The academic rigor of the programme via the lectures, group discussions, independent reading and my final dissertation helped to develop my logical and critical thinking and has given me more confidence in myself.

Where are they now?

After finishing my MSc Public Policy degree, I returned to China and started a new job working as the Director of the Group Public Affairs Department for Alibaba, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms.

My key responsibility is to identify and create new business opportunities with the government. To do this job well requires not only years of experience in Chinese government (which I gained in my previous role within the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China) but also the ability to collate and analyse policy documents; knowledge which I gained via the MSc in Public Policy.

In particular, I found the unit on Research Methods to be invaluable. At first, I was confused by the many concepts, such as ontology, epistemology, objectivism and positivism.

However, it is that these concepts and the research strategies behind them, which enable me to understand the policies that are central to my job. Likewise, I still refer to the knowledge I gained on the unit on Economics in Public Policy to identify the ways in which economics can be applied to policy analysis.

I believe it is this confidence which helped me to succeed in the interview process for my current job with Alibaba (as did the award I received for Best International Student).

In conclusion, I would say the MSc in Public Policy is an ideal training for those who want to get a job related to government, organization and company strategy.