Xia Qing, from Shenzhen, graduated from the Accounting Programme of UIC in 2019. In March 2021, she was delighted to get admission for a DPhil in Management (Accounting) from the University of Oxford, along with a full scholarship.

Xia Qing

When she graduated from high school six years ago, Xia Qing had no idea that one day she would walk into the world's top academy and pursue her dreams. At that time, out of a yearning for international liberal arts education, she applied for UIC. When Xia Qing entered UIC, the solid academic atmosphere stimulated her learning motivation. She was full of enthusiasm for her new life. During her time at UIC, Xia Qing received the first-class scholarship for four consecutive years, with a GPA above 3.7. She was also rewarded a scholarship from the Qualification Programme of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Xia Qing (second from left) and her schoolmates after the 2018 Scholarship Award Ceremony

During the summer and winter vacations, Xia Qing completed four internships in the industry, learning about auditing, evaluation, consulting and other skills. She also joined an entrepreneurial team to train herself further. During the summer vacation of 2017, Xia Qing participated in the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)'s summer programme.

After four years' study, Xia Qing found a deep interest in accounting. After graduating from UIC, she chose to study for a Master of Science in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions at LSE, with offers from many other famous academies received. Together with students from 23 countries, she explored the latest research topics in the accounting field, which laid the foundation for her subsequent application for a doctoral programme.

Xia Qing studying an MSc in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions at LSE

Xia Qing applied for a doctoral programme at Oxford University in December 2020. In March 2021, she was admitted to Oxford and received a full scholarship from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Xia Qing explained that when applying for Dphil in Management (Accounting), they were only required to have a GPA of 3.5 or above and language proficiency. She mentioned that students who have passed the selection would be invited to participate in the interview, which lasts for 40-60 minutes and generally revolves around academic issues. The interviewer would pay more attention to the applicant's research plan, understanding the development in related fields, and ask questions step by step according to the applicant's research plan.

Xia Qing said that her doctoral research topic is the sustainable development report. Although many organisations have put forward the guiding framework of sustainable development reports, there is still no unified standard in this field, she said. Xia Qing is looking forward to exploring the future development of accounting and contributing to innovation in the area.

Xia Qing said that UIC is the place where her dream started. With professional teachers and diligent students, interesting courses and fun activities, and an international campus full of vigour, she had a rewarding and fulfilling time at UIC.

What always stays in Xia Qing's mind is the close relationship between teachers and students. She mentioned that the Accounting Programme has a professional faculty, whose members are rigorous and responsible for students' studies while offering guidance for students' development.

From the perspective of Dr So Yuen Hon, who is the Assistant Professor of Accounting, Xia Qing is a frank and enthusiastic student with a good spirit of inquiry. He remembered that Qing was always well-prepared and liked to discuss various academic issues with him both in and after class and that she was. Dr So wrote a recommendation letter for Xia Qing's application for post-graduate studies and gave her many valuable suggestions when applying for a doctorate. Xia Qing said that even after graduating from UIC, she could still consult UIC teachers when encountering problems. Dr Po-Shu Au, Dr Tat Chee Tsui, and the retired teacher Ben Wong from the Division of Business and Management have all given her much help.

What makes Xia Qing most unforgettable is the close relationship between teachers and students

Xia Qing said frankly that during her study at LSE, there was a time when she was confused and afraid of the future. It was UIC's teachers who gave her warm guidance and helped her get out of negative emotions. Xia said that this experience made her understand that although the risks and uncertainties in life cannot be eliminated entirely, setting clear goals and making the best efforts can give her the courage to face the future with no regrets.

Xia Qing believes that studying accounting can significantly train student's logical thinking and improve their decision-making ability. Her advice for juniors is that accounting studies require persistence and advance. She stated that the new technology would significantly improve the accounting field's work efficiency due to science and technology development. Xia Qing explains traditional ways of keeping accounts or basic auditing work replaced by these new technologies. For students studying accounting, they may need to learn more latest technologies in other fields in the future to catch up with the development of the times.

It has always been Xia Qing's habit of studying in a self-disciplined and planned way, listening carefully in class, and reviewing what she has learned after the class. She believes that independent and critical thinking are two necessary academic abilities. Only by keeping curiosity about things, thinking more and learning continuously can students comprehensively improve their academic ability. A positive and optimistic attitude would also be crucial for students' self-development.

Xia Qing concluded by saying that UIC makes her feel at home. She is glad and grateful to take UIC as a starting point of her academic development.

From MPRO
Reporter: Xia Meng
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Covee Wang