To help students strengthen their foundational knowledge of AI and enhance their career competitiveness, the International Student Guidance Section of the Office of International Affairs held the career seminar “Starting Your Career in Taiwan” at 5:30 p.m. on December 10, 2025, in the lobby on the 10th floor of the Ching-Sheng Building. The event invited Pei-Jung Wang, a Career Mentor from 104 Job Bank and Career Development Advisor (CDA), to introduce the Microsoft AI-900 certification program, career exploration strategies, résumé writing techniques, and an overview of employment policies for international students in Taiwan. The seminar attracted enthusiastic participation from approximately 50 international students.
Wang first explained the importance of the Microsoft AI-900 certification, noting that it serves as an ideal entry point for beginners new to AI and the technology sector, particularly those without a background in programming, data science, or engineering. The program features a “one-stop” arrangement that includes comprehensive training and the official certification exam, held on Saturdays over two consecutive weeks, allowing students to plan their schedules flexibly. She emphasized that obtaining this certification not only enhances résumé appeal but also helps students build a solid foundation in AI, increasing their opportunities to enter the technology industry.
She then shared insights from her nearly 20 years of cross-disciplinary experience in the IT industry, encouraging students to recognize that “a career is not linear, but evolves by responding to circumstances.” Choices made at different stages of life can open new paths, and career exploration is a lifelong process with no single fixed goal or answer. The key, she noted, lies in continuous self-awareness, the courage to try new things, and maintaining flexibility to find a direction that truly suits oneself.
In discussing methods of self-exploration, Wang introduced the Iceberg Model (ASKVIP) to help students conduct a comprehensive self-assessment. The upper layer, Ability, Skills, and Knowledge, is more visible and can be developed through training, forming the basic tools for job seeking. The lower layer, Values, Interests, and Personality, is less easily changed but plays a central role in shaping long-term career direction. She also guided students through an on-site assessment using the Holland Codes (RIASEC) developed by psychologist John Holland, helping them identify their vocational interests. She stressed that different traits do not conflict with one another; rather, students should learn to apply them flexibly in different contexts and view them as “tools” for career development.
Regarding résumé writing and job-search strategies, Wang likened a résumé to a “personal promotional flyer,” reminding students that recruiters typically spend only about six seconds reviewing it. Therefore, content should be concise, focused, and highlight key points. She advised placing the highest or most recent academic degree near the top, quantifying achievements with numbers, and removing any information unrelated to the position for which the application is being made. She also recommended presenting experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and extracting keywords from job descriptions to improve matching rates in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or AI-based screening tools. In addition, she suggested platforms such as 104 Job Bank, 1111 Job Bank, Cake, and Talent Taiwan as useful resources for job searching and résumé optimization.
Addressing employment regulations, one of the primary concerns of international students, Wang explained that Taiwan currently adopts a New Scoring Criteria, under which applicants can apply for a work permit after accumulating 70 points based on factors such as education level, minimum starting salary, intermediate Chinese proficiency, and foreign language ability. She reminded students that working in Taiwan without a valid work permit is prohibited and may result in fines and a three-year ban on employment in Taiwan. Graduates who have not yet secured employment must apply for an extension before their Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) expires. Additionally, international students are required to apply to the National Health Insurance Administration to enroll in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program, ensuring uninterrupted medical coverage. She concluded by encouraging students with the message: “Your uniqueness is your competitiveness.” Bringing one’s culture, skills, and personal strengths into the workplace is the most powerful advantage.
