From a C++ enthusiast deeply engaged in the innovation lab to a key technical player in the workplace, and now a strategic independent investor, Xu Cong, a member of the 2015 C++ technical class, exemplifies the infinite possibilities of “multifaceted growth and continuous advancement” for innovators through solid accumulation and flexible transformation. Nurtured by the spirit of mentorship in the innovation lab, he has not only solidified his technical foundation but also broadened his life horizons, becoming a role model for cross-domain development.
Origin of Passion: A Connection with C++ and the Innovation Lab
Xu Cong’s connection with C++ began with a genuine love for the language’s flexible and powerful characteristics. His encounter with the innovation lab stemmed from a brilliant project demonstration by senior Yu Yue, whose extreme pursuit of technology deeply attracted him. From joining the co-creation studio led by Yu Yue to officially becoming a member of the innovation lab through his recommendation, this connection born out of passion opened a new journey of technical exploration in his university life.
On the platform of the innovation lab, he was no longer a solitary learner. The technical questions shared by senior Yu Yue in the discussion group allowed him to deepen his understanding of C++ while searching for information and conducting in-depth research, indirectly honing his efficient information retrieval skills. This guidance from a mentor became an important support in his technical growth journey.
Forging Growth: Breaking Through Challenges
After taking on the role of assistant in the C++ technical class, Xu Cong faced a highly challenging test—completing a project demonstration of a 3D scene rendering and camera exploration based on the DirectX engine in the first class taught by seniors. At that time, he had no prior experience with the DirectX engine, and the project had to be built from scratch.
To achieve this goal, he immersed himself in the library, browsing relevant books, collecting a vast amount of technical documents online, repeatedly modifying code, and debugging effects. Through countless attempts and optimizations, he overcame one challenge after another. Ultimately, the project was successfully presented, and this experience of building something from nothing not only led to a qualitative leap in his technical abilities but also cultivated his character of facing challenges with resilience.
During his time in the innovation lab, his role continuously evolved—from a member of the C++ group to the group leader, and then to the technical head of the co-creation studio. Long-term experiences such as giving presentations in senior classes and organizing programming competitions allowed him to significantly enhance his organizational coordination and communication skills while summarizing and expanding his technical system. Although he once struggled to balance the vast field of C++ due to limited class time, leading to less-than-expected results from self-directed learning driven by interest, this experience also made him realize early on that technical learning should follow passion while also considering employment orientation.
Venturing into New Horizons: From Technical Backbone to Cross-Industry Investor
With the technical confidence and comprehensive abilities gained from the innovation lab, Xu Cong’s career path has been solid and expansive. Since 2019, he has worked for several companies, including Chengdu Cloud Travel, Colorful Dragon, and Boyan Software, developing and maintaining card placement games, co-founding a server main program startup, and joining Tianmei Studio to participate in the server development of the “Saint Seiya” project. Each job has allowed him to accumulate valuable practical experience and master the complete server architecture and development operations process.
The research results from his time in the innovation lab have played a significant role in his career—what he learned was not only applied but also helped him excel, solving numerous technical problems and enhancing program performance and reliability. Moreover, during his role as an alumni mentor and his involvement in professional and employment guidance, his in-depth research into the industry laid the groundwork for his subsequent transition to an independent investor. In November 2024, he officially became an independent investor, embarking on a new life path fueled by his passions for programming and philosophy.
Senior’s Advice: Build on Passion, Soar with Initiative
Looking back on his time with the innovation lab, Xu Cong expresses deep gratitude: “From the perspective of a student, the senior classes can quickly solidify professional foundations; from the perspective of a member, the innovation lab is a platform for enhancing comprehensive abilities; from the perspective of an alumnus, it is of great significance in improving students’ professional levels.” He also hopes that the innovation lab can continue to build communication channels both inside and outside the school, combining technical class assistants and alumni mentors to achieve dual guidance of interest and employment.
To the younger students pursuing their dreams in the innovation lab, he offers sincere advice: “University is the best time to learn without distractions. Cherish the opportunities in senior classes and proactively seek advice from technical class assistants or mentors. When choosing a technical direction, consider both interest and employment factors. In the face of rapidly evolving technologies and changing job markets, it may be beneficial to consult alumni mentors to find the right direction forward.”
Ten years of passing the torch, growth knows no bounds. Xu Cong’s experiences prove that the innovation lab is not only a cradle for technical growth but also a platform for cultivating comprehensive qualities and broadening life perspectives. The spirit of mentorship here will continue to empower every innovator to shine in different fields.
The next role model story will soon be unlocked, stay tuned for the Chengdu University School of Computer Science’s “Senior Innovation Studio” 10th Anniversary series of articles!
Editor: Zhang Zhongyuan
First Review: Li Jiawen
Second Review: Gong Shuo
Third Review: Meng Yuan
