Qiu Yuanyuan is a UofStirling alumna who graduated with an MSc in Media Management in 2005. She now serves with Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation as Director of the International Department & Jiangsu International Channel.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
According to the United Nations, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. However, for me, it means much more, since March 8th is my birthday, which has always been a strong motivation for me. As I grew up, I came to believe that I am destined to be born on this very day and my birthday really means something special. It has driven me to acquire what it takes to be a woman with courage, confidence, capability and creativity who shall be able to make everyday count and to make a difference in the world I live in.
Which women are you inspired by in your local community, and across the globe?
It is my mother who has always been inspiring and supporting me to become someone I have longed to be. I was brought up in a loving family of me, my parents and my younger sister. However, when I just started my media career, my father passed away, and at that time, my younger sister was still studying in college. My mother had been working hard to support the family, and in the meantime, her busy schedule had by no means lessened her love and care for us. With her love and support, we completed our graduate and post-graduate studies.
Later, when I was working with Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, in order to realise my dream and make myself a woman with a global vision, I decided to have a one-year leave and pursue my postgraduate studies at the University of Stirling in the UK as a Chevening Scholar in the year of 2003 to 2004. Having an in-depth talk with me about my dream, my decision and my future plans, once again, she gave me support without reserve. Acquiring the Master’s Degree of Science in Media Management and serving as an intern in the Strategy and Development Department of world-renowned Pearson Group, the overseas study experience has given me a lot and prepared me for my future career and life in an all-round way. It is my mother who has been inspiring me to dream and realise my dreams.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career in media/publishing?
As far as I am concerned, for women thinking of starting their career in media/publishing, the most important piece of advice is to be a curious, fast and lifelong learner, in order to keep pace with the fast-changing world of media. It took the world two centuries to develop from the age of print media to age of radio, and then three decades from radio to television. During the past 20 years, the trend of social media and media convergence has drastically and rapidly changed almost every aspect of our lives. These years, across the world and in China, social media apps keep emerging the winning the hearts of people of all age groups and walks of life.
In order to keep pace with the changing world, the developing trends, the upgrading technologies and the varying preferences of the audience, please never lose your curiosity for new knowledge, interesting ideas and touching stories throughout your entire life.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
As suggested by J.K. Rowling, “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.” That is, the power to dream and to realize them through hard work with your courage, confidence, capability and creativity.