October 28, 2024— The Student Association of NSYSU International Programs recently hosted an engaging alumni sharing event, welcoming Gary Yuan, an IBMBA graduate, to discuss his career path, challenges, and experiences studying and working in Germany. Twenty-eight attendees gathered to hear Gary's insights on his career path after NSYSU, his exchange program at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, and his work experience in Germany.

Gary began by reflecting on his time at NSYSU, where he identified as a “hardworking student” who sought challenging courses to foster his professional growth. He highlighted his internships, starting with Air Liquide, where he served as a summer intern in the President’s Office. This experience, he noted, was pivotal in shaping his goal of working in Europe. He then moved on to an internship at Deloitte, secured with the help of NSYSU’s College of Management Career Development Office. Here, he maximized the resources available to him and advised students to seize every opportunity around them.

Discussing his exchange experience at HHL Leipzig, Gary described it as both “super tough” and “super competitive,” adding that exchange students at HHL often face skepticism from local students. This challenge pushed him to put extra effort into proving his capabilities, teaching him valuable skills in consultancy and interview preparation.

After graduation, Gary’s determination to work in Germany took him to the Intersolar Munich exhibition, where he proactively networked, eventually landing a job through self-recommendation. His role as a Graduate Trainee at E.ON SE has provided him with diverse experiences, including sustainability projects in preparation for COP28, hands-on involvement in a construction project in London, and contributing to Group M&A.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A, covering a wide range of topics, from industry preferences to tips for job hunting in Europe. When asked about the differences between working in Taiwan and Europe, Gary emphasized the importance of direct communication in Europe, noting that in Taiwan, employees are often expected to be humble and reserved, a style that could be misinterpreted in a European setting. On work-life balance, Gary compared the cultures, noting that Europeans value personal time, with Sundays often dedicated entirely to rest.

Gary also shared insights on using LinkedIn for networking, suggesting students reach out for informal “coffee chats.” He highlighted the importance of resilience in the job search, advising students to adjust their CVs if initial attempts are unsuccessful. Gary’s parting advice to students was to engage actively with NSYSU alumni, emphasizing that alumni networks can open doors in unexpected ways. He also encouraged students to take challenging courses, especially in finance, to build essential skills for global business roles.

This event, organized by the SA, provided attendees with an inspiring view of the global opportunities available to NSYSU graduates and practical steps for building a successful international career.