[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

I will be starting full time with a Big 4 firm in late July, and I want your advice on how to handle it professionally and socially. I am a social person and outgoing but I’m foreign as well, so I don’t know about the American culture here. I speak English perfectly; people think I was born in the US and that I’m an American so they tend to not cut me more slack as a foreigner. I have encountered some issues where people thought I was American while I am not. For example, not knowing a name for something or what to call a specific type of food or fruit. Something like that. I know I sound ridiculous but it’s an issue because you are an idiot if you are a native speaker and you don’t know some basic vocabulary. Also they get surprised if I say something that doesn’t fit into the American culture -because they assume I’m American-. Do you understand me? I cannot advertise I’m a foreigner because it’s tiring. Any advice on how to approach this? I wish I had a weird strong accent.

Also, please share advice on general social/professional tips that you wish someone told you when you started as Staff 1. Like how to handle peers and seniors/managers/partners. How do you market yourself? How do you create your image? I am a strong believer of first impression..etc. Also, how to handle social events at work… You get the point.

Thanks