Mei Chen

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme

Name:  Mei Chen  
Born: China
Region: Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province

After graduating from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies where she majored in English (and studied International Finance), Mei worked for the Bank of China in various departments. She decided that if she was going to succeed in the finance sector she needed to study further and gain more international experience especially in an English speaking environment.  Mei decided on the UK and specifically Scotland because of the quality of education, the variety of course combinations and the presence of significant number of international students which she feels stimulates an interactive and innovative study environment.  Also friends to her that the living costs were substantially cheaper in Scotland.

Mei came to Scotland in September 2004 to study for a Master of Accountancy at  the University of Glasgow, “being a student in Glasgow has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. I have met loads of good friends who share my enthusiasm towards study and life.  The experience has definitely broadened my views and encouraged me further in my studies.” But the experience wasn’t just about study “Glasgow has great museums, cinemas and shopping and we often went out together – especially we love Ceilidh-dancing”.

After graduation, Mei travelled round Europe and then went back to China for 14 months where she worked for a foreign financial institute. But knowing that working in the UK would greatly increase her professional knowledge and improve her career prospects, she was keen to take up the opportunity provided by the Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme and so returned here in June 2006. In August 2006 Mei started to work for Morgan Stanley in Glasgow  as an Analyst for the Institutional Securities Service Group.

Scotland is one of Europe’s leading financial centres and the second largest financial hub in the UK next to London.  Scotland is particularly recognised for its strengths in banking, life assurance and pensions, investment management and asset servicing.  Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm with a strong presence in Scotland so Mei was particularly pleased to work with a company which offered her career potential on an international stage.

Mei has recently been offered a permanent position at Morgan Stanley so she hopes to be able to make Scotland her permanent home.

Information correct at April 2007