As the program comes to an end, my understanding of how business is conducted in both New Zealand and Australia has become much deeper than my initial impressions. While I originally noticed how welcoming people were and the slower pace of life, I now better understand how these cultural values shape professional expectations and workplace norms.
During our time in Australia, we visited several organizations that provided insight into different sectors of the economy. At Cochlear, a global hearing technology company, we learned how innovation and long-term investment drive product development and decision-making. Our visit to the U.S. Consulate showed how international business is closely connected to diplomacy and trade relationships. At the University of Technology Sydney, we explored the small business environment in Australia and heard from a speaker in advertising, which demonstrated how marketing strategies must reflect local culture and consumer behavior.
One of the most important business differences I observed was the emphasis on building trust before conducting business. Professional relationships often require multiple meetings before moving into detailed discussions. This differs from the U.S., where business conversations may move more quickly toward transactions. Another key difference is how strongly work-life balance is protected. Employers are expected to respect employees’ time off, and labor expectations are clearly defined. At the same time, professionalism is taken very seriously, and people are consistently punctual and prepared for meetings.
Interacting with professionals throughout the program also changed my perspective on networking. Everyone we met was willing to share their career paths and offer advice, which made professional engagement feel more relational rather than purely goal driven. This experience showed me that strong communication and mutual respect are essential when working across cultures.
My initial impressions of friendliness, balance, and organization were accurate, but I now see that these qualities are supported by strong professional standards and cultural values. This program increased my confidence in engaging with people from different backgrounds and reinforced the importance of adaptability in global business. Overall, the experience strengthened my interest in pursuing a career with international exposure and gave me a clearer understanding of how business practices can differ while still sharing common professional principles.
