From June 8 to 16, the School of Economics and Management (SEM) at China University of Petroleum (East China), in collaboration with the Organization Department of the Qingdao West Coast New Area Party Committee, hosted a professional competency enhancement program for university graduates entering the public service sector. Under the theme “Meeting Practice in Youth, Embracing the Future in the Countryside,” the program provided systematic training to 32 full-time participants and 39 trainees through expert lectures, practical field visits, interactive discussions, and classic readings, focusing on professional role transition, belief formation, and capacity building.
On June 6, Sun Tao, Secretary of the Party Committee of Dachang Town and a distinguished young cadre of the New Area, delivered a keynote speech titled “Youth Cadre Growth from an Organizational Perspective.” Drawing on his own experience and real-life cases, he shared reflections on personal growth under organizational leadership and elaborated on the “competency matrix” framework for young public officials, offering insightful suggestions on problem-solving, resilience, and relationship management.
That afternoon, participants visited several key local governance and rural revitalization demonstration sites in Dachang Town. Through exhibitions and field observations, students gained a comprehensive understanding of how Party-building efforts are driving grassroots governance and rural transformation in this national pilot reform area.
On June 7, a reflective sharing session was held where participants exchanged insights based on prompts such as “a checklist of challenges,” “a useful tool or method,” “a difficulty at work,” or “a best practice.” Students also engaged in Q&A with junior cohorts interested in pursuing public service careers.
In the afternoon, Xu Qingliang, Director of the University Audit Office, delivered a lecture titled “Financial Discipline and Regulatory Awareness for Young Cadres,” explaining the importance of financial integrity and compliance through real-life cases. His remarks provided essential guidance and early warnings for graduates transitioning into government roles.
Professor Wang Jun, Party Secretary of SEM, gave a comprehensive lecture introducing the expectations and workplace dynamics of public service careers. He emphasized the importance of upholding ethical boundaries, broadening perspectives, and cultivating professionalism—encouraging students to realize their self-worth by serving the people.
On June 8, Professor Si Jiangwei, Party Secretary of the School of Marxism, delivered a session on the art of work for young officials, highlighting the need to master policy understanding and communication. He also stressed the importance of self-discipline and ethical development for long-term career growth.
Alumnus Xu Pandeng, Organization Committee Member of the Huangdao Street Party Committee, opened his talk with an icebreaking activity and shared practical workplace insights from his own career. He introduced eight key competencies for grassroots work, including gratitude, learning, and communication abilities, offering valuable guidance for graduates preparing for community-level service.
Also contributing to the program were Gong Yanhai, a young cadre from the New Area’s Organization Department, who reflected on professional growth through the lens of one year in service, and Cai Jigang, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee Office at the Guzhenkou Campus, who provided a structured approach to official document handling, meeting management, and administrative tasks, inspired by the teachings of President Xi Jinping.
Xu Yongtao, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department and Head of the News Center, discussed cyber and media literacy for young officials. His session addressed digital communication, information management, and public opinion handling, leaving students with the motto: “Sincerity and Humility.”
The graduation ceremony was attended by Liu Ying, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Discipline Committee of the Organization Department of the New Area, along with several young officials including Liu Lu, Jiao Hongyun, and Gong Yanhai. Representatives from the university included Zhang Deying, Deputy Director of the Shandong Service Office, and Meng Zhaogang, Deputy Party Secretary of SEM, who jointly presented certificates to the graduates.
This program marks the second year of collaboration between SEM and the Qingdao West Coast New Area in advancing the “Meeting Practice in Youth” action plan. Over the past two years, more than 40 students have been placed in internships across various subdistricts, and over 150 students have received competency training—substantially enhancing the employability and public service readiness of SEM graduates.
