Advancing in a Globalized Economy
As changes related to globalization increasingly influence more aspects of our daily lives, the decisions made as individuals must increasingly take into consideration cultures outside of our own. Additionally, technologies have created new and exciting opportunities to express ideas in unique ways. Adapting and adjusting to these changes in my personal situation has taken me far from home, and pushed me to learn new skills. I must continually reevaluate my goals related to professional development. One of my objectives in the near future is to move into an administrative position within the Chinese education system. In order the achieve this aim, I must not only deepen my understandings of the language and culture, but also advance my skills related to emerging technology, as well as expand my knowledge and experience related to group dynamics and management strategy.
Improving my spoken as well as written Chinese has been a primary goal for me since I began living in China in 2006. I have a need for this for various personal and professional reasons. I have taken Chinese classes formally for some years and have been improving my fluency while working and living in the country. However, I still feel that there is a gap between where I need to be, and my current abilities. My basic communication skills are sufficient for everyday purposes, but mastery of the language is essential to be able to be considered for administrative positions with increasing responsibility in the education system. There are several resources available to help me achieve these goals. I currently have a variety of software programs on my devices that assist me daily, and I also have the added benefit of co-workers, friends and teachers that support me as language partners, correct and motivate me.
Because I would like to possibly move away from teaching and more into administration. I intend to improve my understandings related to management skills. In my undergraduate program, I studied business administration, completing a B.B.A. with a focus in marketing. It seems that if there is anything I took away from my studies, it’s that nearly every organization can benefit from continually reassessing management strategy. My goal is to be able to blend my background in business and my experiences in the education system, to better contribute to the schools I work for. One area of management that interests me, in particular, is conflict resolution. The workplace has become increasingly diverse, and in my personal situation, I always find I am surrounded by a variety of individuals who have different viewpoints on a wide range of concerns. If I am to move into administrative positions, I foresee that in I will encounter some of the greatest challenges and rewards connected to managing groups. In the past, I have taken courses and read materials on conflict resolution, but the volume of resources available on the subject seems unlimited. Direct experience combined with improved understandings will hopefully allow me to achieve my goals and further my career.
In the past, a speech and basic PowerPoint slideshow was likely all that a speaker would need to convey his/her message on stage. Today, it seems that the art and science of the presentation have changed significantly with the availability and advancement of tools such as video and audio editing software, along with other instruments such as screen casting, teleconferencing, and a myriad of platforms. Generally speaking, I believe that my time in the educational technology program at Michigan State University has substantially improved my ability to create high quality multimedia materials. However, I realize that there is plenty of room for growth. Given that I see my myself creating a wide range of presentations and conveying ideas to various groups in the foreseeable future, I would like to make an effort to somehow leverage my existing knowledge of various types of media editing software and other tools. I believe the foundation I have along with forums, sites and other resources devoted to these topics, along with experts (via video/live), can help me to gain a better grasp on current and emerging technologies.
While, I do not expect to become an expert in the above disciplines in the near future, I plan to make steady progress towards achieving my goals. This year, I will be living in the city of Guangzhou in China, preparing to make arrangements to join the management team at Bina Bangsa Foreign Language School. The position will require me to use my language skills daily, prepare a variety of presentations, as well as develop positive relationships with staff members. I am optimistic that my learning goals will compliment my career plans.
Improving my spoken as well as written Chinese has been a primary goal for me since I began living in China in 2006. I have a need for this for various personal and professional reasons. I have taken Chinese classes formally for some years and have been improving my fluency while working and living in the country. However, I still feel that there is a gap between where I need to be, and my current abilities. My basic communication skills are sufficient for everyday purposes, but mastery of the language is essential to be able to be considered for administrative positions with increasing responsibility in the education system. There are several resources available to help me achieve these goals. I currently have a variety of software programs on my devices that assist me daily, and I also have the added benefit of co-workers, friends and teachers that support me as language partners, correct and motivate me.
Because I would like to possibly move away from teaching and more into administration. I intend to improve my understandings related to management skills. In my undergraduate program, I studied business administration, completing a B.B.A. with a focus in marketing. It seems that if there is anything I took away from my studies, it’s that nearly every organization can benefit from continually reassessing management strategy. My goal is to be able to blend my background in business and my experiences in the education system, to better contribute to the schools I work for. One area of management that interests me, in particular, is conflict resolution. The workplace has become increasingly diverse, and in my personal situation, I always find I am surrounded by a variety of individuals who have different viewpoints on a wide range of concerns. If I am to move into administrative positions, I foresee that in I will encounter some of the greatest challenges and rewards connected to managing groups. In the past, I have taken courses and read materials on conflict resolution, but the volume of resources available on the subject seems unlimited. Direct experience combined with improved understandings will hopefully allow me to achieve my goals and further my career.
In the past, a speech and basic PowerPoint slideshow was likely all that a speaker would need to convey his/her message on stage. Today, it seems that the art and science of the presentation have changed significantly with the availability and advancement of tools such as video and audio editing software, along with other instruments such as screen casting, teleconferencing, and a myriad of platforms. Generally speaking, I believe that my time in the educational technology program at Michigan State University has substantially improved my ability to create high quality multimedia materials. However, I realize that there is plenty of room for growth. Given that I see my myself creating a wide range of presentations and conveying ideas to various groups in the foreseeable future, I would like to make an effort to somehow leverage my existing knowledge of various types of media editing software and other tools. I believe the foundation I have along with forums, sites and other resources devoted to these topics, along with experts (via video/live), can help me to gain a better grasp on current and emerging technologies.
While, I do not expect to become an expert in the above disciplines in the near future, I plan to make steady progress towards achieving my goals. This year, I will be living in the city of Guangzhou in China, preparing to make arrangements to join the management team at Bina Bangsa Foreign Language School. The position will require me to use my language skills daily, prepare a variety of presentations, as well as develop positive relationships with staff members. I am optimistic that my learning goals will compliment my career plans.