Author: Karen K. Ngo
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1 Month Life Update: I’m Getting In Over My Head!
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For the past few months, the whirlwind of uncertainty revolving around my life and career has somehow evolved into a tornado of angst and gusto! Let’s rewind to the Fall of 2021, when I: Started transitioning into my new role as a Communications Manager with Microsoft HQ. Became a homeowner…
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Become a Thought Leader That Reaches Thousands of People
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This week, I participated as a speaker for the Microsoft SPARK Conference 2022, which is a virtual learning event for 30K+ employees. This year, there were 800+ speakers around the world who touched on a variety of technical and non-technical skilling topics. In my workshop, I share the cool opportunities…
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Please Don’t Just Say “Hello” in Chat
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Some time ago, I saw someone’s Microsoft Teams status mention nohello. It was simple but life changing, and I’ve been using/sharing it ever since. What to remember: Don’t ping someone with a simple “Hello!” or “How are you?” and wait for them to respond. Make your message useful by providing…
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First Impressions: The 6 Biggest Shockers of Seattle Living (so far)
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It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve crossed the Canada & U.S. border, and the adjustment has been much more than I had anticipated. Today, I am going to share a few of my first impressions and biggest changes or shockers so far… Let’s just say it’s been a very interesting…
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My L-1B Blanket Visa Process 101
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For those of you who are new to my blog, I share my experiences and learnings related to career development and life! Recently, I moved to the U.S. for my new job as a Communications Manager at Microsoft. Today, I shall share all the details about what the U.S. visa…
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Top 10 Questions About My Move to Seattle
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Over the weekend, I finally made my way across the border and landed in ☀️ Sunny Seattle (jk lol). I am still trying to get used to the grey skies and USD prices, but it’s been an eventful start to my journey so far. For those of you who aren’t…
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3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Blogging
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It’s kinda crazy, but I just realized that I’ve been blogging for nearly a decade! It all started with a food blog back in high school, which became a personal passion and hobby of mine. Personally, I enjoy blogging as much as I enjoy reading! It’s a creative outlet that…
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These 10 LinkedIn Tips Will Make You a Better Networker
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Networking—the thought of it either sends a chill down your spine or peaks your interest. Whether you like it or not, networking is a critical part of building your virtual brand and presence. I’d say it is even more important these days because it is much harder to meet new…
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How to Get Free Plane Wi-Fi
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Last week, I flew back to Toronto to finally pack and load my belongings and move them over to Seattle. As I was flying back, I discovered that you could get free Boingo Wireless if you have an eligible Mastercard. I signed up the night before my return flight and…
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7 Ways to Pay off Your Student Loans ASAP
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When I first finished university in January 2020, it seemed like I had years to go before I could pay off 40K of student loans. However, a year and a half later in 2021, I did it (more details here)! For someone who lacked financial education and had no RESPs…