【Article by GCIT】

The Master’s Program in Global Communication and Innovation Technology (GCIT) at National Chengchi University hosted a distinguished lecture on September 22, featuring Daphne Lee, Vice President of New Media at Taiwan Mobile and Chairperson of the New Media and Entertainment Association (NMEA). Under the theme “Open Possible: My Career Journey”, Daphne shared her career trajectory across multiple industries and offered deep insights into the future of the job market. The event drew enthusiastic participation from students and several professors, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.

In her lecture, Daphne recounted her own career journey, starting in international trade before transitioning into the banking industry, later moving into e-commerce, and ultimately establishing herself in the new media and telecommunications sector. Through these transitions, she witnessed firsthand the transformation and challenges of Taiwan’s industries amid the digital revolution. Drawing from these experiences, she provided students with key perspectives to inspire them to find their own path in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Self-Understanding as the Foundation of Career Choices

Reflecting on the difficult decisions she faced upon graduating from the Department of Public Finance at NCCU, Daphne emphasized that before setting a career direction, students must first understand their own strengths, characteristics, and values. She reminded students that choosing a career should not be based solely on salary levels or industry growth, but should also consider long-term prospects, company culture, and personal needs. She stressed that a first job has a profound influence on one’s career path. Unlike in the past, when trial and error was more acceptable for fresh graduates, today’s AI-driven job market—where many entry-level roles are disappearing—demands a different approach. Students nowadays must carefully assess their own strengths and seize internship opportunities to commit to fields they are passionate about after graduation, devoting themselves fully to accumulating meaningful expertise and experience.

Cross-Disciplinary Careers Require Resilience

Looking back on her transitions from international trade to banking, e-commerce, and telecommunications, Daphne noted that cross-disciplinary shifts in career rarely provide a smoother path than staying within a single professional field. Instead, they often involve greater challenges and uncertainty. However, she highlighted that cross-disciplinary experience can also open new opportunities. Daphne advised students to cultivate core, transferable skills—such as data analysis, resource integration, and cross-cultural communication and collaboration—that can open doors to new industries. At the same time, she encouraged them to actively build networks and stay informed about industry trends, emphasizing that success often depends on making the right investments of time and energy at the right moment, and seizing timely information and chances online.

Global Vision and Realistic Awareness Are Essential

Turning to the realities of today’s job market, Daphne pointed out that academic credentials are no longer the sole determinants of future success; they function only as an entry ticket. She used the example of artificial intelligence reshaping the labor market, noting that in Europe and the United States, even after sending out hundreds of applications, new graduates may receive little to no response, as AI-based systems often filter resumes at the first stage. In this context, candidates without practical experience face even steeper challenges. Daphne urged students to “recognize reality, so you will not be defeated by it,” while also cultivating a global perspective, as competition is no longer confined to a single country but exists on an international scale. She encouraged students to leverage Taiwan’s strengths—such as diverse innovation, strong ICT foundations, and AI expertise—while continuing to explore, challenge themselves, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and coaches who can push them toward growth.

In the closing Q&A session, students raised questions ranging from career choices and cross-disciplinary experiences to the future of AI talent, sparking lively discussion and reflecting GCIT students’ strong interest in New Media and Digital Fields. Daphne concluded by encouraging students to continually explore the unknown, embrace challenges with courage, and maintain a mindset of learning and reflection. She emphasized that by doing so, they will be able to carve out their unique position in the global arena and create more possibilities for their future.

[全球傳播與創新科技碩士學位學程獲文化部與教育部高等教育深耕計畫補助。]