How Working Abroad Helps Boost a Resume
Valuable Job Traits & Skills Acquired With Experience Overseas
Aug 22, 2009
Working in another country is an adventure, but with adventure comes risk. Why? It can get expensive between plane tickets, exchange rates that do not work in the home currency's favor, and travel. It can put a strain on or change some relationships with people at home. But there are also many benefits to taking a temporary job abroad, be it for a few months or a couple of years. When someone who has worked abroad returns, he or she brings back skills and abilities that may not have been present, or nearly as strong, as before.
Foreign Language Ability
If living in a country that speaks a different language than the traveler's native language, the chances of developing fluency, or at least an intermediate conversational level of language ability, are quite high.
Adaptability and Self-Reliance
Those who have lived and worked abroad should be able to show future employers that they can adapt to new scenarios, be open to new ideas, and take care of themselves. Being able to handle an unpredictable situation and not having to rely on others to solve a problem is an asset in any job.
Confidence, Confidence, Confidence
Traveling solo? Trying to speak a new language? Having to make new friends in an entirely new culture? Having the courage to experience something new related to that culture? While these may sometimes seem somewhat discouraging or intimidating while abroad, the confidence developed from all of the above experiences can only be a positive trait while looking for a job, and are even more helpful on the job.
New Knowledge
Working abroad exposes world-traveling workers to new markets, new systems (e.g. an education system), and often new approaches. Learning something different that many people back in the home country may not know about may set a job applicant with experience abroad apart from those who have not worked abroad.
Networking Opportunities
Every new job means more networking possibilities. This applies to jobs abroad, as a supervisor overseas may serve as a vital reference later in a career, or may have connections of some sort back in the traveler's home country.
Working abroad can be a great stepping stone to other job opportunities. The acquisition of foreign language skills, new knowledge, building of confidence and self-reliance, and networking possibilities all contribute to a resume. While going abroad to work may at first be an expensive undertaking, the personal experience and work experience gained while living and working in another country make the investment worth it.
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