Continuing from Volume 1
Striving in Major New Zealand Corporates
After graduating in 2012, I took advantage of New Zealand's immigration policies for international students and obtained a one-year work visa. Freed from the restrictions of part-time student work, my main goal was to secure a full-time position.
It took me almost three months to land my first full-time job. The process was exhausting, from crafting my resume and submitting applications to enduring three rounds of interviews before finally receiving an offer. In New Zealand, networking is key in the job search, with many companies favouring hires through referrals. However, as a foreigner who had only been in the country for two years, my network was limited, so I relied on the basic approach of applying through online job portals.
After sending out over 50 resumes on popular sites like Seek and TradeMe, I received just two interview invitations—one from a well-known French cosmetics company and another from a local import-export fruit company. The cosmetics company rejected me, citing a lack of expressiveness in my English, while the fruit company turned me down due to a poor interview performance where I arrived late and gave irrelevant answers.
Reflecting on these failures, I realised the problem was with my attitude. I had been overconfident, thinking interviews were easy and failing to prepare adequately. My lack of seriousness led to being rejected, and I had to acknowledge that my approach needed to change.
I began by adjusting my mindset. As a fresh graduate in a foreign country with no full-time work experience, I needed to be grateful for every interview opportunity and prepare thoroughly by researching the companies. I also realised that sending the same resume to every company was unrealistic. I needed to tailor my resume to each position and company. The format and style of resumes in New Zealand differ from those in my home country, and it was important to adapt to local standards to increase my chances of getting interviews. Fortunately, I met a career counsellor at a community event who helped me refine my resume and provided some valuable interview tips.
One day, while browsing job listings online, I received a message on LinkedIn from Air New Zealand recruiter. They had heard me speak at a social media conference and were impressed with my online profile. The recruiter asked if I was interested in joining their team. I was ecstatic! This was an opportunity with one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious companies, something I hadn’t even dared to dream about. The job description seemed tailor-made for me, and this time, I applied with a well-prepared resume that matched their requirements closely.
I submitted my application in mid-May, and by the end of the month, the recruitment process was underway. Although Air New Zealand is known for its competitive hiring, I felt confident because of my relevant experience. As expected, I was invited to take a written test that involved creating original social media content for the company. Thanks to my practical experience managing social media in my part-time job and my work as an online influencer, I completed the test with ease.
After a week of waiting, I was invited to my first interview, which was conducted by my potential future supervisor. Learning from my past mistakes, I left home two hours early to avoid being late, even though I did get lost and ended up taking a detour. Thankfully, I arrived at the interview location with half an hour to spare, allowing me to calm down and focus.
The first interview lasted 40 minutes and went smoothly, thanks to my thorough preparation. I realised how foolish it was in the past to approach interviews unprepared, especially in a non-native language like English. In the subsequent rounds, I faced two interviewers at once. One of them happened to be someone I had briefly met at a marketing conference. New Zealand, being a small country, often presents these kinds of coincidences. Networking and attending industry events had paid off in unexpected ways.
The final interview involved discussing potential collaborations with Air New Zealand’s China Office. In a surprising twist, the colleague I was set to work with in China turned out to be someone I had met during a trip to the South Island in April. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and it felt like destiny.
After the interviews, there was a routine reference check. My previous part-time employers gave me strong recommendations, which further boosted my chances. Although I received verbal confirmation of the job offer, I was still anxious until the official contract arrived in July, at which point I finally felt relieved.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall a quote from Virgin Group’s founder, Richard Branson:
“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later.”
When I started at Simon’s social media company, I was the only Chinese team member, and naturally, all the Chinese-language content for clients’ social media fell to me. Back then, I had little practical experience and made many mistakes, like sending promotional messages to followers in a way that felt intrusive. I also overlooked the importance of building a quality audience over sheer numbers.
Transitioning from Simon’s company to Air New Zealand, I helped grow their social media following significantly and even formed friendships with some active followers. Looking back on those days, I fondly remember the interactions with customers, resolving complaints, answering questions, and collaborating with other brands online.
Working in social media, especially for a global brand, often requires staying up late to provide customer service. Although my contract didn’t explicitly require it, I took it upon myself to help passengers who couldn’t communicate with the English-speaking customer service team. I was driven by empathy and a desire to do my best. I even took extra steps to ensure that social media giveaway prizes went to genuine followers instead of “fake” accounts.
As I became more experienced, I started organising offline events as well. However, I quickly realised that event management wasn’t as easy as it seemed. I made several mistakes, like underestimating the weather, miscalculating the budget, and not preparing adequately for public speaking engagements. These failures were humbling, but they also taught me valuable lessons about planning, preparation, and resilience.
