RUPERT HOOGEWERF, also known by his Chinese name Hu Run, was invited to give a talk at an international school in Shenzhen on Friday and share his secret of success with students, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported Saturday.

    Hoogewerf is the publisher of the Hurun Report, a monthly magazine best known for its “China Rich List,” a ranking of the wealthiest individuals in China.

    According to Hoogewerf, many of the successful entrepreneurs he knows have some things in common that have enabled them to succeed. For example, they have the foresight to see ahead of others and they have the leadership to maintain good relationships with the government, business partners and employees.

    In addition to their persistence, which keeps them going, and their judgment, which helps them decide when to give up, successful entrepreneurs also share one more thing — good luck — which is sometimes more important than other factors, Hoogewerf said.

    Hoogewerf also gave advice to students who plan to go abroad to further their education. He said that the United Kingdom would welcome Chinese students more than ever after Brexit, because the money Chinese students spend on tuition, accommodations, shopping and other daily expenses contribute to the country’s economic growth.

    He said that it’s still a bit difficult for Chinese students to get work visas for the United Kingdom after graduation, but he believes that the situation will change in the future.

    When it comes to choosing majors, Hoogewerf said that students should pick something that they are willing to develop into a lifetime job.

    “Actually, only 5 percent of people know what they really want. So I suggest that you can choose something that you’re really interested in, instead of something you hate, as your major,” he said.

    According to Hoogewerf, many successful Chinese entrepreneurs built their businesses from nothing and didn’t graduate from elite universities. He said that students should improve their personal abilities by participating in team activities that prepare them for what’s awaiting them after graduation.

    (Zhang Yang)