Person
Susan Malbec
Susan Malbec
ANALYTICAL DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST
I think that learning new languages opens yourself to much more knowledge than the language itself. I’ve improved my English a lot, and also have had the chance to practice my Spanish.
I have been working as an Analytical Development Scientist in Ludof Pharmaceutical Ltd. I have learnt a lot about myself during my VIE assignment, for example, I’m more adaptable than I thought. In the past I challenged myself only with changes that were easy for me in one way or another. During my VIE assignment, I have met challenges and changes that were not as easy as expected.
I think that learning new languages opens yourself to much more knowledge than the language itself.
Everything was different and that surprised me. I had been to the US as a tourist, and before I came to work in the US, I thought I would not experience a culture shock, but it proved me wrong. The biggest difference is the way people interact and socialize with each other.
I have experienced a lot of cultural differences between French and American people in the workplace. Generally, Americans are not as straightforward as French people and the orders from American managers are not demanded, but implied. It meant I had to be more proactive and look for tasks myself, I realized how important it is to be proactive at work. Sometimes I feel independent, sometimes I feel lonely, but I have learnt how to deal with any feeling. Also, Americans plan everything more and in advance. It makes the general organization somewhat different, but easy to adapt to.
During the year of my VIE assignment, I’ve been improving my English a lot, which was actually one of my first goals about this experience. I’ve also been practicing my Spanish given the high number of people from South America living here. I think that learning new languages opens yourself to much more knowledge than the language itself and gives you opportunities, either professionally or personally.