On the afternoon of May 16, 2026, the 6th Alumni Forum of 2026 and the 22nd "Passing the Torch" Alumni Lecture Series, part of the activities celebrating the 45th anniversary of Shantou University, were held at the East Coast Campus. The event specially invited Bao Jingjing, a 2009 alumna of the Journalism program (International Journalism direction) and Founder and General Manager of Nanjing Tianming Optical Technology Co., Ltd., to return to campus. Under the theme "Involution or Lying Flat? A Seasoned Professional Talks About Employment in the New Era," she shared her practical experience of transitioning from media to cross-border e-commerce. The event was hosted by Hong Mengdian, Deputy Party Committee Secretary of the college.
Bao Jingjing began with her 15-year cross-sector career trajectory, recounting her journey from front-line editorial and reporting positions at Tencent and Sina, to Global Marketing Director in the internet sector, and finally to founding her own cross-border e-commerce business. She candidly admitted that she did not have a clear plan from the outset. "What supported my smooth transitions across the three tracks of media, internet, and cross-border e-commerce was never a single professional skill, but rather the ability to keep learning and the courage to adapt to change." She particularly noted that the college's practice-oriented teaching model helped her build a solid foundation during her university years, which became the key bedrock for her later cross-sector transformations.
In response to students' high level of interest in the cross-border e-commerce industry, Bao Jingjing conducted an in-depth analysis using operational data from her own eyewear brand. She challenged the traditional perception that cross-border e-commerce simply means platform-based product stocking, pointing out that the industry is rapidly shifting from "traffic monetization" to "brand globalization." "Journalism and communication students excel at storytelling, understand communication, and can capture social sentiments—these are precisely the most sought-after capabilities in brand globalization." She encouraged students to break down disciplinary barriers and find their unique value in the cross-border e-commerce track.
Addressing the industry transformation and employment anxiety brought about by AI, Bao Jingjing offered rational and practical advice. "AI is a tool that can boost efficiency by 80%, but it can never replace core human thinking." She emphasized that while tools can generate answers, the abilities to ask questions, judge quality, and oversee the bigger picture remain uniquely human. She reminded the students: "It's not that there are no jobs; it's that what you know, the market doesn't need; and what the market needs, you don't know." She advised everyone to proactively step out of their comfort zones and place importance on effective internships.
During the interactive session, students eagerly asked questions on topics such as internship selection, resume preparation, and entrepreneurial readiness. Drawing on her years of recruitment experience, Bao Jingjing stated that what enterprises value most is not current skills, but future growth potential and problem-solving ability.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy Party Committee Secretary Hong Mengdian noted that Alumna Bao Jingjing's sharing directly addressed the pressing employment challenges of the day, providing students with a clear guide for action. He encouraged students to正视 market demands, shore up their skill deficiencies during their university years, and embrace the challenges of the times with an attitude of continuous learning.
Text by: Luo Jiekun
Photos by: Luo Jiekun
