Career Talk in Suzhou connects XJTLU students with industry professionals

On April 8, 2026, the Department of International Studies at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), in collaboration with the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CCIC), hosted the 2026 Career Talk in Suzhou at XJTLU’s South Campus. Bringing together students and industry professionals, the event offered practical guidance on what international companies expect from graduates, how students can strengthen their application materials, and how they can respond to a rapidly changing job market shaped by digitalization and AI.

The event opened with welcome remarks from representatives of CCIC and XJTLU and was moderated by Dr. Francesco Macheda, Head of the Department of International Studies. Throughout the afternoon, students heard from speakers working in corporate management, recruitment, and human resources before taking part in a mock interview session and open networking.

In the first session, Lorenzo Bali, Board Director of CCIC and Deputy General Manager of Pelliconi Suzhou and Pelliconi Changzhou, spoke about what international companies in China expect from graduates in 2026. Drawing on his industry experience, he encouraged students to see the early stage of their careers as a period of learning, growth, and experience-building. He suggested that students prioritize the quality of experience they gain and the long-term value of professional development.

Rosa Luo, Partner of Asia Solution Corporation, then shared practical advice on how to apply successfully to international companies in China. Her session focused on resume writing, interview preparation, job-search strategy, and the importance of understanding one’s own profile through a SWOT-based self-assessment. She highlighted that Chinese and international students may face different strengths and challenges in the job market and stressed the importance of presenting these clearly to employers. She also underlined the value of maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, especially for graduates of international institutions, and shared insider tips on building strong application packages.

In the third session, Denise Sordilli, Marketing Coordinator Supervisor of Gi Group Holding, discussed job market trends and graduate employability in 2026. She emphasized several key themes, including the growing preference for quality over quantity in job applications, the increasing importance of AI-augmented roles, and the need for cross-cultural agility in an increasingly interconnected professional environment. Her presentation encouraged students to assess their skills strategically, identify target employers, and prepare deliberately for both behavioral and technical interviews.

Another recurring theme throughout the event was employers’ growing expectation that candidates be fluent in AI tools. Speakers noted that employers are increasingly looking for applicants who can clearly explain how they used AI to work more efficiently, where they relied on it in their projects, and how they verified AI-generated outputs, rather than depending on AI uncritically.

A highlight of the afternoon was the mock interview session, moderated by Dr. Esol Cho, Program Director of International Business and Global Affairs (IBGA). Two IBGA student volunteers, Fredrik Falmark Andersen and J Jessica, participated in the session, giving attendees an opportunity to observe interview dynamics from the employer’s perspective and reflect on how to communicate their skills more effectively. The session was followed by an open networking session, allowing students to continue conversations with speakers and receive further career advice in a more informal setting.

The Career Talk in Suzhou reflects the Department of International Studies’ ongoing commitment to connecting academic learning with professional practice. By bringing students into direct contact with industry representatives, the event provided timely and practical insights into graduate employability, helping participants prepare more confidently and strategically for future careers in China and beyond.

Contributed by Esol Cho, Department of International Studies