Preparing for Today's International Job Market, Part 1: What Adaptations Does it Require?

You must sign up to attend this event.

This is a three-part series designed to help you make the most of your time at UCL and after to become cross culturally competent.

Whether you are working in the country of your upbringing, or elsewhere in the world, we operate in a global marketplace. Even if you are living and working in your own country, many of your colleagues may hail from other cultures or be based on another continent. How does this mash of cultures, languages, and time zones affect your work performance?  How does it affect your life?

TERM 1 DATES

Part 1: What Adaptations Does It Require? (Wed 16 October 15.00-17.00)

Part 2: How to Navigate a Multidimensional World (Wed 13 November 15.00-17.00)

Part 3: What You Need to Learn and Do (Wed 11 December 15.00-17.00)

Hear what past attendees have said:

•    "It was interesting to learn about how the social norms in different parts of the world affect interactions during work. Also, it was comforting to learn that I don't have to have my exact career path figured out yet.” UG, BSc
•    "Engaging and helpful. I have been feeling lost and confused when it comes to pursuing a career, and I feel like this has put me back on track.” UG, BSc
•    "I found it wonderfully insightful and it was a great opportunity to think about all the different places and cultures we all stem from.”  UG, BSc

•    "Listening to Catherine's insights in front of the class, I couldn't help but think how beneficial it would have been to attend such events at the start of my journey at UCL." PGT, MA
•    "As an international student, I had a great time yesterday. The experience I gained was invaluable and helped me better understand the employment market in the UK and globally." PGT, MSc
•    "I found yesterday's session both engaging and inspiring. The activity on acculturation and assimilation was particularly thought-provoking,"  PGT, MA
•    "Intercultural competence is really important in my view in such a diverse university environment as UCL." PGT, MSc

•    "It was the most interesting and practical course on work that I have ever attended. As an international student, I often feel out of place, but really want to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to work in the UK. This seminar gave me a lot more confidence. Highly recommended!” Graduate

Part 1: What Adaptions Does It Require? (Wed 16 Oct 15.00-17.00)

This interactive* session is composed of three parts:

1.    Raising your awareness of any unexamined assumptions you may hold for yourself and others about cultural adaptation;
2.    Examining your career beliefs in an international context;
3.    Creating an action plan to become more culturally fluent and employable globally.  Bicultural skills are about more than language.

Don't attend if you want instant answers.

Do attend if you want to start learning how to approach one of the most urgent problems of our times.  How do we work respectfully and effectively with people whose values and beliefs are different from our own?

*To give you a clearer idea of what 'interactive' means, there are lots of discussion opportunities in this session.  There is some paired and small group work.  People sharing their ideas and experiences co-creates a more rewarding experiencing.  But if you are shy or not confident speaking in larger groups, don't worry, there is no requirement to speak in front of the whole group.  Whoever wants to contribute to the whole group discussions can.  You might even surprise yourself and become one of those speakers! 

Part 2: How to Navigate a Multidimensional World (Wed 13 Nov 15.00-17.00)

You will be automatically booked onto Part 2 after you have attended Part 1.  Please note that attendance at Part 1 is required if you wish to attend the subsequent workshops.

This session* builds on Part 1.  We will explore beliefs, values, and identity more deeply.  Catherine will introduce you to some cross-cultural scales/dimensions/models that can help you manage, and even accelerate, the often uncomfortable process of learning how to live and work in another culture.

Are there valid generalisations about cultural differences that you can become informed about and use constructively?  For example, recognising where the culture of your upbringing and personal beliefs and priorities stand in relation to a foreign culture's generalised priorities (while avoiding stereotyping).  Or are misunderstandings just down to personality?  These are the types of questions it is productive to engage with whether you are already living in a country foreign to you or are considering it.  We will cover how to go about navigating these complexities more comfortably and successfully in your personal and professional life.    

*As in the first session, I will encourage you to co-create your own tailored learning experience by actively participating.  This a rare space to work in a seminar style setting to pose your own questions.

Part 3: What You Need to Learn and Do (Wed 11 Dec 15.00-17.00)

If you have attended Part 1, you will be automatically booked onto Part 3 after Part 2 runs.    

Part 3 builds on the earlier two Working in a Global World sessions.  The focus will be on practical steps: what you need to be learning and doing to find work that satisfies you.  This includes expanding your experiences and developing key 'soft' skills.  It also covers application tips.  There is plenty of time allocated for you to ask your own questions.

TERM 2 DATES

Wednesday afternoons again, dates & times TBC. 

Attendance at TERM 1, Part 1 makes you eligible for all further sessions.