On June 15th, Mr. Xu Haoliang, a 1979 graduate of Tongji University (majoring in Bridge Engineering), attended the Excellence Civil Engineering Forum. He now serves as the UN Assistant Secretary-General and as Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Mr. Xu shared with teachers and students his career experiences in the United Nations. Also present at the forum were Executive Vice President Chen Yiyi, members of the Tongji Alumni Association, Dean of Civil Engineering School, and teachers and students.
Before the lecture begins, President Pei Gang recognized Mr. Xu Haoliang for his contributions by presenting him with the “Tongji Excellence 2015” prize. The forum started with a brief introduction of Mr. Xu by Vice President Chen Yiyi regarding his extraordinary contribution to the sustainable development of Asia-Pacific regions within the UN. Xu Haoliang then shared his career experiences and thoughts with the audience and his cherished memories of Tongji University.
Xu Haoliang is the 1979 graduate of Tongji University, majoring in Bridge Engineering. He first worked in Prof. Li Guohao’s research team after graduation. Xu then decided to try other development opportunities by studying English by himself and going abroad for additional career opportunities. His first offer abroad was from Wayne State University to study automobiles in Detroit. However, he politely declined the offer and contacted the Stevens Institute of Technology and transferred from civil engineering to management in the second year. Xu considered this a decisive choice in his life. After graduation, he found his interest in International Relations and was finally admitted into Columbia University.
In 1993, Xu found an intern position in UNDP while he was still a graduate student. Xu received a temporary contract of 15 days after the internship. His excellent performance earned him a continued contract of another 15 days, and then 30 days and thenlonger until his contribution at work was recognized in the United Nations.
By the end of the forum, Xu Haoliang pointed out that everyone should learn how to cooperate as a follower in a team, stating that leaders in the absolute sense are rare nowadays. In the Q&A section, Xu answered audience’s questions as to idealism and realism by offering his experience and advice that work is part of life itself and everyone should have a happy balance between work and life.
Translated by May Language Studio based upon
http://news.tongji.edu.cn/classid-6-newsid-47633-t-show.html
