Universities Blog

How I Prepare and Engage in Networking – A Perspective

International Students, Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to support many professionals and students as they embark and improve on their professional networking. It’s the one thing we know we “should” do but it’s one of the most challenging things to actually do. Trust me. I know. I still have to work at it. I still have to “psych” myself to engage in it. On a few occasions, I’ve skipped the “networking” part of a conference, because I just wasn’t up to being “on” that day. So, I am a practitioner, still practicing.

Asian-American Professionals Are Under-Rewarded Given Their Potential

Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

Asian professionals are perceived by employers to be highly productive because of their strong intellectual capital, strong work ethic and reliability. But they are usually not on the “top of the list” for management position considerations due to a belief that Asian professionals lack leadership skills. But these “leadership skills” are not inborn traits, they are culturally-based behaviors and they are learnable. Employers have the opportunity to improve the ROA of these highly productive professionals.

A Trip to Beijing Elucidates Why Asian Students Lack of "Voice" in Classroom and Job Search

International Students, Judy's Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

As I’ve been touring the historical sites of Beijing (the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven) and driving through the streets of today’s Beijing, I have seen first hand how our cultural history affects how we think, feel and act today. My work allows me the privilege to help international students acculturate to the US culture as well as assist Asian-Americans in developing visibility in their professions. I’ve always known that culture deeply influences how we are. But this trip has viscerally underscored how pivotal culture is. Culture is like the air we breathe. It’s in our cells. It occupies us.

Why MLK's "I Have a Dream" Rings True for Each of Us…Today

Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

In my work in leadership development and cross-cultural communications, I see everyday, the greater opportunity for a “we” approach. The solution is simple. Doing it, however, is the challenge for each of us. So what is this solution? The solution is found in the words of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech:…

Rescuing A Heroine's Voice Haunted by Tradition

International Students, Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

…I don’t think heroines choose to be one, they become one. For my Chinese mother, her heroism grew from her wanting to count as someone, in part because it’s who she is, in part because she’s come from a line of strong women who were so constrained by the limits set by their culture…

"God Bless You"

International Students, Judy's Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

Recently I came across a situation that “woke” me up from my cultural assumptions as an American. I was purchasing an item at a convenience store where the person behind the counter was of South Asian descent. It was just the two of us, a slow pace in the store. As I was putting my change away, he sneezed. Without pause, I said “God bless you”. And without pause, he continued attending to his business…

Reaffirming Self in the Company of Friends

International Students, Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

There’s something magical about sharing the contours of our deepest thoughts, hopes and fears with lifelong friends; friends whom you trust, with whom you share similar core values.

What is American Small Talk?

International Students, Judy's Blog, Professionals & Executives Blog, Universities Blog / By dreambridge

Perhaps one of the most confounding aspects of American culture for international students and professionals is our habit of “small talk”. Well, American small talk is not about the conversation’s content. Small talk is a way for us to feel comfortable with others when we first meet, to address the awkwardness of silence in the initial meeting.