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The 2000 Census reported that 11.9 million Asian Americans (those who checked off "Asian" race alone or in combination with another race) live in the US -- up from 6.9 million in the 1990 Census. That's a 72 percent increase in population, compared with total US population growth of 13 percent.
There is an increased interest in the way Asian Americans work, play and live their lives here in the US. But have you done an objective assessment of your own marketability in corporate America?
Consider the Effects of Heritage and Cultural Values
As you grow professionally, you have to be careful not to excuse yourself from fitting into certain aspects of mainstream corporate culture because "you are Asian" or refuse to do things because of your cultural upbringing. Cultural heritage should never be an excuse for a certain modus operandi. However, it is important you consider how your cultural upbringing could potentially affect the way you conduct your job search and navigate in the mainstream corporate culture.
For example, many Asian Americans are often saddled with parental pressure to enter and remain in certain "respectable" fields. At its very best, this expectation influences a person to become a bona fide professional in America's corporate system. At its very worst, it can impair a person's ability to perform a self-directed job search and pursue his lifelong calling.
Cast Your Net Far and Wide
Asian Americans often don't look beyond their immediate set of resources for guidance and advice. As a minority population in corporate America, identifying and maintaining broad and deep networks with a variety of people of various backgrounds is absolutely essential to your personal growth and career success. Finding a mentor will add to your career tool chest.
Don't Place Limits on Your Potential
Sometimes Asian Americans also face issues relating to transitioning to a new career. As an Asian American, how do you ease into your new identity when it is so different from what you envisioned you would become when you were growing up? It may require some skill development and behavioral adjustments.
The Future of Asian Americans in the Workplace
As more Asian Americans become visible and vocal in the workplace, corporations will begin to take notice of their unique attributes and talents. Affinity groups for various diversity populations are beginning to form within companies to provide employees with a single platform from which to communicate with senior management. It is becoming more important for companies to hire and proactively manage a truly diverse workforce in order to maintain a competitive advantage in today's global economy. Don't stand on the sidelines; you can play an active part in that important mission.