Global Biz. Tip_Colombia

Some members of SK cross borders in search of new opportunities in foreign countries. Let’s hear their hard-earned business know-how from global worksites. In Episode 3, PL Seong, Seung-yong of SK holdings, who is working in Colombia, shares his insights into the local culture and business practices.

 

 

My life as an expat began as follows…

I majored in Russian language in college and got married to an Uzbekistani wife. I joined SK with an ambition to be an expert of business development in Central Asian. After working in Vietnam for three years, I worked in Latin American countries including Brazil and Colombia for almost seven years. Being directly exposed to a series of new environments, I was able to accumulate business knowhow and exciting experiences.

 

New environments invite a broader perspective

I had confidence in Russian. Then, in Kazakhstan, I came across a colleague of mine who was working at SK E&C. I learned a lot watching him actively leading meetings with government officials and working with greater enthusiasm than anyone else. I realized that what makes a true local expert is not only fluency in the local language but also having an insight into the way business is done.

 

Realizing this, I have been actively doing physical exercise including jogging, swimming, and tennis rather than pursuing gastronomic adventures and drinking away the stress to not only keep myself in shape but to be also better prepared for adapting to new environments.

 

 

Beware of these things, expat workers

In Latin America, blindly believing what is said by government officials or a local partners is not a good idea. I, oftentimes, found myself in trouble reporting what’s been told without checking the facts to the boss. would recommend you carefully examine the ins and outs and double-check through multiple channels until you feel 100% sure about the information.

 

You also need to be considerate of your family members who have come all the way to a foreign country with you. They struggle with language barriers in a new environment. I am often away from home, so I feel grateful to my wife who has been a huge support to the family. And, It is great to watch my children successfully settling into a foreign country.

 

You need to use standard expressions and phrases and continuously refine your language skills

No matter how skilled you are in English, you may be stressed out from time to time by your ‘Koreanized’ pronunciation and expressions. If English is not your native language, it is safer to use easy expressions and pronounce words clearly. You do not have to be obsessed with sounding like a native speaker or using American slangs. You will just end up getting your partner confused.
Instead, it is recommended that you listen to English media and read English newspapers as often as possible. I still make it a rule to watch CNN and read the Financial Times for at least an hour a day. It greatly helps me not only refine my English skills but also build up insights into global issues.

 

Tips for SK People soon to be expats