Hsiang-Lin Lai is a second year graduate student in Temple University’s Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Degree (DBMD) Program, who plans to graduate in May 2012. Graphic art was her undergraduate major at National Taiwan Normal University. For her graduate degree she studies communications management in the School of Communications and Theater.

“By combining the visual aspects of communications through my graphic art studies and the business side of communications through my graduate studies, I think I will have the marketable skills employers are looking for in the work force,” refl ects Hsiang-Lin.

“Dr. Juandalynn Taylor who teaches Speech Writing and Legal Issues in the Communications Department at Temple has been a great infl uence during my time here,” says Hsiang-Lin. “Dr. Taylor’s enthusiasm in the classroom is contagious and she gives international students the confi dence and support necessary > to improve their written and verbal skills.”

This upcoming year Hsiang-Lin hopes to fi nd an internship with a graphic design or advertising agency where she can utilize her graphic art and communications background. “I imagine it will be hard to fi nd an internship without any work experience, but I have to start somewhere,” she says. “I am competing with other master-level students who have years of work experience. Therefore, I encourage DBMD students to fi nd something, even if it is unpaid, to help distinguish their resume from others.” Depending
on the department, there are usually resources available to help students fi nd internships. Faculty and program alumni are also willing to off er guidance to students.

Hsiang-Lin has traveled to Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Atlantic City in New Jersey and to see the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. “I love Philadelphia because it is in the middle of everything,” she said.

While enrolled at National Taiwan Normal University, Hsiang-Lin worked on various design projects and participated in the Model United Nations program. In the United States, she hopes to gain some real world, communications industry experience.