Starting a career can be overwhelming, especially with today’s competitive job market. I remember applying to over 50 positions before finally landing my internship last summer, so I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right role. Now, as I look toward graduating this May, I’m unsure what my future holds. Will I dive into the job market? or pursue a master’s degree? As exciting as it is, it can also feel stressful. Many of us face this uncertainty, but remember, you’re not alone, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.
I’m currently on an exchange semester at CUHK Shenzhen, where I’m taking a course, Current and Regional Issues in Supply Chain and Logistics Management with Professor Gordon Lam. He’s one of my favourite professors, not only because of his energy and passion for teaching but also for the industry experience and real-world examples he brings into every lecture. Recently, I had the chance to sit down and chat with him one-on-one. With over 25 years in global supply chain, strategy, and innovation, Gordon Lam shared insights that genuinely helped me feel more calm about graduation. Now Professor Lam is a busy man, in addition to mentoring students and co-directing the Center for Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship at CUHK, he serves as Chief Supply Chain Officer for Sinopec in Hong Kong, one of the world’s top 5 Fortune 500 companies.
Here’s a look at his inspiring journey, and the advice he has for anyone entering the job market and aiming for their dream role.
From Graduating During SARS to Starting at PwC
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Gordon Lam studied accounting and finance at The University of Hong Kong, graduating amid the SARS outbreak, a challenging time to enter the job market. Despite the obstacles, he landed a role at PwC, crediting his second- and third-year internships for opening doors. “Sometimes landing a job takes a lot of applications,” he reminded me. “But don’t let rejections get you down; use them as fuel and keep your head up high.” You cannot stop trying. Yet, not long after starting at PwC, Professor Lam realized accounting wasn’t his calling. Rather than “sticking it out” for the title or paycheque, he took a bold step, applying to the Li & Fung Management Trainee program, a coveted opportunity with one of the world’s largest and most unique supply chain management companies. Out of hundreds of applicants, Gordon Lam was chosen as one of just 30 trainees in the program’s first cohort, a testament to his ambition and potential.
For those unfamiliar, Li & Fung is a powerhouse in supply chain management. This Hong Kong-based giant oversees every step for brands we all know, from sportswear like Nike, to designers like Chanel, and major retailers like Walmart. They help manage everything from design and production to delivery, with customized supply chain solutions along the way. This role provided Professor Lam an incredible opportunity to kickstart a thriving career in supply chain management.
A Transformative Career at Li & Fung
Now, the company you start with can sometimes help set the tone for your career’s trajectory; it’s hard to thrive in an environment that doesn’t allow you to showcase your abilities or challenge you to grow. Li & Fung, however, offered just that, a place where Gordon Lam could push his limits and develop his skills in a meaningful way. From day one in Li & Fung’s trainee program, Gordon Lam was trusted with big responsibilities. He wasn’t shadowing or doing minor tasks; instead, he gained real, hands-on experience. The company was deeply committed to his growth as a leader. Starting as a merchandiser in sourcing, Gordon Lam quickly rose through the ranks, becoming General Manager in six years, a praised position. In this role, he oversaw operations for iconic brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. “It felt like being a real entrepreneur within the company,” he shared, describing how he led teams, collaborated on product designs with clients, and traveled internationally to meet manufacturers. Li & Fung was the perfect launchpad for him, and it’s a reminder to seek out companies that not only benefit from your skills but actively help you flourish. It’s not just about whether you’re a good fit for a company; it’s equally important to ask if the company is the right fit for you.
The role also took him to factories across China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and beyond. Working across different cultures offered him a new perspective on both business and life. “I became more open-minded and less biased,” he said. “Seeing the world helped me approach tasks and people with a balanced view.” For anyone early in their career, Gordon strongly recommends seeking international experiences, or working with diverse teams. He believes these opportunities offer more than just professional skills; they foster adaptability, cultural awareness, and resilience. All qualities essential for navigating today’s globalized world. “Working with a diverse team broadens your mindset,” he says. “It teaches you to approach problems with flexibility and empathy,” making you a more resilient, open-minded leader who stands out.
After six years in sourcing, Gordon Lam requested a shift to logistics for a year, and later moved to strategy at the head office, co-leading the department and working closely with CEO Spencer Fung, at the time. He then led a large-scale project expanding Li & Fung’s Chinese operations, which involved pitching business ideas, navigating government regulations, and connecting with local business leaders, a network that still benefits him today. Gordon Lam mentioned that the final years of his career at Li & Fung were invaluable for skill development and personal growth. Pushed beyond his comfort zone, he was challenged to think and strategize like a true business leader. This phase honed his ability to make high-level decisions, deepened his understanding of complex business dynamics, and cultivated a mindset focused on innovation and strategy.
