Thinking Global?

By Andrea McAleenan

Vice President of Advancement

Director of Development

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

As the global work force expands and changes, more demands are placed on knowledge workers who will assume leadership roles for the future. Preparation for this rapidly changing cross-cultural environment requires developing people who will be able to embrace the challenge of enlarging personal understanding of differences in people and cultures.

While it is ideal, but not realistic, to gain this experience by living and working in a foreign country and culture, it is possible to seek opportunities to enhance one's exposure to the world society closer to home. Within the United States, we have a multitude of transnational companies and organizations housed throughout our country. In addition, we have individuals in the foreign embassies and consulates, the university and the social sector who are close at hand. Suggestions for ways to gain exposure to multicultural learning could include:

· Seeking opportunities for dialogue with professionals, professors and individuals whose world view will enlarge your own

· Listening to and learning from people who have worked and lived abroad

· Studying a foreign language and culture

· Participating as an intern in a multi-national business

· Requesting informational interviews with trade development officials at foreign embassies and consulates

· Seeking opportunities to hear speakers from other countries sponsored by international not-for-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, and government and university forums. at student rates!

· Traveling to another country to visit companies, multinational and national companies

· Starting e-learning study groups to share ideas, experiences, resources, and opportunities

Be open to diverse people and opportunities to help you expand your perspective and understanding. Through each learning experience, you may find your experience base and commitment to contribute to global community will be strengthened and deepened.

Andrea McAleenan is Vice President of Advancement and Director of Development at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to this, she worked in senior leadership roles in management education, international relations, and student development in large and small institutions including the University of California, Los Angeles and the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management.