Grokker profile – Ryan Zhang
Name
Ryan Zhang
Position
Program Officer for Edith Cowan University
How long have you been working at Grok?
I have been working at Grok since December 2015, so around nine months.
Why do you enjoy working in international education?
I enjoy the challenge of introducing young and innovative institutions to China and I am inspired to influence students and agents with my own overseas study experience.
What were you doing before working at Grok?
Before Grok I was a salesperson in a car dealership in Western Australia.
What’s the most important reason your institution needs a person on the ground in China?
The main purpose for this position is to source, develop and maintain relationships with various education agents based in China that promote and recruit on behalf of ECU. I also contribute to the development and implementation of business plans and strategies.
What do you think makes your institution truly special?
Unlike those research intensive universities, ECU focuses on developing students’ employability by providing a lot of hands-on experience within real industry environments. It has a high reputation for employability in the local community.
What’s the most meaningful or enjoyable moment you’ve had at Grok?
From the last nine months my favourite moment was at the last company function at Grok’s Beijing headquarters where I met other colleagues and people from the management team and learnt a lot from their experiences.
Describe yourself in three words.
Positive – be able to tell myself a different story when things are getting tough.
Hardworking – to give it all in when I am on the road and in office.
Humorous – be able to break the ice with people I have just met or have a little courage to make fun of myself.
When it is time to relax, what do you like to do?
In my spare time, I enjoy playing table tennis, badminton, pool and other typical games Chinese people play.
What is something other Grokkers probably don’t know about you?
I have a passion for solo rope skipping. My Personal record is 3000+ without a break in 25 minutes. Any challengers are welcomed.
What was your favourite subject at high school? Why?
My favorite subject at high school was math because I watched too many gambling movies and believed that calculating cards is something I could learn from maths.
