Recent Graduate? Work Abroad!
Ever since spending a semester studying in Spain, I’ve maintained that international study is an integral part of any college degree. Far from just being encouraged, I sincerely believe it should be a graduation requirement. Integrating into a foreign culture, even if just for a few months as a student, gives you a birds-eye view of the world you just can’t get as a tourist. Even with similar cultures, you’ll find yourself questioning the way things work. “That’s just the way it’s done” is no longer an acceptable reason to do anything.
I’m far from the first one to think this way. In the last few centuries leading up to the establishment of railroads, young European men of means were expected to undertake a Grand Tour of the continent, which was considered an educational rite-of-passage and gateway to adulthood. The benefits of international educational and work experience were widely understood in early-modern Europe, but sadly overlooked in contemporary American culture. Fewer than 20% of Americans even possess a passport.
The Benefits Of Working Abroad
The benefits of working abroad, especially when you’re young, are numerous.
- You learn to deal with people of vastly different backgrounds
- You learn to assimilate to foreign cultures, which can be especially helpful in many corporate environments
- You learn a new language (unless you’re working in an English-speaking country, of course)
- You learn a new way of doing everyday tasks: ways that are potentially superior to how things are done at home
- It shows ambition, determination, courage, and a willingness to try new things/learn which are all very attractive traits to employers
While I haven’t had the opportunity to work abroad thus far, it’s near the top of my 10 year job, which is one of the reasons I’m so interested in building up passive streams of income since many (non-corporate) foreign jobs tend not to pay so well. Want more info on possible job opportunities? Check out this article at MainStreet.com entitled 12 jobs for young wanderers.
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Great post!
I run a blog over at Gradversity.com and I write on how to help new graduates find their first “real” job after college or university.
I recently posted an article on working abroad and how it can help you land a job. One of my biggest regrets when it came to looking for work after school was that I didn’t consider working abroad as an option. It would have definitely helped me stand out from the crowd when it came to hunting for entry level jobs.
From other new grads that I have talked to, any international work experience almost always comes out as a point of discussion in interviews and can really help set you apart.
Anyway, great post!
I can’t dispute your premise but I would add this suggestion: Take a “grand tour” of the U.S. first. We have plenty of cultural and geographic diversity in this country that so many Americans have never experienced. Some of the worst offenders are long time residents of large cities – e.g., NYC – who have traveled more in foreign countries than in the U.S. It’s sad really.
Hi,
Great post. Also, thank you for constantly delivering great content . I enjoy linking to your blog in my nightly investment links. Have a great weekend & take care.
Best Regards,
Miguel Barbosa
Founder of SimoleonSense.com
For international job seekers, be sure to research, prepare and research. Learn more about the host country, their culture, laws, job market, cost of living, food, etc.
These information will help you understand and plan your job search.