William Oliviero (Ry. 2016-18) has just been selected for the prestigious Yenching Academy’s 11th cohort, one of the most competitive and renowned Master's Degrees in the world. The programme is based at Peking University, and offers a fully funded interdisciplinary Master’s Degree in China Studies.
William is focused on pursuing a career in technology, and the program is designed to develop future leaders who can foster greater understanding and collaboration between the UK and China. We caught up with him to find out how Brighton College prepared him for a career in the world of quantum, clean tech, and AI:
What is your favourite memory of your time at Brighton College?
There are almost too many to choose from, but a few moments stand out: winning first place in the Lower Sixth Entrepreneurship competition, Ryle coming second in House Song, and participating in a weekend poker tournament in the Smith Café. And how could I forget coming exactly 100th in the school cross-country race – still my greatest long-distance running achievement to date!
What takes up most of your time at the moment?
Outside of work, I’m a big fan of what I call ‘hiking’ (though others might just call it long walks) across Sussex, the outskirts of London, and beyond. I’m always on the lookout for new trails and recently started learning more about the local wildlife. I’m also a bit of a cinephile (shoutout to Film Club!) and a passionate street photographer, always making sure to leave the house with a camera and a roll of film.
What about your life now would most surprise your Brighton College teachers?
Probably that I’ve ended up in such a people-facing role; I work in a niche sales function, pitching commercial opportunities in Asia for Deeptech companies and showing how we can support them in securing those opportunities. It means constantly meeting new people, visiting clients’ offices, and hosting networking events – all things that, back at Brighton, would have felt way outside my comfort zone.
What about your life now would most surprise you as a Brighton College starter?
Despite studying two STEM subjects at A-Level, I never would’ve imagined myself working with some of the UK’s most innovative, fast-growing tech companies. I didn’t go for a technical degree, but that hasn’t stopped me from helping venture-backed startups and scaleups expand into Asia. What I’ve learned is that adding value to the innovators we work with doesn’t depend necessarily on having a technical background – it’s just as important to be able to communicate clearly, understand the bigger picture, and spot opportunities for collaboration that can help their business grow.
What excites you about the future?
I’m really excited about fulfilling a long-held dream: living, studying, and working in China. I’ve spent over five years learning Mandarin and deepening my understanding of the region through books, newsletters, and conversation – even launching my own newsletter, Asia Pick of the Week. I missed out on a year abroad due to the pandemic, so now I’m thrilled to have the chance to fully immerse myself and make the most of everything the Master's course I've been accepted onto at Peking University has to offer – both academically and socially.
How has your time at Brighton College shaped your outlook on life?
One of the values that’s stuck with me is the College’s emphasis on kindness. Whether stepping up to help with a work project or organising a charity event like a sponsored walk for a homelessness charity in Oxford, that ethos continues to guide how I live and work. Brighton also nurtured a spirit of intellectual curiosity, which I’ve carried with me – it’s helped me create lasting relationships with people from all walks of life and connect the dots across geopolitics, business, and technology.
What advice would you give to current Brighton College pupils inspired by your journey?
Learning Chinese and building a career around it as a ‘skill’ – rather than a specific vocation like law or medicine – is tough. It requires thinking outside the box, being flexible, and staying open to different roles. It takes patience and perseverance – there’s no shortcut. While it can sometimes feel like a curse, it’s also a blessing because it keeps doors open and helps you stand out. If you're passionate about something, keep at it – opportunities will come.
What are the most challenging parts of your work?
Definitely having to know a little about a lot. Each week, I might be working on something completely new – from a quantum computing firm looking to break into Japan, a cleantech company researching the market opportunity in China, or an autonomous vehicle startup looking for partners in Korea. You need to understand these industries well enough to ask the right questions, demonstrate credibility when it comes to the market landscape, and establish trust. It means constantly learning – reading the news, attending events, and speaking with experts. It’s intense, but also a real privilege to have that exposure to cutting-edge innovation.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud to have stayed true to my goal of using Mandarin and cross-cultural understanding to strengthen UK-China ties – especially in areas like clean energy, where collaboration is crucial, and expertise is scarce despite China’s rise and the many links that are often overlooked and understudied between our two countries. That purpose continues to guide me, and I’m excited to be on the committee for my university’s alumni association, helping organise socials in London and China, hosting career events, and keeping our members up to date with news on China Studies at the university.
Which is your favourite house and why?
Ryle – of course! Is that even a question? Not just for the memory of the (fiercely contested) pool table or the mountains of Domino’s pizzas crashing through the door of our top floor space, but for the incredible friendships I made, and continue to keep. And who could forget our iconic House Song performance of Hips Don’t Lie and its unforgettable choreography.
What is the best thing about being an Old Brightonian?
The expanding international network and the College’s mission of emphasising kindness and humility as well as academic rigour; I believe that describes the kind of leadership our world needs now more than ever.