Priscilla Diani Kumaradewi, an Indonesian graduate from NSYSU's Global Human Resource Management (GHRM MBA) program, enrolled in September 2022, shares her professional journey and valuable experiences. Her story is an inspiration to other international students who are pursuing their own career paths in Taiwan.

Priscilla is currently working in the Recruitment and Talent Acquisition department in the company she is working for, where she is responsible for hiring and training new employees. Her responsibilities include administrative tasks such as drafting job requirements and working with her boss on recruitment strategies. The diverse work environment, which includes Indonesian, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Filipino employees, demonstrates her ability to thrive in a multicultural environment. Interestingly, Priscilla's job came through a personal referral from a friend, a reminder of the importance of networking and connections in securing employment opportunities. When it comes to job interviews, Priscilla stresses the importance of knowing what you want and being passionate about your field, adding that passion and expertise helped her stand out from other candidates.

Reflecting on her time at NSYSU, Priscilla is particularly grateful for the practical skills she gained from the Human Resource Competency Development course led by Professor Professor Shyh-Jer Chen and Professor Heidi Chang. The course's emphasis on real-world applications, such as guest lectures from alumni, gave her the tools she needed to succeed in the professional world. "In the working world, practical skills are more useful than just theory," Priscilla notes, underlining how her education at NSYSU provided a solid foundation for her current role.

Prior to enrolling at NSYSU, Priscilla studied International Affairs, which gave her strong communication and collaboration skills. Her previous work experience at the Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center in Kaohsiung, where she worked with international NGOs, further developed her ability to work across cultures. This experience, together with her studies at GHRMMBA, provided a strong foundation for her current career in recruitment and talent acquisition, allowing her to excel in a diverse and dynamic work environment.

After graduation, Priscilla was driven by her desire to stay in Taiwan, which led to a focused job search that lasted about two months. She was fortunate to find a position with a company run by Indonesians, which recruits graduates from Taiwanese universities, particularly those from Southeast Asia. This cultural fit made her transition smoother and highlighted the importance of targeting companies that match your background and expertise. Her story is a testament to the value of persistence and strategic job hunting in a foreign country.

Priscilla believes that Taiwan's growing Southeast Asian worker market offers many opportunities, especially for international students. Her company caters specifically to this demographic, and as the number of Southeast Asian workers in Taiwan continues to grow, so do the prospects for job seekers from the region. However, she also acknowledges that international students can face challenges, such as adapting to the local work culture and overcoming language barriers.

Priscilla also highlights the reasons for studying a Master's degree in Taiwan, pointing to the abundance of scholarships and the international reputation of Taiwan's universities. She mentions that NSYSU's College of Management, which holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, is highly regarded and offers a world-class education. For international students, Taiwan offers both academic excellence and financial support, making it an attractive destination for higher education.

In sharing her story, Priscilla offers a roadmap for international students seeking to build successful careers in Taiwan. Her journey from studying at NSYSU to working in recruitment and talent acquisition demonstrates the importance of practical skills, strategic job searching, and cultural adaptability. Her experience serves as an inspiring example of how international students can navigate the complexities of the Taiwanese job market while staying true to their professional passions.

Written by Yen. International MBA Programs Student Association President.