Alumni Stories丨Carolina Lou: Humility and Curiosity as the Cornerstones of Success
Alumni Stories丨Carolina Lou: Humility and Curiosity as the Cornerstones of Success
06
Jun
06/06/2025
Ms. Carolina Lou, currently the F&B Training Manager at Galaxy Entertainment Group (Macau), graduated from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA).
Business is never just a numbers game—it’s about leveraging cross-cultural perspectives and relentless exploration to craft innovative solutions for the world. From academic strategy frameworks to real-world hospitality management, from the humility of posing questions as a student to the keen observations made in daily lives, her career trajectory exemplifies the unique possibilities that await business graduates. As a woman who thrives on transformation, how has she applied her knowledge to every facet of her professional journey?
Practice-Oriented Education: Cultivating Change-Makers in Business Strategy
Ms. Carolina Lou, currently the F&B Training Manager at Galaxy Entertainment Group (Macau), graduated from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA). Reflecting on her decision to pursue business studies at USJ, she emphasized the programme’s versatility: “Whether in tech, retail or F&B sectors, organizational structures, human resources, and financial controls are the universal skills across industries.” She found that the curriculum validated this advantage, demonstrating how business knowledge could be applied across fields—a foundation that became instrumental in her career path.
Regarding the curriculum design, she emphasized that USJ’s Faculty of Business and Law goes beyond imparting commercial knowledge—it cultivates problem-solving through business thinking. “The flexible teaching approach, which moves beyond rote learning, helps students develop multidimensional thinking,” she added.
Global Faculty: Navigating Cultural Differences and Shaping a Global Business Mindset
When asked how she applied the theories and skills learnt in USJ into real-world settings, Carolina highlighted the profound impact of our late Professor Michael Trimarchi. “His marketing course introduced me to strategic frameworks that I use everyday now, which is identifying target demographics for different restaurant concepts and tailoring training programmes accordingly.” She recalled. “Now, in my field, I work with diverse restaurant brands—developing tailored strategies and training programmes based on each establishment’s positioning and clientele to enhance staff specialization.” She referenced the saying “A strict teacher produces outstanding students.” From classroom learning to real-world application, she acknowledged how her professors’ dedicated teaching methods—such as requiring students to analyze and compare different regions before collaboratively drafting simulated business plans—shaped her problem-solving mindset. These experiences, she noted, profoundly influenced her career decision-making.
Another influential figure was Professor Ansoumane Douty DIAKITÉ. “His international business negotiations class used simulated cross-border scenarios and real-world case studies to expose us to cultural deadlocks. It wasn’t just theory; it rewired my global mindset.” Given that USJ’s faculty comes from around the world, they served not only as knowledge providers but also as bridges to international customs and etiquette. She emphasised that in global business, understanding cultural nuances is pivotal for closing transnational deals. This multicultural academic environment, she stressed, equips graduates to navigate international commerce with confidence—significantly enriching their macro-level business acumen.
Scholarships as Springboards: From Classroom to International Arenas
As a previous scholarship recipient, Carolina viewed the award as more than just financial support or academic recognition – it also served as a milestone that fosters personal growth and propels one toward their goals. “It allowed me to join initiatives like the government-sponsored ‘To Be and to Know Portuguese – Summer Course in Portugal’ where I studied in Portugal, immersed in its culture and social innovation projects. These platforms accelerated my network-building and global outlook, which shortened my post-graduate adaptation period.” The return on investment, she said, was lifelong.
Giving Back: Bridging Careers and Industry Insights
Now as an active alumna, Carolina serves on the USJ Alumni Association (AAUSJ). A standout memory was the 2023 Jiangmen cultural tour, where she visited Lee Kum Kee’s facilities. “It wasn’t just industry exposure—it highlighted the strong camaraderie and mutual support among alumni. Interacting with current students during the trip also reignited my passion for brand innovation and trend awareness.” She also mentors undergraduate students through the USJ Mentorship Programme, offering career guidance and advice to students from an alumni perspective.
“Learning is like rowing upstream: no advance is to drop back.” This adage about knowledge and progress is universally acknowledged—but how does one persevere in practice? Carolina exemplified this through her continuous professional development. In 2021, nominated by her company, she completed a diploma in F&B Management and earned multiple certifications from international institutions. Her drive for continuous learning stems from a commitment to deepening her expertise in the F&B industry. “Under my then-employer’s mentorship, I progressed from F&B Training trainee to Assistant Restaurant Manager within two years. To accelerate my managerial adaptation, they enrolled me in systematic diploma programmes that addressed practical blind spots.” By integrating her business acumen with newfound hospitality specialization, she excelled across diverse professional arenas.
Beyond hospitality studies, Carolina was also nominated by her company in 2023 to participate in an advanced training programme in Beijing, organized by the Education and Youth Development Bureau and hosted by the School of Public Policy & Management of Tsinghua University. This initiative, part of the Macao Youth Professional Development Programme, comprises three phases: national and regional training, on-the-job learning, and advanced training and field trips in the Mainland—all designed to equip working youth with multifaceted skills, fostering talent for Macao’s socioeconomic growth.
Her relentless pursuit of growth, refusal to settle for past achievements, and dedication to self-reinvention set a benchmark for aspiring professionals.
Advice: Stay Curious, Embrace Discomfort
Her message to rising talents carries both warmth and weight: “Cherish USJ’s small-class advantage — where professors’ doors stay open. Question freely, debate fearlessly. Let exchange programs stretch your worldview, and discomfort become your compass.”
She emphasizes that growth is never about standardized test answers, but rather about crafting your own unique life story through resilience and bold exploration.
