Imagine having a competitive salary while living in a great apartment. You can even drive a car and have vacations to different travel destinations. This kind of life is possible – if you plan your global career ahead. An international career doesn’t simply happen overnight. You have to carefully plan and build it up over time. With globalization, the skills and marketability of employees can reach the international workforce. But before you can apply for international jobs, you also need to build worldwide experiences.
Getting Started
Building a global-ready career requires experience in different areas. You should also know how to write an effective international resume to remain competitive in the universal workforce. To get your first international job, you will need more than a degree. Here are some tips on how you can build an international career.
1. Invest in Good Education
Consider taking postgraduate courses to broaden your skills. In some fields, a master’s degree is a requirement to work in a foreign country. No matter what your field is, invest in courses that have global components.
What you learn extra apart from your degree will become your edge.
- Learn another language. Seems simple at first but this usually takes years of practice. If you end up having a career in a different part of the world, it’s good to know a second language especially if it is the language used in the country you are aiming for.
- Be a specialist. Your international employer should have an idea of what distinct skills make you special. If you’re considering graduate school, go into one specific course area rather than a general degree on international relations.
Moving into a specialized field such as International Business Relations will give you an advantage while steering to broader job roles as you become better in your profession.
2. Gain Experience Through Work and Play
Find opportunities to meet and learn from different individuals around the world even if it is only through seminars, workshops or training opportunities (including webinars). This way, you can build connections with international experts and professionals.
Go out and see the world. Don’t underrate the value of international travel. While abroad, you can extend your stay to study or volunteer. You can get creative by having two objectives while travelling abroad. For example, you can learn Spanish in Guatemala and live with a local family. This will enable you to learn vital skills such as flexibility and cross cultural relations desired by international employers.
3. Develop Skills
Expand your intercultural understanding by developing your current skills such as socializing and communication. If you can’t obtain international experience, you can still develop your skills locally. For instance, if you are already a qualified teacher in the US, chances are you will also be considered for relevant work abroad.
Hard Skills
Develop your typical abilities and knowledge which are vital for success in any job.
- Improve your geographic knowledge of the world. Learn more about the social and political forces that shape the planet. You can do this by staying up-to-date with the latest news around the world.
- Acquire business skills. Most sought-after employees are those who have backgrounds in several disciplines. Employers want individuals who can multitask and handle different areas of business operations.
- Fortify your computer skills. Enhance your PC skills enough to be comfortable using relational databases and spreadsheets. Honing your Internet research ability is also a huge plus.
Soft Skills
Develop your people skills. Get along well with others by listening and participating in small talks and group conversations.
- Build strong coping and adapting abilities. Be independent even when you live away from your support group. You should be able to stand on your own when you get a career abroad.
- Enhance your leadership skills.Develop your leadership abilities by utilizing your strengths. Have a clear vision of your goals and stand firm for what you believe in.
International Job Hunting Skills
Your job hunting skills should reflect your dedication. If you fail to land an international career, that doesn’t mean you should stop looking. Those who find global work have something extraordinary that appeals to international employers. Global companies look for persons who can commit to an international job and lifestyle. When employers see you persevere at looking for international work, they will acknowledge your efforts.
4. Make a Commitment
Having an international job entails long-term commitment. You need to invest in yourself to build global knowledge. When you get used to the process, it eventually becomes a lifestyle, a commitment to internationalism and cross-cultural learning.
Make your own luck and go for it. But even when it seems luck isn’t on your side, keep persevering until you get that global career you desire.
AUTHOR BIO
David Mackenzie
A recruitment professional with over twenty years’ experience in the field and a record of entrepreneurial accomplishment, David is Managing Director and Head of HR at Mackenzie Jones. In 2003, David set up Mackenzie Jones in the UK, growing the business across two offices in London and Birmingham. In 2005 David established Mackenzie Jones in Dubai to serve the Gulf region and neighbouring countries. As the Group MD, David is responsible for the overall direction of the Mackenzie Jones Group including Mackenzie Jones, MumsAtWork, MENA Solutions, Simply Digital and ThinkTech.