Networking

Tomorrow is my last day of work at the Center for South and Southeast Asian Studies. All heavens rejoice! Just kidding...sort of.

In all seriousness, it's been almost three years since I've worked in this office. While it hasn't always been the most exciting and fulfilling job out there, it was a job nonetheless and so I've always been grateful for my experience. I've been surrounded by wonderful colleagues, faculty, and peers, along with having the opportunities to meet amazing lecturers from around the world. The tasks themselves weren't all that challenging, but the interactions I've had with these people have challenged not only my character, but also my perception on ideas and fascination on international affairs, particularly concerning politics in Asia.

Working for several years in between undergraduate and graduate studies was a worthwhile experience. I've learned to develop more interpersonal skills and networking abilities to help me in my career goals. Last night I had dinner with a faculty whom I had developed a good relationship with over the years, and she took it upon herself to give me various contacts of her former students who work in the Washington DC area who would be of help to me in my career pursuits. I don't consider myself to be much of an out-going and social person, and I've always found it difficult to network with people. But from seeing my director and faculty and other students network with others has taught me a thing or two to get uncomfortable for something greater.

P.Seth always reminds people who eventually leave the HMCC community to "never burn bridges" in relationships because you'll never know what will happen in the future. I see how some of these faculty are well-connected with past students all across the world. Whenever they travel, they seem to have people they know in some of these big cities whom they can meet up with. I hope to keep in touch with some of my colleagues as well as some of the faculty and students I've come to meet through this job. Whether to be in the know of what is going on in their lives or for career networking, I believe there is a reason why these people have been a part of my life these past several years.