On the afternoon of April 26, three alumni of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) returned to campus to share their professional experiences in international organizations.

The speakers were Dan Cowen MBE (15GMBA), a British national who currently serves as the trade & economy lead for Greater China at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Beijing Representative Office; Mary Losmithgul (21GMBA), a Thai national working as a partnership analyst in the Operational Partnerships Department at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB); and Rolando Alfredo Capote (22GMBA), an American data analytics consultant in AIIB's Strategy, Policy and Budget Department.

Tsinghua SEM's Associate Dean Chi Wei emphasized the vital role alumni play in the holistic education of students. She noted that Tsinghua SEM education is enriched by the guidance and support of alumni, and said that engagement like this is instrumental in fostering students' personal growth and shaping their future career development.

Chi Wei delivers an opening remark at the event.

At the panel, Dan Cowen spoke on his career spanning diplomacy, finance, and policy, and said this was significantly shaped by his MBA experience at Tsinghua SEM. Cowen said the value of the program extends beyond academics as it offered meaningful exposure to China through travel, cultural immersion, and networking. These out-of-classroom experiences are instrumental in helping candidates stand out when pursuing careers in international organizations, he said.

Recounting his journey to joining WEF, Cowen shared his unsuccessful applications for several positions at international organizations. However, he said, perseverance and relationship-building are critical. After being failed in his initial WEF application, he contacted the HR department for feedback and maintained contact for three years. That persistence eventually paid off when HR reached out to him about a new opportunity.

Cowen also stressed that international organizations are highly rigorous and would eliminate candidates who do not meet requirements. He advised students to conduct in-depth research prior to applying and to prepare thoroughly for interviews in alignment with each organization's expectations.

Dan Cowen gives his speech at the event.

Even before joining Tsinghua SEM, Mary Losmithgul had established a diverse career background in project management, digital strategy, and brand development, as well as strategic partnerships across both international institutions and the creative industries. She said that her wide range of experiences, combined with SEM’s extensive ties and exposure to international organizations, helped to start her career at AIIB.

Losmithgul said all her previous roles consistently involved building partnerships across sectors — a strength she gradually recognized, worked hard to hone, and strategically highlighted during her job application process. She emphasized the importance of identifying one's transferable skills, and effectively leveraging them to add value through targeted roles in international institutions.

Losmithgul also encouraged students to explore multiple entry points into international organizations, and to not be discouraged by the challenges one might face. Her own journey began with a short-term, project-based digital consulting role at AIIB, before shifting into a full-time position. She emphasized that, unlike in the private sector, international organizations are mission-driven. Recruiters seek candidates with a clear sense of purpose and a deep understanding of the organization’s role within the broader global development ecosystem. She also underscored the importance of cultural fit, noting that these organizations are composed of people from diverse national and professional backgrounds, and it is important to find your niche while collaborating with others.

Mary Losmithgul gives her speech at the event.

Rolando Alfredo Capote credited the beginning of his international organization career to his time at Tsinghua SEM. His journey started with an AIIB-Integrated Practice Project (IPP), a joint initiative between the MBA program and the AIIB. By engaging with his eventual employer through the practice project, he became more competitive when applying for positions. He expanded his network and demonstrated his capabilities, which helped him secure a consultant role. He also took advantage of the exchange program, spending a year at London Business School. Capote expressed deep appreciation for the extensive resources and networks offered by Tsinghua SEM, which were instrumental in his transition from a technical specialist in business intelligence, machine learning, and financial modeling — building on his economics background at the University of Chicago — to a global professional in an international organization. Nevertheless, he emphasized that successfully leveraging these opportunities requires personal initiative and a strong commitment to excellence.

Drawing from his own experience, Capote stressed the importance of going above and beyond at every stage. During the IPP, his team not only submitted the required report but also developed an additional sample deck, which impressed his AIIB mentors and helped him secure his internship. As an intern, he identified a tax exemption opportunity for Malaysia’s green data centers — a discovery that stood out to experienced professionals. Later, as a corporate strategy consultant, he designed a novel model for climate policy financing, tackling a complex challenge without any existing framework.

Capote said he always chose to think out of box to answer questions in classroom. He emphasized that technical expertise alone is not enough. The abilities to translate complex ideas for diverse audiences and to adapt to changing circumstances are equally essential. He encouraged students to frame career growth as a marathon rather than a sprint, and to embrace challenges, think beyond boundaries, and stay resilient in the face of competition.

Rolando Alfredo Capote gives his speech at the event.

The three alumni addressed a range of student questions. A student majoring in economics asked how to improve data analytics skills. Capote emphasized the importance of continuous learning and mastering industry-standard tools. A teacher sought advice on preparing for multicultural work environments. Cowen recommended researching the priorities of target organizations and improving English fluency, while Capote stressed the importance of tailoring resumes to specific roles. Losmithgul suggested staying informed about global trends and actively expanding one's professional network. A Ph.D. student sought advice on career planning. The speakers advised aligning career decisions with long-term goals, embracing uncertainty during the early stages of a career, and developing both technical expertise and interpersonal competencies.

23GMBA student Wang Xuejing hosts the event.

Q&A session

Tsinghua SEM presents the alumni with gifts and credentials at the event.

Attendees gather for a group photo at the panel's conclusion.

Source: CDC

Editor: Ren Zhongxi