7 Looking back at your FIRST position as an international educator, what do you think was the key to securing that position (fate? preparation? networking?, etc.).
1 Being at the right place at the right time. 2 * Networking * Excellent recommendation from references * Excellent interview skills * Innovative programs created in previous jobs * Academic and professional experience 3 Demonstration of experience in higher education with an international/multi-cultural emphasis 4 I worked for the Director of the office as a student worker when at the university and I had extensive experience in volunteer community agencies and activities including budget and supervison experience 5 Networking 6 Willingness & eagerness to start at the "bottom" and work (prove) myself in the profession. First position was as an international admissions secretary, was then promoted to international admissions assistant; moved on to serve as an international admissions counselor; have since moved once again and now serve as an assistant director for international admissions. Attribute success to a lot of self-educating and help from collegues. 7 Degrees and experience in international education 8 Preparation 9 luck - being in the right place at the right time 10 Experience and education 11 experience abroad 12 Immediate need and my overseas experience. 13 Networking. 14 Preparation. I worked hard on having valuable experiences (internships, study abroad experiences, international student involvement, attendance at past NAFSA conferences) listed on my resume when I applied. 15 Fate and licensure 16 Timing, my liberal background and strong recommendations and work experience. 17 My skills matched the position. They wanted someone with residential life and programming experience, and I had both those areas in my background. I was also willing to move across the country and work for VERY LOW pay. 18 Networking 19 Willingness to take on the challenge of a suddenly vacant position; being in the right place at the right time; established, valued employee at the university 20 I was reorganized into it! 21 Knowledge in credentials and basic F-1 immigration 22 networking 23 Experience in an International Student Office. I had been a graduate assistant in an international student and study abroad office, Plus I went on a short term internship abroad, Master's degree in student affairs, a bit of fate and mostly preparation. 24 Networking 25 Passion for the field of international ed combined with networking. 26 It was teaching ESL through the Peace Corps. I volunteered. 27 Networking -- I was a student and wanted to work on campus and thought the international field would be interesteing. I knew that with my lack of experience I would have to start at the bottom and work my way up that is why I was willing to take a support/staff position. In 1989 I started as support/staff and now I hold the position of marketing director 28 Fate-- the job was a job in the admissions office and evolved into a job in which international admissions was the primary component. 29 The fact that I studied at the School for International Training (SIT) helped me tremendously in terms of connections (SIT network is very important) preparations (knowledge-base), and reputation. 30 The director liked me. 31 Extensive international experience: living, working, studying, raising a family overseas. Maturity. 32 being in the right place at the right time. having volunteered with the person in the paid position, i was a good candidate when she had a sudden change of plans. 33 extensive experience in student affairs 34 Networking 35 A combination of being at the right place at the right time, having the skills the professional staff needed, coming from a diverse background, and demonstrating I had the energy, enthusiasm, and organization needed. It also didn't hurt that I was willing to learn anything and everything it took to do the job professionally. 36 Fate 37 Luck, networking, and my experience in the arts, since I work at an arts college. 38 I was an International Student myself. My knowledge of different cultures and my internship experience in an International student advising while completing a graduate progem in Counseling and Development. 39 Fate (I was a non-traditional age student who became active at my institution. I was offered the job by the Dean of Students. I was not seeking employment! 40 Interest 41 fate - definitely fate. There were no personal computers back then in "rocks and Caves". There was a HUGE computer that ground away at data at the speed of a glacier and required data punch cards to work. I applied for the job - 25 years later I am still at the "job" although the job has drastically changed. It is now a professional position. It requires expertise in evaluating ALL credentials, US and international, it requires a huge ampunt of computer expertise in databases, as well as the usual "stuff". Supervisory skill are a MUST as the office has grown from a quorum of one to a minimum group of 9 full-timers and many temps and part-timers as the needs arise. 42 Being in the right place at the right time. 43 Right time, right place, right need. I had specific experience the university needed in regards to language training and international programming experience. 44 It was a volunteer abroad job, easy to get if I spoke English and had a bachelor degree. Nothing else was needed. 45 My experience living and teaching English abroad. 