Zihan Xiao

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what made you choose the University of Leeds?

I studied Geographic Information Science at China University of Mining and Technology during my undergraduate years. In 2021, I participated in an exchange program at the University of Cambridge, which sparked my interest in pursuing a master's degree in the UK. The University of Leeds, with its consistently high ranking in global academic rankings and its picturesque city location in central England, became my ultimate choice.

Why did you choose to study your particular course?

The School of Geography at the University of Leeds boasts a strong faculty team and offers a range of elective courses, all of which are highly promising and worthwhile to study.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

Geodems & Neighbourhood Analysis taught by Dr Paul Roman. This course introduces the use of relevant software for urban planning and joint data analysis, enabling me to learn how to observe the impact of different types of data on the urban environment. The course will produce relevant city maps and various analysis result charts, allowing people to intuitively perceive the changes brought about by different factors to the city.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students? 

As an international student, Leeds offers comprehensive and affordable accommodation, with numerous supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment facilities to support daily life. As a photography enthusiast, I really enjoy Leeds' rich selection of camera shops and film processing services. In addition, the school often organises international English corners and other activities suitable for international students to communicate, making life very colourful.

What would you say about the learning and the career support facilities in your academic School or Faculty, and at the University in general?

The academic attitude of the college is rigorous and serious. In many courses, teachers discuss problems and solutions with students, rather than simply imparting knowledge. In addition, the school's career centre also provides resume editing and job interview simulations, which help students feel more at ease about their future.

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?

After completing my studies in GIS, I returned to China and participated in the autumn campus recruitment for graduates. I successfully passed the interview and received an internship offer from a leading professional GIS company. My work mainly involves overseas trade of surveying and mapping equipment. Leveraging the professional knowledge I acquired during my master's degree, I provided detailed, customised solutions and offered professional pre-sales and after-sales services to the company's overseas customers.

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

I currently serve as a Technical Solution Engineer at China National Electronics Import & Export Corporation, where my primary responsibility is to provide customised solutions and engineering supervision for large-scale engineering integration projects to overseas governments and various ministries and commissions.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds whilst studying your Masters helped with your career? 

I not only received professional theoretical education and engaged in extensive experimental activities, which provided me with a solid technical foundation for my work related to coding. Additionally, I served as a PGT School Rep for the School of Geography, honing my skills in interpersonal communication and cross-departmental coordination, which played a pivotal role in my negotiations and communication processes during cross-border trade.

Now that you’ve graduated, what would you say to students thinking about studying your course, do you believe your investment into the course was worthwhile for your career?

The MSc GIS programme offers international students a dedicated team of teachers and a wide range of course options, making the learning experience more flexible and comfortable. Students can explore relevant topics aligned with their future career needs or research interests, with guidance from their supervisors and research assistants. In addition to the well-equipped facilities on campus and the entertainment options in the city of Leeds, all these factors prove that studying at the University of Leeds is worthwhile.