Young talent chooses OVC: a Tsinghua PhD engineer's story

Jia Yinqiu, a 34-year-old PhD graduate in Electronic Information Science and Technology from Tsinghua University, currently serves as a chief technical engineer at ZTE's Wuhan R&D center in the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC). It took him just four years to go from completing his doctorate to becoming a chief technical engineer.

Jia Yinqiu in his office. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

In 2018, with several job offers from renowned companies on the table, Jia chose to return to Wuhan and join ZTE. His decision came at a time when ZTE was rapidly expanding its optoelectronics field and aggressively pursuing advanced international technology, creating a strong demand for talented young minds.

"After comparing several opportunities in different cities, I felt ZTE in Wuhan offered the best balance between career development and comfortable living. Wuhan's unique leadership in the optoelectronics industry was particularly attractive, as it provided access to industry-leading technologies," Jia said, reflecting on his choice.

"ZTE's R&D investment has been increasing in recent years. Its Wuhan center alone employs over 1,000 people, with Wuhan graduates forming more than half of the workforce," Jia explained. He also emphasized the company's established young talent training system, highlighting his own experience in ZTE's "Blue Sword Program".

Under this program, Jia led and participated in several vital projects. Notably, in 2022, collaborating with a Yunnan telecommunications operator, he spearheaded the technological development for optical fiber cable quality inspection. Within a year and a half, he successfully brought the project up to par with the industry's leading technology.

Wuhan spares no effort in attracting and rewarding talented individuals like Jia, offering generous rewards to young graduates with ambition and leadership potential. In recognition of his accomplishments, Jia received the "Wuhan Huanghe Talent" and "OVC 3551 Outstanding Young Talent" awards in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

"My career has progressed smoothly at ZTE, aligning perfectly with the company's development, while my life in Wuhan is comfortable and stable," Jia shared with a smile. "I'm enjoying my current work-life balance and remain dedicated to pushing myself further to become a top technical talent in the industry."