46 Preparation and networking. I have wonderful mentors in the field of international educational administration. 47 background and being the number two candidate when the number one dropped out 48 Fate or maybe luck. I volunteered at the same office for a year prior to my first position. So I could show my professional ability and seriousness about getting into the field during that time. When the position was opening up at the office, they offered me the job. I was also about getting my OPT, so the timing was perfect. 49 positioning, working on a small campus doing a variety of student affairs related work 50 fate - literally fell back into it for an educational purpose (to go back and get my Master's degree) 51 Fate 52 Little bit of being in the right place at the right time, knowing the right people. Also my interaction with the students and my exposure to international communities made a difference. 53 no one else wanted to do it 54 fate 55 Ability to connect with/relate to students 56 Networking, willingness to take on a new challenge, flexibility, level of involvement in IE beforehand 57 I volunteered to take on foreign student advising (with 20 foreign students on campus) when I became Director of Academic Advising. I had studied overseas. I had more relevant experience than a new Director of Student Activities (the previous FSA) would have. 58 Profound interest in international education and extensive travel and self education in the field 59 preparation, good mentors, flexibility, willingness to do "whatever came across the desk 60 Being at the right place, at the right time. 61 Being in the right place at the right time---my career in international education began when I was a freshman in college and looking for a campus work-study job. I stumbled across the ESL program on campus and got hired on as a part-time office assistant. By the summer after my sophomore year, I was working for the program part-time during the school year and full-time during the summers, including serving as the resident assistant for the ESL students in the dormitories. By the time I was a junior, I was directly assisting the International Student Advisor/DSO and when she retired mid-year, they offered me her position---even though I was still a student! I finished up my Bachelor's degree and when I graduated, I was offered a full-time position as the Admissions/Student Services Coordinator for the program, a position that I held for an additional 6 years before moving to my present job 5 years ago. 62 Overqualification, timing, looking for a real job and being available for this work to get experience. 63 I think that I was just at the right place at the right time.....fate and luck of the draw! 64 Networking. 65 It was an excellent match for my qualifications and background. 66 It was important to make it clear to my supervisor that I was pursuing a career in International Education and this position was my first stepping stone. 67 Right place, right time 68 In the right place at the right time (I guess that could be called fate) but in looking at current job announcements, I don't think I could be hired for my current position with the experience I had at the time. 69 I was preparing myself for this career, but actually landing my first position was total luck. Fate, if you will... 70 good luck and networking---I applied as an undergraduate to be permitted to take a graduate level course with practicum in ESL, and discovered later that the practicum was a paid job at a good university. Someone had dropped out and I got the spot. 71 fate 72 A combination of my life and work experience with the military 73 Being in the right place at the right time and possessing the desired qualifications 74 The position was below entry-level (I was basically the secretary in the International Students Office and a little on the over-qualified side): I think the main things that helped were the fact that they knew me (from working across the hall, I don't know if that counts as networking) and that I already had much more international experience than the average applicant for a job as a Secretary. Six months later that position blossomed into a full-time benefit eligible position as half Study Abroad Advisor and half program assistant for incoming International Exchange students. Perhaps fate? I'll let you guys pick the words! 75 Attending the National Conference and networking with organisation I studied abroad with 76 I was an English major with broad interests. I needed a job during grad school. I've paid my dues & after several years and positions, am a study abroad director. 77 being in the right place at the right time--I had just gotten my M.A. & was teaching part time in the foreign languages department, looking for a full-time position, when my predecessor resigned 78 a combination of good timing, networking and the fact that I had attended two of the educational programs where I ended up working 79 Honestly - that I was willing to take less money than I should have been offered. The fact that I had lived abroad helped, but I do not think it was key (to the hiring supervisor). 80 It was part coincidence, and part the cultivation of professional ties. I friend told me of a position at an organization with whom I had once had a summer job, and encouraged me to apply. I did so, and (I think) highlighted the skills I had acquired since I last knew them. 81 Networking ans having one of the best mentors in the field. 