Xuelian Tai

Engaging in work that has a positive impact on society, and seeing my efforts inspire others and promote positive social change, is the driving force behind my academic and professional endeavors. In the future, I hope to become a sustainable finance consultant, helping enterprises progress on their path of sustainable development and promoting the achievement of net-zero targets.

Currently an undergraduate student majoring in Finance at Nankai University, and aspiring to apply for HEC's GE program, I decided to attend the HEC Paris Summer Program in Sustainable Finance & Investment this summer as it aligns perfectly with my academic goals and pursuit of sustainable finance. 

The program has enriched my professional knowledge and solidified my career aspirations. During the course, I learned to establish strategic goals under varying policies and within a diversity of markets, analyze corporate carbon emissions, and promote green projects. Key takeaways included understanding the urgency of sustainability through data analysis and considering perspectives from the World Bank, energy companies, and commercial banks. Professor Layal Nabhan's inspiring teaching methods and passionate guidance were immensely beneficial. The guest lecturers also brought rich practical experience, broadening our horizons.

The most challenging (and rewarding) part was working in teams with classmates from different countries on case studies. Applying classroom theories to practice enhanced my teamwork and leadership skills and taught me effective communication and collaboration in a multicultural environment—essential in sustainable finance work, as it requires the unification of efforts from different countries more than other fields.

The effectiveness of the program quickly became evident as I applied the skills I had learned to my ensuing internship in the Strategy Department at Jaguar Land Rover China and received unanimous praise. China is a leading nation in new energy as well as a major carbon emitter, and the world needs China's strength. As a woman from a developing country, using the professional knowledge I gained in France to help my country achieve net-zero targets is exciting and inspiring.

I strongly recommend HEC’s Summer Programs to students and professionals aspiring to apply to HEC. It provides dream chasers with professional knowledge and encourages them to boldly pursue their dreams, as the HEC slogan says, “The more you know, the more you dare.”