Strengthening Global Connections: Supporting Our Alumni in China
Business School Engagement Officer Jaclyn Wright recounts her recent experience of visiting China, where she met with our alumni community.
7 October 2025
In September 2025, Paul Campbell (Head of Engagement, Recruitment and Marketing at Newcastle University Business School) and I had the privilege of representing Newcastle University at the 2025 Return to China Jobs Fair.
It was an inspiring and energising experience that underscored the power of international collaboration and alumni engagement.
Strong global reputation
In partnership with colleagues from Durham University, University of Warwick, University of Exeter, and University of St Andrews, we welcomed over 1,200 graduates and 75 employers across two major cities: Shanghai and Shenzhen.
The scale and energy of the event were remarkable, and Newcastle University proudly celebrated a record turnout of more than 300 attendees. It was a clear reflection of the strength of our global reputation and the enthusiasm of our graduates to stay connected with their alma mater.
While in Shanghai, we also hosted a dedicated alumni gathering, reconnecting with over 100 former students. Many of those in attendance were recent graduates, and it was a true honour to welcome them into our global alumni community. The passion they expressed for Newcastle (and for the Toon!) was infectious. It served as a powerful reminder that no matter where life takes you, Newcastle will always feel like home.
The event also featured some inspiring contributions from our alumni. Kenneth Li (BA (Hons) Marketing and Management, 2016) shared valuable advice with the graduates as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys, offering insights drawn from his own experiences. We were also joined by Bailing Zhang (MA International Financial Analysis 2015), Lead of the Shanghai Alumni Network, who spoke about the power of staying connected and the opportunities that come from being part of the Newcastle University community.
Lifelong connections
These moments of reconnection are more than just nostalgic; they reinforce the lifelong value of a Newcastle University education. Our international students bring rich diversity, insight, and global perspective to our classrooms. When they graduate, they become part of a network that spans continents, industries, and generations. Supporting their career development and fostering these connections is not just a responsibility, it’s a privilege.
The Return to China events are a testament to our ongoing commitment to employability, global employer engagement, and the enduring relationships we build with our students. They showcase how universities can work together to create meaningful opportunities and how alumni networks can thrive across borders.
To all our alumni: thank you for continuing to champion Newcastle University. Your success and your stories inspire us every day.
If you would like to learn more about the Newcastle University China Alumni Association, the Return to China career fair, or how to engage with the NUBS community, please feel free to get in touch at business.alumni@newcastle.ac.uk