Editor's Note: Embark on a journey through the vibrant world of big tech, where multilingual prowess opens doors to new cultures and perspectives for Operations Manager and globetrotter, I-an Weng. From forging connections across diverse landscapes to navigating the intricacies of cross-cultural communication, join me in uncovering the transformative power of language in the global career arena.

Navigating Big Tech: Lessons from Airbnb, Facebook (Meta), and TikTok

When shaping an international career in today's global landscape, one crucial strategy stands out: embracing a generalist approach. Reflecting on my own journey, I've opted to diversify my experiences rather than specialize. My decision-making hinges on a single question: "Does this broaden my horizons?" Personal preferences take a back seat, recognizing that at this stage, I may not grasp all that I don't yet know.

For instance, when strategizing my career trajectory, I don't adhere to a linear approach. Instead, I assess all available opportunities and swiftly pivot between roles to grasp the fundamentals. This agile mindset allows me to swiftly transition to subsequent roles, gaining comprehensive insights and skill sets along the way.

Driven by a passion for complex problem-solving and continuous learning, my career spans diverse fields including government engagement, operations, Trust & Safety, ecosystem governance & partner management. 

This varied expertise equips me to comprehend business from multiple perspectives, making me adept at fostering collaboration across departments. This adaptability not only enhances career prospects but also catches the eye of headhunters and recruiters seeking global talents capable of bridging cultural gaps between Asian and European contexts & working with different departments. 

Global Exposures & Perspectives 

Having worked both at a regional level in Taiwan and at the global headquarters in Europe, I've experienced the profound impact of a global perspective on my career. In Taiwan, the focus was on maximizing local resources and ensuring smooth local operations. However, at the European headquarters, I had to pivot to planning from a global standpoint, balancing globalization with local needs across 100 markets. This shift broadened my approach to problem-solving, emphasizing risk mitigation and strategic planning. It enabled me to consider diverse perspectives and make decisions that aligned with global objectives while addressing local nuances. Importantly, this experience has not only shaped my approach to problem-solving but has also been instrumental in showcasing my capabilities to hiring managers and during networking opportunities.

Speaking Multiple Languages Shaped my Career

My journey through the dynamic landscape of big tech has been greatly influenced by my multilingual abilities. From my roots in Mandarin and English to immersing myself in the diverse cultures of Europe, language proficiency has been a cornerstone of my career growth. It's not just about words; it's about forging connections across cultural boundaries. In the West, formal meetings reign, but my language skills allowed me to bridge professional barriers and cultivate personal relationships. In the East, speaking the local language fosters trust and camaraderie, leading to deep connections beyond work. Transitioning between tech giants demanded adaptability, but recruiters recognized the value of my multilingual background.

Additionally, speaking French and being able to hold conversations have significantly enhanced my engagement with vendors and built trust. I made a deliberate effort to learn the language not just for personal reasons but also for professional advancement. This linguistic proficiency has been pivotal in various instances, facilitating smoother interactions and negotiations, ultimately contributing to my career progression.

Looking back on my journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the multilingual advantage that has propelled me forward. It's not just about the languages we speak; it's about the connections we forge and the perspectives we gain along the way.