The Top 10 Signs You Are Ready for Working Overseas

By Mary Joan Coultas


Working Overseas is gaining prominence as a new arena in which to find work. More people are looking at overseas employment as an option, to make a difference in the world, and to bring new meaning into their lives.

You can go "Overseas" to work at any stage in life:

- High School Students
- College Students
- Grad Students
- Working Professionals
- Mid-Life Career Changers
- Retirees

The Top 10 Signs You're Ready for a Global Career

1. You have an adventurous approach to life.
2. You like to try new experiences.
3. You are curious about other cultures and different world views.
4. You'd like to learn another language.
5. You've traveled or would like to travel abroad.
6. You have friends from other cultures.
7. You may have participated in an international student exchange or home stay program.
8. You may have studied abroad, as part of your education.
9. You may have been a Third Culture Kid
10. You are flexible, resourceful, tenacious, creative.

It doesn't matter how old you are, it's your attitude that counts here. Global Careerists can come from anywhere: America, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America, just to mention a few.

They are people who appreciate the world at large, its people, cultures, history, architectural marvels, natural beauty, and of course the fascinating intercultural communications that happen, when different cultures interact in the world of work.

What are "Third Culture Kids"?

Some people go overseas early in their lives, as kids with their parents, whose work takes them abroad. They may be overseas for years. There they attend local schools, and learn the language(s) of the country, or countries the family moves around to. They are lucky because they've already made a network of friends whom they can call on to help them, if they want to continue living and working overseas. These are called "Third Culture Kids" or TCKs.

How do I get "Overseas Experience"?

As a High School Student you can begin preparing to become a Global Careerist while still in High School. You might choose to go overseas and spend a year, or part of a year of your education, living with a family, while attending school in one of over 40 foreign countries.

You can volunteer with one of the many International Student Programs or Youth Exchange Programs; or you can go on short, organized Work & Learn trips for students, or participate in short-term Cultural Home-Stays in foreign countries.

College/University Students can increase their 'Global Awareness' by doing overseas internships, Work & Learn summer projects, or by applying to complete part of their degree program abroad

Graduate Students and Working Professionals might choose to enter the international job market, working overseas through "Internships".

What are Internships?

Internships are just like real jobs. They are one of the best ways to overcome the major hurdle, when looking for a job overseas, and that is, a lack of experience.

An internship working overseas allows you to work on a specific project and to build on your academic skills and previous work experience.

You may not be paid a salary, more likely you'll get a living allowance or stipend. But you will receive guidance in structuring your internship, from a mentor or supervisor, with the goal of furthering your knowledge and practical experience in the field, in a way that you can leverage later towards an "International Career".

Mid-Life Career Changers

Over-35's who want to make a difference, to be on the front lines of helping create a better world, can look at Careers in International Development.

Depending on your experience, you could be involved in Aid Programs in Developing Countries, working in consulting, business, administration, in government and educational institutions, non-profit organizations or private firms. You could also start your own consulting business.

But before you give up your job, check to see if your company has overseas offices that you may not know about. One of the best ways to move overseas is to get transferred by your company.

Are you thinking of working overseas in a Western Industrialized Country?

The main problem is that they may want to keep foreign workers to a minimum. The point is: they don't really need you, so they have created laws to make it difficult to get into their countries.

There are two tricky obstacles to overcome, which make getting an international job in these particular countries challenging.

First, you need international experience, but it's hard to get it, if no one will hire you. That's why it's preferable to go the volunteer route first.

Second, to work overseas, you need a work permit. But to get a work permit, you first have to prove you have a job. And an employer has to prove that they can't find a local, as qualified as you, to do the same job.

The easiest way around these issues, is to work in an unpaid position, as an intern, volunteer, go through your own company to their overseas office or try to get into a work exchange program.

There are always ways around these things, if you are flexible and determined.

More Information on Researching Overseas Opportunities

If you would like to learn more about how to make the dream of Working Overseas a reality for you, you can see more resources at: http://www.best-career-match.com/working-overseas.html

Mary Joan Coultas is a Career Counselor who helps people find their Best Career Match. Her Quick and Easy Career Guides match people, who are unhappy in their work, with jobs they love. They are invaluable to students and graduates, who are at a critical juncture in their lives, needing to get on track quickly, in making savvy Career Choices, to land the right job early in life. If you'd like to enter that special realm of people who love their jobs, who can't wait to get to work, check out her ebooks at: http://www.best-career-match.com/donation.html

Do What You Love: Time is Too Short to do Anything Else. - Steve Jobs - Co-Founder of Apple

(c) Copyright - Mary Joan Coultas. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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