Alumni Return: Jeff Yu (Class of 2015) Shares Global FinTech Career Insights with MSFT Students

On September 18, 2026, the School of Finance at Renmin University of China (RUC) hosted a career exchange session featuring Mr. Jeff Yu (于一工), an alumnus of the Class of 2015. Currently based in Australia with UnionPay International, Mr. Yu returned to campus to share his professional insights and experiences with current students. The event was attended by students from the Class of 2025 and Class of 2026, alongside the class advisor, Prof. Xiao Gang.

Mr. Yu opened the session by introducing his academic and professional background, tracing his journey from RUC to his current role at UnionPay International. He then provided a comprehensive overview of UnionPay International’s operations in Australia, covering its market positioning, key business lines, and the growing role of Chinese financial institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.

A central theme of his talk was the importance of understanding one’s comparative advantage. For students in the all-English FinTech program, he emphasized that their experience studying in China and familiarity with both Chinese and international markets constitute a distinctive edge in the global job market. This cross-cultural and cross-market competence, he noted, makes them attractive candidates for multinational corporations operating worldwide.

Mr. Yu also offered practical advice on job hunting abroad, highlighting the value of professional connections and alumni networks. He encouraged students to actively engage with the school’s alumni community, which can serve as a bridge to international career opportunities.

Prof. Xiao Gang reinforced this message by advising students to broaden their career horizons beyond traditional finance roles. He suggested exploring adjacent fields where financial expertise, technological literacy, and cross-cultural skills are increasingly in demand.

The exchange concluded with an interactive Q&A. Students gained a preliminary understanding of UnionPay’s payment systems and the latest trends in AI-driven financial payment solutions. The session proved both informative and inspiring, strengthening the school’s commitment to connecting students with global industry leaders.