White focused on this topic of the global pro bono in her talk at American University’s School of International Service on October 14 (a talk organized by my co-author, Sherry). Deirdre (also a profilee in Working World) and PYXERA work with corporations around the world to develop and implement corporate, cross-border social programs that work to contribute the corporate employees’ skill sets to a local program or project. Since 2008, PYXERA has worked with 26 corporations, sending 8,000 employees (usually for a month) to 80 countries on five continents. This is impressive.These programs have immense benefits for the corporate employees who participate, White said. Participating employees face unique problems abroad, and learn how to solve those problems in completely different ways. They develop leadership and cross-cultural skills. They are exposed to new work-styles and different ways to innovate. The most common phrase used by corporate employees to describe their global pro bono experiences is “life-changing.”

Corporations also gain something—“they don’t only do this out of the goodness of their own hearts,” White quipped. The corporate business impacts of participating in global pro bono projects include strengthening brand reputation, spurring innovation, and opening new markets.

The benefits to these two groups made sense to me. But my immediate question was: what about the local host businesses/communities? In what ways do they benefit? How do you ensure that the out-of-towners don’t simply swoop in with a “we know best” attitude and implement a change or solution they believe to best, but isn’t actually going to do good for the local community, culture, or business? I think of my friend Karl Dedolph (another Working World profilee) telling stories of his time in the Peace Corps in West Africa, in which this kind of “outside imperialism” was typical. He was once asked, and then given supplies and a team, to build outhouses in his area of northern Togo. The thinking was that this would improve sanitation and hygiene, and thus health. The thinking wasn’t whether local culture was likely to use outhouses for sanitation and hygiene purposes. Karl noted that shortly after the outhouses were built, they were indeed being used regularly—as homes for goats.

So how can this kind of outside imperialist thinking be avoided? White was clear in her answer: it’s all about the transfer of skills. Believing you can simply enter another country or culture (or business) and drop-in a solution that has worked elsewhere is a no-win proposition. But if the focus is on the transfer of skills—meaning, in-depth collaboration on a specific and time-limited task, with a focus not on implementing this solution, but rather on working together to find the best solution—then there is immense benefit to local, hosting businesses and communities.

White described the model PYXERA uses with its corporate clients. They use their in-country contacts to target established organizations and businesses with progressive leadership and a commitment to innovation. These orgs and businesses are required to put “some skin in the game” via both financial resources and staff time, to show their commitment to the project collaboration. Then, both the international corporate staff and the local staff are required to collaborate electronically for at least three months in advance of the on-site work, to better gain an understanding of the project they are working on, the solutions desired, and the work needed to get there. White reiterated that this advance work is key to success. Once the international corporate staff arrives in-country to begin site work, the collaboration is well along the way and the transfer of skills is already happening. White noted that, many times, the solution the joint team originally aimed for is far from where they find themselves at the end.

This struck me as an interesting model—not just for global pro bono projects, but also for others doing work abroad. No matter what you’re doing in another country or culture—whether it’s teaching English or building outhouses or advancing corporate programs—it’s always going to be better if you look to understand those you’re working with, their culture and their needs, rather than trying to jam in the solution that you and your culture believe to best.

I wish I’d known this when I was teaching English in China and tried to get my Chinese students to write and perform skits, like I’d been forced to do in my high school French class. Talk about a bust.

Both of us have good jobs we enjoy. We are both married to awesome people. We have supportive families, good homes, plenty of books to read and music to listen to, a college football team that’s finally doing well again…so what’s with the complaining? Fair enough.

We realized this stagnancy comes from reaching the end of that first ladder, the “young professional” ladder, and not knowing where to climb next. As scary as being a young professional can be—with all of its requisite challenges and uncertainty—I’m realizing that entering mid-career territory comes with its own set of difficulties. I’m no longer worried about getting my first job, or paying my rent with a meager entry level salary, or learning how to move from operating in an academic environment to a professional one.

Rather, in an unexpectedly ironic way, the principle challenge in mid-career territory thus far seems to be finding new and fresh challenges. Brian and I realized that getting into our respective professional grooves was satisfying and rewarding, but ultimately encouraged a certain kind of stasis. Paraphrasing Seth Godin, Brian described it as “heading toward the melt.” Because once you’re in a situation about which you have no complaints, why would you upset that beneficial status quo? But when you avoid upsetting the status quo, you find yourself melting into a stasis and stagnancy.

What Brian and I are coming to realize is that career evaluation and growth can and should be a constant endeavor. As young professionals, getting to a place of comfort, to a level where we feel some kind of permanency and success—that’s a good thing. As mid-career professionals, though, we can’t be content to dwell in that success or comfort for long. We have to purposefully push ourselves to find challenges and continue to grow.

