On June 27, 2024, the second session of the “New Career Paths for Foreign Language Majors” forum, hosted by Grouphorse, was successfully held at the Greenland International Convention Center. This was the second time Grouphorse organized this forum, following the first session on May 21.

The forum brought together a distinguished lineup of guests, including Tang Xing, Chairman of Grouphorse Group; Zhang Li, Vice President of Grouphorse Group; Feng Yanqun, Associate Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Shanghai Ocean University; Qing Jiahui, Director of the ESG Center at Grouphorse Group; Li Qi, Deputy Secretary-General of E-Youth; Liao Yingwen, Secretary of the Youth League Committee of Shanghai International Studies University; Yu Zhipeng, Head of the Youth League of the School of Foreign Languages at Shanghai Dianji University; Wang Zhijun, Professor and Director of the Department of Customs English at Shanghai Customs University; Guo Fei, Professor of English at Shanghai Ocean University; and Li Xiaohong, Associate Professor at Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. In addition, representatives of faculty and students from leading universities including Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Shanghai Ocean University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Xinjiang Normal University, Shanghai Business School, Shanghai Dianji University, Northwest Minzu University, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University also participated actively, exploring the future development of foreign language professionals in the ESG field.

Through keynote speeches and interactive Q&A sessions, the forum—hosted by Grouphorse—delved deeply into the theme of new career directions for foreign language majors in the new era. The event aimed to guide foreign language professionals toward new pathways and explore the integration of ESG and language skills. As an official UN vendor and a member of the UN Global Compact, Grouphorse has served nearly 40 international organizations, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, and International Monetary Fund. Committed to advancing the ESG agenda, Grouphorse hopes the forum can provide graduates with more job opportunities and hands-on platforms, promoting diversified career development for foreign language talent.

Zhang Li, Vice President of Grouphorse Group, delivered the opening speech. She emphasized that foreign language professionals have always been a strategic talent pool for the nation, and that the theme “New Career Paths for Foreign Language Majors” is about discovering fresh directions and opportunities for professional growth. She noted that the ESG sector has gained strong national support and holds boundless potential. Foreign language professionals with strengths in ESG should embrace change and leverage their skills to achieve new career breakthroughs.

Tang Xing, Chairman of Grouphorse Group, Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, and Director of the ESG Service Center of the Guangdong General Chamber of Commerce, delivered the keynote speech. He provided an in-depth analysis of the compatibility between ESG and the field of foreign languages and literature. He introduced the history and current development of ESG and explained the unique advantages that foreign language professionals bring to the ESG industry. He advocated for a strategic commitment to aligning foreign language education with national development goals and global trends, helping graduates transition into the ESG field and unlock new opportunities.

Qing Jiahui, Director of the ESG Center at Grouphorse and former ESG disclosure and management consultant at PwC, shared her personal journey from an interpretation major to a career in ESG. She encouraged foreign language graduates to think beyond conventional paths and be bold in trying new things while building a solid professional foundation. She also discussed the interview processes, talent demands, and potential roles for foreign language professionals at multinational companies like the Big Four accounting firms. Her insights offered valuable guidance for job seekers and career planning in ESG.

In the final interactive session, audience members eagerly posed questions to company representatives about ESG and career planning. The representatives answered in detail and shared their views and suggestions on ESG sector development. The guests strongly encouraged students to gain hands-on experience through internships, study tours, and other immersive activities to better understand the ESG industry and enhance their adaptability and career readiness.

With that, the “New Career Paths for Foreign Language Majors” forum concluded successfully. This event not only broadened attendees' perspectives on future careers but also provided a valuable platform for universities and foreign language professionals to exchange ideas and learn from each other. It helped them understand emerging industries and new job opportunities arising from today’s societal developments. Through this forum, Grouphorse showcased its leadership in the ESG field and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sustainable development of foreign language talent. Looking ahead, Grouphorse will continue to leverage its strengths to provide more high-quality platforms for exchange and learning, empowering young professionals to realize their full potential.