Kaidi Zhang

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

I chose Birmingham not only because of the school's excellent academic ability, but also because of the school's ability cultivation and academic development support for students. As a work-oriented student, Birmingham not only has a rich curriculum system, including internship programs, which can help me grow my ability, but also has many enterprise cooperation and workshops to comprehensively improve my strengths and confidence for future employment.

Why did you choose to study your course?

In my past study experience, I have been committed to exploring my own interests and career planning. In terms of personal ability and interests, I have got better on three aspects that I particularly enjoy: integrating fragmented information into a clear judgement, making relatively "better" choices in uncertainty, and promoting things under the constraints of real resources. It is these abilities that are systematically trained in marketing courses - understanding the market through data analysis, reducing decision-making blind spots through consumer insight, and turning ideas into actionable solutions through strategic tools. This kind of training is not a short-term skill, but a transferable long-term professional ability.

What is student life like for you?

I regularly divide my student life into three major sections. One section lies in my future career direction. I am committed to improving my work ability. At the same time, as an international student, I constantly improve my English workplace communication ability. The second section is learning, constantly mastering various skills that can be applied in academic field, and improving one's logical thinking ability. The third is to live a regular life, exercise, write songs, and play and communicate with like-minded friends.

What's your favourite memory of university life so far?

My favourite memory in college is spending my birthday with new friends. Although we come from different countries and speak different languages, I can still feel the sincerity and kindness from each other.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

I think it is very important to communicate sincerely with yourself, follow your own ideas and establish your own principles. You need to really figure out what you really like and want to do in continuous attempts, and at the same time, meet like-minded people in what you focus on. At the same time, if you feel confused and at a loss, then take action, do a lot of things, get to know more people, and create more possibilities for the future!