Dr Carol Zhang
When did you join the RAU and what brought you here?
I joined the RAU in Oct 2010. My first deep impression of the RAU stemmed from its long history. Secondly, its small but beautiful campus, friendly people I met, etc, made me feel comfortable to work in.
How did you get into Human Resource Management (HRM)?
Before I joined the RAU, I had been teaching HRM related modules across different levels in various cultural environments such as China, Thailand, and the UK for seven years. My PhD research was focused on International HRM. My practical experience in HRM can be dated back to 2004-2008 whilst working for HSBC bank dealing with staffing matters.
What made you go into teaching?
Being a passionate lecturer as well as an active researcher, I’m devoted to lifelong learning. With teaching, I’m not only able to share my existing knowledge, but also dig deeply into topics and learn something new along the way. Teaching helps me remain knowledgeable about current trends and issues. In addition, I’m keen on making an impact in a meaningful way. With teaching, there are plenty of opportunities to be creative in conveying information to young people, which can make a difference in their lives.
What do you enjoy about it?
Teaching provides me with immediate feedback and tangible results of my efforts which I find rewarding.
What’s the most challenging aspect of teaching/learning about HRM?
The most challenging aspect of teaching and learning about HRM will be how to engage students with real world problems and train them to solve these problem. RAU students will find it beneficial as our HRM teaching includes a combination of formal lectures and small group discussions with workshop activities. Also, some whole group experiences were carried out. Our various teaching and learning strategies, including assessment tasks that more diligently focus students on the challenge of understanding HRM theory and practice while personally applying these in real-world ways.
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of....
... starting a UG/PG course?
- Work hard and study hard
- Balance your study and social life
- Plan for your career
... studying HRM?
- Attend lectures regularly
- Participate in class activities
- Read relevant chapters prior to lectures.
How would you describe life at the RAU/Cirencester?
An amazing university with a great reputation, beautiful campus with lots of wide open spaces, and a huge amount of fun to be had. The Students’ Union backs a vast range of societies, organisations, student groups, community projects, and campaigns. The RAU is not only an institute with an outstanding academic reputation, it also includes everything else outside of studying.
What makes it distinctive/special?
The University provides a comprehensive range of services to support students both personally and academically. There are a wide range of resources available for improving your study. The most important one is its personalised services provided to meet the needs of each student.
What’s your favourite spot on campus and why?
The main entrance of the University. Beautiful!
What are your top Cirencester recommendations?
- Get involved in the Enterprise education.
- Students’ favourite clubs are ‘Seventeen Black’ and ‘Reva’ as well as the infamous signature cocktails at ‘Somewhere Else’.
- Visit the Corinium Museum, Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester Park (for a stroll, or to watch some Polo) or the Roman Amphitheatre.