Ms. Ivey Meeting at Starbucks

She said that I should stay away from typical immigrant stories. Apparently, talking about our upbringing is a cliched topic, and will not distinguish yourself as a candidate.

However, my start up company story will be the best bet. It will set me apart the most. Now, I've got to compose a first draft and throw out a couple of versions of this.

She also told me to play against type. Playing against type = showing that you are not the same as what you are expected to be. For example, I must set myself apart as a very different Asian American applicant. However, when I asked her what else I would be categorized as, she said:

"Oh yes, you will be categorized as the typical Carnegie Mellon type. You know, CMU graduates are not known for being very good socially. That added with the whole technology consulting thing means you need to play against that type."

Fascinating.