How to Land an International Job or Internship

Have you ever studied abroad? Did the experience leave you with the desire to obtain more international experience? Do you love to travel? Did you want to study abroad during your undergraduate years, but never had the chance? Are you looking for an alternative to the typical routine of post-graduation life?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may be interested in pursuing an International Job Search. An International Job Search involves many of the same methods of a Domestic Job Search. However, the international factor does add a few twists and turns in the process. Obtaining a work permit (depending on the country's regulations for US citizens working in their country) and communicating with companies abroad takes more time and patience than a local or national job search. However, the benefits of working abroad are immense, and international experience is a great resume booster.

Landing that Job Abroad
Network!
The first step is to decide where you want to go. If you have studied abroad before, and want to return to the same location, make a list of everyone you met there, and contact them. Let them know that you are interested in working in that location, and see how they can help you.

The Alumni office can also help out with international networking. Using the Alumni Career Network you can request a list of alumni who are working or living in a given location, national, or worldwide. You will obtain contact information for alumni working in the location you have requested. This is a great way to touch base with Binghamton alumni who have also pursued an international career. They are good resources for making the move abroad, and may even provide some job leads!

Turn that resume into a CV:
For the majority of the world, a resume is called a "CV". The CV is very similar to the American style resume, but has certain differences in each country. CVs are often more descriptive, but converting a resume to a CV is relatively easy. The best way is to do an Internet search to find sample CVs for the country you are going to. However, if you plan on applying to American companies operating abroad, in most cases your American style resume will be fine. Check the CDC South Library for books about writing a CV for a job abroad.

IMPORTANT!!! Remember, like any job search, the international job search takes time and effort. You will be most successful if you conduct a multi-faceted search, tapping into many different resources, rather than relying on one. It takes time and effort in order to be successful, but in the end the hard work is worth it. Research and networking are incredibly important in the international job search, but more importantly, follow-up is key. Because you are thousands of miles away, you will most likely have very little face-to-face contact with prospective employers. Fine-tuning your CV and resume, and always following up with contacts is crucial to landing that international job or internship.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Work Abroad
Do you want to work abroad for summer break, or are you interested in working abroad for a year or more? Even a short time spent working abroad can be extremely valuable. During your international job search you need to take into consideration how long you want to work abroad and model your search accordingly.

Short Term Work Abroad or Internship
Work Abroad Programs: The easiest way to obtain a job abroad is to go through a program such as BUNAC or Alliances Abroad. If you are a current full-time student, or a recent graduate, then you are eligible for many of these types of programs. For a reasonable fee, these programs can provide you with legal working papers in a number of countries, and also provide support services. Information for these programs can be found online:
BUNAC
Alliances Abroad
Also, check CDC South (LSG 500) and the CDC website for additional information regarding work abroad.

Internet Resources: There are many great websites for those interested in travel and work abroad. These are an excellent source for posting questions on message boards and finding support for the international job search. In addition, many job search websites in the US have international sections, such as: monster.com.
Some other websites to try:
lonelyplanet
iagora
jobsabroad
idealist

Internship Placement Organizations: For a program fee, many organizations that promote international exchange offer overseas internship placement. This is usually a more expensive way of obtaining international employment, as many internships are unpaid, and require a high placement fee. However the experience gained can be extremely valuable and can be used to obtain possible full-time employment.

Long-Term Work Abroad
If you are interested in more than just a short-term experience abroad, there are many international careers you may want to pursue. However, to obtain a long-term career overseas, you will need to obtain legal working documents for the country to which you will be traveling. This process can be very easy, or very difficult, depending on your situation.

Things to take into consideration when conducting an International Job Search:
1) What passports do you hold? If you hold dual-citizenship with another country, working abroad may become much simpler for you. For example, if you are an American that holds dual citizenship with Ireland, you would be entitled to work in any country in the European Union. If you only hold U.S. citizenship, do some research and see if you might be eligible for dual-citizenship in another country. In some cases, if your great-grandparents were born abroad you may be eligible to apply for dual-citizenship with that country. You can research this by checking with the appropriate embassy in the U.S. (i.e. Embassy of Italy in the U.S.)
2) Sponsorship-If you do not hold any other passports, you will need a company to sponsor you to work abroad. Check the Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries in CDC South to find American companies that operate overseas. This will narrow down the search and help you target businesses that match your interests. However, in many cases you may need to work for a company for a few years before having them station you abroad.
3) Work abroad programs--There are many work abroad programs that can obtain a work visa for you and provide support for a reasonable fee. Many of these have time limitations, but they are a great way to make the initial move overseas. BUNAC is one of the most popular ones; they have programs in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and soon South Africa. BUNAC programs in the UK allow you to work abroad for as long as 6 months, and in New Zealand for a year. A short-term work experience can be used to gain experience and make contacts, and can lead to a long-term job.

International Jobs:
There are many international career fields available for college graduates today. An example of this is Teaching English as a Second Language. There is a job market for this in almost every non-English speaking country in the world, particularly Asia. There are many programs that will pay for your flight and accommodation, and pay you a salary or stipend. Teaching English as a Second Language is a great way to work in another country, as in most places the only requirement for this is that you speak English! Other suggestions for international careers include Diplomacy, International Relations, International Education, and International Business. The CDC's resource library has a number of international job titles.

Remember: Like any job search, the international job search takes time and dedication. By executing a multi-faceted job search you increase the odds that you will find that job or internship abroad that you have been dreaming about. Working abroad can enhance your resume, allow you to learn about a new culture from the inside, and be a life changing experience overall. Good luck!

More information on opportunities abroad can be found in the CDC South Career Resource Library in LSG 500