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Intercultural Undergraduate Seeking Advice

Submitted by krishnapu on August 8, 2007 - 3:46am. Grad School > General
Hello All. I am a rising senior undergraduate student in intercultural communication. This fall, I will make final decisions regarding my transition to a graduate program in ICC. I am strongly invested in the discipline and have had no second thoughts about pursuing a higher degree. However, as I prepare for this big step, I find myself questioning what I will be able to do with an advanced degree in the discipline. Originally, I believed I would like to use my advanced degree to conduct ICC research and teach at the university level. After completing a theory-laden senior thesis project this summer (and barely remaining composed throughout), I have reservations as to whether I would like to continue on that path. This difficult project has led me to believe that I would be better suited for an intercultural communications career with a more applied, less research-based focus. I have recently stumbled across Intercultural U and would like very much some advice from fellow, more established interculturalists who have made these difficult decisions time and time again. My question is: with an advanced degree in intercultural communication, what types of applied careers could I pursue? It is my mistake that I have not considered (until this point) alternate careers in ICC. I am seeking a more focused outlook on potential careers as I make this huge transition. Thank you for your consideration. Krishna
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Alternate Career in ICC

Submitted by William Hart PhD on August 9, 2007 - 10:43pm.

Hi Krishna,

Thanks for your comment. I have some questions. 

1. Do you want to go on for a Masters or a Ph.D.?

2. Do you want to teach at the college/university level?  You wouldn't have to research to teach.  Only at some schools would there be a strong expectation for research.  

3. What turned you off about research?  Is is possible that you had one bad experience and maybe if you tried again, you might find some value in it? 

4. Are you interested in intercultural/diversity training or consulting?

5. Why do you have an interest in an ICC career?  What drives you?

Dr. Hart 

William Hart, Ph.D.
Founder, Intercultural U

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Dr. Hart - Thank you very

Submitted by krishnapu on August 10, 2007 - 11:01pm.

Dr. Hart - Thank you very much for your reply. First, I would like to reach for a Ph.D. To answer your second question: I am undecided about where I would like to teach. I think I would favor a small university or community college setting where I could make better connections with students.

I have considered the possibility that my bad experience with research has caused me to steer away from the process in general. My distaste wasn't the process itself... it was the outcome. I felt as though all of my work was in vain. I could not decipher how my results would translate from my finished paper to the real world. I want to do something that will help to make positive changes in the lives of people who need it. In short, I felt as though I needed to do something that could directly affect people.

 
I am interested in exploring the field of intercultural/diversity training. I feel that such an occupation may be better suited to my desire to interact with people outside of academia. Could you suggest any resources on the fields?

My interest in ICC stems mostly from my experience as a biracial individual growing up in Smalltown America. I have experienced the hatreds and intolerances that members of marginalized groups are forced to endure. I feel extremely compelled - even obligated - to do something to improve these conditions. I strongly believe that most social problems could be alleviated if members of diverse groups took the time to understand one another. I can't imagine myself in any other field.

 
I am working harder each day to come to a point where my plans for life are a little clearer. It is frightening and wonderful all at once. I appreciate your help during this strange transitional period. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 
Krishna


 

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Same boat

Submitted by drrobin on September 6, 2007 - 10:53am.

I am a recent graduate and I will be taking a teaching position in china (sept 07-feb 08)and possibly finish the year (08) in a position in a turkish university Until i figure out how to get the ball rolling on my career goals.. I know for sure that I want to eventually do training and consulting but I'm unsure as to how to get there exactly.

I have done several searches regarding getting more degrees and think i want to get a MA in Intercultural Communication and Masters of International Business Admin...But what are the things I should be doing in between. I've been considering working for the gov't/military branch in order to take care of the funding for my degrees and possibly getting involved in any linguistic opportunities..but i'm on the fence about that as well. I have considered possibly teaching after a few years in the field but unsure about that as well..all i know is that the end goal is to work for myself or start my own consulting firm..SO Any help would be greatly appreciate from those who are already at the level I am striving to be at.

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