The Secret is Out Part 7: What Employers Look for – Global/Intercultural Fluency

 

This is part of a series of blogs: #7 of 8! If you missed the first ones, you can read them here.

Onto the next secret of what employers are looking: Global/Intercultural Fluency. According to NACE, it is how you “value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions.” In other words, it is being open, sensitive and inclusive with other people and understand individuals’ differences. Luckily you are in New York – one of the most diverse places in the world! So chances area you are already strong in this area.

I see it every day at the Manhattan campus. Just the other day I had a student who was getting food for her Association of Latin American Students club event. I asked who was invited and she mentioned everyone! Students do not have to have a Latin American heritage to be a member and in fact, her Chinese friend who is trying to learn Spanish, is one of the most active members this semester!

I loved hearing this story because we are all here together for the same goal. We share and learn from each other and that’s what makes College – and life! – so interesting.

Try to come up with examples of how you have learned about other cultures or people. How have those experiences impacted you? Have you taken a class? Have you joined a club? Who are your friends? I know you are all so strong in this competency but have 1-2 examples ready for your interview.

Stay tuned for my next blog, What Employers Look for (secret 8 of 8)

Sources: http://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/

By Mariana Ayerbe
Mariana Ayerbe Deputy Director, Career Education