On May 16th, Duan Kaiyao, a 2008 alumnus majoring in Materials Science from UTSEUS, returned to campus to deliver a talk titled "Systems Thinking, Cross-Disciplinary Practice: The 'Confidence' of a UTSEUS Graduate." Held in Room 206 of the College building, the session explored his study abroad experiences, career trajectory, and personal growth philosophy. The event was attended by Ms. Sui Pingping, head of student affairs, along with French language instructors, faculty advisors, and current UTSEUS students.

Alumnus Duan Kaiyao structured his presentation around three core themes: his international academic journey, his professional career, and the development of key competencies.

Studying Abroad: Forging Survival Skills in an Unfamiliar Environment. Mr. Duan began by recounting his experiences in France, sharing the story of his academic transition from Materials Science to Mechanical Control. He emphasized that the true value of studying abroad lies in cultivating "adaptability"—acquiring essential life skills such as cooking and driving.

Professional Career: Achieving Intellectual Breakthroughs Through Cross-Disciplinary Practice. Mr. Duan detailed his career path, starting with an internship at General Electric in the energy sector, followed by a position at Alstom, and eventually transitioning into education. Leveraging his bilingual abilities and interdisciplinary expertise, he has facilitated Sino-French university cooperation projects, helping students gain admission to top French institutions. He highlighted the importance of breaking free from the notion that one's major defines their career path, enabling flexible transitions between fields such as education and technology.

Key Competencies: Mr. Duan proposed three essential skills for navigating the future: Systems Thinking, Modeling Capabilities, and the ability to collaborate with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where Mr. Duan addressed students' questions regarding study abroad plans and career choices. The sharing session not only showcased the wisdom gained through the life experiences of a UTSEUS alumnus but also conveyed a crucial message to the students present: in an era of rapid change, maintaining an open mindset and cultivating systems thinking are key to forging one's own unique path of growth.