As I left Brian to head back to DC, he texted me: “Enjoy your adventure this week.” I’m not 100% sure what he even meant (Brian is renowned for his esoteric texts and emails). But based on our conversations of the weekend, I took it as: give yourself a goal of a weekly adventure, of seeking out and embracing at least one new challenge every week, starting now. And in my interpretation, these can be simple adventures: reach out to a colleague or friend you keep saying you should get lunch with but never do; do something in a professional environment you wouldn’t normally do (like, for me, asking a question at crowded conference session); make time for an activity at work that will be beneficial but always gets put to the backburner (like reading a long document you know you’ll enjoy and will be beneficial but isn’t absolutely urgent, or taking a colleague out for coffee to talk through goals or strategy for the coming months); make time for an activity at home that will be beneficial but always gets put on the backburner (like seeing a movie or going to a concert).

I don’t have a solution for staving off or reversing the mid-career melt—believe me, this will continue to be on my mind. But right now, I like the idea of enjoying my adventure this week as much as any.

In addition to its international development work, PYXERA is also the base for the Center for Citizen Diplomacy. I served as one of the founding board members of the Center and now am honored to continue as a board member of PYXERA Global.

• Are you dating anyone?
• How long does it take you to do your makeup?
• How much alcohol can you handle?
• What do you plan on spending your first paycheck on?

Although the article notes that such personal questions are no longer typically asked in interviews at Korean companies, the reason they were ever asked in the first place is illuminating: to get a sense of the job applicant as a person and determine whether he or she would fit into company culture.

Working in a small organization with a staff of only four, I’m keenly aware that personal fit matters. When we hire, we’re looking for someone who is not only smart and skilled and accomplished, someone who can get the job done, but also someone who will mesh well with the team. We don’t all have to be best friends, but it is important that we are cohesive both professionally and personally. Our performance as an organization depends on it.

And thus our interviews reflect this fact. We ask questions that are not awkwardly personal or borderline inappropriate, like those listed in the article, but ones that are meant to draw out personal interests and activities, especially those related to our industry. Talk about a particularly meaningful experience during your time studying abroad. Where did you go on your most recent international trip? If you could study one language you don’t currently speak, what would it be? What’s the last book you read and would you recommend it? (That last one’s not international, but I think it’s an interesting conversation starter anyway.)

The point is that anyone prepping for an interview would do well to prepare for some personal discussion. No need to disclose your dating history or your drinking prowess—but if you can talk compellingly about some of your personal interests, and paint a fuller picture of yourself as a person beyond the professional realm, you’re more likely to make an impression in an employer’s mind as someone they want to work with.

We are often buffeted by so much bad news and tragedy that is is instructive to be reminded that there are many fine young people getting ready to be a force for good in our turbulent world.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I learned a lot about the interview process I didn’t ever think of and in the future I know that will be helpful when starting a career.

- Madison Pagano

Thank you very much for meeting with our class. I very much appreciate your insight on how to shape our “building blocks” of life through your experiences of community service and internship opportunities.

- Catherine Sielaff

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come speak with us. After your presentation I have become more passionate about a career in public health as your career has demonstrated there is a whole lot one person can do.  Also I now have a heightened awareness of how one should dress as well as the importance of a follow up thank you. I look forward to reading your book and learning more about subjects we discussed like finding building blocks and mentors.

- Caroline Silver

Thank you very much for meeting with our class and discussing the importance of business etiquette. I thought that your concept of a business culture was very interesting and helpful.

- James Stinson

I’d like to thank you for sharing your immense insight and wisdom with us. It was wonderful to hear someone with such expertise talk about a field I’m so interested in. Your advice was fantastic, and I’ll be sure to remember that I’m “always on.”  I hope to discover what I’m truly passionate about in the coming years and your lecture has really inspired me. Thank you again, and I look forward to reading your book!

- Bridgit Hrubecky, Averill Park High School

Thank you for coming to speak with us on Thursday. I really found it interesting that the art of professionalism is being lost through the generations and I appreciate that you are taking steps to try to bring it back.

- Jake Henricks, Averill Park High School

Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to come visit with us. It really made me think when you talked to us about the importance of mentors. When you first started talking about them no one came to mind as my mentor. But it gave me confidence when you told us how you didn’t realize who was your mentor until years later.

- Sydney Hurley, Averill Park High School

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to have a discussion with us. The idea of creating “building blocks” for my resume and future career resonated with me. It will be very helpful in my future applications, and I will take be certain to carry your advice with me in the future. Thanks again!

- Emily Isenhart, Columbia High School

Talking with you has really inspired to me find my calling; take my passion and pursue it! I’m extremely intrigued on the topic of world health and travel and am so excited to purchase your book to find out more about how to do this! I think I can say that you would be considered one of my mentors.

- Haley Gubitz, New Lebanon CSD

Thank you so much for coming to meet with us. Talking with you has made me look back and think of who my mentors are, and who they inspire me to be.

- Lily Flynn, Averill Park High School

Dear Sherry, Thank you for talking to us about what you do and teaching us how to better ourselves. I really enjoyed hearing about your new book and I can not wait to read it! I also enjoyed hearing about the opportunities available for people our age to travel and study. As someone who has never been out of the country studying abroad will be a good experience for me and will allow me to experience culture I haven’t come in contact with before. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit with us it was an experience I will not forget.

