Janine Tewid Interview Question Sheet
-What made you decide to study in Taiwan?
The opportunity of a scholarship made me decide to pursue my undergraduate studies in Taiwan. It was an opportunity I was not expecting but decided to take and I am happy I did.
-Why did you choose to study at MCU?
I ended up going to Ming Chuan University because of the ICDF scholarship. MCU was one of the options on the list at the time and I thought it would be best to go since it had an International Business and Trade program, which was the closest field I could choose that was related to finance. It was my go-to and I got recommendations from Palauans who went to MCU too. Of course, I also did my research.
-Have you always aspired towards the business field?
Yes. I always felt like the business field was the best choice for me. It is what I enjoyed learning more about as I would love to open a business of my own some day. Originally, I wanted to pursue only Accounting and Finance. I was good in those fields and had the discipline to pursue it. It was the only thought on my mind, so coming to Taiwan I had the objective of choosing whichever program would allow me to learn as much as I can in the finance field.
-Which courses did you find most interesting? Did they somehow influence your career path?
The courses I actually found the most interesting were Environmental Dynamics, Multimedia Production (JMC class), Advertising (JMC class), Blueseed class (an extra elective course that was six weeks or less I believe). They were very memorable because it was actually outside of the standard IBT course. That is a good thing because it strengthened my own abilities within the IBT program. It added range to my current business mindset. It influenced my career path because I am currently working in a semi-government organization that strives to be plastic free and promotes Palau tourism all while supporting local Palauan people.
-What skills, which you have learned during the studies, you consider the most important?
Time management was one of the things I learned the best during my studies. I have no idea how I managed to do so much during my undergraduate years.
-What is the most memorable experience you have from the MCU?
My most memorable experience in MCU was meeting my friend group. Just meeting the people who you get and get you really changes your perspective of having to go to class each day. It makes all the memories you make together an experience in itself. It allows you to have those realizations when you suddenly grasp the idea that you are currently in Taiwan studying and meeting people from so many countries.
-What was the biggest lesson you learned during your studies?
The lesson I learned was you have to be willing to push yourself for the results you want. Having to stay up studying or miss out on a few Saturday night outs to have some self-care time. You learn a lot of discipline when you have to be independent in a new country, especially knowing that there are people back home who wish you well in your educational journey.
-Has the IBT program somehow changed your life / changed you as a person? If yes, how?
It changed me as a person. I know how to push myself mentally and physically (all the stairs you have to go up :/// ) more than I did before coming to Taiwan. I learned how to do more public speaking, which was amazing on my part having dreaded doing presentations prior. It made me more understanding of people, especially being surrounded by so many different people from various places who are also in your shoes but at the same time will never be.
-How did you get your current job?
I got my current job mid-quarantine actually (haha). When I first arrived in Palau after graduating, we were in quarantine when a Palauan, who was also a graduate from MCU, sent me a job application from her current work saying I would be a great fit and I should apply. So while in my quarantine hotel, I was already applying for this job position. Post-quarantine, I went to the job interview feeling super nervous as one usually is when applying for their first real job and got hired.
I love my job. I originally started as a Media Marketing Representative but got moved up to the next position of a Digital Marketing Representative. I get to do graphic design, which is actually my hobby. It is a field I was not expecting to submerge myself in since I was so adamant about being in the finance field. Sometimes the things you think you want actually turn out not being the best option for you.
Now, I get to promote the best of Palau at one of the best organizations in Palau and am able to travel within and outside of Palau. We get to do Palau state visits and I get to see places in Palau that I haven’t visited and that most Palauans have not had the chance to visit in their lifetimes. The organization actually does a few expositions in Taiwan, so it's always great knowing I can visit Taiwan again.
Additionally, we also support local businesses and are moving towards being a plastic free organization. What more could I personally want. You can check out our Instagram page: Visit Palau or look up the Palau Visitors Authority in google.
Let’s connect on Linkedin: Janine Tewid
-In your opinion, what are the most important skills, which you need if you want to succeed in professional life?
Be a welcoming person and have a great attitude. You are more likely to create a connection when you are a welcoming person. It will allow you to network and broaden your horizons in a professional field. Also, if you are going to do something, do it to the best of your abilities. Never make/do your work carelessly it reflects on the person who did the work.
-What’s your next goal? How are you working towards your goal?
My next goal is to get my business license. I currently have a side business in graphic design and would like to make it an officially licensed business. I plan to gain work experience here before pursuing my Masters in a year or two. I want to do my Masters in a new country, preferably New Zealand.
-What is your personal motto? Who is your idol / who have you always looked up to?
I don’t think I have a personal motto. Just be a nice person and diversify your talents. Do the most and be the most. I currently look up to this local Palauan artist. She worked in a government job then retired and became a local artisan. She does everything from painting, weaving, floral arranging and everything artsy. I admire her work and creativity. She is really living her best life. She is sought after and makes more than she did working in a government job. It just solidifies a strong belief that you can pursue what you love and have a successful career.
-What motivates you, so that you are able to achieve your goals?
I motivate myself because who else will be chasing the future you want (really). If you won’t go after your own goals someone else will. Just thinking of the type of life I want to set up for myself is enough motivation.
-What was that one thing that encouraged you to power through when things got hard?
I don’t force myself to power through and struggle throughout whatever task I am doing. It has to come at a natural course of action. Humans are not machines. When you are overwhelmed, you need to step back and take a moment for yourself. If you don’t give yourself time to collect yourself, you end up wasting more time being stressed doing stressful things thinking about how stressed you are rather than doing the job. Step back, get a snack, cry if you want to (it will make you feel better and it is a natural response to feeling bottled emotion), give yourself positive talk. Say you can do it and only you can get through it. Then get back with a better attitude.
-With the global pandemic limiting work opportunities, what advice would you give current students who are looking for an internship?
With the current global pandemic, I advise students to first figure out the type of job/internship you want, create a list, then a list of the different actions you would have to do in order to secure that opportunity. A big to-do list. Search online there are online opportunities too now more than ever created from this pandemic situation. Apply to as much as you can to better your chances too. Also, through networking you could possibly find an available opportunity for you.
