Masters graduate and Operations Project Manager at Rolls Royce speaks to undergraduate students
MSc Operations and Supply Chain graduate, and Operations Project Manager at Rolls Royce, Mini Zhu returned to the Management School this week to speak to undergraduate students about her experiences of securing work in the UK after graduation.
Mini is an Operations Project Manager at Rolls Royce, having successfully completed the Operations Leadership Graduate Scheme. She studied for her 3 year undergraduate degree in China, and took a year abroad to study in South Korea, before moving to the UK in 2011 to study MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Mini explained to students that confidence is the key to creating opportunities for career development. She networked with other students on her course, both UK-nationals and international, in addition to learning from the industry experience of mature students.
Mini commented: “I joined the University’s Volleyball club to make new friends, practice my English and learn about other cultures. I took an intensive English language class before starting my postgraduate study to provide me with additional skills, and the team sport enabled me to practice these skills on a regular basis”
“Making a wide circle of friends at University was really important, and helped my confidence grow enough to consider applying for work in the UK.”
“My advice to students is to think about their drive and what makes passionate about a role or company – employers want to see your reasons for applying and why you are the best candidate for the role,”
In her current role as Operations Project Manager, Mini manages new product introduction, and works closely with designers, engineers and suppliers. She explained that “Managers are challenged by their employees, oversee change and ensure the team moves forward together.”
Mini has worked for Rolls Royce for five years, taking her to Norway, Singapore, China and France, in addition to her extensive experience in the UK.