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Tse-Ming “Mike” Chang, MPA 2009: Urban Policy
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Tse-Ming “Mike" Chang, from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, says SIPA’s reputation, diversity and location in New York were well known to him. But he appreciates how successfully the school integrates those resources. “We have numerous career panels of major companies and international institutions, we have senior governmental officials and established entrepreneurs among our classmates, and we have many famous professors from various departments within the same building for us to consult. (flashplayer)
What has been the best part of your SIPA experience?
I have made a lot of international friends.In my home country of Taiwan, the international population is very small. Therefore, it is harder for me to realize how to appreciate other cultures and their customs. However, in SIPA, I participated in several events held by different nationalities such as Japanese and Latin American. This experience has prepared me for the knowledge and manners needed to get along with foreign customers. Besides, as SIPA is a professional school with diverse qualification criteria, most of my friends are professionals in different fields. They not only provide great friendship, but allow us to build a strong resource network for each other.
How did you obtain your internship?
Some people think your capability is the only important thing when you try to find a job. Networking is important also.Relationships are important. I got my internship through networking.I contacted my former professor and he helped me connect with the Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office. Originally, I was assigned to work in the Human Resources Bureau, but I convinced the Chief of Staff to change my internship assignment to the Urban Planning Bureau. I was lucky to get to choose the bureau I wanted to work in.
Tell us more about your internship experience?
While working over the summer, I tried to get deeply involved in the work of my division. We were working to create a master plan for the municipal government of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I was researching other cities’ master planning initiatives, such as Singapore and Seoul.The other interns accepted the work they were given and did not ask any questions or try to get involved in anything else. I tried to get more involved in projects.I attended meetings with the Mayor and bureau chiefs. I helped organize an international competition for urban policy design of our city.My persistence came from SIPA and American culture, which taught me to ask questions and reach for what I want. My proactive attitude and commitment to my work allowed me to learn much more from this internship than I otherwise would have.
What has been the most challenging part of your SIPA experience?
Language.Especially writing.On one occasion I had to spend twenty hours to finish three pages of writing.Also, I’ve had certain challenges that I would never have in my own country.The difference in priorities among people of different cultures brings challenges in group projects.There are people with different leadership styles and people with different academic goals.In any class, some students are there to get a PhD, and some are there to get a job. To achieve a class project with all different types of people is challenging, but also exciting.
Did you choose to attend SIPA to change careers, or to gain experience in a career path you already had experience in?
I chose SIPA to reinforce my work experience. I am an urban policy concentrator and SIPA is helping me build international experience and quantitative skills, which will help me to continue my work in Taiwan.At home, I work in an urban policy consulting group, an NGO responsible for providing policy advisory to the government. Networking opportunities here have helped me to expand my career choice. I have also made some Chinese friends while at SIPA who have shown great interests in jointly starting our own consulting group in China in order to combine my expertise with their local knowledge and networks.