Throughout my time in Florence, I have developed both transferable (soft) skills and technical (hard) skills that will stay with me long after this program ends. Some major soft skills that I have been applying to my Human Resources major. Flexibility has been the greatest soft skill that I have acquired. Living in a foreign nation subjects me to a daily challenge, ranging from language struggles to culture. Whether it is reduced to acquiring how to navigate public transport, ordering pasta in Italian, or adapting to the slow pace of Florence, I learned to welcome flexibility and patience regarding adapting to new environments. This adaptability applies to business analytics and human resources where the companies must modify their behavior towards changing trends in data, workforce expectations, and global business environments.
Secondly, cultural competence is also one of the most important characteristics I have developed. Communicating with residents and other international students has enabled me to see how the term “culture” tends to frame communication styles, decision-making, and expectations on the job. That is what human resources are all about-knowledge of cross-cultural differences regarding working with multidisciplinary teams, diversity, and effective employee relations. One should be capable of interpreting and reporting data in terms understandable by people of various backgrounds in business analytics. These interactions make one more sensitive to communication both verbally and non-verbally in working environments.
In the technical department, I have developed the skills of time management and problem-solving. Juggling between school, travel, and normal life activities in relatively new environments forces one to be more organized and proactive. Here, time management comes in handy in my studies my variety of classes. This, too, has improved my ability to solve problems since living abroad comprises many things-from learning how to talk to a local store owner without having the right words in Italian to even rearranging my plans when things do not go as expected. These critical-thinking skills will go a long way in any workplace.
It has been a learning experience interacting with locals and other program participants. Watching the Florentines has taught me how to slam on the brakes and live life in the present, whether at an afternoon coffee at a café or conversing without the American efficiency rush. It possesses a new approach towards the work-life balance, which is vastly important to human resources because welfare and productivity among the workforce are interrelated.
In the meantime, interaction with other international students around me is also broadening my perspective on other cultural perceptions. I observed how international students approach problem-solving, teamwork, and team leadership, so this would surely enhance my perspective regarding business analytics because a fusion of perspectives can create more avenues towards more creative and effective solutions.
The program, in summary, was never meant to be only an academic experience. It was an experience in self-discovery, personal growth, and cultural understanding. The exposure I have received at this program shall be useful in my future career, and I am excited about using it in a global business context.
