"My job is very relationship based. The ability to communicate with people of vastly different backgrounds from my own allows me to create connections and establish mutual understanding with customers in ways I would not be able without my experience from my [language] studies."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): International Business, Marketing, Chinese; Certificate in East Asian Studies
Language(s): Chinese
Graduation Year: 2022
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I studied Chinese and Spanish in high school and knew I love learning new languages and cultures. I continued studying Chinese because the level three course I took first semester was the best course of my load. I loved the Chinese program instantly. I didn’t understand anything in my first lecture, but the instructors were empathetic and encouraging. I knew that getting a Chinese major would be a challenge for me, and I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. The program at UW-Madison made it easier every step of the way.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
The instructors and method of instruction was incredible. My first few semesters the courses were 6 credits each and it was the most work I had ever done for any class. I hated it and loved it. My Mandarin improved more in one semester at UW Madison than in 4 years in high school. You could be called on at any moment, so you always had to be ready. The instructors were kind and helpful though, so you never felt embarrassed if you got an answer wrong or misspoke. The Chinese program was small too. Each semester you continued courses with the same students – it was a community of students passionate about a program and willing to go the extra mile to learn a language. I remember taking a Chinese film course that was 5 hours on Thursday night. We had discussion for 2 and a half hours, an hour break, and then we watched film for about 2 hours. It ended at 9pm on a Thursday and I knew everyone in that course was there because they loved it. My Chinese courses were my favorite courses every semester. They demanded the most of me, but I looked forward to those one or two courses every semester.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
I had an internship at Literacy Network during my time as a UW student.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
After graduation I started working at Salesforce in Customer Success. I work with State and Local agencies to accelerate their adoption of Salesforce technology and ensure they realize the value of our platform.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
My job is very relationship based. The ability to communicate with people of vastly different backgrounds from my own allows me to create connections and establish mutual understanding with customers in ways I would not be able without my experience from my studies. I also did not study technology in school. Being able to comprehend new concepts quickly and be comfortable in unfamiliar circumstances has allowed me to integrate into the tech world and accept moments where I feel uncomfortable.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
I have found friends in Chicago who natively speak Chinese.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Even if language is not going to be your career, don’t give up on it. It’s okay to study something simply because it is interesting to you. I do not use Chinese in my career, but in every interview I’ve ever had my language experience peaked the interest of my interviewer and I truly believe it differentiated me from other candidates.