Global Voices: The International Student Podcast - Ep. 2

Summary

In this episode of 'Global Voices' at Walsh College, international students Shah Ro from Pakistan and Ashwini from India share their experiences in the Masters of Data Analytics program. They discuss their diverse backgrounds, career trajectories, and the importance of continuous learning and soft skills like critical thinking and goal setting. The conversation highlights the value of adapting to new cultures, the significance of language skills, and the college's supportive environment in fostering professional growth.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Shah Ro and Ashwini are international students at Walsh College, pursuing advanced degrees, with Shah in a Masters of Data Analytics and Ashwini also in a similar program.
• 📚 Both students have diverse educational backgrounds, with Shah having a Masters of Science in Finance and Ashwini having studied in Canada and worked in various roles before coming to the U.S.
• 💼 Ashwini's career trajectory began with an internship at a manufacturing company in India, Astroica Limited, and progressed to roles in international business and analytics at TEGX Canada.
• 🔍 The importance of soft skills in complementing technical skills is highlighted, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving job market.
• 🌟 Continuous learning is a key theme, with both students emphasizing the importance of being open to new experiences and learning from mistakes.
• 🤝 The value of soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork is underscored through the students' experiences in courses like Design Thinking at Walsh College.
• 💡 The students discuss the challenges of navigating cultural differences and the importance of trust in the process, goal setting, and not being overwhelmed by the need to strategize immediately.
• 🌐 Ashwini shares the 'Rule of 500' as advice for gaining exposure and experience, suggesting that networking with a large number of people can lead to opportunities.
• 🗣️ Language is highlighted as a crucial tool for understanding and emotional intelligence, with the students discussing their experiences with language learning and its professional benefits.
• 🛠️ The students' experiences in their academic and professional settings have shaped their analytical and critical thinking skills, which are applicable in their day-to-day lives and work.
• 🌟 The transcript showcases the journey of international students, their hustle, and the opportunities provided by Walsh College, emphasizing the college's supportive role in their academic and professional growth.

Q & A

What is the educational background of Shah Ro, and what is he currently studying at Walsh College?

Shah Ro is from Pakistan and is currently enrolled in a Master's of Data Analytics degree at Walsh College. He has previously completed a Master of Science in Finance at the same institution.

What is Ashwini's background, and what is her experience with living and studying in different countries?

Ashwini is from Mumbai, India. She has lived and pursued her bachelor's degree in Canada and has experience living in the US while studying at Walsh College for her Master's in Data Analytics.

What was Ashwini's initial career focus, and how did it evolve over time?

Ashwini's initial career focus was on supply chain analysis, which began with an internship at a manufacturing company in India called Astroica Limited. Over time, she developed an interest in international business and analytics, leading her to work with Te GX Canada and eventually pursue a Master's in Data Analytics.

What is the significance of the 'rule of 500' mentioned in the script, and how did it influence Ashwini's approach to networking?

The 'rule of 500' suggests that one should interact with 500 people to gain exposure and potentially find opportunities. It influenced Ashwini by encouraging her to network extensively, with the belief that by interacting with enough people, she would find opportunities that aligned with her interests and goals.

How does Ashwini describe her experience with the Design Thinking course at Walsh College, and what skills did she develop from it?

Ashwini describes the Design Thinking course as one that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork in a team setting. She appreciated the absence of exams and quizzes and the focus on idea generation and collaboration, which helped her develop applicable soft skills for her work setting.

What is the importance of continuous learning in the field of data analytics, as discussed by the speakers?

Continuous learning is emphasized as crucial in data analytics due to the rapidly evolving nature of the field. New algorithms, codes, and tools are constantly emerging, requiring professionals to stay updated and adapt to new developments to remain effective in their roles.

What advice do the speakers give to international students regarding cultural shock and adapting to a new environment?

The speakers advise international students to trust the process, give their due diligence, and not be overwhelmed. They suggest that students should be open to learning and adapting, and not view the challenges as burdens, but rather as part of their journey towards growth and exposure.

How does Ashwini's experience in her CPT internship as a data automation analyst differ from her previous roles?

Ashwini's CPT internship as a data automation analyst is a remote job that involves coding and working with data pipelines, which is a significant shift from her previous roles in supply chain management. This new role presents her with daily challenges and opportunities to learn and prove herself in a different domain.

What is the role of soft skills in complementing technical skills in the professional world, according to the speakers?

The speakers believe that soft skills are essential in complementing technical skills. They highlight the importance of communication, empathy, understanding, and the ability to work well with others as crucial for success in the professional world, especially when managing AI applications and software.

What is the significance of goal setting in the context of personal and professional development, as discussed in the script?

Goal setting is presented as a critical component of personal and professional development. It helps individuals map out their desired outcomes and create a roadmap for achieving them. This includes setting academic goals, financial planning, and understanding one's position and aspirations within the market.

How does language learning and understanding contribute to emotional intelligence and cultural acceptance, as mentioned by the speakers?

Language learning and understanding are seen as ways to enhance emotional intelligence and cultural acceptance. Being able to communicate in different languages allows for better connections with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding, which are key components of emotional intelligence.