For me, being cautious and following the rules might work for some, but as a millennial, I’m driven by a desire to innovate and push boundaries. Mistakes are part of the journey, and what matters is learning from them and continuing to improve.
After a few years in social media marketing, I hit a creative wall. Despite taking time off to travel and recharge, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being stuck. I decided to resign without a backup plan, taking what’s known as a “career break.” During this time, I returned to China, reconnected with industry peers, and explored new trends and technologies.
While reflecting on my career, I realised that long-term planning didn’t suit me. In a rapidly changing world, especially in tech and media, five-year plans can become obsolete quickly. Instead, I focused on short-term goals aligned with my interests. Thanks to the internet, I was able to land several remote interviews while travelling and returned to work when I felt ready.
In September 2015, while travelling in Tibet, I received an email from my former boss at Air New Zealand, Jo Brothers. She had moved to Westpac New Zealand and invited me to join her there. After discussing the role and salary, I accepted the offer and joined the bank at the end of the year, taking on a managerial role.
Working in banking, one of the oldest and most resistant-to-change industries, was a new challenge for me. I believed that this sector, so closely tied to people’s lives, was ripe for innovation. My strategy was to focus on creating valuable content for consumers while gradually changing the outdated marketing methods within the bank. I’m especially grateful to Jo, who gave me the freedom to experiment and provided guidance when I needed it. She even invited me to her home, making me feel welcome in a foreign country.
Jo eventually left to start her own business, which served as a significant inspiration for me. Motivated by her success, I founded my own media company, Y Media Ltd., aimed at helping small and medium-sized New Zealand businesses reach Chinese customers. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, Jo is also a children’s book author who continuously encouraged me to follow my passion for writing. Her support was crucial in guiding me to pursue storytelling, create high-quality content, and stay committed to writing and sharing.
I feel exceptionally fortunate to have encountered such a mentor early in my career. I’ve always believed that, for newcomers to the workforce, having the right mentor is more important than being at the right company. We need a leader who offers selfless guidance and has the ability to recognise and nurture our potential, directing us along the right path. Jo exemplifies this ideal perfectly.
Facing a Bottleneck
Perhaps due to the nature of my industry, the fast-paced environment requires constant adaptation to market trends. This compels me to continually acquire new skills and apply theoretical knowledge practically. Over time, this relentless pace can lead to burnout and industry bottlenecks. During such times, I am often overwhelmed with difficult questions: “Who am I?” “What matters most in my life?” “Which path should I choose?” “How can I forge my own path?”
It is important to understand that every choice comes with its own set of gains and losses. Life is essentially a game of choices, sacrifices, and compromises. The only thing within my control is to make the best possible choice within my abilities and to be prepared to accept the consequences of that choice.
During my sabbatical between jobs, I adopted a fundamental approach to reflecting on my thoughts by writing them down. This process aimed to help me better understand myself and determine my next destination. Looking back at these writings, I often felt they were trivial and experienced guilt for possibly wasting time in disordered thoughts. I questioned whether I could have used this time more productively.
However, recording thoughts may not show immediate benefits, but over time, it offers a comprehensive understanding of one’s state of mind. Especially during dark and challenging times, what now seems trivial or laughable were vital parts of my thought process, reflecting the depth of my inner self and documenting my growth. Natalie Goldberg, in "Writing Down the Bones," highlights that daily life fills us with information, causing mental clutter. Writing helps us sift through this chaos to extract valuable insights.
Sometimes, ideas that seem mature in my mind reveal flaws and gaps when written down. Whether in work or personal development, a good memory is not as effective as a pen. Continuous exploration and analysis allow us to process raw thoughts and refine our understanding through writing, which helps us peel back layers to reach our core selves.
Here is a summary of my reflections during my time in New Zealand, which serves as a reflection on my twenties:
1. Be Bold and Seize Opportunities
I believe that only by immersing ourselves in real experiences can we truly discover our passions and talents. Despite facing confusion and uncertainty during my growth, I chose to act and embrace experiences rather than waiting passively. Whether in careers or relationships, experiencing and reflecting on these moments helps prevent repeating mistakes. Life’s journey, shaped by trial and error, becomes a rich adventure when we actively engage with it.
Many people view "trial and error" as something suited to youth, under the assumption that young people have ample time to correct their mistakes. However, with advances in science and healthcare, anyone under 80 is still relatively young. Even at 80, with potentially 30 years or more ahead, there is plenty of time to learn and start afresh.
"Trial and error" is not about acting recklessly but about exploring possibilities with careful consideration. While I previously dismissed the advice of older generations, my own challenges have led me to recognise and value their wisdom and the depth of their experience.
