Studying in Dublin: how it helped launch my career at Amazon

Sponsored by University College Dublin  

Ever wondered where studying a master’s degree abroad could take you? For University College Dublin (UCD) graduate Fangyu Liu, it led to a career at Amazon.  

Fangyu studied a year-long  MSc in International Business at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. With 160 years of history and world-leading facilities, UCD frequently ranks as the top business school in Ireland in the QS Business Master’s Rankings.  

Since graduating, Fangyu has been working at Amazon as an investigation specialist. She spoke to TopUniversities about how studying in Dublin helped her in her career.  

What stood out to you about University College Dublin’s MSc in International Business and how has what you learnt in your master's helped you in your career? 

The first time I heard of UCD and Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School was in the third year of my bachelor study in economics at Xiamen University, China.  

The reason I chose Smurfit was because it provided me with the diversity and international perspective which not many universities could.  

In myMSc International Business programme, there were 50 classmates from 13 different cultures. I benefited from my interactions with them in all kinds of group activities.  

What are the employment opportunities like in Dublin?  

Dublin is a vibrant city full of people from all around the world. There are so many career opportunities in Dublin.  

After arriving in Ireland in August 2020, my life in the past one-and-a-half years taught me to be open-minded and resilient, to appreciate and learn from others, and to embrace my imperfections. 

My experience includes working part-time as an academic tutor, a librarian in the university library and as a waitress in a restaurant in Dublin. I also did internships at the local taxation bureau and a life insurance company in Hong Kong. 

What was the recruitment process like for your role at Amazon? 

Amazon is a great start as my first full-time job. The recruitment process followed a clear timeline. It simply included uploading my CV, an online assessment and an interview with one recruitment manager. I was fully informed regarding the leadership principles of Amazon.  

The results of the assessment and interview were released quickly which I really appreciated. Sometimes I felt frustrated when companies ghosted me or had 10 pages of information and three online assessments even before having the chance for an interview! Therefore, it was a pleasant journey throughout the recruitment process with Amazon. 

Did you use any of UCD’s careers services while studying and if so, how did they help you? 

I have to admit that landing a job during the pandemic was definitely not easy, but UCD supported me through that difficult time.  

In preparation for my job applications, I attended seminars about writing my CV and cover letters at UCD. I had a few one-on-one sessions consulting with career guides in Smurfit. I learned how to set up IT equipment and perform better in online interviews at job fairs hosted by UCD Smurfit.  

I didn’t know how to write a CV in English before studying at UCD but now I can communicate in English in professional scenarios, both verbally and written. 

How else do you think studying in Dublin helped your career? 

My year at UCD Smurfit was unforgettable and a great learning experience.  

Apart from a very comprehensive and strong academic training, I really enjoyed the hands-on student projects and assignments which prepared me well for the real-life business world.  

The networking opportunities and resources are another reason I love Smurfit. I made great friends who offered valuable advice on my career and many other aspects of my life.