Shi Yuxin
My name is Shi Yuxin, and I was born and raised in Sichuan, China. I’ve been interested in international relations and politics since I learned about them during my undergraduate and master’s degrees back home. The role of geopolitical organizations in global development and administration is something I’ve always been inspired by.
"When working with people from diverse backgrounds, you must seek common ground, and I think that’s beautiful. I’m amazed by both what and how people think."
Q&A with Shi Yuxin
What experiences shaped your path to studying international development?
My volunteer experience in the Caribbean island of Barbados greatly influenced my decision to enroll in the Master in International Development at IE University. While I was there, I met people working at both the United Nations and community-based organizations on the island. They inspired me to choose this program and pursue a career in the field.
Has the program helped you explore or further embrace your professional interests?
Definitely. My experience in this program has greatly exceeded my expectations. It’s helped me develop and clarify my ideas. The experience my professors have in international development has created an immersive environment that has allowed me to think about the field in a more realistic and practical way.
The courses and workshops in the first semester helped me discover my interest in coordination and partnership roles. While I consider myself a bit shy, networking and teamwork opportunities have helped me develop my communication and leadership capacities.
Finally, the network I’ve been able to build in both my program and within IE University as a whole is invaluable in helping me understand diversity and cross-cultural cooperation, both critical skills for my future career.
What’s been your most meaningful learning experience so far?
It’s hard to choose just one because there’s so much I could talk about, from academia to campus life. But in our first semester, we took a course on adaptive leadership that really changed my mindset and gave me the tools I need to stand out in my job search.
I’ll always remember what our professor told us: that there are no "leaders," only people who exercise leadership. This was really powerful and insightful, especially for those who may feel unempowered due to language barriers or personality differences. It made me feel more capable of adapting to different situations when collaborating and working in teams.
How has your cohort changed your approach to problem-solving?
My experience in such an international cohort has completely changed how I solve problems. When working with people from diverse backgrounds, you must seek common ground, and I think that’s beautiful. I’m amazed by both what and how people think. I can learn about and apply these different ways of thinking to challenges I face in the future.
The goal is to be open-minded, respect diverse ideas and reflect on the logic behind any differences. It’s not about winning or losing, but expressing yourself, listening, compromising and making hard decisions. This is what ultimately leads to the best possible results when working with others.
Has the program helped you come to any personal realizations?
Both this program and IE University have helped me realize that academic excellence and a fulfilling life don’t have to be separate pursuits. They’re both shaped by the small, intentional choices we make each day.
I’ve come to see that a life filled with vibrancy and gratitude isn’t a distraction from studying, but a powerful source of energy that helps me learn more efficiently. Balancing hard work and enjoying your life is never easy, but it is within this ongoing challenge that I’m developing the ability to grow.
