From the other side of table-3

I am Chinese-American and have been raised in the US. I am fluent in American-English (I consider myself more American than Chinese in culture) and am conversationally fluent in Mandarin. I have worked with many Chinese students that have only recently come to the US for schooling or employment. I have also been a mentor for international students in teaching them how to become effective Teaching Assistants in universities. As I agree with Dan's suggestions in becoming more fluent in the language (always a plus for any non-native speaker), I definitely agree with Sally-Anne's main point about understanding the culture of the workplace in the US. I think that is the most important point. 

There are significant differences btw the way people present themselves in China and the US. The Chinese culture values the appearance of humbleness while the American culture emphasizes confidence and marketability. Of course there is a line btw confidence and super-ego but many Chinese feel uncomfortable presenting themselves in any manner above-humbleness. However the quality of exuding confidence is important to get noticed for job-hunting, to get clients to take you seriously, or moving up on the corporate ladder. A huge problem I see in my parent's Chinese friends is that they can work incredibly diligently and hard but they just can't seem to get a promotion, raise, or move anywhere at work. Why? LANGUAGE and CULTURE barriers and the fear or inability to move past them. 

A Chinese person can present their resumes and themselves the best way possible and can have significant relevant experience, but will have trouble if they don't "sell" themselves the same way as Americans. I personally think the best solution to this problem would be to find a friend or mentor (preferably Chinese-American) who can talk to the Chinese students. Talking is the best way to break into a culture. That was my role for a year as a mentor and it had helped many international students. They gain experience from talking back and also from watching the mentor's mannerisms in speaking and acting. 

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Linda Zhang

MS Biomed Eng grad seeking career opps in science, engineering, or consulting.