On the morning of April 28, QMES invited Ray Taheri, Director of the International Exchange Program at The University of British Columbia, Canada, to give a lecture on "Building Career Skills in the 21st Century", so as to improve the comprehensive quality of students, promote the international exchange and cooperation of the school, and cultivate interdisciplinary innovative talents with an international vision, capable of transnational study and work and possessing lifelong learning ability. More than 100 undergraduate students of QMES participated.

Professor Taheri started his lecture by elaborating on learning methods, analyzed the difference between learning skills and studying knowledge with students, stressed the importance of adopting active thinking to solve problems, and encouraged students to use off-campus practice and internship to communicate, to observe, to establish a good interpersonal relationship, to grasp communication skills and to improve career planning skills.

In the 21st century, the essence of education has changed from a simple transfer of knowledge to the cultivation of diversified abilities. When it comes to the essential skills for the 21st century, Professor Taheri introduced to the students the "Four Cs" core qualities, namely communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. The cultivation of these four abilities is crucial to cope with the demands of an increasingly complex and changeable job market, he said, calling on the students to actively practice the "Four Cs" skills in their daily study to consolidate the soft power and enhance personal competitiveness.

Taking examples, Professor Taheri told the inspiring story of two business tycoons who bravely climbed to the top of their life despite difficulties and obstacles, encouraging students to have the courage to try and tolerate mistakes. The road to success can not be smooth sailing, nor can it be achieved in one step. It is courage and wisdom that help students set foot on the road of career development suitable for their own characteristics.

In the end, Professor Taheri answered the students' questions on personal development planning, and expressed his confidence and expectation for Chinese college students. He hoped that the students would grow into compound innovative talents with international vision and knowledge of international rules, and contribute to the development of world science, technology and economy and social progress.

Thanks to the lecture, the students had a deep understanding of the importance of comprehensive quality for contemporary college students to step into society and achieve personal goals, and developed a clearer direction for themselves, which laid a foundation for better planning of college life and future career. QMESers will deeply know themselves, find the right position, and continuously improve their comprehensive quality and ability, so as to forge ahead in the direction of their dreams.

Text: Wang Yuchen, Li Fengyuan

Photo: Bi Jialong

Editor: Wu Sijia

Translator: Liu Yang

Review: Cheng Yin