Originally from China, Tong Tong moved to London to study MSc Marketing and now works in Shanghai as an Analyst at Roskill. Tong reflects on his time at Queen Mary and shares his advice for students interested in studying at The School of Business and Management.
As an international student from China, what was it that attracted you to London and Queen Mary in particular?
I chose to study at Queen Mary because it is part of the Russell Group, one of the leading institutions in the UK and globally and has a long and proud history of academic excellence. London is also an amazing city to explore and is at the very center of the business world.
What aspects of your MSc Marketing degree did you find most enjoyable? What modules did you enjoy learning about and was there anything that surprised you in your studies?
Being inspired by lecturers from diverse academic backgrounds and industries and having group discussions with classmates from different countries.
The International Marketing Communications module with Professor Nicholas O’Shaughnessy inspired me and made me realise there is a much broader scope within and beyond traditional marketing communications globally.
Can you describe your career path up to date and your current role?
I cuurently work as an Analyst at Roskill (Shanghai office), a leading independent consultancy on global metals and minerals. My work focusses on steel alloy research in China and covers bulk and noble alloys. Through serving clients across the mining and metals industry, investment and financial institutions, government organisations and trading houses, we produce market reports and provide consulting services across strategy, market assessments, feasibility studies, market due diligence, socio-economic impact assessments and custom market analysis.
Prior to joining Roskill, I worked as a Business Intelligence Manager at HP, where I focused on strategic planning and data analysis. Before this I worked as a Deals Desk Analyst at Trafigura, where I was responsible for PnL reporting for copper and alumina, and conducting quantitative analysis in risk hedging. My first job after graduating from Queen Mary in November 2016, was working as a Senior Analyst at quantitative team at Nielsen, where I was involved in several market-entry and cross-country projects by serving leading multinational and domestic players in the TMT industry.
Can you describe what a typical working day looks like for you?
A typical day for me is 45% research, analysis and writing reports, 30% meetings and conference calls with my manager, teammates and clients (mostly in the afternoon, as I’m working remotely with them across different time zones), 15% emails and calls and 10% for other flexible work.
What is the most exciting thing about what you do?
Generating the irreplaceable value for clients by providing industry insights.
How did your time and study at Queen Mary help your career and development?
Learning and working in a global environment with cultural diversity in the fast-changing business world.
What was special about your time at Queen Mary? Can you give one or two examples of your most memorable moments?
The first one-on-one discussion about my research proposal with my dissertation supervisor, Professor Nicholas O’Shaughnessy. I was not very confident about my proposal outline at first, but he gave me some constructive advice and, more importantly, his passion in the research and academy inspired me on that day, which still means a lot to me in my current job.
Another memorable moment is when I received a distinction in the final grades both in my degree and dissertation!
Do you have a favourite spot on campus? If so, where is it and why?
It is absolutely Regents’ Canal! I lived in Hatton House alongside the canal during my entire studies!
Is there any advice you would give to current students or recent graduates considering studying in London?
London is an amazing city to explore with so many possibilities that you never know what will happen next! So, if you’re considering studying in the UK, London is definitely the best choice for your future career.
Can you give 3 reasons why you’d recommend Queen Mary to prospective students hoping to study Msc Marketing?
Having the opportunity to be inspired by lecturers who have diverse academic backgrounds and industry experience.
Knowing and making friends (maybe lifetime) with classmates from different countries and backgrounds.
The location! Queen Mary is the only campus-based university in London and located in one of the most amazing cities in the world, amid standing at the very center of the business world.