Employers have everything to gain in diversifying the breadth and depth of experience of their talent pool. In 2022, 54.1% of Columbia SPS graduates were international. By leveraging the skills of international students, employers can cultivate a diverse and dynamic work environment and ultimately gain a competitive edge. Here are five unique values international students can bring to your organization:
- International students promote a culture of dynamism and creativity.
- International students bring new perspectives to the table.
- International students leverage the linguistic capacities of a workplace.
- International students are adept at embracing change.
- International students can provide a bridge to expanding to overseas markets.
Here are five international students from Columbia SPS who have leveraged these values in the workforce:
1. International students promote a culture of dynamism and creativity.
M.S. Student in Insurance Management ‘24
Ting, a first-generation Chinese Canadian, is the first recipient of a scholarship from the Dennis A. Baker Insurance Advancement Fund.“The recipient of this scholarship is a champion of the insurance industry through their studies, profession, and volunteer work,” says Insurance Management Program Director Teresa Chan. “We need strong voices to reinforce the importance and value of insurance in not only business but society at large, and Warren enthusiastically fulfills that mission. We are happy to support Warren in his intellectual pursuits while he gives back to our community so extensively.”
2. International students bring new perspectives to the table.
M.S. in Sustainability Management ‘17
Cuevas co-founded MicroTERRA, a Mexico-based biotech startup turning wastewater into clean water and animal feed. In 2021, MicroTERRA won first place at the Greater Good Challenge, earning $10,000 in seed money.
3. International students leverage the linguistic capacities of a workplace.
M.S. Student in Applied Analytics
“With my interdisciplinary and international background, I will harness my fluency in technical and non-technical languages to work through challenging problems for organizations. I want to help organizations to differentiate themselves not just in domestic markets, but in global ones. Eventually, I hope to define my career by making an impact, and may start my own social entrepreneurship organization!”
4. International students are adept at embracing change.
M.S. in Applied Analytics ‘20
“If you want to stay and work in the U.S., then you have to get out of your comfort zone. English is not my first language and there is a barrier in communicating. But trying helps you to be more confident.” Today, Li is a full-time software engineer at Google.
5. International students can provide a bridge to expanding to overseas markets.
Executive M.S. in Strategic Communication ‘20
“Valentina joined the UniCredit Group, a simple successful Pan-European commercial bank, with a fully plugged-in Corporate & Investment Banking, delivering a unique Western, Central and Eastern European network to its extensive and growing client franchise, last year.”
More than reflecting a commitment to diversity, hiring international students is a strategic step toward driving organizations into the global arena. The inclusive, forward-looking culture international students foster can unlock a wealth of opportunities and best position organizations for success in an increasingly globalized world.
