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International Mentorship Program by National Taiwan University
An innovative way of talent cultivation and retention by National Taiwan University, focusing on mentorship, partnerships and support infrastructure.
Cultivating and retaining international talent is a top priority for universities worldwide and National Taiwan University (NTU) is taking a proactive approach. Recognising the challenges international students face – language barriers, unfamiliar workplace culture and limited professional networks – NTU goes beyond simply forwarding job recruitment information.
To address these challenges, NTU launched the innovative International Mentorship Program (IMP). Featuring high-level executives as mentors, this program connects international students with over 300 summer internship opportunities across 130 companies, government agencies, research institutions and NGOs. But what makes the IMP so successful?
The program's success hinges on three key pillars: impactful mentorship, a mutually beneficial partnership ecosystem and comprehensive support infrastructure.
Revolutionising internships: The power of mentorship
IMP sets itself apart through its innovative mentorship-driven internship design. We require participating organisations to appoint high-level executives as mentors for students. These mentors include industry leaders such as Giuseppe Izzo, Vice President of Asia Pacific Region & General Manager in Taiwan, Jay Mao, Chairman of Michelin Tire Taiwan, Rahil Ansari, CEO & Chairman of Volkswagen Group Taiwan, and Chokechai Puapattanakajorn of Bangkok Bank Taiwan.
This approach offers a double benefit to students:
- Insider Access: Mentors leverage their extensive professional networks to provide students with a fast-track understanding of the local work environment.
- Invaluable Insights: Students gain real-world knowledge and guidance through their close interactions with experienced mentors.
Furthermore, a successful internship can lead to a smooth transition into part-time or full-time positions within the company, facilitated by the established mentor relationship.
A mutually beneficial partnership ecosystem to boost foreign students’ career development
International students often face hurdles navigating Taiwan's workplace compared to their local peers. To address these challenges, the IMP offers targeted support. Participants attend skill-building workshops led by C-suite executives from participating IMP companies. These workshops cover resume writing, interview techniques, and navigating communication and workplace culture, providing students with invaluable insights directly from industry leaders. Additionally, NTU arranges corporate visits and cultural experiences, immersing students in local talent demands and the diverse Taiwanese culture beyond campus life.
Further extending support, NTU's job fair, typically targeting local students, now features a limited-access "International Talent+ & Impact Zone" exclusively for IMP companies. This zone showcases diverse career opportunities in Taiwan specifically for international students. By participating in the IMP, companies not only gain access to a pre-vetted pool of talented interns, but also benefit from increased brand awareness among international students and a wider recruitment channel for both internship and full-time positions.
This comprehensive approach ensures a win-win situation for all parties involved. International students gain valuable skills and confidence, while IMP companies gain access to a diverse pool of pre-vetted talent, increased brand awareness and a wider recruitment channel. Ultimately, by fostering a supportive ecosystem that bridges the gap between international students and the Taiwanese workforce, the IMP contributes significantly to Taiwan's economic development and talent retention goals.
Beyond the job board: IMP's supportive infrastructure
Previously, navigating the complexities of securing an internship in Taiwan presented a significant challenge for international students. Organisations, too, often hesitated due to the administrative burden. This is where IMP's comprehensive support infrastructure becomes crucial. We transcend the limitations of a simple job board by offering a full suite of services for both interns and employers. These services include:
- Academic tutoring and counseling
- Interview preparation and arrangement
- Contract, insurance, and work permit assistance
- Bank account support
- Housing assistance
By streamlining the administrative process, IMP empowers both students and organizations to focus on the core internship experience. Reduced administrative burdens allow students to invest their energy in learning and reflection throughout the internship, ultimately maximising their career exploration and development.
Expanding the impact: IMP's global reach
To amplify the program's impact and establish itself as the premier talent hub in Asia, IMP has launched the Global Talent Alliance. This initiative extends internship opportunities beyond NTU, welcoming students from prestigious partner universities worldwide. These include University College London and University of Leeds in the UK, Kyoto University in Japan, Kyung Hee University in South Korea and Singapore Management University. Additionally, through this alliance, a consortium of 11 universities from Saxony facilitated internships for 30 students at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. This expansion not only broadens the reach of our high-quality program to talented students from esteemed institutions, but also fosters ongoing collaboration and friendships among leading universities.
Expanding the model to serve more students
While the IMP offers internships across various disciplines, some students may still have needs beyond the program's current scope. These might include interest in internships outside the summer window, a desire for a wider variety of internship positions, or a need for foundational skill development courses.
To address these needs, we've launched the pioneering iNGO Academy, allowing international students to intern at 20 international non-governmental organizations (iNGOs) throughout the semester. This program includes a range of tailor-made courses – "Issue Research and Communication," "Non-profit Digital Marketing" and "Crowdfunding and Fundraising" – taught by industry experts and focused on essential skills development. Importantly, these courses are also open to iNGO staff, fostering collaborative learning.
In a similar vein, we offer the Overseas Internship Program (OIP), Taiwan's leading university-level international internship initiative. Through this program, NTU students have the opportunity to intern abroad during the summer at various companies, NGOs, and research institutions across diverse industries. Mirroring the IMP, participating overseas organisations are required to assign senior executives as mentors. This facilitates the development of international professional networks for students under their guidance.
In conclusion, NTU's International Mentorship Program (IMP) stands as a model for fostering international talent. By addressing the unique challenges faced by international students, the IMP creates a win-win situation for all. Students gain valuable skills, confidence, and connections, while companies access a diverse talent pool and build brand awareness. The program's innovative features, like impactful mentorship and comprehensive support infrastructure, pave the way for a smooth transition from academia to the professional world. Additionally, the IMP's expanding reach through the Global Talent Alliance and complementary programs like the iNGO Academy and Overseas Internship Program solidify its position as a leading force in international student career development.
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