Charlotte Conerly, Class of 2013
Learning Abroad Program: Intensive Chinese Language in Tianjin, China
U Background: BA, Chinese Language & Literature, Minor in Business Administration, 2013
Graduate School: Tsinghua University LL.M. in Chinese Politics & Foreign Policy, 2017
Current Position: Director of Business Development for the House of Roosevelt
How Learning Abroad has helped you find employment?
I hate to be cliché, but learning abroad has completely transformed my life. Until I was 21, I had never stepped foot out of the United States. But it was thanks to the advisors at the Centre for Learning Abroad that helped influence my decision to take the leap. I thought at 21 I had a strong head on my shoulders, was quite liberally-minded and more of a globally informed citizen compared to my peers. I was sorely mistaken! Living and studying abroad, engaging with local and international peoples on a daily basis opened my eyes and threw me into this first-hand experience and what is really going on in the world.
Living abroad has also shaped me to become a more responsible and disciplined individual. Simple tasks such as learning words in Chinese like “detergent” and “bleach” will make you very mindful next time you wash your clothes. Having to go to the hospital, rent an apartment, or even exchanging pleasantries with China’s former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Fu Ying forces you to “grow up.” But what is so gratifying after going through these experiences is getting to help those who lack those language abilities/experiences and I can return the favor when others helped me my first days abroad. After going through these experiences, I truly feel nothing can hinder my ability to accomplish anything.
What skills you developed while abroad?
Learning a foreign language, formal and informal writing, public speaking, networking, international communication, being on television, interviews, performing in front of large crowds have been challenges I’ve overcome and then turned into an important skillset. When you struggle in a foreign language, you have to wrack your brain in every possible way to figure out how to convey your message for the other party to understand. This transcends from the classroom to the office, and I believe critical in whether you want to ‘make it or break it’ at work. This especially goes for working in multinational corporations and simply working with people. Being aware of cultural differences and not passing judgment of another person, but rather learning how to interact and collaborate with that person is necessary for succeeding in business. Adaptability, independence, problem-solving and critical thinking also have come come from my day-to-day tasks, the classroom, my old internship and on the job. Living abroad has transformed me completely and I feel much more competitive compared to my colleagues back in the States.
How it has affected your career choices and progression?
Prior to studying at the U and studying abroad, I had an interest in learning Chinese, but didn’t know how I could define my future career other than the traditionally thought of pathways – educator or translator. Job searching “Chinese”, I received results to work as dishwasher at China Panda. To say the least it felt dismal, but this was before my time outside of the States. As an undergraduate, I used to worry about not coming from an Ivy League school or majoring in a STEM field, and that my choices in life would be limited. I didn’t realize that my opportunities were boundless until I finally stepped foot abroad. In actuality, majoring in a foreign language and living abroad has proven to be the strongest points on my resume and contributions to my early success. Studying at the U helped prepare me for this journey. Studying abroad at the prestigious Tsinghua University has made me somewhat of a mini celebrity; although I hardly claim my academic abilities are comparable to the many brilliant minds whom graced our school gates. Since my first time abroad, my whole life has shifted toward an international focus. I now strive to be a catalyst in our global community and provide good to society as a whole. I don’t think I could ever accept a settled lifestyle, or a job akin to that of a cog amongst functioning cogs. (But not to say there’s anything wrong with that! I’m quite blessed to even have a job given the tumults in our world today). I currently contribute in small ways to our world by volunteering, joining international societies, lectures and acting as an ambassador for my country. But I have also been exposed to so many interesting career and volunteer opportunities that now it’s only a matter of time until I hope one day to be a real mover and shaker in the world.