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Define your goals - Where do you want to work - in the U.S., in
the country where you studied abroad, somewhere else? What kind of
organization would you like to work for - business, non-government
organization, a government agency? Defining your basic career goals will help
you focus your job search.
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Research organizations in your field of interest - Write to
companies or other organizations and ask for annual reports. These can be
surprisingly rich sources of information about possible employers.
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Volunteer your services - Volunteering with a non-governmental
organization can be a great way to learn skills that will be attractive to an
employer. Volunteering also helps you form contacts with people who work in
the field you hope to enter. The more you know and the more people you know,
the better.
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Use study abroad as part of your job search - Find out which
organizations or companies work in the country where you study. While
studying abroad, get to know people in those organizations. If you are
interested in working abroad, this will be your best opportunity to learn
about opportunities for overseas employment.
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Language - Do not let your foreign language skills get rusty. At
some point your foreign language skills will be a critical factor providing
opportunities for a job or career advancement.
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Network, network, network - Companies do not hire people. People
hire people. Finding a first job and beginning the climb up the ladder means
people have to know you and you have to know people. The people you meet and
get to know will be the best source of information about job openings and
career opportunities.
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Meet one person - Personal networks do not come fully developed.
Begin creating your personal network by meeting one person who works in the
field you are interested in. That one person can lead you to other contacts,
and so on, and so on, and so on…
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Do informational interviews - Not all interviews are to directly
seek a job. Arrange interviews with interesting companies or organizations to
gather information about the organization and its field. In job hunting as in
so many endeavors, knowledge is power. Besides, an informational interview is
a good way to meet the one person who will be the start of your personal
network.
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Do an
internship - Like volunteering, doing
internships in companies or organizations is a marvelous way to develop
skills, develop networks, and enrich your career
preparation.
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Use the career services office at your college or university -
Your career services office may not give much specific help for international
careers. Do not be discouraged. It can still be a valuable source of
technical advice on writing resumes, conducting informational and job
interviews, and other matters. Your career services office may also provide
information about internship or volunteer opportunities.
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Act when you have the opportunity - Attractive jobs will not
remain open for long. When you learn about an opportunity, pursue it right
away.
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Check out professional organizations - Many professions have
organizations or associations for people in those fields. Often these
organizations have student memberships. Joining professional organizations
can give you access to information about professions, including information
about jobs in the profession. Many associations have publications that list
job openings.
Great international careers do not just happen. Nevertheless, with a little
cultivation they may grow nicely. Begin now to plant the seeds of your
international career.
