Current Role: Senior Digital Communications Associate, National Committee on US-China Relations
Major: Global China Studies
Hometown: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Since graduating from NYU Shanghai, Savannah Billman '19 furthered her connection with China through the Yenching Program at Peking University and building her career around it later, working for the National Committee of the US-China Relations and editing a popular China jobs newsletter.
Looking back, how would you describe your four years at NYU Shanghai?
In so many ways, it was really fun and incredibly formative. One of the best things about NYU Shanghai was how easy it was to get involved, given its small student body. I always had a sense of what was happening around the university. I was very active – probably too active!
I absolutely loved living in Shanghai. I honestly think it’s the best city on earth. It's this incredible blend of Chinese culture and international influence. It’s a true melting pot. Experiencing how China interacts with the world, and vice versa, was fascinating. Being at NYU Shanghai made me realize that the US-China relationship isn’t just theoretical; it impacts real lives and real institutions.
Learning how the university navigates both US academic expectations and Chinese regulations gave me a deep appreciation for what we had. Understanding how complex that balance is made me respect the administrators and staff even more. It’s a challenging operation, and the fact that they’re committed to creating a meeting ground for global learning is something I’ll always value.
How did your time at NYU Shanghai shape you personally?
I definitely grew in confidence. By the end of my four years, I could walk up to strangers on the street and interview them in Chinese or cold-call people for research help. That would have terrified me as a first-year student. But both NYU Shanghai and Shanghai really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was that kind of environment where you’re constantly challenged in the best ways.
Tell us about your current role.
I joined the National Committee of the US-China Relations in early 2023 as a digital communications associate. Having a background in Chinese history and Chinese culture serves me very well in this role. I manage our overall content creation and help shape our public image. That means staying on top of US-China policy and rhetoric, and translating complex developments into content that informs and connects people. It’s challenging but exciting. Plus, I have a great team. They definitely encourage me and lift me up. I couldn't be happier.
You went on to be a Yenching Scholar at Peking University. What was that like?
I was inspired by my earlier time in China – first during a high school exchange in Beijing, and then my four years at NYU Shanghai. Yenching is an incredible program that allows for a deep dive into Chinese culture. You’re integrated into the Peking University community and have access to amazing resources. I studied on the Law and Society track, spending one semester in China and finishing the rest remotely from the US, due to the COVID pandemic. I’d definitely be open to returning to China to work again.Outside of your job, you also run a popular substack on careers in China. I wanted to use my skills in a way that would positively impact the US-China relations. I’ve benefited so much from that relationship, from my first State Department-funded trip to China to NYU Shanghai and the Yenching Scholarship. I wanted to give back and started the Career China Newsletter, a free monthly newsletter of jobs available in China for those with China experience or passion. I wanted to help professionals at all levels find job opportunities, and build a community across disciplines and countries to equip the next generation of global China specialists.
Outside of your job, you also run a popular newsletter on careers in China.
I wanted to use my skills in a way that would positively impact the US-China relations. I’ve benefited so much from that relationship, from my first State Department-funded trip to China to NYU Shanghai and the Yenching Scholarship. I wanted to give back and started the Career China Newsletter, a free monthly newsletter of jobs available in China for those with China experience or passion. I wanted to help professionals at all levels find job opportunities, and build a community across disciplines and countries to equip the next generation of global China specialists.
What advice would you give to current students?
Take full advantage of your time in Shanghai. You have this incredible safety net through NYU Shanghai, plus all the resources of a major global city. Don’t take it for granted though. Having the opportunity to live in China and ask your own questions is invaluable. Make Chinese friends, explore the city, and learn as much as you can firsthand. It’s something very few people get to experience – and it’s more important than ever.