“Everything is tech these days,” says Greer Meisels, director of external affairs at Intel Corporation.
On Sept. 19, the Center for Global Business hosted "Careers Crossing Borders: The Keynote," the first in a four-part series. The series aims to guide students in exploring career paths in international business, offering them insights from industry professionals and providing a space for them to leverage their global mindset.
This year, the center welcomed Meisels to discuss current tech trends and share advice on launching a global career. Undergraduate and graduate students attended the event, eager to hear about her journey in international business, which she describes as “anything but linear.”
Meisels’ career began in China and Taiwan, where she worked as a professor and later studied at National Taiwan University while learning the language. She then transitioned into U.S. government work, specializing in U.S.-China trade relations, before moving into finance organizations focused on China and sustainable finance.
After gaining experience in trade associations and government, Meisels realized it was time to move to the private sector. At Intel, the only U.S.-based company that designs and manufactures chips, she leads external affairs, engaging with policymakers, embassies, think tanks and trade associations to solidify Intel’s role in the computer hardware industry.
Reflecting on her transition, Meisels joked about the mutual misunderstandings between sectors: “When I worked in government, they laughed at the private sector for not understanding policy. Now, in the private sector, I wonder why the government thinks it knows how to run a business.”
She urged students interested in international business to pay attention to global issues, not just those in the U.S. In 2024, she noted, over 2 billion people—60% of the global population—will vote in elections that will influence business operations worldwide.
Addressing the global chip shortage during the pandemic, she explained how it revealed the vulnerabilities of concentrated manufacturing. She also discussed the U.S. government’s response through the CHIPS and Science Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, which aims to boost domestic semiconductor production, create jobs, support innovation and enhance national security.
“Industrial policy is no longer such a dirty word,” Meisels remarked.
In closing, Meisels emphasized the importance of both hard and transferable soft skills. She encouraged students to nurture intellectual curiosity, showing they are eager to learn, and to prioritize strong writing and editing abilities.
“Doing it well will take you far,” Meisels said, adding that good editing is appreciated by those who review your work.
She concluded by reminding students that their background and interests can lead to many opportunities. In her case, her time in China shaped her global career and helped her embrace new possibilities.
Learn more about the Careers Crossing Borders series and the upcoming Case Competition on October 4.
The Careers Crossing Borders series is provided in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
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