Josh He from China started his US university studies with Auburn Global, a first-year international student program in collaboration between Auburn University and Shorelight. In May 2022, he graduated with a degree in business analytics. He’s now back with the Shorelight team, but this time as an employee, serving as a product sales specialist based in China. In his role, Josh guides new international students toward US universities and programs that best fit their academic goals.
Read on to learn more about his journey transitioning from an international student in the US to a successful international education professional.
Josh’s Journey at Auburn Global
On arrival, Josh felt right at home on Auburn’s campus. Ranked #93 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Auburn University is known for its supportive and friendly community, as well as its top-ranked degree programs in business, education, and STEM fields.
“I was pretty impressed [with] the service, and that is also what I [am] always bragging [about] when I introduce Auburn University,” he said. “The student experience is very valued by Auburn Global, from when I landed at Atlanta airport, picking up students, moving [in], helping, and also checking in with a huge gift basket. The whole team takes care of students in a meticulous way.”
That care extends to orientation, Josh explained, where the Auburn Global team offers international students detailed information needed to settle into campus life, from setting up a bank account, scheduling classes, locating the closest grocery store, and more.
Support was especially appreciated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were frequently stocked with PPE gear, masks, and sanitizers. Similarly, Josh noted that the advisors checked up on the academic progress of each student, making sure they were on track with their studies, comforting them if they felt overwhelmed, and guiding them with career development plans.
Career Development Support at Auburn Global
At Auburn Global, students have access to expert career counselors. They offer one-on-one career advisory services, support in building career development plans, and help in identifying additional skills needed to prepare for your chosen career path.
During the pandemic, Josh signed up for Auburn’s Excel course to enhance his skills profile. “I had a hard time because I had no experience,” he said, and all learning was online. However, with encouragement from his professor, Josh was able to master Excel. “If I have any questions on Excel, I can only use email, right? The professor [knew] how hard [it was] to answer those questions. So, he just sent me a schedule and told me I can go directly ask him in person every Saturday afternoon,” he said.
“I studied a lot of technical tools and it helped me [prepare for] the production environment,” Josh explained. “I [became] the best Excel user in that group – [and then could] provide a lot of help and support to the team and help them work more efficiently.”
Before getting hired at Shorelight, Josh landed his first job at the Volkswagen Group China as a business analytics professional. He attributed getting his first job to being well prepared from the curriculum at Auburn, faculty support, and campus resources. Because his Auburn Global counselors had helped him identify his career goals, he was able to jump at the chance to apply for the opportunity to work with Shorelight in China.
Josh’s Role as Product Sales Specialist
At Shorelight, Josh ensures international students find their best-fit university and program, based on their career goals, budgets, and their overall higher education expectations.
“Different regions, not only the student, but their parents also have different expectations. Especially for some [in] the north of China, they care more about the price and what outcome that student can achieve, but not like the south, they wish that students can learn what they want to learn. So, I can promote different products to different regions,” he explained.
He also encourages international students to look at the big picture when choosing universities and courses. “First, I tell them that if you choose a university, you are not going to choose only based on the ranking and the outcome, the student experience is also important. Just like I just mentioned, Auburn takes really good care of the students,” he said.
Josh also discusses university options based on extracurricular offerings, degree programs, learning environments, and overall student experiences. For example, knowing the impact that student- and campus life can have on the entire study abroad experience, he often recommends his clients consider the University of South Carolina. “South Carolina has #1 ranking in the United States, they have the best student first-year experience,” he added (U.S. News & World Report).
Josh’s Advice for International Students
Josh encourages international students to step out of their comfort zone, build connections with faculty and students, and seek support from advisors when needed.
“Do not hesitate to ask questions and communicate with your advisor, especially the campus team and your professors,” he said.
He also emphasized that being confident in your abilities and leaning on Shorelight’s advisory team will go far in helping you transition into life in the US. While it can take time to adjust to a new environment, getting involved in campus activities, reaching out to your advisor to discuss elective courses, and other opportunities such as networking and conferences can add value to your student experience.
“Do not be nervous and do not worry,” Josh said. “We have a lot of help and they are all open-minded… connect to the team and also the academic adviser provided by the university [for] a lot of opportunities. That’s also the best part of your university experience.”
Josh believes that collaborating and connecting with students from different departments, backgrounds, and cultures can provide a platform for you to build a strong professional network, learn about different industries, and make lifelong friendships. He encourages students to take risks, never limit themselves, and always look out for opportunities that can help them progress toward successful careers!
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