Success Knows No Borders: Jiaqi’s Journey from China to Global Leadership

-Jiaqi Chen, Master of Global Business, Class of 2019

• Hello, Jiaqi. Could you share more about your journey and experience?

I graduated from Southwest University of Science and Technology and began my career at the Bank of China. When I applied to SP Jain Global, I was thrilled to receive a 50% scholarship—my first-ever scholarship! This achievement overjoyed my parents and me. I had spent much time preparing for the IELTS and TOEFL, so it felt really rewarding. The SP Jain Global written test and interview went smoothly, and the process was much easier than expected.

Choosing to specialise in Supply Chain and Logistics has been one of the best decisions, as it laid a strong foundation for my role at Schneider and continues to help me in my career today.

• What is your most memorable moment at SP Jain Global?

My time at SP Jain Global is one of my most memorable experiences. The program was intense, with assignments, case studies, and group projects keeping the pressure high. But it was during this challenging time that I made lifelong friends. We often supported each other by solving problems or offering encouragement during challenging moments.

Looking back, I feel that year was truly fulfilling. I gained so much knowledge and personal growth.

• What was the international composition of your class at SP Jain Global? Did you face any challenges adapting?
  
  

A few Chinese students were in my class. Everyone is doing well today. Some have returned to China and joined companies like Huawei and Ali, while others have stayed in Australia to further their careers.

The batch included students from various countries around the world. Initially, I was a bit nervous about fitting in, but after getting to know my classmates, I quickly realised how hardworking, confident, and determined everyone was. Their drive inspired me. Being in this diverse environment boosted my English skills. Living in Singapore also helped me adapt to a new culture. It showed me the importance of embracing new cultures when studying abroad.

• How did you secure your full-time role at Schneider? Any advice for students looking to intern there?

 
After completing my course, I secured an internship with Schneider Electric through the school’s placement program. It was a competitive batch, with students from top schools like SMU and NUS, but I was fortunate to land the internship. Today, I lead a team of over 70 people at Schneider. Being part of a Fortune 500 company, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive they are and how much they invest in employee growth. HR has been incredibly supportive, providing valuable guidance tailored to my career plan.

My most important advice is to be ‘proactive.’ Don’t wait—ask for feedback, share your ideas, report your progress, and keep learning. Constantly ‘review’—reflect on your work, assess your daily experiences, and learn from them. Engage with mentors and senior colleagues. Look beyond the surface to understand the core of any situation. Find the field you’re passionate about and stay committed to working hard on it.

• What challenges did you face when you started at Schneider, and how did you tackle them?

The first few months at Schneider were challenging. I was surrounded by interns from prestigious universities like Peking University, Tsinghua University, and the National University of Singapore. But these challenges helped me grow quickly. I was responsible for overseeing Schneider’s East Asia regional warehouse, where dozens of containers would arrive at the terminal every day, and we had to distribute them to various warehouses across Southeast Asia within three days. It was a high-pressure environment, but I learned how to manage these situations efficiently over time.

Today, I lead a team of over 70 employees from different countries. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a manager is the value of empathy. You need to understand your team’s needs, but at the same time, you must establish clear rules and frameworks to ensure smooth operations and efficiency.

• What advice would you give Chinese students attending SP Jain Global regarding academics, networking, internships, and career prospects?

My journey has been incredible, and I’m deeply grateful for everything I have today—from my internship through SP Jain Global to settling in Singapore with my husband and my career growth at Schneider. I owe a lot to the professors at SP Jain Global, the university’s Career Services team, and the amazing team at Schneider for their continuous support and guidance.

My advice is to embrace the opportunity entirely. I started at a reasonably ordinary university in China, and today, I’m working alongside some of the best minds in the world—something I once thought was impossible. This opportunity allowed me to break through barriers that would have been difficult to overcome back home, and I’m incredibly thankful for that. Most importantly, I’m proud of taking that leap of faith.

Whether it’s academics, building relationships with peers, securing internships, or thinking about your future career, take every chance to learn and grow. Be open to new experiences, push your limits, and trust in the process. It’s a journey that will change your life.

About the Author

Jiaqi is a dedicated professional currently leading a team at Schneider Electric as a Warehouse Supervisor. Her ability to face challenges head-on, embrace learning opportunities, and focus on solutions has been instrumental in her career progression. With a commitment to growth and a proactive approach, she inspires others to navigate their paths in the dynamic business world.