International students have a lot to offer, says Norman Timonera, a human resources representative with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. But they also have a few challenges to learn to handle, he says.
Timonera, who emigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines, spoke to more than 75 international students, giving them tips about making the interviewing process work for them. Timonera’s presentation was part of the first Science Teambuilding and Leadership Institute (STALI) advisory board meeting. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is on the board. “Sometimes people assume that having an accent is bad,” Timonera told the students. “But look at me—I have an accent but I can still communicate.” Employers want people who can communicate well and students should focus on this ability, which can exist independent of their accent.

International students have also taken on an additional challenge in leaving home and coming so far for an education. This is an asset and they should be recognized for the work it took to do this, he says.
As a hiring manager, Timonera interviews thousands of people each year. In addition to speaking with the students about questions they may be asked, he also advised them on types of questions they should never be asked, like where they’re from or what their religion is. “No well-trained hiring manager at a reputable company should ask you any of these questions,” he said. “If you say that you know you can’t be asked that question, they may think, ‘hey, here’s a guy who knows his stuff,’ and that can work well for you,” he said.

For more information about STALI, please visit www.science.purdue.edu/stali or contact Robin French at rdfrench@purdue.edu.