FUSIA/CCIP students gathered for a roundtable session with Han Jun Li, ESQ where he shared his experiences on the many diverging paths he took on his way up the career ladder. Han's impressive experience moving amongst wildly differing careers—and even more impressive was that he did so with great success—gave students food for thought on a question that has haunted professionals young and seasoned alike for ages: Should I stay where I am, working toward that next promotion, or should I take the risk and seek out new, more exciting opportunities?

The session began with a quick introduction of Mr. Li, his background and industry, below is a list of questions that were being explored within the discussion and the words of wisdom that captivated the students.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

A: I was born in China and went to a public high school in the US. I later majored in chemical engineering at Columbia University, but I started my career as a software programmer. Interestingly, the two companies I worked as a programmer for were both purchased by Citigroup. Now I'm self-employed working in the field of law. On the side, I have a part-time job with one of the software companies I used to work for.

Q: Why did you choose Chemical Engineering at Columbia? Do you enjoy engineering?

A: No, not really. Taking Chemical Engineering was akin to following a path that had already been laid out for me. The prevailing stereotype is that Asians excel in math and the sciences. Therefore choosing a science seemed only natural. In the end however, a major doesn’t matter that much. After graduating, I immediately left engineering and trained myself to be a software developer while on the job. Even a hot, in-demand major does not guarantee you a good job, nor should it keep you from exploring other career possibilities.

Q: You mentioned that you immediately switched to software programming. Why did your employer hire you without even a background in IT?

A: That's simple. To secure a job, you need to show your boss that you're a quick learner. I sacrificed leisure time to pick up extra skills, and was able to show my supervisor my adeptness at programming. The work to expand your knowledge doesn't end when you leave school or land the job. Wherever you are in your career you'll have to put in the personal investment to acquire new skills. Keeping yourself sharp is part of the job and the mark of a real professional.

Q: Two of your previous employers were acquired by Citigroup. How did you protect yourself from being laid off then?

A: As long as you keep yourself important to the business, there is no need to worry about being let go. Keep your antennae tuned to the direction the company is going and make sure your skills are synchronized with its goals. Adjust yourself to the company rather than believing it will adjust to you.

Q: Over your wildly non-linear career path have you had any difficulties picking up new knowledge and adjusting to different working styles? Why did you change directions so rapidly?

A: The difference between law and programming is not as big as you think. Experience is always important, and many jobs share similarities. I am an opportunist searching the job market for lucrative opportunities. I don’t want to be tied down to one business, and even being a law consultant may not be my lifelong career. The freedom of plotting my own career course, sailing it on my terms, and being free to accept change is what I really enjoy.

Q: Has there ever been friction between you and a boss? How did you handle it?

A: To deal with any supervisor, you have to think twice before accepting any tasks. Do not make promises you can't keep because it's you who are setting your boss’s expectations. Speak out on the realities of the situation with cleverness and tact. But most importantly, make sure you find the right boss. If your boss finds fault with you, don't let it upset you: sometimes it's best not to take life too seriously.

Q: Does the field of law differ from other jobs?

A: The cases I deal with are mainly related to immigration, and the nature of my job is more of documenting than legislative. For this field, I am trained to think differently from the public, focusing on every detail.

Q: Did your family ever oppose your choice of careers?

A: I sacrificed a lot of family time for the sake of my career, and you have to be brave to just switch so suddenly. But being self-employed now has allowed me the flexibility to spend more time with my family.