- Joshua Anthony, Lansingburgh High School

Thank you so much for speaking to us about professionalism and how to break into a career in global health. I am unsure of my career path right now, but you gave me insight as to how to find my cause. I appreciate all your insight on NGOs and opportunities for volunteer work and internships. It was evident that you are an expert in your field, and I truly appreciate you taking time to speak to us.

- Molly Bergin, Lansingburgh High School

The photo below was taken after a lively discussion about careers and Working World at the Center for Global Health at the University at Albany. This group of high school seniors – participating in a “New Visions” advanced placement enrichment program—has already decided that they want some kind of career in global health. It was truly a privilege to share the structure and highlights of Working World with them. The Q&A section morphed into a spirited dialogue. They asked some thought-provoking questions. Mark and I welcome your answers to these questions.

Q: How are tattoos and piercings perceived during an interview?

A: Various managers will react differently. In my opinion, however, you do not want to distract the person interviewing you from focusing in on your experience and abilities. I remember interviewing someone with a tongue piercing and my mind kept drifting away from what she was saying. I kept wondering, “Does that hurt?” It’s always best to err on the conservative side until you can assess the culture of a particular organization.

Q: What is your greatest regret regarding your career?

A: One persistent regret is that I (so far) have never perfected one foreign language. I studied Spanish in high school and learned some German when I lived with a German family on an Experiment in International Living (EIL) program. I studied French in college and learned Russian after falling in love with a classmate who was fluent. I used my Russian when I served as group leader for American college students on an EIL program to the USSR. Later I learned Portuguese after my then husband and I lived in Brazil for a year. I wish that I had taken the time to master one of these languages.

Q: What are your tips for a successful phone interview?

A: This timely question generated many useful tips to consider:

• Smile, it is reflected in your voice.
• Be sure to speak clearly and project your voice so you can be readily heard and understood.
• Remove all distractions (close that computer) so you do not lose your focus.
• Have a notepad handy to jot down questions and possible key words of your answers.
• Have a warm beverage (not ice water) in case you get thirsty. A warm drink is much better for your vocal cords.
• One participant suggested standing up as you are interviewed. Another advocated dressing as though you were going to be interviewed in person (no pajamas!).

We welcome your answers to these questions.

Being co-author of a book on careers, I am keenly interested in ways people make a living, how they view their jobs, and the extent to which they deliberate about their careers.

The conversation began the way so many in Washington, DC, start. I asked, “What do you do?” My seat partner replied: “I work for an organization that brings high school students to Washington, DC, for a week’s immersion in government.” “The Close Up Foundation?” I guessed. “Yes,” he replied. I then learned a great deal more about this remarkable nonprofit organization founded in 1971. When I worked as a program officer at the Institute of International Education (IIE) early in my career, I often scheduled appointments with Close Up staff for participants in the (then USIA sponsored) International Visitor Program. It was the ideal meeting for foreign leaders interested in how young Americans learn to participate in a democracy. I even remember thinking at the time it would be rewarding to work for Close Up.

My seatmate was Jon Gerst who started at Close Up as a program instructor in 2010, advanced to program leader, and now serves as an Outreach Representative as of last August. Jon travels around the country—and sometimes to U.S. territories, such as Guam, as well as other countries—meeting with teachers and principals to help recruit the 16,000 students who participate in Close Up programs each year. Most programs (one teacher per ten students) begin on Sunday and end on the following Friday evening. Activities range from a day on Capitol Hill to Embassy visits.

“Inform, Inspire, Empower” is the Close Up mantra. Learn more at www.closeup.org.

When I asked Jon what he liked best about his job, Jon noted he totally embraced the mission. “I love that students from around the country learn to tackle weighty issues with in-person civil conversations.” He works with teachers who become community activists, not just for one week, but all year long. We agreed that it is vitally important for young people to get engaged in the political process.

“What characteristics do you need to work for Close Up?” I asked. Jon answered: “The ability to improvise and be quick on your feet, a willingness to work long and hard, and open-mindedness. You must not write anyone off too quickly. This is surely a set of traits any employer would appreciate.”

We’re thankful to have again had the opportunity to work with our excellent colleagues at Georgetown University Press. The new edition is available for sale on their website, and they’ve been kind enough to pass along a 30% discount code for friends and readers of the Working World site (TX54).

Speaking of this site: while it’s been dormant for quite some time, Sherry and I are committed to re-activating it in a compelling way! (You can see from Sherry’s previous post she’s already getting started.) So be sure to check back to this space for lively discussions, interesting links, profiles of professionals in our fields, and much more!

Many international jobs require at least a rudimentary knowledge of protocol. There are scary examples of international incidents that could have been averted if those involved had received basic training in topics ranging from appropriate seating at formal dinners to flag placement in cultural traditions. My young colleague Kim Starfield, who serves as Assistant Protocol Officer for the Secretary of Homeland Security, told me about an upcoming Protocol 101 Workshop on May 16. It is sponsored by the PDI-POA: Protocol Officers Association. Mark and I often write about the building blocks of your career. Knowledge of protocol is certainly one.