I was privileged to attend Ming Chuan University from 2007 through 2011. I studied in the International Business and Management Department of the International College with approximately forty-five classmates, some of the finest people I will ever know.
Since graduating I have worked as an English teacher in Taiwan, an Account Executive for an award-winning operational technology services company and now a Sales and Client Relationship Ambassador for Maestro, a performance partner to the world’s leading brands whom we serve through beautifully designed custom software.
My experience at MCU was a full four years. Ups and downs. Frustrations and triumphs. There are no two ways about it, earning a degree is a bit of work. No doubt it was worth it. I learned so much from my professors and the subjects we studied. And I learned just as much from my classmates.
Far above the degree I earned, I value the friendships created through hours and hours on group projects, reports, research papers, and having funclubbing, going to the beach, the hot springs, the night market and just hanging out together. My classmates and professors will always have a deep and special place in my heart. I would do anything for them.
How has this helped me in my professional life? Well, for me I learned doing hard work is always better with wonderful people.
After graduating my advice is to seize an opportunity. If you get a dream job offer take it. But, if you get an okay job offer take that. Don’t hesitate to try something new. If you don’t like it, you can always leave.
But the next step after that first job is important. Use your first job to start getting to know yourself as a professional. What do you like? Is a huge paycheck worth more to you than having a social life? Is working for a company you don’t believe in something you are okay with? Do you get a lot of personal satisfaction from the work you do or is it just a way to earn money? Learn about yourself and what you want to get out of your career. Is it a specific company or industry that you really want to be a part of? Is there a particular location of the world you want to live in? It won’t happen instantly, but if you are paying attention it’s pretty easy to figure out not only if you like your job, but why you do or don’t.
Once you know those things you are in a great place to move forward. Take that list you’ve created and look for a job, a company, a salary range, an industry, a location or whatever it is you have prioritized on your list and pursue it. The important thing is don’t feel stuck. A first job is a stepping stone. Honestly, each job seems to be a stepping stone.
Only take the path of least resistance if that is what you really want. Much love and respect to all you MCU classmates out there!
