Pursuing Professional Success: Joyce Alves Rodrigues Schultz Achieving Career Milestones Abroad
In today's interconnected world, building a personal brand that showcases adaptability, a global mindset, and the ability to navigate diverse environments can set one apart in job applications and interviews. This is according to a seasoned professional who has successfully navigated the challenges of building a career in a new cultural environment.
One of the key elements in the speaker's journey was understanding local job markets and industry standards before arriving in a new country. This includes researching CV formatting, cover letters, and industry expectations, as well as immersing oneself in the language and culture. The speaker emphasised the importance of learning a new language with consistency and a genuine desire to adapt to a new culture, as demonstrated by their experience in Germany.
Networking and surrounding oneself with people who believe in them played a significant role in the speaker's career progression. They encourage connecting with immigrant communities on social media for up-to-date, real-world information about the local job market. Leveraging one's unique background, such as being multilingual and having cross-cultural experience, can be a powerful asset in the job market.
The speaker also experienced imposter syndrome and self-doubt after numerous job rejections, but learned to turn those feelings into motivation. They encourage focusing on one's strengths and trusting in one's ability to adapt. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who support them and focusing on adapting to the new culture.
Understanding professional norms, etiquette, and communication styles in different cultures is important for working effectively with people from those cultures. The speaker recommends reading the book "The Culture Map" for insightful comparisons of work and communication styles across various cultures. Many countries offer services like career counseling, job placement assistance, and language training for newcomers.
In Germany, it's common to include academic or professional titles and a professional photo in a CV, and a personalised cover letter is highly recommended. Speaking the local language and understanding the local culture can make life easier and help one feel more at home. The speaker lived in Australia before moving to Germany in 2009 and recommends diving into an integration program or an intensive language course upon arrival. Connecting with locals, such as through tandem language exchanges or volunteering, can help in learning the language and building confidence.
Not knowing the local language does not equate to being less capable, as the speaker's fluency in another language is a valuable competitive advantage. Building consistency and maintaining the right mindset were crucial in building the speaker's career in Germany. The speaker also encourages seeking support, whether through university counseling services or local organizations, to help adjust to the new environment. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, can boost confidence in a new environment.
By following these strategies, you can effectively adapt to a new cultural environment, build confidence, and leverage your unique background to succeed personally and professionally.
- Developing a personal brand that showcases adaptability, global mindset, and navigational skills is crucial in diverse business environments.
- Adequate research on CV formatting, cover letters, and industry expectations, along with cultural immersion, can be instrumental when transitioning into a new environment in the fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden industry.
- Successful networking and maintaining relationships with those who believe in one's abilities can facilitate career development and progression in the education-and-self-development sector.
- Traveling to new places and living in different cultures enables personal growth, fostering an appreciation for diverse lifestyles and perspectives.
- Learning a new language and understanding professional norms and communication styles can help in forging strong relationships within the food-and-drink or relationships sectors.
