Breaking Boundaries: Connecting Chinese Language Education with Career Success
Professor Zhongqi Shi from Columbia University is a member of Cheng & Tsui's Higher Education Advisory Council.
As a professor with over two decades in language education, I've seen a significant shift in how students approach foreign language learning. The days are long gone when cultural appreciation alone could sustain enrollment in language programs. Today's students are pragmatists, seeking tangible returns on their educational investments. And you know what? They're absolutely right.
The reality is that language programs must adapt or risk fading into irrelevance in today’s competitive academic environment. But here’s the good news: by connecting language learning with career development, we can create a powerful synergy that benefits both students’ academic growth and their professional futures.
Let me share a story from my own classroom. Last semester, I had a business major who was struggling to stay engaged in classes until we started practicing mock job interviews. Suddenly, the nuances of business Chinese weren't just textbook content—they became essential tools for impressing potential employers. After participating in one of our networking events, this student landed an internship at a Chinese company where he credited our classroom practice for helping him succeed.
So, how can we, as educators, make this career-oriented transformation in our language classrooms? Here's what I've found works:
1. Identify Career-Specific Language Needs
A nursing student learning Mandarin needs different vocabulary and cultural competencies than an engineering student learning the same language. I've started surveying my students about their career goals on day one, then tailoring content accordingly. When students see the direct connection between language skills and their professional aspirations, their engagement soars.
2. Give the Curriculum a Workplace Makeover
This doesn't mean abandoning cultural content—far from it. Instead, it’s about weaving professional skills into the fabric of the curriculum. Similarly, my advanced classes now include units on giving presentations, writing professional emails, and navigating cross-cultural business etiquette. These aren't just language exercises; they're career skills that set our students apart in the job market.
3. Emphasize Transferable Skills
When my students simulate negotiating business deals or resolving workplace conflicts in Chinese, they're not just learning language—they're developing cross-cultural communication skills that employers consistently rank among their most desired qualities. I make sure to help students articulate these competencies on their resumes and during interviews.
4. Facilitate Internship and Work Opportunities
We need to be proactive in facilitating internship and work opportunities for our students. I've worked to build partnerships with international companies and organizations that offer internships to our language students. As the director of our Business Chinese and Internship Program in Shanghai, I've seen numerous success stories. Many of our students have gone on to secure permanent positions with Chinese companies or even start their own businesses in China. These experiences make the language immediately relevant and provide invaluable professional networks.
5. Collaborate with Career Services and Other Departments
To maximize opportunities for students, I’ve also collaborated with our university’s career services office and other academic departments to create a robust support system for language learners. Together, we’ve organized networking events with Chinese companies, which have opened doors for our students-leading directly to internships and even full-time positions. These partnerships help students see language skills as professional assets rather than just academic requirements.
The future of language education hinges on its relevance to students' professional lives. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and career development, we're not just teaching language—we're preparing global professionals who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world.And in today's global economy, that's a lesson worth teaching.
Cheng & Tsui Higher Education Advisory Council
To stay at the forefront of language education as part of our shared mission of ‘bringing Asia to the world,’ Cheng & Tsui has established the Higher Education Advisory Council—an expert group of educators dedicated to working with us to help shape the future of our Asian-language and culture publishing projects. By collaborating with leading instructors and program directors, we seek to ensure that our resources reflect the real needs of the classroom, meet evolving curriculum standards, and respond to emerging trends in language teaching and learning.
The Council provides ongoing insight into pedagogy and the evolving landscape to guide Cheng & Tsui’s innovative, culturally authentic programs that support both students and instructors.
Members of the Chinese Language Advisory Council
- Jianling Liao, Arizona State University
- Yi-Hsien Liu, University of Southern California
- Ke Peng, Western Kentucky University
- Zhongqi Shi, Columbia University
- Feng Xiao, Pomona College
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