Career Goals Meet Cultural Intelligence

I never thought Santa Monica College would open up more opportunities for me. Which is why I compare it to the proverbial signpost: Acting like a centrifugal force for your dreams, it becomes a point in time splicing through a section of your life. And this happens very inconsequently, when chatting to your fellow students, local and those who have flown miles to attend their school of choice. Upon hearing their dreams, which have been fueled by the long voyage, you find that they mirror your own, and causes you to question just how potent your goals are, or aren't.

About 10 percent of SMC’s students are international. “Check your assumptions”—a term taught to me in my Intercultural Business Communications Class—is a term I know I will be using time and again to keep my biases in check.

Yet, this seems to be no problem at SMC, where common ground is easily achieved by the diverse melting pot of cultures. Which leads me to ponder the head start these students are getting where cultural intelligence (CQ) is fast becoming a desired skill. The world is no longer getting smaller; the world is small.

So I ask the question: Do we as students take this subliminal exchange for granted; or, do we walk away with a profound sense that our internal compass is facing “right”? Do we realize that what we are getting at SMC is above average—a result of being at the nucleus of a profoundly cultural college, where our similarities bridge our differences.

After all, you can only “know” another, when you know yourself. Either way, it's happening: our career goals are being honed while having a cultural awakening—a free service offered by SMC for being a school “Where The World Goes.”

And this is what makes SMC unique, this awakening, which is further enhanced by the mix of teachers and staff. Hailing too from diverse backgrounds, they become our friends, mentors, and cheerleaders. They set the stage, inspire our dreams, and raise the goal post. They make us aware of our reference points, so that we stay on orbit to the next chapter. It's exciting, and it’s a window to the speed of change and expansion upon us.

So as the world spins faster towards globalization, and the more contemporary term “global” replaces “international”, I know I have had a head start at SMC, and tasted what`s to come. As a South African, and undeniably a global citizen, I am grateful for the path that led me to this signpost—a worldly internship that has crystalized my career goals.

And as I wind down for the holidays, and feel exam stress being washed away with holiday cheer, I rejoice in knowing that I “can check my assumptions,” and that my assumptions have been checked!