by Han Pham
Introduction:
As the morning sun cast its golden glow upon the campus, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air at NCCU's annual Career Fair. Here, amidst the vibrant energy of students and the promise of opportunity, the stage was set for a journey transcending mere academia—a journey from the familiar grounds of campus to the vast expanse of professional futures. With each step taken through the bustling aisles and vibrant booths, students embarked on a quest not just for job prospects, but for the realization of their dreams and aspirations. This intersection of ambition and opportunity served as a microcosm of the three major themes of “international strength”, “sustainability” and “diversity and equality” as the core of the expo. The theme demonstrates National Chengchi University’s advantages of looking internationally, cultivating corporate exchanges, and practicing the concept of daily sustainability.
▲The fair was abuzz with energy due to the substantial number of students present
Exploring Opportunities:
The Career Fair was a kaleidoscope of opportunities, with more than 120 companies participating, including finance, technology, retail, communication, real estate, etc., creating tens of thousands of job vacancies. From multinational corporations to startups, each company offered unique insights into career paths, internships, and job opportunities.
▲NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li had an inspirational opening speech
In his inaugural address, NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li expressed, "Graduates of NCCU consistently garner acclaim from both the business sector and media, a source of immense pride for our institution." Furthermore, he articulated NCCU's vision to foster a student body characterized not only by global perspectives but also by diverse talents, encompassing tolerance, collaborative aptitude, and a spirit of social responsibility. These attributes, he emphasized, resonate profoundly with the overarching theme of this Career Month.
▲More than 100 businesses participate in the fair, opening up endless opportunities for students
This expo plays a pivotal role in NCCU's expansive recruitment month campaign. This year, the university orchestrated a diverse spectrum of 72 corporate briefings, lectures, and corporate visits, showcasing prestigious events like Taiwan's exclusive LinkedIn resume workshop, the BlackRock talent cultivation briefing, and the Star Lux engagement. The level of engagement surpassed initial projections, with over 10,000 students actively participating in these enriching opportunities.
NCCU Presiden Tsai-Yen Li emphasized the university's steadfast dedication to providing fair career development pathways for all students, especially those from marginalized communities. In a notable initiative, this year's Career Month event was carefully tailored to promote inclusivity. Distinct symbols were ingeniously integrated to symbolize different student demographics — stars representing international students, the moon signifying overseas Chinese students, and the sun emblemizing students with disabilities. Green openwork hexagon symbolizing the aboriginal students. This thoughtful strategy guarantees that every student, regardless of background, is afforded an equitable opportunity to pursue their career ambitions and unleash their inherent potential.
▲A Deloitte employee introduces and explains to NCCU MBA students
Ashwini B Barve, a Ph.D. candidate in statistics, expressed her appreciation for the symbols, noting how they facilitate her search for counters staffed by English-speaking representatives. As she navigates the process of completing her Ph.D. while seeking internship opportunities, she finds that these symbols make the fair more accessible and welcoming for international students like herself.
Beyond exploring job opportunities, the Career Fair provided a platform for students to network with industry professionals and build meaningful connections. From alumni to recruiters, the fair was teeming with individuals eager to share insights and advice.
Student Perspectives:
Amidst the flurry of activity, I had the opportunity to speak with several international students from diverse backgrounds about their experiences at the Career Fair. For many, the event was a pivotal moment in their academic journey, offering clarity and direction for their future careers.
Ben, an exchange student from the UK, remarked on the liveliness of the event, expressing newfound interest in the prospect of remaining in Taiwan for work opportunities. He highlighted his enthusiasm for Chinese language acquisition and his passion for science and technology, recognizing these as significant assets for his future endeavors in Taiwan.
▲Ben, an exchange student from the UK
Another student, Hui, a Japanese student studying Chinese at NCCU, expressed his interest in working in Taiwan and Japanese trading companies, despite having two years of work experience in his home country. Hui preferred startups and medium-sized enterprises over large corporations and found the diversity of participating businesses and industry groups at the event immensely beneficial. He gained invaluable insights into Taiwan's recruitment landscape and work culture, which was a novel experience for him.
▲Hui, a Japanese student studying Chinese at NCCU
Continuing with another student keen on international business, Reece from the US shared his enthusiasm. With seven years of Chinese language study under his belt and currently pursuing Management alongside Chinese, Reece navigates the fair with confidence. Despite his fluency in Chinese, he opts for international student recruitment counters with English explanations. Reece's interest in working in Taiwan is palpable, and he relishes the energy of the recruitment activity. He desires more opportunities like this to gain a deeper understanding of businesses' needs and requirements for international students, hoping to broaden his horizons and have a wider array of options to choose from.
▲Reece from the US
Amidst the bustling scene at the Career Fair, two students from Vietnam, Karlyn and Bao, poised on the brink of completing their master's degrees at NCCU, found themselves captivated by the myriad offerings and opportunities presented by the diverse array of booths. Their journey through the fair was marked by inclusivity and warmth, as they discovered that language barriers were effortlessly bridged by accommodating staff fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
▲Karlyn and Bao,from Vietnam
For Karlyn, the experience was a revelation, dispelling initial concerns that this fair is exclusively for Taiwanese students. She was welcomed with open arms by businesses eager to extend the market, particularly Taiwanese banks seeking to recruit talent from Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam. With aspirations of contributing to the field of education, Karlyn eagerly explored the array of career opportunities available for foreigners in Taiwan, hoping to align them with her academic pursuits.
