Understanding the World through Economics
Q: Why did you choose to go to Britain to study economics at that time?
A: I chose to study economics in Britain because I excelled in the subject during high school, and my economics teacher had a significant impact on me. I even had the opportunity to visit her as a guest at her home. However, when I started college, I realized that economics wasn't as fascinating as I had imagined. It leaned heavily towards theory, with very little practical application to everyday life. On the other hand, finance courses offered more practical content, which could also be learned through online courses.
The Economics program at British universities focuses on nurturing economists who can think critically about issues like population decline and low birth rates, and how policy can be used to address these problems. It delves into questions such as determining appropriate levels of subsidies and devising strategies to stimulate economic growth effectively. On the other hand, a Master's in Finance program covers topics such as entrepreneurial planning, securing initial funding and making optimal allocation decisions, whether it's raising funds from the market or borrowing from banks. It also includes aspects like preparing for public listing, accounting procedures, the merger and acquisition process, and maximizing market value.
Many people misconstrue economics and finance as majors that solely enable one to make money or engage in stock speculation. However, this is not the case. Economics can provide insights into what stocks are and how they are issued, but specific price fluctuations are unpredictable and often rely on experience. Nevertheless, economics is fundamentally intertwined with everything. As one gains a deeper understanding, they begin to comprehend the underlying logic of various phenomena, much like a doctor who learns to diagnose and treat complex cases.
Q: Do you have any recommended books on economics and finance?
A: From a disciplinary perspective, I don't actually recommend students to read an excessive number of books, but rather focus on reading extensively within the subject matter. Most academic books tend to explore specific viewpoints in great detail, such as challenging the assumption of rationality in economics and explaining why people can be irrational. While these can be interesting, they don't necessarily contribute to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. It's important to first identify specific areas of interest before delving deeper into relevant literature. Given the vast number of books available, it's essential to prioritize and manage one's time effectively. Starting with textbooks and general knowledge books, such as introductory texts, can provide a solid foundation for further exploration.
Education, from the Perspective of Finance
Q: Can you tell us about your university campus life in Britain?
A: Durham University operates under a collegiate system, which is quite unique. Each college functions as a self-contained community with its own dining hall, bar, and student union. Most activities and events are organized within each college, but there are also opportunities for cross-college gatherings and parties. In addition to school-sponsored activities, there are various social and sports events, making campus life truly enriching and vibrant.
Q: What is the class format like for economics majors?
A: The class format for economics majors involves a combination of individual study and group discussions. It is essential to strike a balance between independent research and collaborative learning. When pursuing a career as an economist, conducting research independently is a crucial aspect of the profession.
Regarding Master's versus Bachelor's courses, a Master's program is akin to a doctoral course in terms of its focus on cultivating academic talents. It involves teaching mathematical theory to broaden one's analytical thinking and explore potential fields of study.
Q: Where will most of your classmates go for future employment?
A: My college classmates will have a wide range of employment opportunities in the future. Some will pursue economic-related positions in prominent companies such as banks and financial media outlets like The New York Times. Others may venture into the financial sector, think tanks, consulting firms, and various other fields. Additionally, some classmates may choose to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Q: Is there a campus center that assists students in finding employment?
A: The university does have a career center; however, it is open to all students and does not specifically cater to individual career aspirations and motivations. Its primary function is to provide information on the career paths of alumni, company and school collaborations, and job fairs. The career center does not facilitate internal referrals due to the large number of students it serves, but approaching alumni for such referrals is a viable option.
Q: How do you perceive the current internal competition among finance and computer science majors?
A: These majors are undeniably competitive. I personally recommend pursuing interdisciplinary and cross-field knowledge rather than solely focusing on pure finance or computer science. For those interested in pure subjects, delving into rigorous foundational disciplines like mathematics or physics can equip graduates with versatile skills applicable to various domains. Entrepreneurship is also an option, but it's worth noting that starting a successful business requires more than just a desire to avoid the challenges of traditional employment—it demands a clear understanding of what one aims to achieve.
Q: Do you believe it is necessary to pursue a graduate degree?
A: In truth, if I hadn't received a scholarship for graduate studies, the cost-effectiveness wouldn't have been favorable, and I might not have pursued further education. I view pursuing a graduate degree as fitting into three scenarios: first, when one desires to switch careers and explore different fields; second, when the quality of the graduate program significantly surpasses that of the undergraduate level; and third, when one aspires to pursue a doctoral degree. While the graduate entrance examination in China is known for its difficulty, obtaining a master's degree abroad (excluding top-tier institutions) is relatively feasible. After completing three years of undergraduate studies in the UK, for instance, one can transition into the workforce efficiently, ensuring high efficiency in terms of time and career development.
The Essence of Life: Healthy Diet and Healthcare
Q: Why did you become interested in the fields of health and healthcare?
A: In our rapidly advancing technological era, we have been fortunate to witness the tremendous benefits and conveniences that technology brings. With AI saving us considerable time, we are left with more opportunities to either engage in leisure activities or prioritize our personal well-being and health.
Personally, I have always held a deep interest in the field of well-being, and I believe that in the future, more individuals will pay attention to this area, including mental health. Currently, numerous companies are involved in promoting practices like yoga and healing. The prevalence of depression, particularly among adolescents, has risen significantly, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health concerns.
I observed that my parents possess only a limited understanding of health, primarily relying on information from their social circles, social media, or doctors (usually when they are already in the hospital). The availability of such information is often restricted, and there is a genuine need for reliable medical advice and dietary guidance. I find great meaning in providing assistance in this regard.
Q: How do you view China's current situation in this regard?
A: In the realm of psychology, China faces a dearth of proficient psychological counselors, and there is much room for improvement in this area, as seen in some developed countries. The maturity of their systems and the additional time they have had to contemplate this matter contribute to their progress. China, in contrast, grapples with the ongoing pursuit of wealth and the associated internal competition.
Cancer incidence rates in China are currently high. The primary factors contributing to this are likely chromosomal abnormalities that increase the likelihood of cellular division errors over time, as well as various environmental factors, predominantly associated with aging. Nonetheless, advancements in medical conditions have resulted in a reduced mortality rate.
Q: I understand that you have contemplated transitioning to a different field. What are your future plans and aspirations?
A: Presently, I find myself more aligned with the role of a self-media blogger rather than an economics teacher. As such, I often recommend other teachers to students who seek my guidance. However, my involvement in self-media was not initially driven by specific plans. It was only through the experience that I discovered its potential for helping a wider audience.
Regarding my future life plans and aspirations, I find myself in a somewhat perplexed phase. For instance, there are limitations within the RED platform (a popular social media platform in China) due to factors such as the niche nature of my account and limited market functionality. Consequently, my intention is to focus on creating content centered around well-being and health, leveraging my personal interests in these areas.
Producer & Interviewer & Text & Editor: Isabella Wang
Formatting: Amy Pan
Translator: Paul Zhang
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