82 Fate. Fell into my lap. 83 being in the right place at the right time 84 Knowing others in the field, Enthusiasm and motivation 85 preparation [finishing undergrad school] and persistance in completing the application process. 86 experience working abroad - showing intercultural awareness 87 Being at the right place at the right time and having the courage to say yes to a very different sort of position 88 Right place, right time; qualifications built up in previous position as professor of German (2 time faculty study abroad director, advisor for all German study abroad and exchange programs at university) 89 Networking and experience in the Peace Corps. I was recommended by someone for the position, FATE 90 Networking and the appropriate training and degree 91 timing--being in the right place at the right time 92 Fate - the office needed support staff and I had the skills for the job 93 Education and past study abroad experience 94 Good organizational skills, solid background in education, good people skills 95 networking and international experience 96 I was a graduate student in a student affairs programs that guaranteed a graduate assistantship. My expereince in residence life and having studied abraod were key to my getting this particular assistantship. 97 Networking, knowing someone who knew someone who was looking for a grad assistant in their office--some fate, too, I didn't KNOW then that international education was the field I wanted to work in. It was more of an academic interest in intercultural communication and psychology then. 98 Preparation and networking 99 Proven skills and abilities. knowlede of the university system, and very good relationship with international students and the international community. 100 Already working at the college for three years in positions of increasing responsibiblity. Served as intern to the faculty study abroad adviser the year prior to applying. Study Abroad Coordinator position was being newly created in our Center for Experiential Learning. 101 I had worked overseas for many years and had several opportunities to start programs from scratch. I went to a liberal arts college that needed to start an ESL program and also needed an international office running full-time to work with international students and Americans studying abroad (before a professor would do this for course release). I also think it was personality and timing. 102 While working in the Registrar's Office, I worked closely with the Director of International Students on a project. The project was "Study Abroad Policy and Procedures." 103 Experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer; experience in academic advising; being at the right place at the right time. 104 Preparation. I believe that I got the job because of the interview. 105 Networking, and experience with immigration regulations 106 prior study abroad experience, especially having done one of the organization's own programs 107 I think the key was that I had an MA and was genuinely looking to get into the field. The interview went well, also. 108 Fate. The job was eclectic and so was my background. My personality had a lot to do with it, as well as my willingness to start at the ground level. 109 Fate. The job was eclectic and so was my background. My personality had a lot to do with it, as well as my willingness to start at the ground level. 110 I was told that it was my background in marketing and the fact that I was an alumnus of the university I was applying to work at.... 111 international study experience, previous experience working in a study abroad office as an undergraduate 112 I am in the International Education Master's Program at the university for which I am employed. 113 Unique opportunity of an unexpected vacancy for which I was well prepared. Knowledge of my institution and strong connections to faculty. I was available and ready to put my Ph.D. thesis on hold. 114 Networking 115 networking--a former faculty member recommended that I look into the new position 116 Having been employed for many years with same employer I was well known for customer service and they wanted to make office more customer friendly for faculty. 117 Combination of all of preparation (education), fate (wasn't looking), and networking (friend of the family). My experience living/working in another country and my ability to speak a second language also came into play. 118 being the right foreigner in the right place 119 In the right place at the right time. 120 After completing a MA degree in Comparative and International Education I was in the library looking at the Chronicle of Higher Education. A fellow stuednt was also there. I asked him what types of jobs he was applying for and he answerd "foreign studet advising". I was not even aware that such jobs existed. He showed me an ad for a position at a New Jersey school. We both applied and were the top two candidates. I got the job. The Director of the office had a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education and felt it was the best academic preparation for the job. He expereinced difficulty in finding his first position so was partial to hiring those with this degree. 