Preparing for Today's International Job Market: How to Better Navigate a Complex World

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Are there valid generalisations about cultural differences that you can become informed about and use constructively?  For example, recognising where the culture of your upbringing and personal beliefs and priorities stand in relation to a foreign culture's generalised priorities (while avoiding stereotyping).  Or are misunderstandings just down to personality?  These are the types of questions it is productive to engage with whether you are already living in a country foreign to you or are considering it.  We will cover how to go about navigating these complexities more comfortably and successfully in your personal and professional life.

In this session* we will explore beliefs, values, and identity more deeply.  We will touch on some cross-cultural scales/dimensions/models that can help you manage, and even accelerate, the often uncomfortable process of learning how to live and work in another culture.

*As in all sessions, I will encourage you to co-create your learning experience by actively participating.  This a rare space to work in a seminar style setting to pose your own questions.

REMAINING TERM 2 SESSION

Communicate to Collaborate: Enhancing Teamwork Across Cultures (Wed 5 Mar 16.00-18.00)

Communication includes 
•    Influencing 
•    Persuading 
•    Negotiating 
•    and even Conflict Management, 
every day, whether you are part of a formal ‘team’ or not.  

Conflict can be draining, time consuming, and unproductive.  The more differences between parties, the more likely that communication will break down and conflicts emerge.  Prepare for it by anticipating it and learning and using tangible skills. There is also such a thing as constructive conflict.  Want to upskill in this area and enhance your communication skills repertoire?

TERM 3 DATES & SESSIONS

1. Wed 21 May 15.00-17.00

2. Wed 28 May 15.00-17.00

3. Wed 4 June 15.00-17.00

4. Wed 11 June 15.00-17.00

WORKING IN A GLOBAL WORLD SERIES: PREPARING FOR TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JOB MARKET

This is a four-part series designed to help you make the most of your time at UCL to become cross culturally competent (which will also make you more effective and valuable in the workplace).

Whether you are working in the country of your upbringing, or elsewhere in the world, we operate in a global marketplace. Even if you are living and working in your own country, many of your colleagues may hail from other cultures or be based on another continent. How does this mash of cultures, languages, and time zones affect your work performance?  How does it affect your life?

Don't attend if you want instant answers.

Do attend if you want to start learning how to approach one of the most urgent problems of our times.  How do we work respectfully and effectively with people whose values and beliefs are different from our own?

ALL TERM 2 SESSION DATES

• Communicate to Collaborate: Enhancing Teamwork Across Cultures (Wed 15 Jan 16.00-18.00)
• What Adaptations Does It Require? (Wed 22 January 16.00-18.00)  
• What You Need to Learn and Do: How to Make Your Own Luck (Wed 12 Feb 16.00-18.00)
• How to Better Navigate a Complex World (Wed 26 Feb 16.00-18.00)
• Communicate to Collaborate: Enhancing Teamwork Across Cultures (Wed 5 Mar 16.00-18.00)

HEAR WHAT PAST ATTENDEES HAVE SAID

•    "It was interesting to learn about how the social norms in different parts of the world affect interactions during work. Also, it was comforting to learn that I don't have to have my exact career path figured out yet.” UG, BSc
•    "Engaging and helpful. I have been feeling lost and confused when it comes to pursuing a career, and I feel like this has put me back on track.” UG, BSc
•    "I found it wonderfully insightful and it was a great opportunity to think about all the different places and cultures we all stem from.”  UG, BSc

•    "Listening to Catherine's insights in front of the class, I couldn't help but think how beneficial it would have been to attend such events at the start of my journey at UCL." PGT, MA
•    "As an international student, I had a great time yesterday. The experience I gained was invaluable and helped me better understand the employment market in the UK and globally." PGT, MSc
•    "I found yesterday's session both engaging and inspiring. The activity on acculturation and assimilation was particularly thought-provoking,"  PGT, MA
•    "Intercultural competence is really important in my view in such a diverse university environment as UCL." PGT, MSc

•    "It was the most interesting and practical course on work that I have ever attended. As an international student, I often feel out of place, but really want to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to work in the UK. This seminar gave me a lot more confidence. Highly recommended!” Graduate