The University of Rochester Office for Global Engagement recently connected with Hanqi Jiang, Class of 2015, who is currently the Director of Partnerships and Development at Phoenix TV, a leading media group in Asia, for an insightful Q&A about her experiences and journey since graduating. She currently serves as the Chair of Rochester’s China Alumni Network.
Tell us about yourself and your current professional role.
Greetings from China! I am Hanqi Jiang, a member of the Class of 2015, with a double major in International Relations and Psychology, and a Wilder Trustee Scholarship Recipient. I am a documentary maker, producer, and the Director of Partnerships and Development at Phoenix TV, a leading Chinese media group. I work closely with international film festivals and documentary forums to bring great documentaries to the world and help guide new talent into the industry.
What are some of the highlights of your time at the University of Rochester?
While many of my peers focused on graduating early, I chose to spend five years on my undergraduate studies, and I have never regretted it. I was a research assistant, led a student club, studied abroad in Europe, and participated in the Take Five program. I took full advantage of the school’s resources. If I had to pick the most cherished memory, it would be studying abroad. Born and raised in Shanghai, China, I never imagined I could study not only in the U.S. but in over ten countries. During the spring semester of my junior year, I enrolled in the IES EU Program. Those four months were intense but rewarding, with opportunities to study in the European Council, the European Parliament, IMF, and more. This experience connected my textbook knowledge to the real world and enriched my understanding of various cultures and myself in this global society.
How did campus life and co-curricular involvement impact your personal and professional growth?
Greek life had a significant impact on me. Initially, Greek life seemed like the crazy parties from the movies, but I decided to explore it myself. The recruitment process was intense and pushed me out of my comfort zone. It taught me how to pitch myself and connect with people from different backgrounds. More importantly, I was surrounded by inspiring young women who empowered me to be more confident and adventurous. As the president of the UR Model UN club, I managed a team and made important decisions for the club. This experience taught me to evaluate roles within an organization and think about the bigger picture. In a world with rapidly developing technology, especially AI, it’s crucial to identify personal strengths, understand their value to the organization and society, and keep them up-to-date.
What university resources or initiatives were most impactful to your next steps after graduating?
The Take Five Program was incredibly impactful for me, and I keep recommending it to students and parents. It allows students to pursue academic interests beyond their majors without additional tuition. The best gift I gained from Take Five is curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking. I explored fields I was curious about, integrated them with my majors and passion, and created something meaningful. Inspired by my experience studying abroad in the U.S. and Europe, my Take Five project explored Chinese students’ self-identity during their study abroad time at the U of R through photography, integrating anthropology, psychology, and art. Faculty from various departments and staff members from the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS), International Services Office (ISO), Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, and others helped me sharpen my ideas, broaden my perspectives, and provide necessary data. I felt grateful and honored to be supported by the university in my academic enrichment. With their help, I also held a multimedia exhibition and an intercultural event where members of the UR community shared what UR means to us. These experiences continue to help me thrive in the international documentary field.
How would you sum up your personal growth since graduating from the University of Rochester?
My journey at the U of R made me a confident, compassionate, and grateful woman who is curious about the world and dares to adventure. It made me realize that MELIORA is not just a motto but a daily practice.
What sparked your initial interest in taking an active role in the University’s Alumni Network?
I never felt my journey at the U of R ended after graduation. Initially, I wanted to help out like the university faculty and staff helped me. Gradually, I started assisting with UR events in China as a regional network leader. I have organized career panels for alumni and students, the UR China Parent Network Summit, provided translations during school events, offered internship opportunities to students interested in media, and interviewed prospective students since graduating. Seeing the anxious faces of parents and students turn into smiles is very rewarding. As the President of the UR China Alumni Network, I hope to do more for alumni, students, and their families. With Bailey Nixon’s help, who is the University’s Associate Director, Regional Volunteers & Programs for Asia, we are building teams of alumni volunteers in major cities in China and planning more events for alumni. By fostering collaborations among alumni, the school, and parents, I believe we can create a bigger impact.
What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?
Join the UR events in China or wherever you are! That’s how I started and met amazing alumni and parents. Feel free to reach out to the Engagement Office or any alumni or parents; you will find your peers soon.
What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?
Staying connected with the UR community keeps me inspired. It reminds me of how empowered I was at the university and motivates me to give back, inspire, and support others while exploring boundless possibilities no matter where I am.