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Sonia Liang
Intercultural Career Counselor - International Student Advocate - Higher Education Entrepreneur
Sonia Liang is the Associate Director and MSBA Career Coach at the Career Strategies and Engagement Center (CSE) of Brandeis International Business School. In this role, she advises students, teaches career development courses, designs programs, and fosters community for students and alumni pursuing careers in business analytics and related fields. She is particularly known for her work in supporting international students, having spearheaded initiatives that led to Brandeis receiving the National Career Development Association’s 2019 “Service to International Students” award.123
Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Sonia graduated with a degree in English from Sun Yat-sen University. She later earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University in 2016. Before joining Brandeis, she gained experience in education consulting, marketing, and sales. Her career services journey began with helping others prepare for professional communication challenges, which inspired her passion for career coaching.23
Sonia’s work emphasizes cross-cultural communication, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming to prepare students for global career opportunities. She also frequently shares advice on overcoming self-imposed barriers to career success and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in her professional practice.34
Highlights
Day 4 of the DC Trip elevated our experience to new heights. Students immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge at the Wilson Center, where Ambassador James F. Jeffrey shared insights on foreign service career pathways. The Congress panel provided illuminating perspectives from foreign service staffers, while the visit to the International Republican Institute (IRI) offered a global understanding of political development. The day culminated in a dynamic panel and engaging Q&A session at the UK Embassy.
What an extraordinary day filled with insightful visits and speakers!
Gratitude goes to the dedicated staff and faculty at Boston University - Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (Pardee School) for making this experiential learning and career trip possible!
Our second day in DC was about privileged opportunities and Pardee pride, starting with a captivating staff panel led by a Pardee alumna at the Center for Global Development. We then visited the Pentagon to learn about the US Space Force from high-level military officers and civilian policy experts, followed by an eye-opening session at RAND exploring defense research. Insights from Akin Gump's Director of Talent Management provided invaluable career guidance, while a heartfelt alumni panel and reception concluded the day, sharing career wisdom, fostering connections, and building community.
These opportunities for learning, growth, and career development offered by the Boston University - Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies (Pardee School) are simply unparalleled. I'm excited for the students, and I am also learning alongside them!
