From Student To Full-Time Job at iCareer Service Center @MCU

By Lisa Nguyen

At the iCareer Service Center @ MCU × 104 Corporation Career Talk held on March 30, 2026, students not only gained valuable insights from industry experts but were also inspired by the real-life journeys of two iCareer Service Center @ MCU representatives. Their stories offered a relatable and motivating perspective on how international students can gradually build their careers in Taiwan.

The first speaker, Ann, is a Vietnamese alumna of the International Business and Trade (IBT) program at Ming Chuan University. At the beginning of her second year, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at ILA Vietnam, where she developed strong communication and instructional skills. In her third year, she continued to expand her experience as a Public Affairs Intern, gaining deeper insights into organizational communication and external relations. Alongside her academic journey, Ann actively engaged in community and extracurricular activities, including volunteering with Saigon Children’s Charity (Saigonchildren), participating as a contestant in the CIO Contest, and joining activities organized by the Embassy of Canada.

After enrolling at Ming Chuan University, Ann further strengthened her involvement by working as an assistant for the SISS division under the Division of International Education and Exchange (IEE), supporting international students in adapting to a new academic and cultural environment. Currently, she works full-time at the iCareer Service Center, where she continues to assist international students in their academic and career journeys. She shared that the most fulfilling aspect of her role is being able to positively impact students and help them navigate their future with confidence.

The second speaker, Keyzia, an Indonesian, also shared an equally inspiring journey. She began her professional experience as an intern at an agricultural trading company, where she was responsible for researching potential clients across Taiwan and directly contacting them to explore business opportunities.

She later took on part-time jobs in the service industry, working as a waitress and kitchen assistant at a one-Michelin-star restaurant. Despite the initial challenges, especially language barriers and concerns about her Chinese accent, she actively used this environment as a learning opportunity.

By interacting daily with colleagues and customers, she gradually improved her Chinese proficiency and built meaningful relationships. Her willingness to step out of her comfort zone played a crucial role in her personal and professional development.

Eventually, her accumulated experiences led her to a full-time position at the iCareer Service Center, where she now works alongside her colleagues to support international students. Like Ann, she finds great joy in her work, particularly in being able to guide and assist students through their own career journeys.

Both representatives are currently full-time assistants at iCareer, playing key roles in organizing events, planning programs, and connecting with partners and sponsors. Their contributions have been instrumental in the successful execution of various student-focused activities, including career talks and workshops.

Through their stories, students at the event were reminded that career success is often a gradual process built on small steps—starting from volunteering, gaining experience through part-time jobs, and continuously learning along the way. Their journeys serve as a powerful source of inspiration for international students striving to build their futures in Taiwan.