Jessica An, PhD

Working as Assistant Professor in Strategy at Coventry University. I lead large cohort strategy modules, assessment design and moderation, dissertation supervision in the School of Strategy and Leadership. As Course Director on BA International Business Top-up, I lead a team of academics by overseeing course-level quality and curriculum design for an enhanced international student experience. I received my PhD from Coventry University on the relationship of the characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurs and the strength and scope of guanxi in the UK. My research interests include guanxi, social networking, contextual embeddedness, ethnic minority entrepreneurs and strategic management.  

Prior to my academic career, I worked at a couple of British SMEs, specialising in Internet Marketing via SEO & PPC. Being a project manager, I successfully helped a considerable amount of British and European SMEs entering the Chinese market via the internet, and vice versa. The clients I account managed spread across various industry sectors. The industrial experience has equipped me with leadership and management skills, internet marketing expertise, team working, marketing and communication skills as well as cross-cultural awareness. I have had the most fortunate opportunities working with some of the most prestigious global organisations, including Saatchi & Saatchi, British Premier League, and Young & Rubicam.

I am particularly dedicated and passionate about supporting international students in developing transferable skills and competitive advantage in pursuing global career opportunities. I wish to cultivate future responsible leaders with my expertise and benefit the society at large.

Chinese guanxi

Social networking/Social capital

Entrepreneurship contextualisation

Ethnic Minority Entrepreneur

Strategic management