INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
RESOURCE GUIDE
MBA Career Center

Rafik B. Hariri Building, Suite 285
(202) 687-3741 mbacareercenter@georgetown.edu Table of Contents

p. 3

Introduction

p. 4

Cross-cultural Tips

p. 6

English Language Support

p. 7

Digital Resources

p. 9

Websites and Books

p. 10 Office of Global Services
p. 12 Glossary of Key Terms
p. 14 Tips on Business Attire
p. 15 Career Fairs and Conferences
p. 17 International Student 2014-15 Academic and Recruiting Calendar

Cross-cultural Tips

Introduction

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the McDonough School of Business career community. As an international student, you bring important gifts to Georgetown: your culture, your experience, and your personal style. We look forward to learning from you and also partnering with you on your global career journey. Please take time to review this handbook, which will give you information that will be helpful throughout your time here. After reviewing this material, we hope that you will bring questions and energy to your meetings with us so that we can help you to clarify your career goals and customize your search strategies.
The MBA Career Center has an “open door” philosophy, which means that you can schedule an appointment with any coach or peer advisor. However, we invite you to meet with our international coaches, who have areas of expertise relevant to international students.

The Georgetown McDonough MBA Career Center
International Team of Career Coaches

Karen Kouagou

Jim Wylde

Hira Fernando

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Cross-cultural Tips
YOUR CAREER IN THE CONTEXT OF CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Even if you are a jet-set world traveler, you may find that life in the United States will bring unexpected challenges that will factor into your career journey. You will have long and intensive sessions in a language that may not be native to you. You may find certain aspects of communication etiquette to be odd, out of sync with your native language patterns and flow. You may start to long for that special comfort food that your grandmother used to prepare for you. Fear not! These are symptoms of a syndrome called “WYCNEAIS,” or What You Can Normally Expect As an International Student. We are here to help you. Here are some important points to remember:
I. Know the norms.
Understand the cultural differences between the United States and your home country. Although standards are increasingly global, there are written stylistic elements and oral patterns that remain unique to the American job-search model. We can work with you to craft your written and verbal messages. Dan Beaudry’s book, Power Ties, provides a good overview, pointing to a paradigm in which the employer is the “buyer” and the candidate is the “seller.” The U.S. style is open and friendly, but there are certain formalities to remember.
II. Build your brand.
Your brand, or your value proposition, is your unique set of skills and qualities. We will help you to communicate a personal brand that connects your abilities to organizations’ need for global talent. This is a critical first step for networking.
III. Be you in the interview.
Do not try to be somebody who you are not. Instead, find your own style and optimize your oral presentation skills. Recognize the importance of attire, body language, and tone. We can coach you in the full process.
Finally, remember to have fun! We are happy to have you with us on this adventure. On the next page are some conversational phrases to get you started in the culture of the United States.

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Cross-cultural Tips

3 COMMON CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES
How are you?
In the United States, most people expect a quick “fine, how are you?” as a response rather than an extended explanation. It’s a social “nicety,” so find the fast rhythm and take the conversation from there.
You can go deeper later as you develop the relationship.
What’s