Chen Zhang shares insights on career transitions and unexpected opportunities

Chen Zhang shares insights on career transitions and unexpected opportunities.

Chen Zhang (MSc Management, 2025) returned to Leeds University Business School to share her inspiring career journey with students as part of the School's popular Lunch with Alumni series. The session offered students an opportunity to hear about Chen's experiences of navigating career changes, building professional networks and embracing unexpected opportunities.

Before joining Leeds, Chen spent 15 years working in China's financial services industry, holding senior leadership positions across commercial banking, retail banking and corporate finance. In 2024, she made the decision to step away from her established career and pursue a master's degree at Leeds University Business School, originally intending to return to China following graduation. However, an unexpected encounter in September 2025 led to a new professional opportunity in the UK. A chance conversation in a coffee shop introduced Chen to her future employer, opening the door to a different career path.

Now working as a Director of Operations, Chen has been able to draw on her extensive industry experience and professional networks in China to contribute to her new role. During the session, Chen reflected on the importance of remaining adaptable throughout your career, recognising the value of transferable skills and being open to opportunities that may not form part of your original plans.

Reflecting on coming back to campus and speaking to our students, Chen said “It was such an honour to return to the University of Leeds and share my story with international students. Just a year ago, I was sitting in a classroom like them, wondering what the future would hold. I never imagined I would be back as a speaker so soon. Leeds gave me more than a degree, it gave me a new perspective on life, the confidence to embrace uncertainty, and the courage to explore new possibilities.”

Her journey offered students a valuable perspective on how professional experience, personal connections and a willingness to embrace change can lead to rewarding and unexpected career opportunities.

If you are interested in sharing your career journey with our students at a future event, please contact the Alumni Relations Team at alumni@lubs.leeds.ac.uk. The Business School looks forward to welcoming more alumni back to campus as part of the Lunch with Alumni series, continuing to connect students with graduates who can share valuable insights and real-world experiences. You can also find out more about how to get involved and volunteer with us on our website.