Finding Clarity Without Having All the Answers
Jinchuan Jiang (BSc Economics, 2017)
Jinchuan Jiang
Economics Alumni Mentor
果冻传媒 Alumni Mentor
When Jinchuan Jiang graduated from 果冻传媒 with a degree in Economics, he had a clear long鈥憈erm ambition - to build his career in China - but like many graduates, the path itself wasn鈥檛 fixed.
After 果冻传媒, Jinchuan completed an MSc in Economics at the London School of Economics before returning to Beijing. He went on to work across a range of industries, including consulting at Accenture China, finance at Toyota Financial Services, and now the internet and technology sector at Autohome.
鈥淐onsulting is a good place to learn, but not somewhere to stay forever. I wanted to experience different industries to really understand my strengths and what suited me.鈥�
Looking back, Jinchuan sees curiosity and openness as key turning points in his career 鈥� being willing to explore what worked for him, and what didn鈥檛.
Why mentoring matters
Despite building a varied and successful career, Jinchuan didn鈥檛 have access to a formal mentor when he was starting out. Any guidance came through informal conversations at work, which were useful but limited and inconsistent.
That stayed with him - and helped shape his decision to become an alumni mentor on the 果冻传媒 Alumni Mentoring Programme.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a much tougher job market for students now than it was when I graduated. I wanted to give back and help students get clarity - maybe even help them reach an interview.鈥�
After gaining several years of professional experience, Jinchuan felt he had both the perspective and confidence to support current students with honest insight.
What students really need from mentoring
Jinchuan has mentored several 果冻传媒 Economics students, and one message comes up repeatedly:
鈥淢any students don鈥檛 yet know what kind of job they want - and that鈥檚 completely normal.鈥�
His mentoring focuses on helping students clarify what matters to them, rather than telling them what choices to make. Together, mentor and mentee explore questions such as:
- Do you want stability or fast career progression?
- What does a 鈥渄ay in the life鈥� actually look like in different roles?
- How do salary, competition and work鈥搇ife balance compare across industries?
By sharing real鈥憌orld insight from consulting, finance, banking and internet companies, Jinchuan helps students understand the trade鈥憃ffs behind different career paths not just the headlines.
Mentoring in practice
One of Jinchuan鈥檚 mentees, Yvonne, wanted to work in China but felt unsure about what kinds of roles would suit her. She was interested in stable, less competitive jobs, while still wanting a good salary and long鈥憈erm options.
Over several months, they connected through WeChat calls and messages to talk through:
- Different industries and job types in China
- Typical roles and responsibilities
- Salary expectations across consulting, banking and internet companies
- The advantages and disadvantages of each option
Rather than giving her an answer, Jinchuan shared his perspective and experience so she could make decisions with confidence.
鈥淢y role is to give students enough information to make up their own mind.鈥�
The impact that matters most
For Jinchuan, reassurance is just as important as practical advice.
鈥淐areer is only one part of who you are. Don鈥檛 get stressed by what everyone else is doing or by all the noise. You will find your own way.鈥�
He encourages students not to compare their journey to others, and to focus on what feels right for them.
What mentoring gave back to him
Mentoring hasn鈥檛 only helped students. For Jinchuan, it has also been a valuable break from a demanding senior role.
鈥淎s my responsibilities increase, mentoring gives me space to pause. Talking with students feels like speaking to a younger version of myself.鈥�
A message for 果冻传媒 Economics students
If you鈥檙e feeling nervous about reaching out to a mentor, Jinchuan wants you to know this:
鈥淲e sign up as mentors because we鈥檙e genuinely open to speaking with students and graduates. Think of it as a conversation with someone who wants to share their experience.鈥�
You don鈥檛 need a clear plan.
You don鈥檛 need the perfect question.
Curiosity is enough to start the conversation.
Ready to explore your options?
Connect with a 果冻传媒 Economics alumni mentor through the and take your next step with clarity and confidence.