This summer, 12 Chinese students completed an intensive, three-week program at York University called Jumpstart Your Future: A Career Bootcamp for Undergrads. A collaborative effort between York U’s Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) and the Faculty of Science, the summer program embodied the University’s commitment to a multidisciplinary educational approach. It brought together students from Shandong Second Medical University and Wuxi Taihu University in China, and blended medical and business insights to prepare them for their future careers.
“The boot camp was meticulously designed to build critical soft skills, enhance business knowledge, and equip participants to become competitive applicants for post-secondary education and the job market,” said Elena Caprioni, ABMP program director.
Students engaged in a combination of dynamic lectures, workshops, networking opportunities and group activities with York U students, culminating in a capstone project outlining their career roadmap. A key aspect of the program was a series of visits to prominent local institutions, including RBC, the IBM Canada Software Lab, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and the York Centre for Vision Research, among others.
“These experiences provided invaluable real-world perspectives, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry insights,” said Caprioni.
The program not only benefited the visiting students but also enriched the learning experiences of York U students, allowing them to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and broaden their perspectives.
“One of my best memories was hosting a coffee chat that brought together Chinese students with professionals in the medical fields,” said York U student Tien Thuy Hoang, a member of the Global Leaders of York Science volunteer group. “We had a great time exchanging ideas and exploring cultural differences, which made the whole session really special and memorable.”
Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships in the Faculty of Science, witnessed the impact of the boot camp on students during their final presentations.
“The program concluded with these bright minds presenting their individual career plans, reminding us of the importance of such initiatives in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Chen. “York Science is proud to have played a pivotal role in this transformative educational journey and looks forward to continuing this enriching collaboration, fostering growth and nurturing potential in the generations to come.”
The program’s success in bridging cultural and academic gaps underscores York University’s commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange. Looking ahead, ABMP and the Faculty of Science will continue to provide in-person programs that enhance cross-cultural interactions, thereby enriching students’ cultural understanding and academic experience.