Huawei Zheng joined the GCDC in September 2018. His PhD, supervised by Professor Elena Korosteleva, examined the Eurasian Economic Union as an evolving regional actor. He reflects on his experience with the GCDC and his future prospects.
“It was really a great pleasure to be one of our GCDC students and to finish my research within four years. Thanks to our generous funding, our supportive GCDC team and staff, my time spent with Kent was enjoyable and memorable.
Unfortunately, my application for two universities in Beijing as lecturer was unsuccessful. This is understandable, given that the academia has become increasingly tough. Right now, I am considering working opportunities in the publishing industry. I will soon have my job talks with two publishers: Frontiers (for Young Minds), and the Tsinghua University Press (academic centre). Although I have decided to leave the academia, working in publishing will still enable me to be close to knowledge production, and to use my skills gained during my PhD.
So, my message to our GCDC fellows: Enjoy your time here and make the most out of your PhD. This might be the last period when you can be fully committed to your research and something you love. Good luck everyone. Wish that everyone will get through till the end and have a successful viva!”
Huawei Zheng