How Identity Has Influenced a Student Study Abroad Councellor's Career at Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business
As an Asian woman raised in India, Muskaan's career in the US, particularly the State Farm internship, presented a "huge cultural shock" and initial hesitation due to being the only Asian person in the workplace, but the experience ultimately taught them the importance of overcoming cultural barriers by embracing interaction with diverse individuals and expressing themselves authentically, even amidst perceived language imperfections because "it's okay if you are from a different country". Muskaan's experience has encouraged them to create welcoming spaces for students from diverse backgrounds, allowing for people to become more comfortable in new cultural landscapes.
Cultural Differences, Internship Experience, Communication Skills, Self-Expression, Overcoming Hesitation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Muskaan Gupta
Student Study Abroad Councellor
Arizona State University- W.P Carey School of Business
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Masters in Management- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Business Management & Admin, International Relations & Affairs
Coaching, Speaking & Writing, Insurance
Consulting
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Cultural differences can be a significant factor when navigating a career in the US, especially for those from different cultural backgrounds.
2. Initial hesitation in the workplace is normal when interacting with people from different cultures, but confidence grows with increased interaction.
3. It's important to be yourself and not hesitate to express yourself, even if your grammar isn't perfect or you feel you're not being fluent.
Transcript
As someone who is Asian, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
This has navigated my career in several different ways. Being a brown person in the US, especially during my internship at State Farm, was a significant experience. I was the only Asian person there, and everyone else was white.
This presented a huge cultural difference for me. Having been raised in India, I had barely interacted with any Americans. Coming to college in the US was a huge cultural shock, especially interacting with Americans.
Initially, I faced a lot of hesitation at work, particularly in working departments. My internship at State Farm was difficult for me to open up to others.
However, I feel the more you interact with people from different cultures, the more confident you will feel. It's okay if you are not of the same color; it's okay if you are from a different country.
Don't hesitate to talk. Don't hesitate to be yourself. It's okay if your grammar isn't perfect. It's okay if you don't think you're fluent or accurate. Just don't hesitate to express yourself and be true to yourself.