By Mianmian Fei, Junior Project Manager - Academic Relations
It all started in an ordinary afternoon on May 20, 2020. After weeks of draining online classes and mundane life in my dormitory in Geneva under the COVID-19 restrictions, I encountered a job post on my school’s employment portal about an opening for the Junior Project Manager of Academic Relations at swissnex China. Immediately after a quick look, I had already known this was something I would like to give a try. Before opting for my current master’s in anthropology and sociology here at IHEID in Switzerland, my alternative plan was to enter the field of higher education administration in the U.S., where I did my bachelor’s. Moreover, I aspire to gain some real-world professional experience before proceeding my studies, as going into graduate school without ever working full-time was something I regretted when looking back.
Fast-forward to July 7, 2020. Fortunately, after three rounds of interviews and assignment, I received a positive result regarding my application. However, I now found that going back to China for the position was not an easy decision to make, as it meant to postpone my graduation date for half a year, find a reliable subtenant for my dorm room, and, worst of the worst, undergo a 14-day centralized quarantine after landing in Shanghai. It was a debate between what I want and what I am willing to give up. In the end, I left Switzerland in early September with an overweight suitcase but a buoyant mind looking forward to embracing a novel working life as well as a sense of familiarity in my homeland after five years of studying overseas.
Centralized quarantine in a small hotel room.
Although the quarantine was not fun at all, the following five months at swissnex were worthwhile enough to counteract the psychological trauma caused by the isolation. First of all, I am very lucky to join such a friendly and loving team and work under the guidance of my amazing supervisor Libing. Another highlight is that I think I have learned more about Switzerland at swissnex than during the year I physically spent in the country. Well, it is not because I ate more cheese and drank more wine, but because my position has exposed me to a variety of people and experience relevant to Switzerland, especially its higher education system. From the Connected Series bridging Swiss and Chinese researchers, to the Swiss Alumni China Soirée engaging alumni working in different fields, to the nex20 campaign picturing the potential role of Switzerland twenty years later, I got to not only discover the most cutting-edge innovation in Switzerland, but also meet and communicate with top talents in the country.
My first Connected Series webinar thanks to the guidance of Libing and Sherry.
I have to admit that in the past year I had indulged a bit too much in the bubble of my school while ignoring what the larger community could possibly offer. Now on the verge of returning back to Switzerland for my second year’s studies, I realized that swissnex has bestowed me with a different mindset than how I thought before my departure in the first year. Rather than overly concerned about my coursework, I now have developed a strong desire to make best use of my time in Switzerland, to explore the gorgeous nation more, learn French better and make friends with Swiss people from all walks of life. Going further, I believe my time with swissnex has shaped me into a more curious and eclectic person, an experience I will carry on in life.
Farewell Party together with another JPM Yifan.