An International Career: Working Abroad

Just Graduated? Deciding What to Do.  

After graduation, you face many options for the future. You can choose to return home, move to another country, or remain in the U.S. If you decide to return home, you may want to become reacquainted with your country's business climate and etiquette. Remember that you are not the same person you were when you left, and some subtle cultural attributes you learned here may not be appropriate in your home country. Your country may have also changed.

If you move to another country, investigate local visa requirements and business culture.  Make sure to start networking ahead of time by telling everyone about your goals. If you decide to work in the U.S. you will have to make sure you change or update your visa status, and meet deadlines for job or graduate school applications.

No work experience in the U.S.

As a student or soon-to-be graduate, you may not have much work experience. There are several ways you can overcome this potential obstacle. Complete an internship over the summer or work on campus during the semester. Make sure that you plan your activities well ahead of time. Balance meeting deadlines for internship/job applications with the length of time it takes to obtain work permits. Group projects and involvement in clubs and organizations can also lead to many marketable skills. Become an active member of clubs you join and assume leadership roles.  Don’t downplay the excellent communication, marketing, public relations and other skills you will develop through internships, campus jobs and student activities.

Communication Tips: Writing and Speaking

Will you need to speak a second or third language to work in your country of choice? Good written and spoken English skills are generally required to secure employment in the U.S.  Find out if English or other languages will be required to be successful in the countries of personal interest.  In virtually all countries being bilingual or multilingual is an asset and should be marketed.

Even if your second or third language could use some practice and refinement, speak confidently and maintain eye contact when talking to potential employers. Get your résumé and cover letter critiqued by the Career Center or a language professor to avoid embarrassing (and costly) mistakes. Participate in a mock interview at the Career Center to practice your speech and interviewing techniques. 

In addition to taking the language courses offered to improve your skills, we strongly recommend becoming involved in clubs and organizations that will allow you to practice speaking.  Participation in the International Student Association is an excellent way to learn more about different cultures.  Study abroad experiences also demonstrate your abilities live and work in another culture.

Work permit requirements

Many employers have the misunderstanding that employing non-U.S. residents is hard or illegal. It is your job to educate your potential employers about the simplicity involved in hiring international students. Become familiar with the sponsorship process. Assure them that you have the authority to work after your practical training is authorized or sponsorship is complete.

Try to avoid using the words "sponsor.” Most employers will associate sponsorship with tedious paperwork, legal work, and a heavy financial burden. Instead, mention that you have the right to work in the U.S. for a year, and that your work permit is renewable for three years thereafter. You can also mention that they have a year to decide on your performance, and can choose not to renew your employment after this period, thus not incurring any legal costs. The employer thus sees an advantage and is more likely to hire you.

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