"Expand your network. When you step out of your comfort zone, it's amazing how much more exposure you’ll be able to have."
— Jonathan Zhang, BBA, MBA
When alumnus Jonathan Zhang ('05) goes to work, he partners with companies to make progress in energy efficiency.
Zhang works at Schneider Electric, a global company with a focus on energy management and automation.
As the company’s Canadian Western Sales Manager for Digital Solutions & Software, Zhang connects organizations to the technology that can help them transition to more sustainable energy sources.
In a time of global climate emergency, Zhang and his teams are considering, “How do we, together, help with GHG reduction and lowering our carbon footprint to achieve sustainability goals?”
‘It’s been a blast’
Zhang is a graduate of Trinity Western, having completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance.
“It’s been a blast,” Zhang says, remembering his time at TWU. His degree provided him exposure to various aspects of business, including finance and human resource management.
“I really benefitted from the smaller group set up at TWU. You always have access to the professor and your peers, [providing the chance] to have that meaningful interaction.”
A TWU mentor who played an influential role throughout Zhang’s studies is Professor Andrea Soberg, who teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate business programs.
Zhang remembers having many great conversations with her.
“I really benefitted from the smaller group set up at TWU,” he said. “You always have access to the professor and your peers, [providing the chance] to have that meaningful interaction.”
The Christianity classes at TWU afforded Zhang with more exposure to Christian faith and religious beliefs. He also enjoyed summers on campus, taking various classes.
Making a positive impact
Zhang came to Canada in 2001, and studied in downtown Vancouver before transitioning to TWU. He has now been working at Schneider Electric for almost a decade, progressing in leadership and managerial roles.
He finds his work particularly meaningful in light of the concerning effects of climate change, as observed through recent extreme weather events in B.C. and other locales.
In a time of global climate emergency, Zhang and his teams are considering, “How do we, together, help with GHG reduction and lowering our carbon footprint to achieve sustainability goals?”
He feels that his work makes a positive impact. On a day-to-day basis, he helps companies switch to more renewable energy sources, and to leverage existing assets and systems to drive efficiency.
Zhang’s area of focus is on the digital side of energy management. As companies see increased remote work and remote management, he provides key areas—such as industrial plants, universities, and hospitals—with software solutions for managing multiple sites, helping people gain access to systems and information when they need it.
"If you want to know what it’s like in a field or a career path, reach out to people and see what it’s like.”
‘Expand your network’
As a seasoned professional, Zhang has one key piece of advice for future TWU graduates, “Expand your network.”
“When you step out of your comfort zone, it's amazing how much more exposure you’ll be able to have,” he says.
Thinking back on his university years, he wishes he had taken the time to interact more with different groups. He advises international students and up-and-coming leaders to “step out," and "really open up and get to know the [professional] network.”
“You already made a major move to come to TWU, or even, to a new country. You should really take advantage of that,” he said.
Goals and passions can be the source of guidance for what areas to try. “Depending on your interest, reach out," said Zhang. "Ask different people. If you want to know what it’s like in a field or a career path, reach out to people and see what it’s like. Interact with more people.”
One way for students and new graduates to connect with those in the professional field is through TWU Alumni, the University's official alumni engagement program. TWU Alumni invites graduates to stay connected with other alumni and to the University community.
See also — How a TWU education prepared Royal Richardson for a career helping people in medical emergencies and responding to crises in the city:
TWU News
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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The views expressed by students and alumni are their own. They do not necessarily represent the views of Trinity Western University or of any other companies, groups or organizations named.