From China to Sydney - Building a successful career despite language and cultural differences

The Second Class Collective recently caught up with Kevin Wang, a former client who dreamt of pursuing a data driven career in Sydney, but was met with setback after setback. After what seems like a lifetime, he landed his first Corporate Australia role as a BI Data Analyst in Frontier Australia (https://frontieraustralia.com.au), a media agency that specialises in media planning and buying, and strategy and planning, and is now officially "living the dream".

Read on for an insight into his journey, and get inspired by his grit and determination.

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Second Class Collective: Kevin, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and what brought you to Sydney?

Kevin: Thank you for having me. I’m originally from China and came to Sydney two years ago after graduating with a degree in data analytics. I was eager to start my career in a vibrant city like Sydney, which has a strong job market for tech professionals.

SCC: What challenges did you face when you first started looking for a job in Sydney?

Kevin: The biggest challenges were definitely my confidence issues with interviewing and my English language skills. I quickly realized that although I had the technical knowledge, I needed to be able to communicate effectively and present myself confidently during interviews.

SCC: How did you work to overcome these challenges?

Kevin: I was not afraid to sought help from others who allowed me to practice communicating in English and to familiarise myself with Corporate Australia. This was crucial because it not only helped me communicate better but also boosted my confidence. Working with Second Class Collective with interview techniques. I practiced mock interviews, received feedback, and gradually became more comfortable with the process.

SCC: That sounds like a lot of hard work and dedication. Can you tell us about the moment you secured your job at Frontier?

Kevin: Landing the interview at Frontier was a significant milestone. The process was rigorous, but I felt prepared thanks to all the practice and coaching I had received. I was able to demonstrate my technical skills and problem-solving abilities, and I think my determination to succeed really stood out to the hiring managers. When I got the offer, it was a moment of immense relief and joy.

SCC: How has your experience at Frontier been over the past two years?

Kevin: It’s been incredibly rewarding. Frontier is a fantastic place to work, with a culture that encourages continuous learning and growth. I’ve developed a robust set of technical skills and have become proficient with various tools and technologies essential for data analytics. Analyzing complex datasets and deriving actionable insights for our clients has been particularly fulfilling.

SCC: Beyond technical skills, what other competencies have you developed in your role?

Kevin: Working at Frontier has helped me improve my teamwork and communication skills. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds has been a great learning experience. I’ve also become better at presenting data-driven strategies and recommendations, which has been crucial for building trust and respect within the agency.

SCC: How have you grown personally through this journey?

Kevin: Personally, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my social skills. I was a little more reserved in my first year at Frontier. Despite being an extroverted person by nature, I was cautious in the office due to my perceived language limitation. However, once the initial language barriers I faced diminished in the second year, I started forming meaningful connections with my colleagues. My confidence has soared, and I now approach challenges with a positive attitude and determination.

SCC: Your journey is truly inspiring. What message would you like to share with others who might be facing similar challenges?

Kevin: I would say that perseverance and seeking support are key. It’s important to recognize that everyone faces obstacles, but with hard work and the right guidance, you can overcome them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and keep pushing forward. Achieving your dreams might take time, but it’s definitely possible.

SCC: Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your incredible story with us. Your journey from uncertainty to accomplishment is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and resilience.

Kevin: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their goals with determination.