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by Allan Hoffman
[ More Job Q&As ]
When Catherine Chiang was 15 years old, her family came from Taiwan to live in the US for a year. Chiang, now 26 and living in Silicon Valley, remembers when she could barely understand what the teachers were saying. "Sometimes I was sitting in class, and I wouldn't know what was going on -- I couldn't even tell what subject it was," she says. Things have changed quite a bit for Chiang, who returned to the US as a graduate student and received an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Since September 1999, Chiang has been working in Sunnyvale, California, as associate marketing manager for SINA.com, a Chinese portal site. The site provides Chinese-language news, entertainment, financial information and lifestyle tips.
Monster.com: How did you end up coming to the US?
Catherine Chiang: I'd been working in the market research field as an accountant for one of the largest companies in Taiwan, and I started thinking about what I wanted to do in the future. I'd done a little bit of marketing and a little bit of finance, and I really wanted to move my career to the next level. I started thinking that the quickest and most efficient way to get me ready for that level would be to pursue an MBA in the States. I picked the US because it has the best MBA programs in the world. I also felt comfortable about coming here since I came here when I was 15 years old. We lived for a year on Long Island.
Mc: What was the transition to the US like as a teenager?
CC: I experienced a lot of culture shock. I was quite shy back in high school. It was a totally different environment. I didn't speak English much when I came here. I was very excited, but kind of nervous. My dad dropped me off at the public high school on my first day. I didn't know where to go. The environment really forced me to pick up the language and to make American friends. There were maybe two or three Asian kids in the school, but they didn't speak Chinese. When I think back, I really appreciate that experience.
Mc: Why?
CC: Just to look at things from a different perspective. Just to get thinking about things more globally and understanding a totally different culture. It really broadened my vision for the future.
Mc: What do you do at your job?
CC: Now I'm working at SINA.com. It's the number one Chinese portal site. I'm in charge of the online promotions for user acquisition and user retention programs. When I graduated from business school, I got a lot of offers from various companies. The reason I decided to work here is I really wanted to get into Internet marketing. In marketing, culture can make a big difference. I really relate to the target audience here. I feel that I can make a tremendous contribution.
Mc: Do you have any advice for someone considering a job in the US?
CC: My general advice is that this person should be open-minded and adapt. The easiest way to do that is to make as many friends as you can -- international students or American friends.
In terms of a job search, I do have some suggestions. Some of my friends came here for their MBAs. Some found great jobs, but some were not happy here and wanted to go back. For those who want to stay here for a few years to get more experience, you have to be very persistent. A job search is never easy, especially for international students. We don't know the companies or the industries here very well, so we really have to work hard and never give up.
Secondly, do a lot of homework, a lot of research. Talk to your American friends. The Internet really helps with the job search. If you want to know a company or industry, you can get that information at your fingertips. Also, use various channels to increase your exposure. Contact alumni and send them your resume. Post your resume on various Web sites, as that can really help.