2. Build a Personal Brand and Network
Building a personal brand goes beyond common food, travel or fashion blogging; it also involves sharing your thoughts and insights online. I am thankful to live in an era with advanced social media, which has connected me with numerous mentors and like-minded people. Writing down my thoughts helps organise my ideas and allows me to receive valuable feedback. Engaging with diverse people, both online and offline, is essential for expanding one’s network.
There's a common misconception that making friends becomes more difficult with age. In reality, younger people often struggle with self-awareness and may form friendships that don’t align with their true values. As we grow older, we gain a clearer understanding of ourselves and our needs in friendships. Quality takes precedence over quantity, and meaningful relationships often emerge from weaker ties, opening doors to new opportunities.
3. Commit to Lifelong Learning
I avoid labelling myself, but if I had to choose, "lifelong learner" would be the most fitting. Education should not end with graduation; rather, it marks the beginning of the journey to mastering how to learn. The knowledge needed throughout life vastly exceeds what is covered in school. Diplomas and degrees are merely symbols of learning, not the learning itself. In our rapidly changing world, failing to continually update our knowledge risks becoming obsolete.
Life’s challenges often arise from unrealistic expectations and societal pressures. Many believe that acquiring certain things will lead to happiness, but this is frequently not the case. As Ray Dalio notes in "Principles," “You can have virtually anything you want, but you can’t have everything you want.” It is essential to differentiate between "goals" and "desires" and focus on what truly matters. By engaging in continuous learning and developing self-awareness, we can align our goals with our core values and prevent desires from obstructing our path to achieving them.
Clashing Work Cultures: East Meets West
Working as a Chinese professional in New Zealand has introduced me to significant cultural differences. After nearly a decade of intermittent employment here, I have evolved from quietly observing in the background to confidently delivering presentations to hundreds of colleagues and forming lasting friendships. This journey has enabled me to fully integrate into the local work culture.
One of the most notable aspects of the New Zealand work environment is its focus on political correctness (PC). As an Asian woman from the millennial generation, I have benefited from New Zealand's emphasis on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in hiring. While I am confident in my abilities, this alignment with the country’s DEI goals has undoubtedly played a role in my success.
Another notable aspect of the New Zealand workplace is the tradition of after-work drinks, which is deeply influenced by British culture. Although the standard workday runs from 9 to 5, conversations about where to go for drinks typically begin early on Friday afternoons. As someone from Shandong, known for its robust drinking culture, I find my New Zealand colleagues' drinking habits quite entertaining. Each Friday, it's not uncommon to see usually serious colleagues unwinding and dancing energetically. This tradition strengthens personal connections, as people often share secrets and gossip, creating a warm and genuine atmosphere.
Cultural differences are also quite evident. For example, my New Zealand colleagues frequently ask questions like, “Do you have a keyboard with Chinese characters? Are there hundreds of buttons on it?” I typically respond by setting up Chinese input on their computers and typing out Chinese characters, which leaves them amazed, as though they have witnessed a magic trick.
Many New Zealanders, shaped by Western media’s portrayal of China and outdated stereotypes, often perceive China as being stuck in the 1960s and 70s. For example, a colleague once shared photos of his friend's trip to Xi’an and expressed surprise at the city’s modernity and clear skies. I used the opportunity to show him images of other Chinese cities' developments, which left him visibly impressed.
In another instance, while filming a video for a CEO, he proudly mentioned that it was the Year of the Dog and that he identified as an “Earth Dog.” His genuine interest in Chinese zodiac signs was evident when he noted that the company's founding year was the Year of the Rooster, attributing last year's successful performance to this astrological connection.
The former CEO of Air New Zealand, who is now the Prime Minister of New Zealand, also has a profound Chinese name, Lu Jie Feng, and has sent his children to China to learn the language and culture, seeing China as a key player on the world stage.
Living abroad, I feel that every Chinese expatriate serves as an ambassador, offering an authentic perspective of China to our international friends while striving to preserve and share its rich heritage. Fortunately, New Zealand's cultural inclusivity and the similarities between Maori and island cultures and traditional Chinese values have made my transition as a new migrant here relatively smooth.
To be continued…
p.s. As many of my readers know, I have been following
for some time and have been actively involved in his Network State community. I’m thrilled to see the launch of Network School! Feel free to read the FULL article and consider applying to be part of this exciting future!
Thanks for relating your magical career story. It may feel like it is destiny but i think
you navigated the journey like a very wise soul, accruing knowledge, adapting as you tried many things. 你是一个了不起的明星