On the afternoon of November 21, 2025, Lyu Jiachen, a 2023 graduate of the Master of Arts in Communication programme (Communication Studies Concentration) at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) , returned to his alma mater to deliver an alumni sharing session titled “Interdisciplinary Pathways and the Future Possibilities of Communication Studies.” The session, hosted by the Communication Studies Concentration, attracted many current MA students in attendance.

From BNU to the University of Melbourne to Tsinghua: A Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Journey

Lyu Jiachen completed his undergraduate studies in Portuguese at Beijing International Studies University. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Communication at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), graduating with distinction, before moving on to the University of Melbourne for a Master’s degree in Global Media Communication. He is currently an intern with the Malaria Control Project at Tsinghua University.

He noted, “Interdisciplinarity allows diverse interests and abilities to find new ways of combining and expanding in a broader world.”

Time Management and Self-Planning in University Life

Drawing from his own experience, he reminded students that time management should not follow a fixed template; instead, it should be “adjusted according to one’s nature and interests.” He shared his daily routine—spending weekdays in the library dedicated to study and personal reflection, exercising regularly in the evenings, and maintaining moderate hobbies on weekends while learning to observe society. These living habits, he noted, have also become the source of many of his research inspirations.

Key Takeaways from the Communication Studies Concentration at BNBU:

Methodological Training and the Shaping of Intellectual Thinking

Reflecting on his learning experience at BNBU, Lyu Jiachen highlighted the solid academic foundation he developed through the Communication Studies Concentration, including rigorous training in quantitative research methods and systematic study of communication theories. Influenced by Hong Kong’s academic tradition, BNBU places strong emphasis on quantitative methodologies, which serve as an essential cornerstone for future research projects. Meanwhile, the systematic framework of communication theories helped him build a clear “knowledge map,” enabling him to form more logical and coherent explanations in academic inquiry.

Regarding the cultivation of critical thinking, he specifically mentioned the discussions of news events in the Mass Communication Case Studies course. He emphasized that critical thinking is not about binary opposition, but about finding balance grounded in goodwill. Such thinking, he noted, is equally crucial in journalism and the media industry.

In addition, Lyu Jiachen believes that the Communication Studies curriculum at BNBU helped him develop strong cross-cultural thinking and communication abilities. Courses such as Intercultural Communication and Issues in Mass Communication provided both theoretical and practical insights into how to “tell China’s story well” and examined the narrative challenges China faces in international communication today. These courses also motivated and empowered him to engage in intercultural exchange during his studies abroad.

From Classroom to Research: How to Identify a Topic and the Right Supervisor

The Research Project course at the master’s level provides an important opportunity for students to systematically develop academic research skills. Lyu Jiachen believes that this course taught him “how to complete a ‘small-scale master’s thesis’ through a standardized academic process.” Throughout the process, students cultivate a wide range of research abilities: how to identify a genuinely valuable research question from scratch, how to conduct literature reviews, how to construct a theoretical framework, how to determine appropriate research methods and design a study, how to organize data, and how to write a logically rigorous paper.

To help students find suitable supervisors for their research projects, he encouraged them to openly communicate their research interests with teachers, noting that each faculty member specializes in different areas. He emphasized, “All you need is a bit of courage—talk to your professors more, and opportunities will naturally emerge.”

As for how research topics are generated, he summarized two key principles: first, think from contemporary issues, observe from everyday life, and accumulate insights through literature and books; second, research significance comes not only from theory, but more importantly from humanistic concern.

The Importance of Cross-Cultural Competence and Reflections on International Communication

Lyu Jiachen has put the cross-cultural communication skills he developed at BNBU into practice by actively engaging with diverse cultural communities overseas and sharing Chinese culture in a more vivid and open way. During his time at the University of Melbourne, he became deeply aware of the complexity of international communication and the barriers created by cultural differences. He believes that people-to-people exchange at the grassroots level is also an important approach to telling China’s story well. Such practical experience, he noted, can in turn enrich and inform academic research.

Insights for Future Researchers and Professionals

He encouraged students to seek research directions closely aligned with the pressing issues of the times, and he pointed out that conference submissions are the fastest way for master’s students to gain academic achievements.

Regarding career development, he emphasized through personal experience that “success cannot be standardized or replicated. Everyone has their own rhythm, opportunities, and season to bloom. Moreover, interdisciplinarity does not mean going off track—on the contrary, it helps you discover your own unique combination.”

Before concluding the session, he offered a final piece of encouragement: “One must have the determination to look upward, but also the courage to face the lows at any moment.”

Through his own journey, Lyu Jiachen demonstrated the possibilities that an interdisciplinary background can offer and provided current students with multilayered insights into research, further studies, and life choices.