Adapting to the Global Playground: A CUFE International Student's Journey into the Corporate World
—2021届国际经济与贸易专业本科留学生 塔莎（赞比亚）
As a Zambian international student, I was accorded the opportunity of a very transformative journey that offered me a unique blend of my academic, personal and social growth, I was an International Trade and Economics major student under the faculty of international trade and economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics. This opportunity definitely provided me with a dynamic and globally oriented educational experience that has enabled me to have a firm foundation both in society and the corporate world. I am delighted to bring your attention to my experience of studying abroad and its profound impact on my career.
After my graduation in 2021, I was fortunate enough to hold a position as a Chinese language translator at a Chinese owned Transportation and logistics company in Lusaka Zambia called “Yasun Investment Limited”. My main responsibilities here were to translate instructions and tasks given by the director to the rest of the employees, employee and employer relations, inventory and stock taking, additionally my role was to ensure all documentation produced by the director and submitted for the director was accurately translated in both English and chinese. The impact of studying in China on my Chinese proficiency is mainly reflected in the following aspects. Firstly, during my undergraduate program, all my peers were of international origin in which our easiest mode of communication was via the chinese language hence the need to improve my proficiency levels. Additionally studying in Chinese opened up a world of many opportunities and possibilities both for my personal growth and academic growth, however it was a journey that had its own challenges especially with the linguistic obstacles regardless of the challenges faced it also provided me with the much needed exposure. I also had extensive exposure to more Chinese in daily life and learning, strengthen my understanding and application of Chinese, and improve my listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Secondly, I frequented the library which helped me engage in more communication and interaction with Chinese students and I need make a whole set of chinese friends that helped me all through out my studies and also ensured I improved my language proficiency.
Experiencing China, both at a level of academic destination and as a country, is an incredible journey. China’s rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes offer a backdrop that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Immersing oneself in the local culture, from savoring the myriad flavors of Chinese cuisine to exploring ancient landmarks like the Great Wall is a continuous adventure.
China's richness and abundance of educational resources, Accorded me access to Chinese language learning resources such as libraries, online resources, and language learning software. These resources helped me better learn and master Chinese. Overall, my experience studying in China helped me comprehensively improve my Chinese proficiency and further promote cultural and educational exchanges between China and Zambia.
My first job promotion at Yasun Investment ltd came as a result of having passed my chinese proficiency exam and also attaining a diploma in Human Resource, which enabled the chinese firm to consider offering me a job promotion after six months of service, my roles included employee recruitment, disciplinary hearings, ensuring the company is well aligned with the Zambian policies and labour laws. Through hard work and determination barely six months after my first promotion I was yet again promoted to General Manager of Yasun investment limited which I served diligently for one full year. My roles during this position included Fleet management, tracking of monthly sales and inventory, conducted employee performance reviews and managed GPS trackers on all the trucks. Through hard work and determination, I worked my way to the top in a short space of time. The hard work that was instilled in me at the Central University of Finance and Economics, has been manifesting in my day to day life.
I am currently working as a freelance translator for three chinese companies namely, Yasun Investment Limited(亚星运输公司), Delights Urban Limited and Goldtiger Limited（金老虎公司). Central University of Finance and Economics is a High soaring financial University in China, that has been committed to cultivating international students with international backgrounds and excellent quality. I have gained an excellent experience from this school with a long history and rich cultural heritage.
The teachers of the School of International Trade and Economics played an invaluable role in my academic and personal development. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching are deserving of heartfelt appreciation. These educators inspired, guided, and imparted knowledge, nurtured my personal and academic development. Their mentorship extends beyond the classroom, offering valuable life lessons and career insights. The impact of a great lecturer can be profound, leaving an indelible mark on students’ lives, sparking curiosity, and instilling a love for learning.
During my graduate studies at the School of International Trade and Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics, I was privileged to experience Cultural Immersion which gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in one of the world’s oldest and richest cultures. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, I experienced it all firsthand. Additionally Learning Mandarin, as one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, has been a valuable skill I have attained. Being in CUFE provided me with the ideal environment for language acquisition. Thirdly CUFE provided me with world class education that I am immensely grateful for as I am a degree holder at a global competitive level. Finally The Cultural exchange that was encouraged by CUFE has enabled me to grow so much more in my current career path as I yearn to work with more primarily chinese owned institutes.
China is a country that has had a growing global influence on my life especially during my Life and Studies, I developed a unique international perspective which has proven to be a significant day to day Asset in every aspect of my life at present. Additionally being in China provided me with the much needed technological exposure and cutting edge innovations.
In general, my CUFE life has greatly impacted my corporate life as I explain every rich aspect earned and learned in my day to day living, and I do greatly look forward to being a part of bridging the gap between Zambia and the Chinese Economic and technological relations.
撰稿：塔 莎
校对：闫倩楠
审核：张晓涛
