Working in an unfamiliar environment far away from home can be a stressful experience. However, in today’s unstable economic situation, it’s very hard for new graduates to get valuable work experience, so working abroad is a great way to boost your CV, improve your skills and just have fun. Here are all the ways you can benefit from working abroad as a new graduate.
It boosts your CV
The biggest benefit of working abroad is boosting your CV. If you’re planning to come back home at some point, your experience will look amazing in your CV and your future employees will know how to appreciate your foreign work. Working abroad will give you many new skills, improve your adaptability, communication and flexibility and everyone will want to have someone so competent in their team. When you put your overseas work experience in your CV, it will not go unnoticed.
It pays well
Since some countries around the world have a shortage of local talent, they are not only willing but happy to offer above-average pay. For instance, teaching English in Britain is not as in demand as teaching English in certain Asian countries, so they are willing to pay more. Many foreign companies offer high pay and many additional perks, so this is something worth looking into.
It’s easy to find work
Some countries have a higher demand for certain professions, so finding a job there straight out of college might be much easier. Let’s go back to English teaching: Asian countries are willing to hire an English language graduate even without any previous teaching experience. Plus, schools like reputable Monkey Tree in Hong Kong offer benefits like paid training, affordable accommodation, overtime pay, summer holiday bonuses, paid leave and many other things. Plus, the experience you’ll get will literally be priceless!
It teaches you how to think on your feet
Adjusting to a new international office is very similar to improvising. There’s no way you’ll feel comfortable right away as you try to process and remember all the new information. However, while uncomfortable, this process is amazing for boosting your problem-solving skills and teaching you to think fast, find new and creative solutions and stay calm in stressful situations. After being thrown into the deep end, you’ll feel like a fish in the water in any future job.
It broadens your network
Having a large network of people around them is one of the best tools a young professional can have. They will not only inform you of new opportunities, vacancies and other things concerning your business, but they can also put in a good word for you. While having a good local professional network, having one that’s global is priceless. You will get a chance to make the most of your career not only at home but all around the world. For instance, if you worked for an international location of your dream company back home, this could make a world of difference when they get a vacancy for a position. Not only will you have the upper hand when it comes to working experience, but you’ll also have connections that will push your application forward.
It increases cultural awareness
Working abroad will also give you a chance to get in touch with the local culture. While this is always interesting from a personal perspective, it’s also a great opportunity to boost your professional skills. Not all parts of the world approach business in the same way, so you can gain insight into different practices and perspectives. Later in life, you can use your experience to cater your professional services to a wider audience and please people with different expectations.
It gives you respect
Many people, both employers, and clients, respect professionals with work experience in foreign countries. So, if you have an opportunity to gain any experience, make sure to take it. In the future, you can not only put that in your CV but also put it on your marketing materials to attract clients. For instance, if you’re offering foreign language classes, your direct experience of living and working in a foreign country will make your business seem more professional.
As you can see, working abroad will benefit your career in more than one way. From getting a rich CV to getting new and exciting experiences and meeting new people, you will be more than employable when you come back home!
