Grokker profile – Joyce Yang
Name
Joyce Yang
Position
Senior Program Officer
How long have you been working at Grok?
15 months
Why do you enjoy working in international education?
I enjoy working in international education because I get to meet a diverse range of people and make friends with other people who are passionate about international education.
What were you doing before working at Grok?
Before I successfully applied for my current position I worked for four and a half years as the marketing officer for Swansea University based in Beijing. I was mainly responsible for recruitment, and developing and implementing marketing strategies in mainland China for the University. I worked with a team of four, and we were proud we met and exceeded targets every year.
What’s the most important reason your institution needs a person on the ground in China?
The first step for a university to recruit students in a foreign country is to gain full knowledge of the target market from a different perspective and make marketing strategies accordingly. In the past Essex did some PR activities, which helps build a good market base, but relationships with agencies, partner universities and schools still need to be improved. This requires on-the-ground staff to conduct regular and timely visits to maintain and develop strong relationships. Staff in China can better research and produce reports on the China market to help develop marketing strategies.
What do you think makes your institution truly special?
Essex is a genuinely global community for talents and pioneers. We are one of UK’ s top ten universities for research. We encourage innovation with fresh ideas and new thinking. At Essex we like to say we are ‘rebels with a cause’.
What’s the most meaningful or enjoyable moment you’ve had at Grok?
I really enjoyed the last staff retreat when colleagues were sharing experience and stories about recruitment. Everyone is willing to share their failures and success, so all of us learn something to enable us to do a better job. We also share amusing stories about our travels.
Describe yourself in three words.
Easy-going. Tenacious. Patient. As a marketing person, being easy to get along with and having patience will definitely help you succeed.
When it is time to relax, what do you like to do?
I love to travel and watch movies. Whenever I come back from a very busy business trip, I will usually run to the cinemas where I can find some quiet. It really helps me relax and unwind after feeling the pressures of working hard. Traveling always brings me something new – new ways of thinking or new friends.
What is something other Grokkers probably don’t know about you?
I have studied Japanese for nearly two years for personal interest.
What is your favourite food?
Hotpot – it is the best way to enjoy time with friends and family.
What was your favourite subject at high school? Why?
Maths. I am good with numbers and formulas, and because I had a great teacher.
