Bright Lights, Big City: 2013 alum living and working in Shanghai, China

Joshua Davis was ready to get outside his comfort zone and explore the world during his time as an undergraduate student in the College of Business.  Joshua, a 2013 alum with a degree in International Business and Administration and a minor in Mandarin Chinese, says that the decision to study for a semester at Qingdao University in China was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. 

COB faculty member Michelle Hulett, “definitely had an impact on me when I initially decided to come to China. It was comforting how supportive and enthusiastic she and Tami Sutton (Executive Assistant in Research and Economic Development) were about the whole program, ”  states Joshua.

After his early experiences in China, Joshua decided to look for permanent placement somewhere in the region.  Currently, he serves as the Business Development Manager for SIP Project Management in Shanghai, China.  He oversees a US team for the British engineering consultancy.  The primary goal of his position is to assist, “Fortune 1,000 companies to build their manufacturing facilities and expand their presence in China. What I do in the business development is a combination of sales, strategy and marketing. On a daily basis, I reach out to potential clients and manage the existing accounts that we have…I have learned a lot from meeting senior level representatives from these top global firms,” states Joshua.

When Joshua first began with SIP he was an intern but within a year he had moved up to a manager level position.  His hard work and dedication really paid off and he would recommend the same to current students and recent alumni, “…do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. This is where you will learn the most and develop the essential skills to succeed. The top 3 skills I find to be the key to success are dedication, humility, and adaptability. Also, it is never too early to start networking.”

In his spare time, Joshua enjoys the never ending opportunities for activity in Shanghai.  He likes meeting new people from all over the world who also find themselves in the area, exploring local cuisine with friends and playing basketball on the weekends.