12 Mar 2025
Recently, the Work Placement, Employability and Career Development (WEC) Team of International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), successfully organized a sharing event titled "Explore the Corporate World: Career Development in Marketing Function." The event brought together marketing experts from various industries, IBSS faculty member, and outstanding IBSS alumni to discuss the core functions, talent demands, career development paths, and future trends in the marketing field.
The event was moderated by Hailu Hou, career counsellor at IBSS. The panel featured four distinguished guests, including Fei Cui, Marketing Director of Suzhou Watech Electronics Co., Ltd.; Tingyuan Li, Head of Marketing Dept. at HSBC (Jiangsu); Zi’an Wang, Digital Marketing Manager at Mars (IBSS alumna); and Dr. Zhe Lin, Assistant Professor of Marketing at IBSS. Drawing from their professional backgrounds and rich experiences, they provided students with valuable career advice and industry insights.
Fei Cui, Marketing Director of Suzhou Watech Electronics Co., Ltd.
Fei Cui began by sharing the organizational structure and responsibilities of the marketing department in the semiconductor industry. He pointed out that the marketing department in this sector can be divided into strategic and operational layers, managed by product lines. He mentioned that semiconductor products are primarily used in fields such as photovoltaics and new energy. For business students without technical background, the main task of the marketing department is to showcase product features and highlights to clients through diverse methods, including exhibitions, website, and effective communication with suppliers and clients. Cui emphasized the importance of building a solid academic foundation, gaining industry knowledge, and reflecting on one’s career aspirations.
Tingyuan Li, Head of Marketing Dept. at HSBC (Jiangsu)
Tingyuan Li shared her experiences and strategies in marketing at HSBC. She noted that the financial industry places great emphasis on channel partnerships, requiring marketing professionals to possess comprehensive skills, particularly sharp market insights, excellent interpersonal communication abilities, and multitasking capabilities. She advised students to focus on the application of AI tools, enhance their technical literacy, and prepare for future career development by achieving precise market positioning and efficient channel management to better meet client needs.
Ms. Zi’an Wang, Digital Marketing Manager at Mars
Zi’an Wang shared her experiences in the marketing department at Mars. She explained that the marketing department in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is a key division, overseeing budget and product development. Such roles require not only keen market insights and creative planning skills, but also the ability to balance ever-changing consumer demands with the company’s R&D pace. Using Mars as an example, she outlined the functions of different marketing divisions, including Brand Marketing, Product Marketing, Digital Marketing, and E-commerce Marketing. She also shared her internship experiences at DiDi, the art industry, and Google’s marketing department, encouraging students to explore various opportunities during their studies to discover their interests and strengths, and to find the right and niche industry for deeper specialization.
Zhe Lin, Assistant Professor of Marketing at IBSS
Zhe Lin discussed his research on social media, influencer marketing, and the application of machine learning in marketing from an academic perspective. He highlighted the growing use of generative AI technologies in the marketing field, urging students to master AI tools to enhance their employability. Using the example of Black Myth: Wukong, he advised students to stay informed about industry trends and cultivate sensitivity to market dynamics to boost their competitiveness in the job market.
This career development sharing event provided students with rich industry insights and practical career advice, helping them take solid steps toward their professional futures. In the closing remarks, Ms. Hailu Hou stated, "Today’s event not only offered a window into the marketing field, but also gave students a clearer direction for their career development. I hope students can apply what they’ve learned to their practices and continuously improve their skills. Our WEC team will continue to provide comprehensive career support to help students achieve their professional dreams."
News drafted by: Ms. Yanchi Zheng
Photography by: Ms. Yanchi Zheng
Edited by: Ms. Hailu Hou
12 Mar 2025