Move over, traditional career guides. In an era where jobs can involve managing virtual economies, designing sustainable cities, or programming artificial intelligence, the classic career path isn’t kids’ only option. For the next generation navigating a world of limitless career possibilities, the well-meaning advice to “follow your passion” can feel overwhelming without a map. Now, a wave of adults with truly fascinating jobs are throwing that map wide open. They’re stepping out of their labs, studios, and field sites to share the real, unfiltered career advice they wish they’d had – not just about how to land the job, but how to build a life of curiosity, resilience and purpose. This is more than career day; it’s a mentorship movement designed to inspire the innovators, problem-solver,s and dreamers of tomorrow.

Search the keyword #careerday to find more articles like this.

What’s your name, and give us the Elevator Pitch about your job.

My name is MJ Wang. As a Partner at WildChina, we specialize in turning the impossible into possible. Our focus is on designing high-end, experiential travel and corporate events that create meaningful cross-cultural connections for global leaders, from Fortune 500 companies to government delegations, helping them elevate their relationship networks and life-changing experiences.

Could you walk me through a typical day or week in your role? What are your primary responsibilities?

A typical week involves consulting with senior executives to design bespoke programs—from large-scale investor summits to executive exchange missions. A blend of high-level strategy and hands-on project management. My primary responsibilities include:
Client Strategy: Consulting with senior executives to design bespoke programs, from large-scale investor summits and executive exchanges to intimate VIP retreats.
Creative Direction: Leading my team in the thoughtful design of program content, ensuring every detail contributes to the client’s strategic goals.

Cross-Cultural Leadership: Managing the complexities of multinational and multicultural projects, coordinating with local partners across the globe to ensure seamless execution.
Business Development: Nurturing long-term relationships with our portfolio of global clients and exploring new opportunities, especially in supporting Chinese enterprises in their overseas expansion.

What is the most rewarding or fulfilling part of your work? What problems do you get to solve? On the flip side, what are the most significant challenges or stressful aspects of your job?

The most fulfilling part is seeing the tangible impact of our work in creating life-changing experiences. The core problem we solve is fostering genuine human connection across cultures. When a large-scale event we’ve orchestrated successfully strengthens a client’s global network, or when we facilitate a deep cultural insight for an executive team, that is incredibly rewarding.

The most significant challenge is inherent in our mission: managing the complexity of these high-stakes, logistically intricate projects. Orchestrating events for over 500 – 1000 participants across different countries and cultures, while aligning the expectations of diverse stakeholders, requires meticulous planning and a calm demeanor under pressure. It truly tests our philosophy of turning the impossible into possible every single day.

How did you get to where you are today? You can talk about your educational route, pivotal moments, unplanned detours, and any other decisions that you find important.

My career path diverges from the conventional trajectory, as I moved to Beijing to pursue opportunities after high school. I have held various frontline positions in hospitality and sales roles, where I gained substantial hands-on, detailed operational experience. My career progressed significantly when I assumed the role of Personal Assistant to a senior executive at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which marked the beginning of my formal professional development. A key decision was taking on an executive leadership role for the China region at Chin-Eaes Corp in 2009, which honed my strategic management skills. Joining WildChina allowed me to synthesize these experiences, initially as a “Business Architect” focused on designing solutions, before growing into the Partner role. Beyond my corporate work, co-founding Chi Fan for Charity over 17 years ago has been a crucial part of my journey, grounding my work in social impact. To continue expanding my perspective, I am currently pursuing an MBA at UCL, blending academic rigor with real-world leadership.

Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to your teenage self about work and life, what would it be?

I would advise my younger self to trust the value of diverse experiences and deep relationships. Don’t be in a rush to climb a linear ladder. Every role, especially the hands-on ones, teaches you something invaluable. The service philosophy I learned early on became the bedrock of my career. Similarly, the relationships you build—with clients, partners, and your community—are your most valuable asset. They lead to opportunities you can’t foresee and create a network of support that makes the challenging journey not just successful, but also meaningful. The last one is: Be helpful to others in many ways!

Images: Courtesy of MJ

With the Chi Fan For Charity Dinner 2023 coming up soon on Nov 4, we speak with CFFC Committee member and Table Host Chair Cynthia Pham to discuss her commitment to the charity initiative and her personal dining recommendations around Beijing.

Hello! My name is Cynthia and I am a Vietnamese American from Seattle who has called Beijing home for eight years now! What started as a two-year teaching contract in 2015 has led me to my husband and our wonderful dog, Felix Pancakes! Together we have (literally and figuratively) built a home and will continue to plant roots here in Beijing. During Covid in China, I had the pleasure of working for small businesses in the city, and one of the opportunities led me to the world of F&B (Food and Beverage), an industry filled with passionate and hard-working people.

JKI: What made you get involved with CFFC?

Pham: My good friend, Annie Han, was leaving Beijing and she kindly recommended me to the Chi Fan For Charity Committee! I was so honored and touched and knew that I had big shoes to fill. This is my second year serving as Table Host Chair, so I am feeling more confident and excited! I love organizing and planning, and seeing everything come to fruition is a truly rewarding experience.But most importantly, when being asked to help, you always want to say “Yes!”

