Pursuing an international career can be one of the biggest challenges a person can take on. Moving abroad can also be an excellent way to advance your professional career. Many multinational corporations consider having an international job to be a valuable asset because it allows you to expand your business network and deal with professionals from different cultures.
There are several things to consider if you want to pursue an international career. Below are a few pointers to get you started in the right way.
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Prepare important documents
Having the right documentation can make your move and job search much easier. Imagine applying for jobs and getting no response, only to find out that you are not legally qualified to work in the country you’re applying for.
So, the first thing to do is check your passport dates to make sure it doesn’t expire in 6 months and check for work visa requirements. If you’re moving to the U.S. make sure you have a USCIS certified translation of all documents. These requirements seem to be quite difficult to achieve, so remember to work with a professional and certified translator to ensure acceptance.
When preparing the necessary paperwork, don’t forget to verify if your vaccines are up to date. Consider setting an appointment with your doctor to see whether you require any additional immunization.
Do your research
If you know what to expect you can make your move to a new country much easier. Researching to find out what it’s like to live and work overseas is a crucial point of planning your move. And we’re not just talking about the basics, but also developing an overall understanding of that country’s culture and history.
You might also want to consider starting your job hunt early, so you’ll be able to beat the odds and find the right company. Think of finding a good recruiter who can advise you on things like what type of skills you’ll need to be able to enter a certain company, approximately how many hours a week you will be working, and how frequently do opportunities come up.
Also, research how much you will need to cover rent and essentials like food and transport. Even if you have visited that country before, living there will give you a new type of feel for the place. You can also think about what other languages you need to learn to make it easier for an organization to hire you.
Networking
Socializing with other ex-pats can be a great way to learn how to adapt to local customs, but also look for people outside the limited circle. Knowing the right people can help you push your career further which is great for international development.
It’s quite beneficial to know people who have connections with different organizations and can help you connect with other professionals in the field. If you want to immerse in the culture and become proficient in the language then consider spending time with locals or join a neighbourhood club.
You can set up informational interviews with people who can potentially introduce you to other professionals who will help you learn and advance your career. Bear in mind that maintaining relationships with your network can be helpful throughout your entire career.
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Think beyond big cities and big companies
Sometimes job seekers, particularly young people, have ambitions to secure a job in a bigger city, but these cities often have a highly competitive job market. Keep in mind that you will be competing not only against the best of the country’s talent but also against international talent.
Make sure to take a look at other cities besides the biggest ones. For example, in the United States., cities like Austin and Seattle have a growing job market, are seeking international talent, and are less competitive. Furthermore, opting for a larger company doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll succeed.
Usually, multilingual corporations are flooded with applications of international job seekers with similar skill sets. On the other hand, smaller companies look for unique talent and are eager to hire multilingual international professionals. Even if their international hires are limited, if you got the skills they’re looking for, then you might just make it.
In closing
Living and working overseas doesn’t only boost your career but it also gives you a fantastic opportunity to grow as a person and develop a global experience. You can look beyond your colleagues and expat community, and build connections more broadly. You can also be more open to trying new things since you never know what you might discover and where these new connections and experiences might lead you later on in life.