Did you study abroad during college or at another time in your life? If so, you’re in luck! Studying abroad can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market. How? Here are five ways to leverage your study abroad experience in your career.
- Showcase your international experience on your resume. Companies are increasingly looking for employees with experience living and working in global cultures. Why? Because they recognize the value of having employees who understand and can work within different countries, cultures, and languages. Highlight your study abroad experience on your resume so employers know you have these skills and to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
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- Use the language skills you acquired while studying abroad. Being able to communicate with foreign colleagues and customers can give you a leg up in many different industries, especially those that involve international business. The ability to converse in another language is highly sought after by employers, so brush up on whatever language you picked up!
- Use the knowledge of the culture and customs gained while studying abroad. As the global economy continues to expand, employers are looking for candidates who can navigate unfamiliar cultures with ease and comfort. In addition, a global perspective gives you insight into how different countries conduct business, which can be invaluable in today’s increasingly interconnected world. Employers want employees who understand how social, cultural, and political changes affect their company and can adjust accordingly. Demonstrate your cultural literacy by explaining how you adjusted to unfamiliar surroundings while living abroad and discussing the different cultural customs you encountered.
- Use your experience to find common ground with other professionals and build your network. Many of the people you met while studying abroad are now professionals in their respective fields and are more than willing to help you out when it comes time for job-hunting. Use your connections from your experience to stay up-to-date on industry trends, get advice on how best to apply for jobs, or even find a mentor who can help guide you through the hiring process. In addition, you may be able to build new connections using your international experience as a common ground.
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- Use the knowledge and skills you were exposed to while abroad. Many study abroad programs expose students to courses or activities that are foreign to their own culture, such as international politics, economics, art history, etc. Use these topics to spark conversations with potential employers about how your experience makes you a more valuable asset when it comes to working in global markets.
- Use the resources your study abroad program or institution provides. Many universities and organizations that offer study abroad programs have alumni networks you can tap into for advice, mentorship, and job leads. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these networks for contacts in the industry and other resources you may need as you advance in your career.
- Show off your quick ability to adapt. Those who have studied abroad understand the importance of adapting quickly to new environments and cultures. Employers value the ability to think on your feet and solve problems quickly. Showing that you have the resilience to handle change can make you stand out as a top candidate.
- Show off your leadership skills and ability to take initiative. Living in an unfamiliar place can be daunting but also liberating if you embrace it. Gaining confidence in yourself by navigating new cultures and situations shows employers that you know how to take initiative and lead when necessary. Demonstrating these qualities will put you ahead of your competition.
Studying abroad can give you a unique advantage in the job market and open doors to new opportunities that you might not have had access to before. By leveraging your unique experience and knowledge acquired while living overseas, you can increase your value as an employee and make yourself stand out from the competition as an accomplished individual with global knowledge and perspective. So don’t be afraid to highlight your study abroad journey on your resume or interview! It just may be the key to unlocking the door to your dream job.
Written by Krishaun Burns, Let’s Detroit
