Kaili Zhu

Alumni

MA TESOL alumna from the University of Birmingham
Kaili standing in front of the Arts Building

What did you enjoy most about your time at Birmingham? 

I loved the vibrant campus atmosphere and the city’s unique blend of history and modern culture. I loved walking along the canals and exploring the campus, attending events and experiencing the friendly community around me.

How has your Masters degree influenced your career journey?

During my studies, I took an optional module on the application of linguistics in advertising and I found it incredibly interesting. It opened my eyes to how language and communication can influence marketing and consumer behaviour. That experience made me realise that I was more interested in advertising and marketing, and it gradually led me to pursue opportunities in that field.

What skills did you gain from your course and studying at Birmingham that you still use today?

One of the key skills was data analysis – learning how to collect, interpret and draw insights from data has been invaluable in making informed decisions. In addition, the course taught me how to conduct independent research, from designing surveys to analysing results, which strengthened my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

What careers support did you get while you were at Birmingham and how did it help you?

When I first graduated and started looking for jobs, the University’s Careers Network offered one-to-one guidance on practical skills like writing a CV and building a strong LinkedIn profile. Later, when I decided to start my own business, I again received personalised support, which helped me refine my ideas and approach. This guidance also enabled me to successfully join an entrepreneurship incubator, where I gained access to further resources and mentorship, which has been invaluable for developing my career and business.

What do you wish you’d known before starting your Masters degree?

One thing I wish I had known before starting my Masters degree is how many internship opportunities the university offers, especially for students looking to explore different career paths. For example, the B-Experienced programme doesn’t require a lot of prior industry experience and is designed to help students learn and gain insight into different fields. If I had done an internship earlier, I could have better understood what kind of career I was truly interested in and made more informed decisions sooner.