covid-19, many large financial institutions are still hiring recent graduates. ISB grads should be well positioned for employment in finance due to their strong academic aptitude and leadership skills. Students should take advantage of summer internship opportunities in college and keep up a good GPA.”

A very special thanks to all our alumni panelists and student hosts!

Alumni panelists: Megan Wang, Class of 2008; Dr. Susan Hoki, Class of 1996; Edwin Zhang, Class of 2011; Eric Livdahl, Class of 2007; Dr. Kara Ng, Class of 2010; Robin Greving, Class of 2007; Nico Narduzzi, Class of 2013

Students hosts: Austin L, Grade 11; Jane S, Grade 11; Gina Y, Grade 11: Christopher F, Grade 9; Lynn C, Grade 10; Lei Hsin, Grade 10; Christina E, Grade 12; Audrey C, Grade 12; Catherine L, Grade 12; Alex Z, Grade 12; Maisy L, Grade 12; Qiqi Z, Grade 12; Kara R, Grade 12