NACE: Career Readiness

Career and Self Development

I consider myself a people person with a natural ability to hold conversations and make others feel at ease—skills that have been central to my personal and professional growth. When I began my research, I proactively reached out to professors and researchers, including well-known figures in academia, through cold emails. Even without certainty they would respond, I took these chances to seek guidance and direction, which helped me develop confidence in advocating for myself and navigating opportunities beyond the classroom. As I progressed in my study, I conducted in-depth interviews with participants, which deepened my understanding of human connection, empathy, and professionalism—key strengths that I continue to develop. I also had the unique experience of working with a research mentor whose expertise in grounded theory lies in education and ecology, rather than identity and adoption. This interdisciplinary connection not only broadened my perspective but also showed me the value of networking both within and beyond my immediate field. Altogether, these experiences have helped me better understand my strengths, identify areas for growth, and cultivate a proactive approach to career and self-development.

Communication

Because my research is qualitative, I often present my work alongside peers in quantitative or “hard science” fields. At times, I’ve had to respond to skepticism about the rigor or validity of my work, particularly since it focuses on nuanced and personal topics like identity, stories, and adoption. These moments have pushed me to clearly and confidently explain the methods I use—like grounded theory—and why qualitative approaches are critical for understanding lived experiences. I’ve learned how to adapt my language depending on who I’m speaking to, whether it’s explaining theoretical frameworks to professors in STEM fields or presenting findings to peers unfamiliar with qualitative research. Communicating stories that are deeply personal and emotionally complex also requires care and precision, especially when representing the voices of my participants. Through this, I’ve developed a strong ability to share ideas across disciplines and bridge gaps in understanding with clarity, empathy, and respect.

Equity and Inclusion

Because my research focuses on Chinese adoptees, it brings attention to a population that has been historically underrepresented in academic discourse—roughly 160,000 children adopted out of China into new homes, new countries, and often, predominantly white communities. These individuals are everywhere and nowhere at once: we blend in, but our stories are often overlooked, miscategorized, or quietly erased. Through my work, I aim to center these narratives and challenge the systems that have contributed to their invisibility—systems rooted in global power dynamics, cultural erasure, and assumptions about race, family, and belonging. I approach this work not only with academic curiosity but with personal understanding, and I’m committed to creating space for voices that complicate traditional narratives. Engaging with participants’ stories requires empathy, respect, and a deep awareness of how identity is shaped by systemic inequity. My research practices are grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks and seek to amplify voices that have too often been silenced.

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