2023 was a year full of excitement, hard work and personal growth. I worked hard, I had fun and I enjoyed myself. Throughout the year, I encountered various opportunities, met different people and gained a deeper understanding of myself.
Grow Further in Marketing
There was a significant leap in my career this year. I transitioned from execution to a more strategic role, establishing standard procedures and templates for work, and enhancing the marketing presence for the company. I am grateful to Harford Control for trusting me and providing a great platform for my career growth. Special thanks to Simon’s coaching, which offered practical marketing advice and provided me with a different perspective when I felt confused or stuck.
Marketing ultimately aims to drive the company’s profitability. Therefore, considering the broader context, assessing the importance and impact of each project, and deciding what to do and what not to do strategically become crucial.
Projects related to the website and events kept me incredibly busy this year. Engaging in collaborations and managing projects has been a rich learning experience, contributing to the enhancement of my skills in project management, marketing strategy, planning, effective communication, multitasking and many more.
Develop My First Product
I received many messages from international students enquiring about finding a marketing job in the UK. I know how hard it is, especially when students need a visa sponsorship. I really want to help them with my experience so I decided to create a course to help international students to find a marketing job in the UK.
The marketing job search course, initiated in 2022, faced delays due to its extensive workload but I was determined to complete it this year. From January to March, I dedicated long hours to editing the videos out of my 9-5 job. The course required substantial effort and research in market analysis, industry studies, and multi-level thinking.
Throughout this process, I acquired knowledge in market research, product development, public speaking, content integration, video editing, graphic design, copywriting, and product promotion. I can now consider myself a product manager. Moreover, I learned the importance of not overexerting oneself during tasks to maintain overall health, as health remains a top priority. Experiencing constant nightmares for a month wasn’t too much fun.
Deliver Guest Speakers Sessions
I was invited to deliver a guest speaker session to MSc Digital Marketing students. I shared my journey of growing from an international student to a marketing manager, the implementation of the SOSTAC framework, a case study of marketing strategy planning and execution, useful resources and tools, and some valuable advice to boost employability.
I also participated in the discussions with DSAG students at the University of Lincoln and lecturers from the North West University from South Africa. It was inspiring to learn about the evolution of DSAG (Digital Student Ambassador Group) since my graduation and I was excited to hear about the students’ project, Flinso, a charity supporting four Lincoln-based music groups and their conductors.
I have always enjoyed participating in guest speaker sessions like these. I can share insights from the commercial world that complement the student’s academic studies, while at the same time, I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm and hearing the creative ideas from the students.
Pass My Driving Test
Starting driving lessons in August 2022, it took six months until 7th March 2023, to finally obtain my driver’s licence. The first attempt failed due to not noticing pedestrians about to cross the road. Initially frustrated and disheartened, I took a few days to readjust and continued practising. The second attempt on March 7 was surprising. Nevertheless, passing the test was a relief, allowing me to put this weight off my shoulders.
Through this process, I learned that failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It provided an opportunity to realise that I might not have been fully prepared for the first attempt, leading to the need for a second chance.
Perform in Eurovision London Party
On April 16, I had the honour of performing on the Eurovision stage as a dancer for Luke Black, Eurovision Serbia Champion. Being on stage brought back the adrenaline I missed.
The joy of rehearsals, the stage lights illuminating the scene, the cheers from the audience, the sweat from dancing, the spirit of performance, and the precision of each move — all these elements remind me how much I love being on stage. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Teach Dancing in Cambodia and the UK
I devoted great effort to teaching and choreographing dance this year, bringing a sense of fulfilment and happiness. In July, Jill and I conducted a dance workshop in Cambodia. The dance studio was filled with students attending our class, and I could see that they were having a great time learning the dance. I thoroughly enjoy dancing and choreographing with Jill; it brings back memories of our time together during the Vietnam dance competition and our collaboration on various dance videos.
I also taught numerous classes at Street Beat Dance Studio in Lincoln, choreographing over 10 dances in HipHop and JazzFunk. Teaching classes provides me with motivation for choreography. I have to choose the music, analyse the music layer and texture, watch a lot of videos and be creative throughout the process. This experience truly reinforces the concept of using output to drive input.
I learned that I need to keep doing what I love. Don’t abandon my passion. Engaging in activities that make me lose track of time and be in the zone can genuinely bring happiness and fulfilment.
Return to China After 4 Years
Returning to China from June to July for five months was one of the happiest periods of the year. Reconnecting with family and friends, witnessing their changes, and feeling a mix of familiarity and novelty made this time special.
Observing friends who persisted in dancing, started families, or were still figuring out their paths, I understand more that everyone is on their own timeline and I truly cherished all genuine friendships.
Explore New Activities
I explored various new activities in 2023, such as learning Spanish, playing squash and tennis, and studying coding. Connecting the dots between new knowledge and existing knowledge during these activities is incredibly interesting. For instance, playing squash involves considering various factors, much like the complexity of the business world.
Learning Spanish revealed similarities with French, and reading Stephen Hawking’s “Brief Answers to Big Questions” and other books expanded my understanding of the vastness of the world and my insignificance within it.
Travel and Go to Concerts
I travelled to 12 cities, including Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, Leicester, the Lake District, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Trowbridge, Birmingham, York, and Liverpool. I felt so lucky to have the chance to visit so many places. One of my favourite trips this year was to South France. The blue ocean, the fresh oysters, the giant yachts, the architecture, etc.—I love it so much.
I was also very fortunate to attend three concerts, Beyoncé, Lauv and Tom Grennan. All of the concerts were fantastic, with great vocals and amazing performances. Beyoncé’s concert was particularly incredible. I’ve been dancing to her songs since I was very young, and I couldn’t believe that I had the opportunity to see her live this year!!
2023 was an exciting year. Balancing intense work periods with leisure for exploring new things, I experienced substantial growth, encountered diverse people and situations, and understood more about what’s truly important to me. I am so excited for what comes next in 2024.
