Career Field - International

Student interest in work abroad is rapidly increasing. With the globalization of society and the workplace, many UC Berkeley students seek the understanding and awareness that working with other cultures and languages requires.

The first step to a career abroad is focus. Can you answer the following questions?
What type of job do you want? Where do you want to work? Do you want to use a foreign language on a regular basis? What type of skills do I have that are needed in abroad?

If you had trouble answering the questions above, you may find that you need to take a step back and re-evaluate what it is that you really want. Do you really want to work abroad? Maybe you want to work domestically with an international company or with an organization that works primarily with cultures different than your own. Answering these questions will help you when looking for an international career. You will have clearer answer for employers when they ask questions related to your career goals, skills, and why you want to work abroad. Bottom line, know who you are, what you want, and what you can do for the employer.

You can start working on your goal of an overseas career right where you are, at UC Berkeley. Take advantage of resources around you on campus as a way to prepare for a job overseas. Take courses which focus on other cultures and histories, such as political science, comparative religion, and language classes. Participate in activities on campus that expose you to new cultures and ways of life, such as those offered through International Area Studies or I-House. Consider study abroad for a semester or longer.

An international job, as used here, is one that requires employees to conduct their work across national borders. An international job can be a short-term job, or it can be a full-time career position. It may be based in the US or overseas.

A wide variety is available. Try internship programs or study/work abroad programs for starters. See the Internships & Short-Term Work section for more info. These programs are usually most accessible to undergraduates.

Positions with nonprofits such as the federal government (Peace Corps, Foreign Service), international service agencies (CARE, UNICEF), and teaching jobs (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) are available to new graduates.

Most international business or technical companies require that you have the same skills and knowledge necessary for jobs in the US. The best way to obtain this type of job abroad is to work for a US company (such as a bank, consulting firm, or engineering firm) that does business internationally and gain an international job through a promotion or experience.

Not all positions require fluency in the language of the host country. However, knowledge of the host country's culture is always very important. One way this can be obtained is through study abroad or travel.

Every country has different work permit laws and they often depend upon job availability in that particular country. Foreign corporations will often give first priority for jobs to citizens of their country. If you are looking for a job on your own, check out the work permit situation before you start.

An MBA or a graduate degree in international business may increase your chances of obtaining an international job. However, you still need work experience and knowledge of the culture and language in order to obtain an international business position.

You may want to customize your resume to fit the traditional resume format of the country you would like to work for. Some countries may require additional information such as martial status, age, etc. In some Asian countries, it is a common practice to attach a photo of the applicant with his/her resume. Some international employers expect to receive a 5 to 8 page long resume or curriculum vita (CV). For more information about this subject, review the information on International Resumes in the Job Search Resources section.

Overseas positions are highly competitive. Most US companies want their employees to have in-house experience before assigning them to an overseas position. Multinational corporations seek talented employees. Proven success with a Bay Area firm will enhance your resume and make you more marketable abroad. Most organizations want to know how your past experience will transfer to their workplaces. Highlight contacts with international clients or colleagues, any international correspondence, web work or projects.

In most fields, language ability is considered a "plus", but fluency in another language does not guarantee you an international career. Career-related experience is paramount. Language-based careers - teaching, translation and interpretation, are the exception to this rule.

How long will it take to secure a job overseas? Julia Snowden, an independent consultant who has assisted people with finding employment abroad for years, states that successful candidates with whom she has worked conduct an average of 40 face-to-face interviews before landing a position. Job applicants may have written dozens of emails and letters and placed numerous phone calls to arrange these meetings.

Working overseas long-term takes is a big step. Before making this commitment make sure you've asked all the right questions and found the right answers. Here are some to consider: Will you be paid in US dollars or the local currency? What effect will this have on retirement plans if you want to move back to the US later? What type of support system is there for you, if going alone, or your family, if moving with loved ones? (What about those you are leaving behind?) Do you know everything you need to know about the country you are targeting for a job? (This is especially important to know before interviewing overseas.)