As International Education week ended Friday, I was left with a question. What steps is the university taking to promote and incorporate international education? One of the principles of good education is to produce well-rounded individuals. Today’s global society makes this paramount. Global competency is necessary in today’s job market.
Throughout the week, interactive events showcased world cultures. Presentations addressed the importance of successfully communicating “cross-culturally.”
At the “Ready, Set, GO! Live and Work Globally” session, professor Reid Bates, whose human resource development expertise earned him the 2010 Research Excellence Award, emphasized the importance of cross-cultural communication.
Two speakers provided real-life examples of how global competency promoted successful careers. Doug Schmidt of ExxonMobil, the company’s first Global Recruiting Manager, and Brian Ferraioli, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of the Shaw Group, shared their experiences.
Both stressed the importance of producing graduates with knowledge of other cultures.
Bates spoke of his continual collaboration with non-governmental organizations in Africa. Ferraioli and Schmidt spoke of the requirement for international competency in their careers, and the huge effect globalization has made on international business. Had they not been willing to work internationally, both men emphasized that they would not have known the success they enjoy today.
They also noted that in hiring new employees, those with international awareness and experience stand out above other applicants. Dr. Mary Feduccia, director of the LSU Career Center, provided useful instructions on how to highlight international experience and competency in résumés and job interviews.
Only fifteen people attended the conference. This demonstrates the need for our university and students to recognize curriculum expansion.
LSU must work to inspire global competency. Incorporating multiple world views, acknowledging worldwide events, encouraging language study and study abroad programs are vital in making LSU’s graduates more competitive job
candidates. International Education Week brought beneficial, informative events to students and staff.
International education needs to be incorporated into all of our curricula. One week of seminars is not enough. Our world is changing rapidly and LSU needs to keep pace by incorporating international education throughout the curriculum.
Where better is there a place to incorporate globalization and international education than at a top tier university located in one of the most diverse areas of our country?
Luke Rogers
mass communication junior
 
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