Huo Xiaofan, a 2017 graduate from the Economics Department, is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies at the University of Glasgow in the UK. As one of the first graduates of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, she holds a deep affection for the institution.
Since Shenzhen MSU-BIT is a joint Sino-Russian university with most courses taught in Russian, she believed that mastering Russian would lay a solid foundation for her future professional courses. Therefore, she fully utilized the first year, which focused on intensive Russian language learning, to improve her language proficiency. Her methods for studying Russian included memorizing vocabulary and grammar, actively participating in class, doing extensive practice exercises, and reviewing her mistakes after exams. In addition to Russian, the Economics program covered a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, history, computer science, statistics, and philosophy. By familiarizing herself with relevant books in advance, she laid a strong foundation for quickly grasping professional knowledge later on.
Beyond academics, Huo Xiaofan led a vibrant extracurricular life. She served as the head of the Student Union's Arts Department and founded the TTS Dance Club. These experiences significantly enhanced her skills in organization, management, and practical application. She also actively participated in regular social practice activities organized by the university, which allowed her to make meaningful contributions to society while forging new friendships. Additionally, she interned during summer breaks, applying the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, which helped her accumulate valuable work experience.
Starting in her junior year, Huo Xiaofan began planning for studying abroad and prepared for the IELTS exam in advance. She discovered that some schools and programs required GRE or GMAT scores and that UK universities placed a strong emphasis on GPA. With many institutions setting high academic standards, she worked hard to maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. After thoroughly researching university and program rankings, reputations, and student experiences, she successfully secured a place at the University of Glasgow for her postgraduate studies.
Reflecting on her journey, she says, "Your twenties are meant for breaking things down and starting anew. Do whatever you want to do. If you fail, just tear it all down and start over. No one is born knowing exactly what they're meant to do or what they're suited for. You need to explore, break boundaries, and try different fields. Don't get too comfortable. Break free from your comfort zone and rebuild yourself to discover new horizons."
