Meet Lyda Im, a first-generation, international student from Cambodia who currently attends Cal State Fullerton. Whether she’s studying for her business degree, working as a student assistant in the International Programs Office, or serving as president of the Cambodian Student Association in the U.S.A., Im has been staying actively involved during her time here in America.
Why did she choose to attend CSUF? Being a business student, she was drawn to the school for its well-known and highly-accredited business program. She’s now a student at the CSUF College of Business and Economics, double majoring in accounting and information systems. She’s found the resources offered by the college to be helpful, such as the business advising center which offers guidance in building a resume and finding good careers.
Im has been impressed with the focus on safety on CSUF’s campus. “I see a lot of emergency poles around the campus, and I often see members of the police department driving around.”
Most importantly, Im has benefited from CSUF’s International Students & Scholars (ISS) office. Not only is this a reliable place that offers advising for international students, but it’s also where she found a part-time job. Having the additional insight as a current international student greatly helps Im in assisting other students who stop by the office.
Im will attend Cal State Fullerton for a few more years, but she already has clear goals set in place after she returns to Cambodia. She plans to work as an IT auditor in Cambodia for three to five years while also doing volunteer teaching accounting and information systems, utilizing what she learned during her time at CSUF. “After that,” she continues, “I think that I’ll have enough financial resources and working experience. That’s when I plan to start my own business.”
Lyda’s full interview video is available to watch here!