Owning good language skills is vital for communication at workplace. However, there is always a gap between English learnt in the classroom and the English language skills required at the professional world. CityU’s Department of English (EN) trains students to be practical, innovative and creative users of the English language in multilingual and multicultural workplaces. All EN undergraduates are required to complete the internship course and also a final year project (either research or industry-based) as a core requirement. Professional English Final Year Project is a chance offered to students to apply the theories and skills they have learnt in the classroom to real-world workplace situations.
On 9 April, 2024, the Department of English held its 30th annual Professional Final Year Project (PFYP) Exhibition, showcasing the impressive workplace achievements of this year’s student cohort. PFYP provides a unique platform for small groups of students to engage in real-world professional experiences, collaborating with esteemed partner organisations (such as South China Morning Post, Orbis International, and the American Women’s Association) as project consultants over the course of an academic year.
Photo 1: Professor CHING May-bo, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education and Quality Assurance) of CLASS and Head of Department of Chinese and History, visited one of the booths and played games to understand each team’s work.According to EN Assistant Professor Esterina NERVINO, one of the PFYP coordinators, the hands-on approach “not only enhances students' technical skills but also fosters essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.” Her colleague, EN Assistant Professor Jamie MCKEOWN, the other PFYP coordinator, added that the programme ensures “students enter into the job market with a year’s worth of quality work experience which is a valuable asset given the challenges that inexperience can pose for first-time job hunters.”
The exhibition, followed by a networking cocktail event, provided an opportunity for each student team to showcase their hard work, from marketing strategies to data-driven business insight projects. Visitors were able to attend the individual booths, interact directly with the students and play interactive games that brought to life various aspects of each team’s work. Guests were also able to vote for their favourite booth. Orbis International’s booth, which featured AI-powered visors simulating eye diseases, won the popular vote.
In his speech, Professor Jason HARDING, Head of the Department of English, expressed his gratitude to the entire PFYP community - faculty, staff, and corporate supporters - for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the delivery of this year’s programme. As the PFYP celebrates its 30th anniversary, it continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the classroom and the professional world, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their future careers.
Cover image: Many guests were impressed by the Orbis International’s booth, which featured AI-powered visors simulating eye diseases.
