Name: Li Kaixin
Program: Master’s in Geography (Urban and Regional Planning)
Advisor: Professor Zeng Hui
Hometown: Yuncheng, Shanxi Province
Undergraduate Institution: Beijing Normal University
Hobbies: Cycling, Collecting
Post-Graduation Plan: Career in the Internet Industry
A Thoughtful Approach to Learning
For Li Kaixin, graduate school has been a journey of continuous refinement—not only of skills but also of purpose. While goals may shift over time, he believes that having a general direction early on makes day-to-day decisions more focused and purposeful.
He structured his three years as follows:
·Year One: Master core subjects and technical methods
·Year Two: Produce academic output and make career decisions
·Year Three: Finalize job placement and complete the thesis
Li approached learning with both structure and curiosity. He immersed himself in essential courses related to his field while also exploring others outside his specialization. “One of my published papers was actually inspired by a humanities course. You never know where inspiration might come from,” he shares.
He emphasizes the importance of early engagement—regular conversations with advisors and peers helped him plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress during critical academic phases.
Discovering a Career Through Experience
Uncertain of his future path at first, Li spent his time in graduate school actively exploring different possibilities. From participating in research projects and academic exchanges to interning at government offices and tech companies, he deliberately tested out a range of mainstream career options.
“In today’s world, we’re bombarded with information—we might think we know the rules of every industry,” he says. “But true understanding comes from firsthand experience. Try it for yourself. That’s how you’ll find out where your interests and strengths truly lie.”
His hands-on approach ultimately led him to a position in the internet industry—a direction that matches both his capabilities and aspirations.
Earning Recognition, Naturally
Asked how he became an Outstanding Graduate, Li responds with humility: “There’s no secret. I just followed my goals and took each step steadily. Rewards tend to come when you’re not chasing them too hard.”
Rather than aiming for accolades, he believes in letting results speak for themselves. “Sometimes the best outcomes are those that arrive naturally.”
On Missed Opportunities
One of his few regrets? Not taking full advantage of the cross-university courses and resources earlier on. “By the time I reached the second half of year two, with thesis and job pressures mounting, I had very little time left to explore other interests.”
Despite this, Li maintains a broad learning mindset. “There’s a quote I love: ‘For your own benefit, learn something about everything. For the benefit of others, become an expert in at least one thing.’”
Looking Back—and Ahead
On August 21, 2022, he boarded a flight from his hometown, nearly locked down due to the pandemic, to Shenzhen. “I was anxious. It felt like I was stepping into a long, uncertain road,” he recalls. “At our first meeting, Professor Zeng told us: ‘Three years will pass quickly.’ And looking back—it truly did.”
As he reflects on his time at Peking University, Li expresses deep gratitude to his advisor, Professor Zeng Hui, for his guidance, to his family for their support, and to the classmates and friends who journeyed with him. “I’m proud to have walked this road with all of you.”
Honors and Achievements
·Awards:
oOutstanding Graduate of Peking University
o“Triple-A” Student of Peking University
oSecond-Class Scholarship, Peking University
oTihan Scholarship, PKU Shenzhen Graduate School
oOutstanding Participant, PKU “Zhixing Program” (Government Internship)
·Academic Contributions:
oFirst-author publications in Sustainable Cities and Society and Cities
