There is no fixed trajectory in life. Only by daring to break through one’s limits and committing to lifelong learning can we write our own remarkable story. Raised in Zhuhai and regarding Macao as his second home, Eric (Huang Kexiang) graduated in 2014 from the Tourism Business Management programme at UTM. He is now a First Vice President at JPMorgan Chase. From tourism management to becoming a leader in the financial industry, Eric has carved out a successful cross-industry path through clear planning, continuous learning, and the courage to step beyond his comfort zone.
Reflecting on his university years, Eric noted that the curriculum extended beyond tourism to include accounting, economics, finance, and other disciplines, opening the door to the broader business world and revealing diverse career possibilities. During his studies, equal emphasis was placed on professional knowledge and practical training. The cultivation of “soft skills”, including professional etiquette, dining protocol, presentation, and interpersonal communication, subtly shaped his refined demeanor, which later became a competitive advantage when serving high-net-worth clients.
After graduation, Eric applied for the Greater China’S Management Trainee Programme at Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now merged with Marriott Hotels & Resorts). Standing out among numerous candidates, he successfully launched his career in hotel human resources. He officially joined Hotel W in Guangzhou as an Human Resources Management Trainee. At that time, only ten candidates were selected across China, and ultimately just four completed the programme successfully – Eric was one of them. Within one year of joining, he was promoted to Assistant Human Resources Manager, demonstrating remarkable career progression. After accumulating three years of experience in the hospitality industry, he moved to Crowne Plaza in Zhuhai as Human Resources Manager. At just 28 years old, he independently led the full operations of the HR department, establishing himself as a highly regarded young leader in the hotel industry.
Despite reaching the peak of his comfort zone in hospitality, Eric never abandoned his aspiration to enter the world of finance and business. In the early stage of the pandemic, he made a bold decision to leave behind his established achievements and pursue further studies in the United States, returning to his original dream. After arriving in the U.S., Eric worked while preparing for exams and joined Bank of America in business development, gaining valuable industry experience. In 2023, he was admitted to the MBA programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), laying a solid foundation for his transition into finance.
He subsequently joined JPMorgan Chase, starting as a Manager and steadily advancing to First Vice President, specialising in serving high-net-worth clients and emerging as an outstanding Chinese leader in investment banking. However, his cross-industry transformation was far from effortless. Within six months of joining JPMorgan Chase, he was required to pass four U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related licensing examinations, failure to pass would have resulted in termination. Only about half of his cohort successfully passed. Even after securing his position, the pace of lifelong learning in the financial industry has never ceased, as further promotions require obtaining additional professional licenses.
Speaking about mindset, Eric candidly shared: “Letting go of past achievements and starting from a lower position is the stepping stone to a new world.” Many perceive career transitions as difficult, but he believes the key lies in attitude. By stepping out of his comfort zone, he expanded his professional horizon and realised greater self-worth.
As a distinguished alumnus of UTM, Eric emphasised that the university’s reputation within the industry is widely recognised. Its internationalised curriculum and globally aligned teaching model provide an excellent bridge for mainland students seeking careers in multinational corporations or opportunities for overseas study. He encourages young people to identify their true passions and pursue them with determination; to be willing to start from the grassroots level while focusing on long-term value; and to embrace lifelong learning as the fundamental cornerstone of sustained success.