121 Timing and enthusiasm, interest expressed in the project;international work experience 122 I was approached and offered the position. The key was that it was in an area that interested me, and I accepted it. 123 training and experience (as a community volunteer) 124 The graduate assistantship, international student counselor, which gave me 2 years work experience before entering the field. My study abroad experience helped also. 125 experience in the specific program for which I would be responsible and maintaining friendships with students and administrators in the program 126 Since it was an overseas teaching English position, I think just the interest and a decent academic background were the requirements. No solid teaching experience was required. 127 Networking was key, however, I had proved myself to the employer through my previous work experience as a student employee. 128 experience abroad in the Peace Corps in Tunisia 129 networking and preparation 130 evidence of my commitment to the area 131 Knowledge of the school (had worked there 3 years prior) plus education and international experience. 132 International experience 133 I was already on the campus as adjunct faculty 134 Need to find a job for me 135 networking, persistence 136 International experience and cultural sensitivity. 137 Experience, passion for working with Internationals, and creativity and initative. Preparing a proposal to the Intl. Office to convince them that I could be of assistance to them. 138 Fate. It an added responsibility to a job that I applied for. 139 having had an intercultural experience and being very excited about sharing it with others. 140 previous study abroad, experience working in academia (I had spent 8 months temping at a university and knew so much about how universities work, who to talk with about what issues, etc.), and good communication skills! 141 My longevity with Domestic admission 142 commitment and contacts 143 relative experience 144 The Academic Dean at the college where I was an adjunct instructor really wanted me to have a full time position. 145 Interest in cultural differences 146 networking and working in the intenrational office as a studnet worker, intern with different international affairs related offices. 147 Fate. It was a brand new position at the university. (in 1979). There were 50 applicants for it but my profile was the best fit. 148 Right place at the right time/networking. 149 Broad-based knowledge of international education issues. 150 Had other skills such as conflict management. Extensive experience abroad. Networking at the university. 151 Fate combined with preparation. I knew I wanted to work in the field and prepared for that. When the right position opened up, I was ready for it. 152 study abroad experience; fate; pleasant personalilty. (It was a support staff position and I didn't yet know how to type! This was before the days of PCs.) [NB, I was promoted to a professional position 1.5 years later.] 153 My enthusiasim for things all things international and for study abroad. 154 Preparation and personal contacts. 155 Knowledge of INS regulations. 156 Fate absolutely. I applied for an Associate Manager position and part of that was to advise Int'l students. 157 Networking 158 Confidence, a spirit of adventure and high tolerance for ambiguity. 159 My overseas experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer for 4 years as an educator. 160 My knowledge of the US educational system and communication skills. 161 networking, experience 162 fate. it was advertised in a newspaper, & it seemed to fit me to a tee. Interestingly, about a year and a half before that, someone had mentioned that she thought I would be perfect for the job (or, the job for me) but I didn't have much interest at the time. 163 background & networking 164 I had taught for ten years and had worked with high school international and study abroad students during that time. I also had the master's degrees in counseling and college student pewrsonnel. 165 completing an internship in the department as a requirement of my Master's program 166 preparation 167 Internships at US Embassy in Peru 168 Having an interest in the field; being willing to search extensively for available opportunities in the field 169 International Stduent Advising was linked to the school's Student Activities position. I had programming experience as well as an interest in international affairs. I did not have expericnce with immirgation issues, but training was expected. So, my interests in international affairs and established record in activites made me a good candidate for the position. 170 networking, transferable skills, fit with institution 171 educational background, networking and fate. 172 Master's degree from reputable British university coupled with work experience in British university administration (study abroad and work experience as a student also helped) 173 A little luck in that my first position was with a small school and the applicant pool was quite small. I brought years of internship and volunteer experience to the position. 174 Working as a Student Assistant while obtaining my BA - so networking. 175 Willingness to live overseas and an ability to work well with other teachers and with our group of students 176 Preparation, good references, good interview 177 bad fate 178 My experience working at the U.S. Consulate overseas. 179 My first position was a year internship. I am currently looking for a job in the field. 180 Experience 181 Established intercultural sensitivity and awareness 182 Having participated on two study abroad programs.