We had the good fortune of connecting with Konstancja Szymanska and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Konstancja, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think that authenticity is something that I always wanted to include in my journey to success as well as transparency. Sharing my stories and my personal experiences to connect with my audience is truly a priority and is one of the most recognizable aspects when you think of my brand image. Working in international education requires competence, integrity and innovation. I think one of the most important factors behind the success of my brand is the ability to create relatable experiences and spaces. Coming to the United States to pursue your education might feel very overwhelming for some individuals. Therefore, I always make sure that I create a dialogue that will provide my audience with the expertise that they require. Speaking about your own experiences and journey makes people more connected and curious. I strongly believe in presenting the most authentic self during presentations, webinars and consultations. We all might be talking about the same product but what makes it unique is YOUR story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am extremely invested in my career within international education field as well as in my research. My research focuses on foreign language anxiety, which is a fear of speaking in a foreign language. I came to the United States as an international student and I was very nervous about entering academic spaces, since English was not my first language. I have had a high-quality language training before I came to the United States, however it is different when you are suddenly exposed to only native English speakers. Since then, I always wanted to share my experiences with others and make sure they enter a comfortable learning spaces, even if they suffer from a foreign language anxiety. I am currently working as an Assistant Director for International Recruitment, Partnerships and Engagement and I provide consulting services to universities, private institutions and companies. Being from a foreign country and working in an environment where English is not your first language is quite challenging. It is crucial that universities build global platforms for international students and employees, but it is also important that we address an issue of a foreign language anxiety in work spaces and academic settings. United States is built on immigration, however I want to make sure that in my community I build strong and successful spaces for those who struggle with speaking a foreign language. Sharing my story and my hesitations from when I first came to the United States makes me connect with my audience and it truly is a gift.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think the most exciting places to visit in South Florida definitely include restaurants and parks! I also really enjoy Florida Keys! I would take my friends for a tour around Miami area, show them the diverse restaurants, streets and parks. I am a huge fan of Wynwood area. Some of my favorite places to eat in Miami- Intimo, Ceviche 105, Chica, KYU. You will also find the best Cuban coffee and desserts in Havana Harry’s!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think that I am truly blessed to have an army of people who support me on a daily basis. My family truly believed in me and supported me when I decided to move to the United States in 2011 and pursue my education and career. Once I got to the United States I met incredible individuals who shared the same experiences of being an international student in a foreign country and were and still are a big part of my support system. My husband gives me valuable advice on my career every single day and he truly is a golden human being. However, in my professional career I am very fortunate to have a group of international educators, professors and other Ph.D. graduates who collaborate with me on projects and provide me with the necessary expertise and advice. I could not be where I am today without them.

Website: https://worldlink.pl/eduspeakers/

Instagram: konstancja_szymanska

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstancja-szymanska-6b38121a8/

Facebook: Konstancja Szymanska

Image Credits
Images: ALL SNAP MEDIA

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