Meanwhile, Bao marveled at the event's professionalism, noting its diverse representation of twelve distinct professions. He recognized its significance not only for Taiwanese students but also for international peers like himself, opening doors to a broader spectrum of career prospects. Armed with fluency in Japanese, Bao's attention was drawn to a Japanese human resources firm scouting talent in Taiwan. Engaging with the company's HR representatives, he gleaned invaluable insights and information to fuel his aspirations.
Their experiences serve as a testament to the universal appeal and impact of the Career Fair, transcending borders and boundaries to empower students from all backgrounds.
NCCU Career Center Efforts:
Amidst the current scarcity of talent within Taiwanese companies and the escalating demand for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, coupled with language needs, international students are warmly embraced and encouraged to pursue post-graduation employment in Taiwan.
NCCU Career Development Center Director, Mrs. May Chang (張文美), acknowledges the challenges posed by the Chinese language proficiency requirement while valuing the professional competencies, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic exhibited by NCCU's international student community.
▲NCCU Career Development Center Director, Mrs. May Chang
In the last year, the Career Center at NCCU has been working hard to connect international students with job opportunities in Taiwan. Mrs. Chang mentioned that they have partnered with LinkedIn to conduct CV workshops in English and collaborated with Microsoft to provide guidance on job interviews.
Looking ahead, the center aims to enhance support for international students by translating the center's platform into English, conducting surveys to better understand foreign students' needs, and reinforcing the importance of Chinese language acquisition. In the future, Mrs. May hopes to have a chance to collaborate with a Chinese language center in the future to offer Business Chinese classes, aligning with the Ministry of Education's objective of retaining students in Taiwan. Additionally, the center intends to increase the frequency of English-language Career speech, provide personalized 1-1 job guidance and consultancy for international students, and transform more resources into English to facilitate easier access for foreign students.
The frequency of business visits throughout the year will rise, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of recruitment sessions conducted in English. Therefore, students are encouraged to stay updated via school email and monitor the NCCU Career Platform and social media to seize upcoming opportunities.
Mark Your Calendar: Must-Attend Workshops and Events Coming Soon:
The Ministry of Economy Affairs (MOEA) cordially invites all international students interested in pursuing career prospects in Taiwan to the highly anticipated 2024 One-on-One Recruitment Interview with Taiwan Enterprises for International Talents. This event stands as the largest of its kind, specially tailored to cater to students aiming to embark on their professional journey during their academic tenure or upon completing their university degree. There will be three section according to following event schedule:
Thursday, April 18 from 1:30 pm to 5:10 pm (Taipei Session)
Thursday, May 30 from 1:30 pm to 5:10 pm (Hsinchu Session)
Wednesday, June 19 from 1:30 pm to 5:10 pm (Taichung Session)
This event offers a prime opportunity for international students to engage directly with Taiwan's premier enterprises. Companies from diverse sectors will host booths, presenting job openings and offering personalized matching services to ensure attendees find positions that align with their skill sets and career aspirations. Ensure you mark your calendar and secure your attendance by registering through the following link: Registration Link.
In May, the NCCU Career Center also took proactive steps to empower overseas Chinese and international students by organizing a specialized lecture titled "Points System for Foreign and Overseas Chinese Students to Work in Taiwan." Understanding the significance of post-graduation opportunities in Taiwan, the event aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the intricacies of staying in the country after completing their studies. Esteemed speakers, including the Section Chief from the Ministry of Labor and a representative from the National Immigration Agency, were invited to elucidate key aspects of the process. The agenda included an overview of relevant laws and criteria governing graduates' employment in Taiwan by the Ministry of Labor, as well as an in-depth explanation of residency application procedures by the National Immigration Agency. Tailored specifically for overseas Chinese and international students at NCCU, the event is scheduled for May 14, Tuesday, 2024, from 12:00 to 14:00 at the Administration Building 7F, Conference Room 1. Registration Link is here for the interested student!
Conclusion:
As the sun began to set on the bustling campus, the Career Fair drew to a close, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and opportunity. For students, each interaction, each exchange, was a step forward on the journey toward personal and professional fulfillment. The event served not only as a platform for students to explore their career paths but also as a testament to NCCU's commitment to fostering global perspectives and cultivating meaningful corporate relationships. The intersection of academia and industry showcased at the fair exemplifies NCCU's dedication to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
As we bid farewell to this year's Career Fair, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the connections made, and the dreams ignited. In the pursuit of our futures, may we continue to embrace the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability that defines NCCU's ethos. As we navigate the path from campus to career, may we do so with purpose, passion, and a steadfast commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow.
▲Enjoy free food, drink and gift at Career Day!
More on OIC connect no.94:
Taiwan, English and the World: The First Edition of NCCU’s English Diner
Tsou aboriginal group, a closer look
Wang Gong Pastoral Patrolling of the Fields: a Look Into Local Religion in Muzha
Hearing from members of the NCCU Host Family Program
Warming Board game night at I-House hosted by IA NCCU
From Campus to Career: Exploring the Working Market in Taiwan for International Students
