Zhang Zisheng, male, a member of the Communist Party of China, is a Master’s candidate in Finance enrolled in 2023 at the School of Law and Business (Intellectual Property School), Wuhan Institute of Technology. He is concurrently pursuing a Master’s degree in Financial Risk Analysis at Massey University in New Zealand, under the supervision of Professor Peng Jiachao.During his graduate studies, Zhang served as monitor of Class 1, Finance Major, at the School of Law and Business (Intellectual Property School). He took core courses including Corporate Finance, Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis and Advanced Financial Risk Management, with his overall academic performance ranking among the top 5% of his cohort. His studies at Massey University culminated in a Distinction grade (equivalent to honors graduation), ranking him first in his class.At the graduate level, Zhang has published one paper in a CSSCI-indexed journal (already in print). He also presided over one university-level graduate innovation fund project, and participated in seven research projects at national, ministerial and provincial levels. He has achieved outstanding results in national academic competitions, winning 2 national awards, 2 provincial awards and 5 university-level awards in total.
Path of Scientific Research: Multi-Dimensional Training to Lay a Solid Academic Foundation
On his academic research journey, he has focused on core areas including financial development, green and low-carbon transition, and the digital economy, while deeply engaging in multiple research projects of his team. From data collation and model construction to empirical analysis, he has personally taken charge of every single step.This experience has not only consolidated his professional foundation in quantitative analysis and financial modeling, but also enabled him to master efficient division of labor and collaboration within a team, accurately identify research logic and innovation points, and profoundly appreciate the rigor and innovation inherent in academic research.
His overseas study and research experience has endowed his academic journey with an international perspective. During his pursuit of a Master’s degree in Financial Risk Analysis at Massey University in New Zealand, he joined the Investment Office Club and assisted the president in conducting portfolio backtesting and performance monitoring.During his internship, his team completed a systematic investment analysis report on L’Oréal. By constructing a multi-dimensional model covering macroeconomic trends and corporate financial data, the team ultimately assigned an "Buy" rating to the company. This experience not only enhanced his professional competence in financial quantitative research, but also equipped him with the skills to communicate and collaborate efficiently in an international team.Academic competitions and team activities have served as crucial platforms for him to integrate theory with practice. He led his team to win the Third Prize at the National University Students' Energy Economics Academic Innovation Competition and the Second Prize at the National University Business Elite Challenge International Trade Competition.These experiences have not only honed his innovative thinking, data analysis capabilities and team leadership skills, but also reinforced his belief in the principle that "practice should be guided by theory, and theory should be enriched by practice".
Social Practice: Dedicate Oneself to Action, and Fulfill One’s Responsibility
As monitor of Finance Class 1, Zhang Zisheng has always taken "serving fellow students, bridging communication between teachers and students, and fostering a positive learning atmosphere" as his core objectives. He has proactively coordinated various class affairs, including information dissemination, event organization, competition mobilization, and daily communication.Faced with a heavy workload, he has learned to efficiently manage multiple tasks within limited time, with his communication skills and execution capabilities continuously honed through practice.
This tenure experience has given him a deeper understanding of the true meaning of "responsibility". Being a class monitor is not merely a title, but more importantly, a commitment. It has taught him to put himself in others’ shoes, to listen attentively to his fellow students’ needs, to coordinate relationships among different parties, and to convey positive and uplifting energy within the class. These experiences have greatly enhanced his ability to collaborate in a team, his resilience under pressure, and his overall organizational skills, laying a solid foundation for his future studies and career.
Beyond his class duties, he actively engaged in campus volunteer services, accumulating 32 hours of volunteer work across a variety of activities including guiding new students during registration and providing conference support for academic meetings. He also wrote a news article for the university’s official media outlets, shared his overseas study experience at the forum of the "1+1+1" Dual Master’s Program in Finance, and served as a guide for Wuhan Institute of Technology’s delegation during their visit to Massey University in New Zealand in December 2024, where he delivered a speech as a student representative at the forum.
Moreover, he volunteered in the "Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Cut" science popularization campaign, visited communities to explain green finance knowledge, and contributed his professional expertise to serve society. These practical experiences have comprehensively enhanced his overall capabilities and further strengthened his belief in "using academic knowledge to serve society".
Teacher-Student Growth and Progress: With Guidance from Distinguished Mentors, Facilitating All-Round Development
In the realm of scientific research, his supervisor has always guided him with a rigorous academic attitude, emphasizing the equal importance of logicality and innovation. From research topic selection, data modeling to paper writing, his supervisor has provided specific and detailed suggestions, helping him to think about issues from a more elevated perspective.During every academic discussion, he has been able to perceive his supervisor’s strict requirements for academic quality. It is precisely in such an academic atmosphere that he has gradually developed the research habits of independent thinking, and the pursuit of precision and innovation.
Whether it comes to academic pressure, time management, or mental wellbeing, his supervisor has taken the initiative to show concern and offer encouragement, helping him maintain a positive mindset.Meanwhile, the supervisor’s commitment to rigorous scholarship and thoughtful mentorship has not only accelerated the rapid development of his research capabilities, but also taught him to understand financial and social issues from a broader perspective—an influence that will accompany him throughout his future academic pursuits and professional career.
Future Prospects: Anchoring the Green Sector, Living Up to the Mission of Youth
Zhang Zisheng has a clear and firm plan for his future. He intends to focus his personal development on the integration of finance and the new energy industry, hoping to leverage his strengths in the research and practice of green finance supporting new energy development.
Academically, he will continue to delve deeper into knowledge related to energy economics and sustainable finance. Combining financial risk management and quantitative analysis methods, he will explore pathways to improve the investment and financing efficiency of new energy projects and optimize risk prevention and control through financial innovation. He stated, "I hope my future research can provide more scientific theoretical support for the high-quality development of the green energy industry."
In terms of career planning, he aspires to work in financial institutions, policy research departments, or corporate investment and financing positions related to the new energy industry chain, engaging in investment analysis, green asset management, and other related work. This plan is based on three considerations: first, he has already accumulated preliminary research experience in the fields of green finance and energy economics; second, the new energy industry is experiencing rapid development, with a strong demand for interdisciplinary talents equipped with financial and data analysis capabilities; third, he hopes to closely align his personal growth with the national strategic goal of green transition, achieving the unity of professional and social value.
Experience and Insights: Down-to-Earth Efforts Matter More Than Anything Else
As a recipient of the National Scholarship, Zhang Zisheng shared three pieces of growth advice with his junior fellows: First, in academic studies and research, do not be overwhelmed by goals, competition or anxiety. There is never a "shortcut" to progress—only consistent daily accumulation and perseverance will lead to unexpected gains. Whether it is course learning, research projects or competition preparation, steady progress each day is a must. Second, postgraduate studies involve a multitude of tasks; thus, it is essential to be good at planning, diligent in thinking, and balance studies, research and life by arranging time properly and clarifying task priorities. Third, maintain passion and curiosity for learning. When faced with professional knowledge or uncharted territories, take the initiative to explore—"take an extra look" and "ask one more question"—and you will be able to seize more opportunities.
