Finding an internship or entry-level job abroad

“I worked in Denmark and Germany for several years right out of school, and it was a very rewarding experience. I found my positions with a lot of footwork, calling and determination,” said Dustin Dumas Weeks, a consultant, career expert and author.

 

Step-by-step guide:

 

1. Determine your goal or objective for wanting to work abroad. “Do you want to learn a new language or experience a new culture? Do you want to gain practical knowledge of a certain career but from an international perspective? Answering these questions is very important because it will determine what type of job you should consider,” said Weeks.

 

2. Determine what type of position to seek. “For example, if you would like to learn a new language and English is your native tongue, then England may not be your first choice. However, if your purpose for going abroad is to get an international perspective on the banking industry, then London would be an excellent choice, since it is a well-recognized banking center,” said Weeks.

 

3. Do your homework. “Research countries with existing programs for American students and young professionals. Visit the visa and tourism information Web sites of the countries that interest you to see what assistance they offer to young people wanting to work or intern there,” said Lindsey Pollak, a Generation Y career expert, blogger and author of “Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World.”

 

Lauren Nehlsen, student services manager of international student services at Elgin Community College, adds, “Do you want to gain experience in business in China for a semester, or are you looking to move your professional career abroad to England? Location is an important factor, as it will dictate what type of visa you need, what language is required and how long you can work for. Some countries have stricter requirements for working visas than others. It is equally important to decide how long you want to go abroad, as some companies will only hire interns for a minimum of one semester.”

 

4. Write a CV. “In most other countries, a résumé is a curriculum vitae, commonly known as a CV. It’s similar to a résumé but usually contains more detailed information and is generally longer than the standard one-page resume used in the U.S. Many job hunting Web sites have sample CVs you can use to get started. If the country you are looking to work in does not use English as its primary language, ensure you translate your CV into the local language,” said Nehlsen.

 

5. Network, and let others know you are looking for work abroad. “Speak to your professors and classmates, especially those who may be from the country in which you are interested in working,” said Weeks. “Also, contact your career center and see if there are opportunities that exist with companies coming to campus. Many companies only speak to international students about international opportunities because it is assumed they want to return to their native countries. However, by letting these companies know you are ready and willing to work abroad, it will open even more doors.”

 

Charles D. Francis, a senior consultant at Windward Consulting, adds, “Find people who are working overseas in the field that you want to work in and ask them for their advice. Networking with people already working overseas is very important. Oftentimes, industries are looking for contacts and recommendations from people with whom they are already comfortable working. Your new network of colleagues also would provide invaluable references.”

 

6. Contact the country’s embassy or local consular office to get accurate information on visa requirements. “Ideally, you should be able to obtain a visa or work permission independent of a particular employer. Employers are usually reluctant or simply unable to apply for work visas for entry-level positions. Approaching an organization without any understanding of the legal tenability of your application demonstrates carelessness and could undermine an employer’s interest before they even look at your résumé,” said Aden Hayes, Ph.D., executive director of EUSA.

 

7. Visit the country where you would like to work. “If you really are serious about finding a position in another country go to that country. Obtain a visa to search for work, and stay as long as you can,” said Weeks. “Many companies will not even consider applicants with foreign addresses because they are not sure how serious the applicant is, and there are so many qualified local candidates. Taking on the financial burden of paying your own way to look for a position in a country demonstrates that you are serious about your career. Before you go, make sure that you have contacted people and made as many appointments as possible so that you can use your time wisely.”

 

8. Don’t let the unfamiliar interfere. “Treat this abroad internships/job search just as you would in the US. Be practical and resourceful and don’t let a challenge stand in your way of getting a great opportunity,” said Lauren Berger, "The Intern Queen.”

 

Things to consider:

 

1. Tax rate and living expenses. “These are very important considerations when factoring in college loans and the fluctuating currency market,” said Weeks.

 

2. Earn a degree in international business at a university that offers internships abroad. “I got an MBA in international business from Thunderbird, which only does international business. It was a great place to build an international network, interview for international positions and find non-U.S. internships,” said Babs Ryan, who worked abroad for 11 years and is the author of “America’s Corporate Brain Drain.”

 

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