The soft skill that I am developing the most throughout this program is patience.
Despite living here for 2 months and feeling well adjusted, I still find that simple, daily tasks take me much longer to complete here logistically than back home. For example, something as simple as grocery shopping, getting medicine, ordering food or picking up an amazon order seems to take double the time that I would expect. I always seem to be running into small complications that make a simple task much more difficult to complete. Whether it be a language barrier, a cultural difference in business operating hours, or living in a large apartment building where packages cannot be delivered, it is rare that I can complete a task in the same straightforward way that I would back home.
Through the difficulties, I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and the different systems here. I’ve realized the value of taking the time to research exactly where to go and what documentation/form of payment is required before leaving home. This will save significant time and confusion in the long run- especially when a task is pressing and needs to be completed by a certain deadline.
By working in a remote role, having a long commute to campus, and navigating relationships with a significant time difference, my time management skills have improved significantly this semester. Scheduling meetings has been incredibly difficult with my constantly changing class schedule and daylight savings. But I’ve learned how to avoid these conflicts, and if unavoidable, recover from miscommunications in a productive and professional way.
The everyday interaction with locals and other international students is drastically shaping my own sense of identity. My ability to make friends from other cultures and work with local and international students on projects has significantly increased my competency in cross-cultural communication. By listening to others, clearly defining deliverables and group expectations, I’ve learned that anyone can work together. Considering language barriers and different expectations for project work around the world, defining what is required and the specific contribution of each group member is essential to success.
My program certainly aligns with the “Digital Transformation of Business” path to distinction. The simple fact that I am able to work a remote role while studying in another country supports the increasing transformation of Business into digital roles.
While abroad, I’ve improved upon the technical skills of computer networks through a rigorous course I’m taking this semester. Despite being a Business Analytics major, I have never taken a class on the physical systems/logic behind how the internet operates. The class is incredibly interesting and very technical.