Today we’d like to introduce you to Wenbin Dai.
Hi Wenbin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many other Chinese international students, I came back to my hometown Shanghai right after I got my master’s degree in Australia. I spent more than two years living and studying in a beautiful Australian capital city and fully immerse myself there. All sceneries are as beautiful as those in a picture. This was the first time I found myself enjoying staying away from crowded and busy city life. I conducted a wide range of field works as well as the internship that gives me the chance to expose to western culture. Along with my cross-cultural experience, I got my first job as a project manager in a state-owned incubator in Shanghai that encourages entrepreneurship to the greatest extent. It is quite interesting as I had opportunities to speak with lots of entrepreneurs and even further expand our network with other foreign organizations in the same industry.
At the same time, I was experiencing some cultural shock and came to realize it is quite difficult to achieve some goals with those who are ethnically and culturally different. I kept thinking and struggling for my future until I met with my wife. We were introduced by our friend and built up a relationship soon. I planned several trips to Austin, but it is still hard to maintain a long-term relationship.
Eventually, I made up my mind to quit my job and move all the way to Austin to keep accompany with her. I was jobless for the first several months, and meanwhile, my wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). I still can recall how depressed and helpless we were at that time and it could be the darkest time throughout my life. We went through these hardships together, and I tried hard in the job market. It was at that moment that I strongly felt the positive changes it could bring if you stay positive. The good news came that I was lucky enough to work as a contractor for a utility company after several months’ endeavor. It greatly improved our financial situation and gave her more confidence to fight against the disease. Being inspired by this great opportunity, I keep hardworking and moving up. Just in one a half year, I was promoted twice and now serve as an IT application analyst in Austin Energy. I also became a part-time realtor who intends to help more Asian communities to locate their dream house in the Austin area.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. There are lots of crossroads throughout your life. The first trade-off is if I choose to come back to my motherland after graduation in Australia. You should take all kinds of factors into consideration, including environment, career and family. It is a big decision, but everyone may have different choices. Then I got my second struggle: if I need to move to America. Quit a formal stable job in Shanghai seems something big to my family, both emotional and cultural. It is all-in to me but I trust in love and believe in myself. Sometimes, your choice determines your future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I tried different positions. I have an IT background in my bachelor’s degree but chose something different for my master’s (environment planning). I want to see something different and I really love it. I did lots of fieldwork as well as thesis research on open space planning in Australia. I have been exposed to some advanced planning theories and really want to bring them back to my home country. However, my major is not job market-friendly and due to some cultural stuff, I could not find some position 100 percent related to my major. Then, I worked as a project manager and I definitely qualified for that position, but I still felt a little down. I did some marketing thing, built up relationships with foreign organizations, and even created a database for start ups management purposes. Currently, I worked as an IT application analysist for Austin Energy. Five years and travel all the way back to my original IT background. I also be a part time realtor in the realty industry. Life is unpredictable. I think the key is to try different things as much as you can. Every experience would give you some different perspectives, every time when you was given an opportunity, try your 100 percent potential to get it and make yourself as much perfect as you can. These unique experience is my most precious wealth and guides me towards my target.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plan is to become a manager or maybe a director in my current company. I even want to run my own business if possible. A simple word is just to get my full potential as much as I can. Five years ago, I can not imagine I would have a job in the U.S and settle down here in Austin, even in my dream. Now, I made it. next five years? Hard to predict. The only rule I believe in is to do your best and seize every piece of opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Email: winston.dwb@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winston.realtor/
Image Credits
My wife: Aozixuan Guan.
My co-workers: Austin Energy Customer Care Quality Management Team