JKI: What do you think of Beijing’s food scene? 

I think it is the best! And not just the food, but the people and the stories behind the food. Some of the best cuisines are found in this city. Favorite Thai place? Pak Pak! Favorite Japanese place? Hatsune!

And not to mention accessibility! We are lucky to live in a city where you can find good eats at an affordable price. I also feel like there is a lot of camaraderie in Beijing, so chances are you will meet cool people at a restaurant, whether that be other diners or the restaurant team, and can chat it up for hours.

JKI: For those new to CFFC, why should they get involved, either as a volunteer or as a table host/guest?

This year marks 15 years of Chi Fan For Charity, and so it is going to be extra special. And this will also be the first time in a few years where we can gather and celebrate without any constraints, and because there is still a lot of good in this city!

What better way to support charity than to gather a group of friends, dine at a delicious restaurant, and dance together at the after-party!

We have two beneficiaries this year:

1. HOPE (Horses Offering People Enrichment) provides therapeutic equine-assisted services to orphanages and adults with special needs in Shunyi.
2. From Our Eyes aims to promote cultural preservation and sustainable rural development through videography and education in Yunnan.

It is going to be a fantastic night, probably the biggest celebration in the city! So don’t miss out! Feel free to add me on WeChat (ID: cynpham) if you are interested in either hosting a table or attending as a guest!

JKI: Name your fave place in Beijing for…

Family brunch: Toast!

Fancy date night: TRB Hutong!

Casual date night: Pak Pak in Wangjing!

Favorite dish: Pollo al Carbon (roast chicken) from Pebbles!

Favorite hotel: Hyatt in Wangjing because it is modeled after a Japanese Zen garden and it is also dog-friendly, so Felix Pancakes loves it!

Table bidding for CFFC 2023 has started so be sure to reach out to Pham if you are interested in joining this year’s festivities and being part of this Beijing community cornerstone event!

Images: Courtesy of Cynthia Pham and CFFC

As the days get colder and many people look toward another holiday season away from loved ones in their home countries, we find ourselves even more in need of the traditions that feed our souls and support our adopted home. Chi Fan For Charity (CFFC) is one of those traditions. Once a year the Beijing food community comes together as restaurants donate tables and patrons vie for the privilege of eating at them all in the spirit of giving back to those less fortunate.

Beijing Foodie Queen and CFFC board member Anna Lourenco told me: “CFFC is a fantastic chance for those who want to try local restaurants and help those in need. Where else can you try new places and donate to charity while doing it?”

But not everyone manages to score a table. However, everyone can and should take part in the epic lucky draw raffle.

Preston Thomas, the president of the CFFC board, shares: “CFFC has been around for over a decade now. Besides the dinners, the raffle is a super important way to help fund these charities. Everyone is struggling now but it’s even worse for those that literally have nothing. Dig deep and support and you might win one of the RMB 200,000 in prizes.”

Each ticket is an opportunity to win a local experience or service like a dinner at TRB’s much-anticipated newest restaurant Fork, cookies from beloved baker Cammymade, a tour with Lost Plate or vouchers for expat favorite places like Cheers of Blissful.

There are over 118 fantastic prizes, like staycations at all of the Jing’s most elite hotels, including but not limited to NUO, Shangri-la, Eclat, and the Four Seasons.

This year all proceeds will be going to not one but three deserving charities: Agape Family House, One School and From Our Eyes. These local programs help orphans with special needs, educate rural students and work to preserve China’s beautiful culture through sustainable means. But they need your help. With fewer expats in the city ticket sales are much less than in previous years. Last year over RMB 18,000 was raised from raffle tickets alone and every yuan counts.

Camilla Kongshavn has volunteered to manage the raffle for several years and she spends months of her precious time organizing, recruiting and selling tickets. Camilla explains: “CFFC brings communities together, to give for the purpose of bettering the well-being of local charities in need. It’s a beautiful way of giving back a little something and add another meaningful purpose to one’s life. Supporting the event has a life-changing impact on thousands of people, for the charity beneficiaries as well as those supporting. … It adds value to everyone’s life in some way.”

Despite all the difficulties expat life in China presents we are still lucky and well provided for. As we head into a season that is about counting our blessings and moving towards a brighter world let’s remember that we have a responsibility to those in need. A small donation could net you a big karmic kickback in the form of a 4-star meal or first-class staycation, and it will definitely provide warm fuzzy feelings!

Don’t miss out, sales end on Saturday the 12th! To purchase raffle tickets scan the QR code below.

KEEP READING: Worth the Wait: CFFC After Party!

Images: Pexels, CFFC

When Zhang Yuxi grows up, he wants to join the Special Forces in the military, because, in his words, “they protect people.” He may be only in Grade 3 now, but he has already started taking small steps towards realising his dream, for example by reading more than 100 books in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series (the original edition has more than 1,500 pages) and running every day. His confidence is clear on video, and I’m not surprised to learn he is a leo, born in the Year of the Snake.