The Power of Building Connections
For Gordon Lam, connections are everything. “Your network can take you far,” he emphasized. “Whether it’s helping you land your next role, meeting a future business partner, or finding someone for advice, building relationships across industries can open doors you didn’t even know existed.” Networking isn’t just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about building a community of people who inspire, challenge, and support you. For young professionals, these connections offer invaluable insights into industries and roles they might not encounter otherwise. As your career grows, this network becomes even more essential, offering advice, guidance, and collaboration opportunities that drive even further growth.
Gordon Lam’s career is a testament to the power of networking. From securing pivotal roles to finding mentors who shared wisdom, his network played a crucial role at every stage. Now, as a professor, he’s passionate about helping his students build those same bridges. Professor Lam, knows success isn’t just about individual effort; it’s about having a community to reach out to and rely on. His goal is to be a connecting force for his students, showing them the lifetime value of strong relationships. Through his guidance, he hopes to empower the next generation of business leaders to build networks that enrich both their careers and lives.
Embracing Entrepreneurship and New Ventures
In 2013, Gordon Lam left Li & Fung to pursue his own entrepreneurial venture, launching a business producing coffee capsules and machines for the Chinese market. After successfully building and growing the company, he eventually sold it to a state-owned enterprise, for his first “pot of gold”. His industry experience gave him the skills, tools, and confidence to strike out on his own. Reflecting on his journey, Gordon emphasizes that years in the industry lay a foundation that not only supports career growth but also empowers you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
Following this, Gordon ventured into angel investing, collaborating with partners to fund Scandinavian tech start-ups. While the pandemic disrupted this plan, with travel restrictions limiting his ability to connect these projects with China, his network once again came through. Through his connections, he found his current role as Chief Supply Chain Officer at Sinopec, where he oversees fuel supply chains, convenience stores, and cross-border e-commerce while helping the company expand into new energy markets. In an industry like energy that’s evolving rapidly, it’s an exciting time to be part of a dynamic field, and Gordon’s journey shows how a career’s trajectory can be shaped by both experience and the strength of a network.
Professor Lam's Top Advice for New Graduates
Graduation is just around the corner and stepping into the “real world” can be both exciting and a bit intimidating. Moving from student life to a career is more than just putting your degree to work, it’s about building practical skills, adopting a growth mindset, and knowing how to connect with the right people. From his own journey, Gordon Lam gathered some invaluable insights to help soon-to-be grads enter the workforce with confidence. His advice? Focus on a few key steps to set yourself up for long-term success. Here’s what he shared:
Seek Relevant Experience: If you’re looking to stand out, make sure your experience aligns with the job. Even if you haven’t done the exact role, highlight any similar skills or look for projects that’ll help you bridge that gap.
Develop Soft Skills: While technical abilities are important, teamwork, communication, and adaptability often set people apart. Soft skills can be more challenging to build, so focusing on these can give you an edge.
Bring Positive Energy: Even if you’re introverted, show that you’re willing to engage. Employers appreciate candidates who bring a positive vibe to the team and can show that they are not afraid to put themselves out there.
Customize Each Application: Tailoring your resume and cover letter for each job may take time, but it makes a difference and shows you’re genuinely interested. So take the extra 30 minutes to tailor your response for the job description, what inspired you to apply, and what would make you a valuable candidate for the role.
Master Time Management: Gordon sees this as the most important skill for career growth and achieving any dream. Setting priorities, planning your day, and delivering on time are all critical. He shared that he wakes up at 5 a.m. on teaching days, as it’s a long commute for him to get to work. So to be fresh and prepared, his routine beings the night prior to help him balance workload and be on time for 8am lecture. It is important to be your own scheduler.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the path from graduation to a successful career can be both exciting and challenging. But as Gordon Lam’s journey shows, the right combination of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a supportive network can make all the difference. Whether it’s taking a chance on an unexpected career path, seeking international experiences, or building meaningful connections, Gordon’s story is a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. For soon-to-be graduates, his advice offers a roadmap for not just surviving but thriving in the “real world.” Remember, each experience, whether it’s a rejection, a new role, or a connection made along the way, is a stepping stone towards your goals. So, as you prepare to take that leap, keep an open mind, build relationships, and stay curious. With a proactive mindset and a commitment to learning, you’ll find yourself well-prepared to make an impact, wherever your path may lead. :)
If you wish to learn more about Professor Gordon Lam or connect, check out his LinkedIn! : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonlamchina/
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