English 
正體中文 
Yuan Ze University recently held a themed lecture titled “What Our Seniors Taught Us”, featuring four distinguished alumni from the fields of Information Management and Cybersecurity.
They returned to campus to share their experiences regarding further studies, skill development, and overseas exchange programs. The event attracted a large number of students, offering practical advice and heartfelt encouragement to help juniors find direction in their academic and career paths.
This event focused on topics such as graduate school applications, continuing education in cybersecurity, academic planning strategies, and international exchange experiences. The alumni provided valuable insights for students aspiring to further their studies or broaden their global perspectives, sharing key turning points and preparation tips from their academic journeys. Their content was clear and engaging, resonating deeply with the audience.
The first speaker, Shih-Ping Huang, provided a detailed breakdown of the graduate school recommendation process, from reviewing department brochures and preparing documents to mastering interview strategies. She emphasized the importance of presenting personal traits and academic motivation in the autobiography and suggested including competition results, project research, and internship experiences to enhance the application. She also encouraged students to use tools like ChatGPT for mock interviews to improve their performance and better express their passion for research and future goals.
Yi-Hsuan Chen, an alumna of the Department of Information Management who was admitted to the Institute of Information Security at National Tsing Hua University, shared how she strengthened her application through participation in HITCON, CTF teams, cybersecurity internships, and community activities. She noted that the field of cybersecurity values hands-on experience and teamwork. She recommended that juniors take advantage of competitions and camps to explore their interests and strengths. Additionally, she provided an overview of current cybersecurity graduate programs in Taiwan, categorizing them by technical, managerial, and practical focus to help students clarify their application direction.
The third speaker, Yi-Sheng Tsai, centered his talk on "Strategy and Perseverance," recounting his transformation from having no plans for graduate school to successfully being admitted. He admitted that it was a lecture by alumni that initially inspired him to consider further studies. From then on, he began systematically strengthening his academic foundation. He utilized online learning resources such as PowerCert Animated Videos and TechOrange to gradually build his knowledge and ultimately gain admission to his desired program. He encouraged students that no matter where they start, with planning and persistence, their goals are within reach.
The final speaker, Cho Nagahara, shared his experience applying for a student exchange program in Europe. He spoke about the challenges and growth that came with cross-cultural learning, including language adaptation, cultural shocks, and independent living. He encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and seize the opportunity to gain valuable experiences during their university years, where the "cost is low but the return is high." He emphasized, “International experience is more than just a bonus on a resume—it teaches us how to navigate and make decisions in a constantly changing world.”
