The conference started with an amazing speech of Kevin Burns, a professor from W.P. Carey School of Business. He introduced some key concept in career market of USA that might be unfamiliar with international students, which was really helpful! USA job market emphasize communication, giving out your direct feeling, and do not hide anything. Be honest, and admit something you do not know. This is different from how we Chinese do. Chinese tend to hide their true feelings if they think their thoughts might harm their future or their job.
Kevin also said networking was a critical way to build professional connections. The more you go out to know people, the more chance you might get. 80% jobs are not publicized and only spread in professional network. These ideas are important in a way that they ask international students to overcome their shyness and comfort zone to meet more domestic Americans.
Following Kevin's speech, it was a speech by Gunhee Park. He is a Korean students who came to USA in high school. One of his idea was really inspiring that as an international student, we already have some competitive qualities that domestic may not have, such as courage to leave your home country and start a complete new life alone in a foreign country.
It has been a rewarding experience to attend this conference, to meet people, to learn new ideas, and to gain courage that I can do better!
Hi Qi,
ReplyDeleteWow, you're pictures look amazing! What a great opportunity for you to be an international student. Our summer intern just left in August and she is from China. She taught us so much regarding the culture -- such a friendly person, and we miss her dearly. She also hopes to find work in the United States but will be hard for her to be away from her parents who still live in China.
It's great that there is such a conference as Coalition for International Students to aid and assist in the employment search. Our company with Freeport-McMoRan hires many employees that are international from all over the world. I think Kevin Burns' advice on being honest can never be a bad thing. I didn't know that most Chinese tend to hide their true feelings regarding their future for a job. It is true what Mr. Burns mentioned in the job market about networking when pertaining to 80% of jobs are not publicized. Many of them depend on who you know! Our summer intern was also very shy but so loveable and likeable!
I think you are doing great ,and it does take a lot of courage being away from your loved ones and family being alone in a foreign country. You will do good in life because you have already taken curious steps in coming here to succeed with your career!
Hi Lynda,
DeleteThank you for your encouragement! Though it may not be easy to find a job here, I will never give up preparing and trying! Actually, I have applied for the internship of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold once but did not get accepted. I did not get too upset and it only shows I needed to prepare myself more than I did now! I am glad to read your blog and as a Site Staffing Specialist you may have a lot of good advice for me!