Background:
Law degree and banking experience in Shanghai
Placement:
UMass Boston, Financial Research Administrator
Fellow Statement:
“You must be willing to face some skepticism from others and have the courage to do what you want.”
Click HERE to learn more about the Fellowship
Jessie Ling, originally from Shanghai, China, Jessie moved to the U.S. in hopes of pursuing a successful career and supporting her young son.
Jessie has an impressive international educational and professional background from her time in Shanghai. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law and went on to work in Shanghai’s banking corporation for over ten years. She worked as a customer relations assistant for six months before being promoted to relationship banker. She has shown patience and a strong dedication to pursuing her career, which made her a perfect fit for ABN’s Immigrant Professionals Fellowship. She was placed in the Sponsor Programs Administration (SPA) with Boston Medical Center
Before joining the Fellowship, Jessie says she faced challenges while trying to join the workforce. In addition to raising a young child and devoting most of her time to him, she says some problems that arise are language and network barriers. She says it is difficult “not having a network in the States for references and that sort of thing”. Having a network of friends and relatives to consult with was helpful for Jessie back in Shanghai, but she bravely took a risk and left that network when coming to the U.S.
Jessie found out about the Fellowship through an affiliated non-profit organization, Asian American Civic Association (AACA). She reached out in hopes it would offer her a stable job in one of Boston’s best hospitals, and she succeeded in this goal. After three months of hands-on training, Jessie was placed at Boston Medical Center to gain further experience and training. Her hard work has not stopped there though, as she plans to continue her education in Research Administration at Emmanuel College. She is now working with UMass as a Financial Research Administrator.
Jessie thanks ABN for giving her this opportunity, “I wouldn’t have such a good opportunity to build my career here without them”.
We envision a day when the skills of immigrant professionals are highly valued and they can use their past experiences to build their careers, support their families, and make meaningful contributions to our society.