Carly Chan

Why did you choose English at CUHK Faculty of Arts?

CUHK English was my top choice back then as I was able to learn from a curriculum that covered Western and Hong Kong literary studies. It was also one of the few units that offered dedicated resources to its undergraduates through an English Literature and Culture Study Tour and a dedicated community space.

What did you enjoy most at CUHK when studying English?

CUHK is the only tertiary education institution in Hong Kong that offers a college system similar to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. To honour this unique offering, the Department of English hosted the annual Andrew Parkin Drama Cup where each college competes with each other through drama writing, directing, and performing when I was an undergraduate. Think of it as the departmental version of CU Drama Competition – it was a great bonding experience between cohorts, and a consistent effort to promote arts & creativity beyond regular classes.

Can you tell us your most valuable memories of studying English?

The sense of community at CUHK English is something I cherish – the journey began with a departmental orientation camp where you got to start a new life milestone with a dozen of like-minded individuals, then small ENG classes where you get acquainted to what college life can be through tutors from Yale University, followed by college-based Andrew Parkin Cup drama competition, etc. Reading for an English degree was never a solo journey but a communal experience – especially when cohorts of English majors had to dash for school bus to get to Fung King Hey Building (where the Department of English located) on paper due dates!

How did your education prepare you for your career?

Four years of intensive reading and writing in a second language equipped us to articulate ideas effectively across cultures, and the analysis of academic and literary work helped us acquire perspectives. They go hand-in-hand as one navigates around workplace nuances to build cross-functional partnerships.

What is your current role, where is it and what brought you to it?

My current role at Carta focuses on establishing a center of operational excellence under the Marketing organisation for our US and UK teams through partnerships, project and program management. I was brought onto the team after learning the ropes in the Hong Kong public sector, and the US corporate & start-up scene.

From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?

An Arts degree encourages you to read a lot, examine your own thoughts, and rearticulate human experiences you read about in your words. This is a form of self-reflexivity exercise that develops a growth mindset so you keep cultivating personal & professional growth.

What advice would you give to our students?

Keep reading, writing, and exploring ideas across all disciplines. A degree in English is not a final destination – you get to decide where and how you will take this experience next. Happy to be of service if you’d like to explore your options with an alumna!