More than 150 graduates, alumni, employers and industry representatives came together in Shanghai for the inaugural The Australian National University (ANU) China Homecoming 2026.
The careers and connections-focused event was held on 29 August and designed for recent ANU graduates and early-career alumni who were returning to China or building their careers there; offering practical insights into China’s graduate recruitment landscape, as well as opportunities to connect with employers and experienced alumni.
Participants took part in speed career consultations with alumni mentors, employers and industry representatives across nine major industries to expand their professional networks.
The event also gave graduates an opportunity to reconnect with ANU, build relationships with professional contacts, and strengthen their networks among the wider ANU alumni community in China.
“It was fantastic to ‘welcome home’ to China our newest ANU graduates,” says Brooke Disney, Interim Vice-President (Advancement and Engagement) at ANU.
“Providing support as they begin the next chapter of their ANU experience, connecting them with prospective employers and the incredible alumni volunteers who keep our community in China thriving,
“With more than 12,000 ANU alumni in China, these connections play an important role in supporting our graduates as they begin their professional careers.”
The pilot event was supported by 29 China-based ANU alumni volunteers, alongside representatives from the ANU College of Business and Economics, ANU China Liaison Office, LockinU, local industry, and the Australian Embassy in Beijing.
Leaf Ye, a representative of the Australian Consulate-General in Shanghai, praised the event.
“The ANU China Welcome Home Event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with newly returned Australian alumni and hear about their experiences and aspirations as they begin the next chapter of their careers in China,” said Ms Ye.
“It was also great to meet university representatives and explore ways we can work together to support and strengthen the alumni community across East China.”
The event received strong feedback from participants, reflecting the value of creating opportunities for graduates and alumni to engage with both ANU and each other. Attendees all said they would be excited to see ANU connect with them again, highlighting the value of ongoing relationships between the University, its graduates and our growing global alumni community.
A big thank you to all the ANU alumni, employers, industry representatives and partners who helped make this event such a success, and to the China-based alumni volunteers who shared their time and experience.
For ANU graduates beginning their next chapter in China, the message was clear: welcome home.
