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Foreign language skills a plus

Posted on Sep 23, 2008 in News

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The UAB Department of Foreign Languages, in cooperation with the Birmingham International Center, hosted a Student and Professional International Networking Event on Sept. 17. The semiformal meet-and-greet was organized to allow students an opportunity to talk casually with successful professionals currently working in international business.

“The concept is to make connections,” said Sheri Spaine Long, Ph.D., and chairman of the UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. “When the career center gets [a student with foreign language skills] on campus and they’re not sure what to do with [them], because it’s not always obvious how to apply language skills, we can make these direct connections.”

The event maintained a comfortable atmosphere as students schmoozed with professionals from a variety of international businesses over hors d’oeurves and drinks. Representatives from local law firms, investment groups, conferencing services and export companies mingled freely with students in the lobby of the Birmingham International Center.

After the first networking session, Long began a special presentation by introducing Richard Newton, Ph.D., international attorney and study abroad instructor at UAB. His message was two-fold.

“[Students], we want to encourage you to stay with your language studies so that you will carry that through your life,” said Newton. “[Professionals], UAB is graduating all these students who speak languages from around the world. You have these wonderful assets that you can use to grow your businesses and compete [globally].”

After a warm round of applause, Mike Brooks, assistant director of the Alabama International Trade Center, stepped up to the podium.

“It won’t be long before businesses need the skills you have to offer,” said Brooks during his motivational speech.

He stressed the importance of foreign language skills and the growing number of opportunities available, as even the small business sector becomes increasingly globalized.

“You can make the difference in establishing that relationship and making that connection,” he said.

Brooks would know; making connections is his business.

“We help [small businesses] get products into foreign markets,” he said in an interview.

AITC specializes in export research, training and financing.

During the final portion of the special presentation, Long announced a new tradition. Three accomplished international businessmen were inducted into the brand new UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures Honor Roll for Excellence in Foreign Languages and International Engagement.

By featuring some of the local success stories, Dr. Long hopes students will agree that “it’s worth it sitting through those grueling foreign language classes at UAB.”

The first inductee was Frank M. Young, III of the Haskell, Slaughter, Young, and Rediker law firm, where he is the “go to” guy in international law. He has represented the firm in Anshan, China, and Beijing, and was an important piece of the connection in establishing relationships for the firm’s China practice.

The second inductee was Mark Jackson, CEO, chairman and founder of Moreson Conferencing, Inc., one of the premier teleconference service providers in North America and abroad. His business operates in 52 countries and is continually expanding.

Allan Staib was the third inductee. He is currently the foreign partner and chairman of the board of Tianjin Power Source Food Company, Ltd., as well as the owner and manager of the Tianjin Rui Si Business Planning Company. Both companies are located in and operate within mainland China.

Overall, the event can be deemed an exciting success. The turnout was greater than expected, and the idea was met with energy and enthusiasm.

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is planning to make this an annual event so that opportunities will continue to be available for students with foreign language skills and for businesses that need employees with those skills. Interest will certainly continue to grow as doors are opened for students and businesses to build connections through language.

Email: jmcconat@uab.edu