Preparing international students for work in the US Language, Culture and Careers Program ………….one school’s approach Boston College – Donna Modica Waltham English Center – Cheryl Dillon

What is Language, Culture and Careers? August program focusing on careers and EFL proficiency. LCC is required for incoming full-time international graduate management students. ~45 classroom hours / 1 credit course. Developed by Career Strategies in 2006.

What was the impetus for creating Language, Culture and Careers for international students? 5. Isolation from broader school community. 4. Lower placement rates for this group. 3. Delayed use of resources by these students. 2. Frustration of students and careers staff. 1. Shift of MSAs to Career Strategies.

What are the goals of Language, Culture and Careers? 1.Help students be more competitive in the U.S. internship/job search process and be more actively engaged in the U.S. workplace. 2.Be accountable to students. 3.Strengthen student/program relationship.

What’s covered in Language, Culture and Careers ? American culture discussions / exercises. Internship search process overview, tactics, strategies for success. Skill building exercises. Tools and resources. U.S. immigration requirements, processes, and timelines.

Business English & Culture Language ▲ Business Writing ▲ Grammar ▲ Pronunciation ▲ Useful Idioms & Vocabulary Culture ▲ Awareness & Discovery ▲ Negotiation & Clarification ▲ Expectations Academics ▲ Goals & timelines ▲ Measure success ▲ Academic integrity ▲ Teamwork

KNOW THE MARKET FOR YOUR SKILLS Research industries, functional roles, companies ▲ Evaluate your professional interests, skills, experience ▲ Identify match between employer needs and your skills ▲ Practice / prepare to present yourself to target employers. IDENTIFY TARGETS AND MARKET YOURSELF Talk with professionals in target functional roles / companies ▲ Articulate the match between their needs and your skills and experience ▲ Prepare for interviews / practice interviewing PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES Send resumes / cover letters ▲ Call to follow-up ▲ Prepare for interviews to present your “best self” ▲ Market yourself in interviews as top candidate GET THE OFFER Research market rate compensation ▲ Evaluate YOUR priorities ▲ Make best decision for YOU Building blocks for professional success.

What do students value most in Language, Culture and Careers? Daily presentations. Internship search process overview, tactics, strategies for success. Employer panel. Group discussions, especially cultural. Skill building assignments.

GOALS/TIMELINE Set realistic goals ▲ Limit scope ▲ Determine achievement markers OVERCOMING THE PLATEAU Recognize achievement ▲ Re-assess all skills ▲ Identify & target specific needs ▲ Set goals & timeline…. COMMITMENT Practice makes perfect ▲ Utilize resources ▲ Minimize use of L1 SKILLS ASSESSMENT Self- reflection ▲ Diagnostic test ▲ Receptive & productive ▲ What kind of learner are you?

READ INFORMATION FIND and USE RESOURCES Research industries, functions, firms ▲ Evaluate professional interests, skills, experience ▲ ID match between employer needs & your skills ▲ Practice / prepare to present yourself. INTERACTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION GATHER and SHARE INFORMATION Talk with professionals in target field ▲ Articulate match between their needs & your expertise ▲ Prepare for interviews and practice ORAL and WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SHAPE PERCEPTION / INFLUENCE DECISIONS Send resumes / cover letters ▲ Call to follow-up ▲ Prepare for interviews to present your “best self” ▲ Market yourself in interviews as top candidate EVALUATE, NEGOTIATE, DECIDE Research market rate compensation ▲ Evaluate priorities ▲ Present biz case ▲ Make YOUR best decision Evolution of communication for job search success.

Language, Culture and Careers Program benefits More proactive student engagement of employers. Increased placement rates. Stronger relationship w/ Career Strategies. Increased usage of resources. Increased visibility in student community. Increased credibility of Career Strategies.

Where can we strengthen Language, Culture and Careers? Marketing of program. Strength collaboration across university / within graduate management program. Adding social activities to aid networking. Include domestic students to enhance their awareness and to strengthen community.

What challenges lie beyond Language, Culture and Careers? Slower U.S. economy -> fewer U.S. jobs. Fewer firms willing to sponsor. Reduced availability of visas. Global firms hiring locally. Competing demands during semester. Financial resources. Different definitions of proficiency.