A child of Mongolia, Yuxi is one of the primary school students currently studying at Dandelion School, the first and only school for low-income migrant families in Beijing. Established in August 2005, it is a non-profit and charitable educational institution located in Daxing. Originally a middle school, Dandelion recently expanded to include primary school students around 7-9 years old, in March of this year. The school’s students are migrant children from more than 20 provinces around China, mostly Hebei and Henan.

Dandelion’s purpose is to achieve equality and excellency in education and secure a bright future for this marginalised group of children. The school is credited “AAAAA,” which is the highest rating of business management achievable for non-profit organizations. Dandelion also provides support to school students who face financial challenges. Every year, they waive the tuition fee of nearly 10 percent of their student body according to their family income level. In some cases, when a parent is stricken with severe sickness, the school may even help connect them with potential donors to give extra support.

Beyond government funding, the school enlists corporate and individual support to provide quality education and nurture good character in their students. Dandelion can only achieve its success through a long-term approach to encouraging physical, intellectual and emotional growth, by discovering and developing their students’ potential, and by building lifelong learning habits in students. Only then can their graduates go out and make the world a better place, like how 9-year-old Yuxi hopes to join the military forces and protect people.

We have a great opportunity to help this child realize his dream, and to support Dandelion School’s noble cause, all while standing the chance of winning some attractive prizes! This year, for the third time, Dandelion School was carefully selected from more than 12 charities to be the recipient of Chi Fan For Charity (CFFC) fundraiser. Tickets may be sold out but you and I can still join in the fun by purchasing raffle tickets at the CFFC Raffle! I myself am gunning for the top two prizes – a week-long cruise to Sanya and a private guided tour of Guilin – but there are plenty of prizes to go around. Check out the full list here, and don’t forget there will be 216 winners, so those are some good odds!

KEEP READING: Chifan For Charity: Filling Bellies and Hearts Since 2009

Images: Courtesy of Dandelion School, CFFC 

The annual Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) on November 9 is almost here and there’s only a few seats left just waiting to be snapped up. Take part in a night of dining for a cause, followed by an epic party at one of Beijing’s trendiest hotels. All the money raised on the evening will go directly to Bethel China. Bethel is a training center for blind and visually impaired children established in 2003, and since its founding has cared for over 300 kids and assisted with over 130 adoptions. The estimated RMB 400,000 in funds expected to be raised from this year’s CFFC event will go towards two specific Bethel initiatives:

• Scholarships for low-income families whose blind or visually impaired children would otherwise be unable to attend Bethel’s programs, which teach Braille, daily living skills, mobility, and music. The CFFC funds would be able to subsidize the education of 11 students for a full academic year.
• Four separate family training sessions outside of Beijing, which counsel groups of families unable to send their children to Bethel, which is located in the Fangshan district of Beijing. The training, which aims to reach 200 families, focuses on teaching them on how to care for their blind children.

Here’s the perfect restaurant for the Shunyi crowd. Doko started as a healthy meal delivery service catering to many of Beijing’s international schools. With mouthwatering photos on social media and a vault of healthy delicious recipes, they’ve grown into a chain restaurant with the love and support of the local community.

Doko’s latest concept is all about making tasty, healthy meals that gives classic southeast Asian flavors a healthy fusion spin. High in protein and low in calories, their signature bowls and salads have been the go-to options for those of us looking to shed a few pounds without sacrificing the chance for a delicious meal.

For this year’s CFFC, Doko has put together a healthy Thai-inspired menu for the whole table to share before heading over to the afterparty at Chao Hotel.

Menu to Share:

• Phuket Style Coconut Tom Yum Goong
• Cucumber Crab Salad
• 
Green Papaya Salad with Crushed Peanuts
• Sashimi Platter
• Three Delicious Sushi Rolls: Volcano Roll, Autumn Roll, Crispy Crunch Roll
• Lemongrass Grilled Chicken
• Whole Steamed Sea Bass with Fresh Thai Limes
• Pandan Leaf Wrapped Chicken
• Bangkok Style Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Mince
• 
Beef Brisket Yellow Curry
• Thai Pineapple Rice
• 
Mango Sticky Rice

To drink: 
Two glasses of wine / soft drinks per person.

At the end of the meal every guest dining at Doko will receive a special mystery surprise. While they haven’t let us in on the surprise, they have described it as something that’ll “leave you talking about it for the entire night!”

For those who don’t live in Shunyi, fret not. There are still three restaurants left that are offering individual seats.

Miam Miam
A translation of “yummy” in French, Miam Miam serves up food that is approachable, hearty, and above all else, delicious. Inspired by Europe’s bustling and vibrant food markets, Miam Miam is a gastronomic hub featuring a diverse array of food stalls and live chefs where diners can meet and share a meal.

Ganges Lido
Ganges Indian Restaurant is coming up on 15 years in Beijing, and if you’re not already a regular then it’s time you visited for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Tribe
Since 2014 Tribe has been an award-winning organic café/restaurant offering tasty, healthy food in Beijing and Shanghai. This year’s Tribe’s Fitness & Health Enthusiasts theme table will be hosted by director of BActive 24H Fitness Sanlitun, Ankit Nayal.

Photos: CFFC, Doko, unsplash