Event Review | IBSS WEC Team Successfully Hosted "Explore the Corporate World: Career Development Paths in Business Analytics" Forum

Recently, the Work Placement, Employability and Career Development (WEC) Team of the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), successfully organized a forum titled "Explore the Corporate World: Career Development Paths in Business Analytics." The event brought together industry experts, business school professor, and distinguished alumni in the field of business analytics to engage in in-depth discussions on the core competency requirements, the impact of AI technology and practical career development advice for students.

The forum was moderated by Hailu Hou, Career Counsellor at IBSS. The panel featured five distinguished guests, including: Hui He, Director of the Business and Digital Innovation Dept. at Suzhou ETRON Co., Ltd.; Xiaochun Yang, Independent Consultant at Shanghai AchieveFun Info. Tech. Co., Ltd. (External Mentor of XJTLU); Dr Linjia Zhang, Associate Professor of Economics at IBSS (Programme Director of MSc Business Analytics); Hui Zhang, Senior AI Advertising Analyst at Pacvue (Alumna of MSc Business Analytics); and Kai Xu, Student Representative from the BSc Information Management and Information Systems at IBSS. Drawing from their professional expertise and extensive experience, the speakers provided students with valuable career insights and industry perspectives.

Hui He, Director of the Business and Digital Innovation Dept. at Suzhou ETRON Co., Ltd.

Hui He shared the organizational structure and talent requirements of the Business and Digital Innovation Department from a corporate leadership perspective. He highlighted that XJTLU alumni constitute the largest proportion of Etron’s business analytics team, noting that their exceptional professionalism, global mindset, and adaptability make them highly desirable in the company. Based on his extensive management experience, he emphasized three critical factors for business analysts’ career growth: developing a deep understanding of the industry dynamics and core business operations, continuously updating knowledge of emerging technologies, and cultivating business sense within a global context.

Xiaochun Yang, Independent Consultant at Shanghai AchieveFun Info. Tech. Co., Ltd.

Xiaochun Yang, an experienced technical expert, shared her insights on cultivating interdisciplinary talents in the AI era. Drawing from her extensive experience at HP and her current role as an independent consultant, she advised students with cross-disciplinary backgrounds to focus on integrating business management theory with technical skills while strengthening applied competencies through hands-on projects. Yang emphasized the importance of critical thinking and the ability to analyze primary data, highlighting their fundamental role in advancing both business ethics standards and scientific management capabilities within AI-driven business environments.

Dr Linjia Zhang, Associate Professor of Economics at IBSS

Dr Linjia Zhang, Programme Director of the MSc Business Analytics, emphasized from an academic perspective that future business analysts must develop a balanced skill set combining technical expertise (e.g., data analysis, visualization tools) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication). In terms of AI advancements, he encouraged students to embrace change proactively, explore emerging roles like AI Model Trainer, and focus on leveraging AI tools to solve real-world business problems.

Hui Zhang, Senior AI Advertising Analyst at Pacvue

Alumna Hui Zhang shared her career journey—from securing an internship at PatSnap through External Mentor Programme, to her current role as a Senior AI Advertising Analyst at Pacvue leading digital marketing analytics projects. She stressed that career growth, much like AI systems, requires continuous "learning – feedback – iterative improvement" to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Kai Xu, Student Rep. from BSc IMIS at IBSS

Kai Xu shared his internship experiences at Bosch, Siemens, ShineWing Accounting Firm, and other renowned enterprises. He advised peers to leverage university resources to master tools like Python and SQL systematically, while gaining practical experience through business competitions, research projects, and corporate internships. Through presenting his innovative development of automated reporting tools during an internship, he demonstrated the critical value of business-oriented technological solutions. Furthermore, he inspired fellow students to actively embrace experimental approaches and innovative thinking to expand their professional capabilities.

In closing, Hailu Hou remarked, "This forum has provided students with a professional platform to explore the field of business analytics. The WEC team will continue offering comprehensive support to help students achieve their career aspirations." Attendees expressed that the experts’ in-depth case studies and practical advice not only clarified the core competencies and career pathways, but also provided a clear roadmap for their professional development.

News drafted by: Yanchi Zheng
Photography by: Yanchi Zheng
Edited by: Hailu Hou