The Chairman of Foreign Trade Community was once again honored with the title of 'Off-campus Graduate Tutor' by Shanghai University and served as a representative of off-campus tutors to give a speech.

On the afternoon of November 22, 2024, the appointment ceremony for off-campus graduate tutors of the School of Economics at Shanghai University was held in the Cai Guanshen Lecture Hall on the Baoshan campus of Shanghai University.

The meeting began with the screening of a historical film about the century-old Shanghai University, which provided everyone with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the institution. Following this, Professor Mao Yanbing, the Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, delivered a speech. He noted that the off-campus graduate tutor system at Shanghai University's School of Economics has been in place for several years. He believes that the dual-mentor system greatly benefits students by broadening their horizons, enhancing their knowledge base, improving their understanding of society, and expanding their high-level networking opportunities. He expressed his hope that new students will gain a lot from their time at Shanghai University.

Alex, the founder and chairman of Foreign Trade Community, shared five pieces of advice based on his own experience of studying and working while starting a business.

1. **Advise everyone to settle in Shanghai as soon as possible**: If you do not plan to live abroad for an extended period, I recommend taking advantage of the best opportunities to settle in Shanghai over the past 20 years. Quickly establish your home and career in Shanghai, and then  think globally.

2. **Advise everyone to focus on learning during their studies**: It is crucial to acquire relevant knowledge during your academic years. If possible, continuing on to pursue a Ph.D. is also a good path. Please believe that there is no such thing as reading in vain. A high school classmate of mine was admitted to Peking University, completed his master's and Ph.D., and graduated in 2004. This did not prevent him from becoming the vice president of Capital Normal University at the age of 48 this year, joining the ranks of deputy department-level leaders. This approach helps avoid the issue of unemployment upon graduation, as the job market is indeed very challenging at present.

3. **Develop a global perspective**: Establish a broad and deep "T-shaped" knowledge structure. Be broad in scope and deep in your area of expertise. Keep abreast of global political, economic, commodity, and high-tech developments, as China today cannot develop in isolation from the world.

4. **Interact with mentors both inside and outside the university**: Actively seek advice and communicate with your mentors. Use the SWOT analysis method to understand yourself and establish correct views on life, the world, values, love, and career. Regarding love, if it's time to talk about it, do so, but avoid being a heartbreaker or a player. For career, decide whether to enter politics, academia, or business, and think clearly. Then actively strive and work hard to achieve your life goals as soon as possible.

5. **Have faith**: Whether it is communism or other religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, or Christianity, having faith is important. Without it, you may lack a sense of awe, happiness, contentment, and self-discipline, which are essential for self-cultivation and improvement. It becomes difficult to manage your family, govern a country, or bring peace to the world without these qualities.