How Identity Has Influenced A Career And College Specialist's Career At Martinez Unified School District
As an immigrant and person of color, Kee's career choices have been limited by citizenship status and a career gap while raising children; however, this identity has also been a strength, allowing Kee to connect with students, advocate for those who don't feel comfortable voicing out, and provide representation, so "they can see that there is someone with the same skin color that is working at school, so they could be where they wanna be".
Immigrant Experience, Career Re-entry, Cultural Identity, Diversity and Inclusion, Student Advocacy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kee Siang Quek-Collins
Career and College Specialist
Martinez Unified School District
Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia
Master Certificate in Internet Marketing with USF and Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning with UCBerkeley
Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing
Education
Education
Video Highlights
1. Immigrant status can limit career choices due to citizenship requirements and potential employer concerns about career gaps.
2. Networking and building relationships, especially within the school environment, can open doors to opportunities.
3. Being a minority and having the ability to connect with students of similar backgrounds, including speaking their language, is a valuable asset in the school setting.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a person of color, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I am not an American citizen, and being an immigrant does limit my career choices. I have applied to numerous positions and also took a gap of more than 10 years to raise my kids.
Organizations tend to frown upon career gaps because there isn't continuity. This limits the types of careers I can pursue.
However, being at the school and knowing the people here has opened doors. As I navigate my identity as an Asian minority, I am proud to bring a different dimension.
My ability to connect with students of similar identities, or who speak the same language, like Mandarin, helps me connect with them. I came from a place of wanting to find a voice for those who are uncomfortable speaking out.
Being a visible diversity on campus allows students to see someone with the same skin color working at the school. This can inspire them to reach their own goals and eventually find their own voice when they are comfortable.