Professional Competencies
Multicultural Competency
Being aware of one's own cultural background is the first step in building understanding of other cultures. The growing diversity of campuses requires student affairs professionals to develop a cultural competence to connect to, respond to, and interact with their students. Being aware, having an appropriate attitude, and possessing the knowledge and skills helps me effectively work and advise students from a variety of backgrounds. Being capable in multicultural affairs also enables me to challenge students to grow and learn more about their own identities.
Collaboration
Working with others towards a realized shared goal is crucial in increasingly uncertain times. Through sharing knowledge, learning, and building consensus, I am confident in my ability to understand how to best work with students, colleagues, and professionals. Through collaborating, one must understand differing work ethics, leadership styles, and varying visions. Being capable in collaboration enables me to understand how I can work in a field that is built on teamwork.
Problem-solving
I strongly believe in being proactive in my actions before problems occur. On the occasion that an issue arises, I seek to build a logical approach to address problems and to manage the situation at hand by drawing on my knowledge and experience base. Along with the previous competency, calling on others to help reference and to seek resources is important in the problem solving process. Working with students, colleagues, and institution leaders requires an understanding of leadership frameworks and organizations, as researched by Bolman and Deal (2008).
Communication Skills
Whether written or oral, having strong communication skills is crucial in ensuring that others understand diverse situations. By being proficient in presentation skills, technology, social media, and traditional means of communication, I am able to construct a clear, professional message that conveys the appropriate meaning. Further, I am proficient in conversational Mandarin Chinese. By possessing a strong communication skill set, I am confident in promoting the goals and mission of the institution.