Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Xiaotong, but many of my friends call me Tornar. I am from Chongqing, a Chinese city known for its spicy food and mountainous landscape. I grew up surrounded by chili oil and aromatic spices. I came to WBS to study a Full-time MBA in 2012, and since my graduation, I have been working at JPMorgan in London.

How did you become involved with the Warwick Finance Professional Network?

I have been part of the Warwick Finance Professional Network since I graduated in 2013. I worked with several exceptional leaders who strived to build a strong alumni community. About eight years ago, I took over as the Chair of the alumni network. I am a true believer in networking, and the alumni network forms a significant part of the value of the University of Warwick. Over the years, through the Finance Network, I have hosted numerous events on a wide range of topics that have engaged tens of thousands of alumni.

What are the benefits of joining a professional network?

The benefits of joining a network come in many forms. First, learning does not stop at graduation. The network provides continuous learning opportunities on topics such as women in finance, algorithmic trading, blockchain, and more. There is always something for everyone, and it is much easier to learn with like-minded friends. This brings up the second benefit: one should not stop making new friends after graduation either. The network facilitates a platform to group fellow alumni who share similar ambitions or interests. Most of our events are face-to-face, and, with a couple of drinks, it is the best place to mingle, exchange ideas, and even find business partners. Third, an added bonus for people on the committee is that it is like running a startup. Everyone on the committee takes turns leading events. They need to develop a value proposition, curate content, coordinate with logistics suppliers and manage speaker relationships. One needs to quickly find replacements when a speaker pulls out at the last minute or cringe when fewer people turn up. They get to see through the project from start to end.

It sounds like a lot, and it is. It feels like a small startup with clear benchmarks to meet! It is very different from what I do at work, but it is fun!

How has the network changed over the years?

Over the years, we formed the committee with other alumni who share the same passion. We volunteered our time to give back to the community, and in turn, it is rewarding to see the network grow from 3,000 to 7,000 members. I also had the opportunity to foster year-long friendships with many alumni. I learnt how to identify a fake wine bottle, how to use weather forecasts to predict stock market movements, and the importance of partners in a career.

What does the Finance Network mean to you personally?

For me, the Warwick Finance Professional Network is many things. If I had to pick the most important thing, I would say it is the great view overlooking London at The Shard!