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Balancing theory and practice: elevating the academic and professional journey at XJTLU
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Rebecca Joy at her workplace in China.
It’s a chicken-and-egg question. What is more essential, knowledge or experience?
Job applicants will likely know that between theory and practice, striking the right balance is key for students transitioning into the workforce. While classroom studies and literature review are crucial aspects of learning, opportunities to witness and experience real-world applications of a concept are equally indispensable.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), an international university located in Suzhou, China, is an institution that firmly believes in the importance of internships and research projects in a student’s academic journey.
Through work-study and research, students are able to develop practical skills and learn to apply their academic knowledge in the real world. At the same time, they foster and nurture soft skills that are key to career building.
Connecting theory and practice
At XJTLU, undergraduate students are required to secure and complete at least 90 hours of work placement before graduation. XJTLU Global, the university’s office supporting international students, regularly provides information on diverse internship opportunities and job openings.
For example, Christie Caren, an MA International Business and Global Affairs student from Indonesia, participated in a summer internship at W Hotel Suzhou.
"I learned firsthand the intricacies of maintaining customer relations and satisfaction, as well as mastering techniques for effectively promoting the hotel to potential customers. These aspects, often overlooked in traditional classroom settings, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of real-world dynamics within the hospitality industry,” she said.
The internships enable students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between academia and professional industry.
“The internship at W Hotel Suzhou has been an incredible experience for me. It helped me develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, which are essential in today’s competitive job market,” she added, noting that the experience fostered her personal and professional growth.
After finishing her internship, Caren has continued her stint at W Hotel Suzhou, working part-time at the hotel’s marketing communications department.
According to Markus Davis, International Student Support Officer at XJTLU Global, internships can propel students towards their desired careers and help them achieve their professional goals.
“Internships also provide students with invaluable networking opportunities. They can build connections with industry professionals and peers that will be beneficial for their future career endeavors,” he said.
“While international students may not receive monetary compensation for their work placements, they can benefit from having certain expenses, such as transportation and food, covered by the host company,” he said.
Real research
XJTLU provides undergraduates across disciplines the chance to conduct meaningful research under expert advisors.
XJTLU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) programme aims to stimulate students' research interests and develop their research skills. Open to undergraduate students in years one, two, or three at XJTLU, each team is assigned a supervisor and can apply for funding for their projects.
One of the programme participants is Joey Patrick Bachtiar, a BSc Biological Sciences student from Indonesia. In 2023, he joined SURF to enrich his knowledge and gain practical skills in microbiology.
Under the supervision of Dr Sekar Raju at the Department of Biological Sciences at XJTLU, Bachtiar teamed up with two other undergraduate students from China to work on the specific detection of a bacterium, Streptococcus mutans.
“The bacterium, S. mutans, is part of the oral microbiome and it contributes to tooth decay and cavities,” Bachtiar said. “Detecting and quantifying this bacterium is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention of tooth decay.”
Bachtiar explained that the SURF team used a technique known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or qPCR, to evaluate different primer sets – tools used to identify target genes – to accurately detect and quantify S. mutans.
“This study has future clinical applications,” Bachtiar said.
SURF played a significant role in Bachtiar’s academic life: “It helped me become more careful while doing experiments, improved my time management skills, and enhanced my teamwork abilities,” he said.
While doing SURF, Bachtiar encountered some challenges, but the support of his mentors and peers helped him emerge from these trials with resilience. Reflecting on his experience, he would like to encourage prospective students to embrace challenges, seize opportunities and believe in their own potential.
Students and academics explain XJTLU’s SURF program.
“SURF is a gateway to personal and professional growth. It will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”
When Bachtiar was looking for universities to enroll in, XJTLU stood out as one of the few international schools in China offering all degree programme in English.
“XJTLU’s unique blend of academic and cultural immersion is the perfect fit for me. I was drawn to XJTLU’s commitment for better education. The university not only fosters academic excellence but also encourages students to explore diverse interests.”
Work in China
Rebecca Joy, also from Indonesia, graduated from XJTLU’s BSc Economics and Finance programme in July 2023.
During her last year at XJTLU, she attended numerous job fairs and continuously refined her CV, but did not receive an offer. After hearing about a Chinese company that specializes in sustainable energy in a job fair organized by XJTLU, she decided to seize the opportunity, again polishing her CV and preparing for the interview.
The interview turned out to be a pivotal moment in her job search – she succeeded in earning the position of Sales Management Trainee.
According to Joy, several factors influenced her choice to pursue a career in China over other countries.
“I have a passion for learning Chinese from a young age. Working in China can improve my language fluency, which can help me gain opportunities both in China and in Indonesia,” she said.
“China is a technologically advanced nation with extensive digitalization and automation. The strong bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China, characterized by longstanding business collaborations and investments, further solidified my decision.”
Speaking about her education at XJTLU, Joy said the experience played a crucial role in preparing her for working in China, such as how interacting with Chinese and international peers provided her with invaluable insights into the country’s work culture.
“I built connections and fostered friendships both at XJTLU and the company, which made me less homesick,” she concluded.
For more information about XJTLU, visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en.
