At the end of 2021, NTU OIA launched the first-ever mentorship program tailor-made for international degree students at NTU, sending 58 students from 22 countries to 40 different organizations to do the summer internship. During the matchmaking, we found that many students faced some challenges and questions that many young adults may face at such a pivotal point in their life, relating to their respective career goals and self-discovery process.
At the end of 2021, NTU OIA launched the first-ever mentorship program tailor-made for international degree students at NTU, sending 58 students from 22 countries to 40 different organizations to do the summer internship. During the matchmaking, we found that many students faced some challenges and questions that many young adults may face at such a pivotal point in their life, relating to their respective career goals and self-discovery process.
For example, NTU OIA received questions from students about if they can change their industry from education to other industries. Some of these questions included:
After receiving these wide-ranging questions, we realized these questions would best be answered by professionals with a wealth of life and leadership experience (hereby called “masters”). Thus, we launched this whole-new Master Talk, whereby we invite masters to engage with students in 1-on-1 consultations to answer students' deepest and most complicated questions. We believe Master Talk will be the beacon for students who are seeking guidance and advice regarding their future career and life goals.
I found the consultation very interesting. It was nice to engage with somone who knew so much about British politics and higher education and to it helped me order my thoughts about what I want to do in the future.
The consultation proved invaluable as it enlightened me on the significance of maintaining a positive and composed mindset to reach my objectives. I particularly valued the holistic approach taken, where alongside professional guidance, personal insights on nurturing resilience and emotional well-being were provided. This comprehensive approach truly enriched the consultation experience.
I appreciate Jessie’s guidance on what to expect and how to align my expectations before entering the industry. In addition, she also provided me with insights and advice on my future planning. I have learned a lot from her, especially the ten-year projection, and I look forward to applying her suggestions.
I appreciate Anne's guidance in updating the CV to matches with the potential employers, how to tell story, and do pitching, as well as opinion on culture differences and defining the career path going forward based on what I have as background. It helps seeing things from different perspective. I look forward to applying her suggestions.
The consultation was beneficial and inspiring. Jessie discussed my career goals with me including setting up the timelines for my goals and I feel confident about my plans. Jessie effectively helped me with my career goals, I'll be working on the suggestion and advice from her.
The consultation was beneficial for me. Jessie made me realise the things I am lacking and where I should improve. I was lost and what I need is direction. After setting direction, we then can start with action. Now I know that I need to keep looking for that direction.
Jessie gave me several ways to know myself better, to know what you want and achieve in life, and encourage me not to feel pressured because of my foreigner status, but instead I should embrace it and think it as an advantages. The consultation was beneficial for me. Because it changes my mindset and teach me how should I pursue my future career.
The consultation is beneficial for me as a student, a daily person, and a future self. I have learned more about the ways Michelle does to manage her jobs, daily tasks, and also I got to know more about how can I improve my CVs.Moreover, I got a hang of my strengths and weakness that I need to consider when choosing my career fields later on.But on top of that, I really enjoyed myself while talking to Michelle, she really pulled the effort to make recommendationsfor my future options and also the comfortable atmosphere that made me want to share/ express my feelings.
I asked for suggestions about the fashion industry, and she clearly told me all of the things that are interesting and Lynn gave me her book, which is sooo valuable! It opened up my dream again and I want to start focusing on it from now on.
I was interested in understanding the process of establishing a brand without directly affiliating myself with it. Secondly, I am contemplating whether it is more advantageous to be a jack of all trades or to specialize and master a particular skill. Lastly, I am seeking guidance on enhancing my leadership skills and becoming a more effective leader.
I think I learned a lot from Lynn while simultaneously receiving indirect answers from my question. Lynn was incredibly articulate with her thoughts, shared a lot of her insight and experiences from her side of the industry which sets for an interesting perspective.
I asked various questions such as important skills to have, how to build my CV, the work environment in Taiwan, how to conduct myself for interviews and the mentor, Anne, really helped me a lot and kindly gave me many advice. She also shared her experience working in a big company and dealing with clients which I find very interesting! The consultation certainly helped me a lot! I really enjoyed my conversation with Anne and got to learn a lot of valuable advice.
Please fill out the consultation application, indicating questions you would like to discuss and the Masters you would like to consult with. You will also have to provide your resumé for reference.
Eligibility: Overseas students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctor’s degree at NTU are welcome to join Master Talk.
The Office of International Affairs will review the student’s application. If there is sufficient reason for the consultation, OIA will help schedule the talk between you and the Master.
Time: Each consultation will be 1-1.5 hours
Place: NTU OIA can provide the space for the consultation, or the Master can decide where is best to meet.
Consultation Content: Discuss the basic skills and career paths for different fields and industries, provide you with advice about courses, extracurriculars, resume writing, interviewing and/or internships, etc. based on your personal experience, and also share their personal learning and career journeys.
You may have one-on-one or one-on-many consultation which depends on whether your questions are similar to the other applicants' or not.
In order to keep track of the Master Talk process and effectiveness, you and the Master will be asked to complete a simple evaluation form after each consultation. Following the consultation, OIA will either arrange a follow-up meeting or close the case depending on the situation.
If you have further concerns or more topics you would like to discuss, OIA can arrange another consultation session with the consent of the Master. You and the Master can also stay in touch via email or other forms of communication agreed upon by the Master.