Shanghai University of Finance and Economics has launched a graduate training program that embeds students directly in corporate environments for months at a time, marking a shift from classroom theory to hands-on industry experience.
The enterprise residency initiative, unveiled at a forum with university leaders and corporate partners, aims to address the gap between academic training and the demands of the rapidly evolving digital finance sector.
Liu Yuanchun, principal of the university, argued that conventional classroom education no longer meets industry needs. "By dismantling barriers between campus and industry — allowing graduate students to assume real corporate positions, tackle authentic projects, and solve genuine problems — we address the talent-market mismatch," Liu said.
Each pilot college has tailored its own approach. The college of public finance, taxation and investment partnered with Pudong Development Bank on a chief investment officer track featuring a three-mentor system spanning academics, industry practice, and career development.
"Students work as quasi-employees for at least six months in immersive rotations, researching real front line challenges in technology finance and wealth management," explained Zong Qingqing, the college's vice-dean.
Corporate partners expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. "The program transcends traditional brief internships, genuinely bridging the last mile from textbooks to practice," said Liu Jianbo, general manager of human resources at Pudong Development Bank headquarters.
Student participants will have access to core business positions at headquarters and branches, with real business challenges converted into research projects, according to Liu, who noted that top performers can gain fast-track recruitment opportunities.
Xue Yiwen, a Master of Finance student, said the program offers valuable preparation. "The work-study model and comprehensive mentorship create an exceptional platform," Xue said. "I'll work to hone my professional skills through practice and become the interdisciplinary talent the industry needs."
Yao Lingzhen, vice-president of the university, said the university has now extended the enterprise residency framework across all professional degree programs, cultivating graduates who understand economics, industry, technology, and practice.
The forum also included an unveiling ceremony for the enterprise residency bases and a separate public welfare volunteer service base.
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Shanghai University of Finance and Economics launches a graduate training program. / provided to China Daily
