Introduction
In the age of globalization, young people have more opportunities than ever before. By this, I mean the opportunity to work abroad. Historically if you were working abroad in another country it usually means you were going to war. While it might seem daunting to leave home and get out of your comfort zone, I promise it will be one of the greatest physical and mental journeys you’ve taken so far in your young life. In this article, I will talk about my top 8 reasons why young people should consider taking a year of working abroad before settling down in their careers.
Cultural Exposure
Working abroad offers the opportunity to experience different cultures and customs. This can be a significant advantage for young people just getting started in their careers. It allows them to gain an international perspective on the world and expand their thought processes. When you experience new cultures and different ways of living, you can take this newfound outlook and apply it to your life back home which can be a huge asset in your career. If you do end up going home many people love their host countries so much they become their new homes.
Language Skills
If you’re only away from your home country for a year and you’ve moved to a country that speaks the same language then obviously this point is irrelevant. I highly recommend thought that you try to move to a country that speaks a different language. Even if you never become fluent in the language learning how to communicate with people that don’t speak the same language as you is a very useful skill in the workplace while travelling, and in your personal life. Having another language as a skill will be a benefit for you even if you live in North America where there’s not a lot of diversity of language having that extra little skill will set you apart from many other potential candidates in the job process.
Independence
When I say independence I don’t mean living in a university dorm independence where your room and food are all organized for you and your hometown is likely only a few hour’s drive away. This is really thrown from the nest comfort zone erasing independence. There’s nothing like the pressure of trying to organize your utility bills in a foreign country where they don’t speak the same language as you. In fact, when I was living in the Netherlands I accidentally purchased buttermilk instead of normal milk from the grocery because milk cartons all look the same in the Netherlands, I was quite surprised when I tried to have cereal the next morning. As difficult as it can be sometimes there’s no greater feeling of confidence once you start getting the hang of it.
Adaptability
Working abroad also requires you to be adaptable for the most part Canada and the United States are the same, but even when going from North America to Europe you learn quickly that things are definitely done differently. It can be challenging at times, but it’s also a really important skill to have in the workforce and in your personal life. Young people who have had to experience radical changes in their everyday life are better off handling changes in the workforce when they come.
Professional Development
Working abroad presents a plethora of professional development opportunities for individuals seeking to expand their skills, knowledge, and work experience. The experience of working in a foreign country exposes individuals to different work cultures, business practices, and industries that can broaden their perspectives and hone their skills. This can have a profound impact on their professional growth and career trajectory. Moreover, working abroad also enables individuals to develop their communication and language skills, which are important in today’s global economy.
Networking
Networking in a post-secondary environment and the real world differ significantly. Meeting the same communication majors at the university can get monotonous, making it difficult to expand your network. However, when working in an international organization in a foreign country, the opportunities to meet diverse people are endless. The environment is akin to working in the United Nations, with a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and professions. An interesting phenomenon occurs when foreigners meet in a foreign land; a close bond forms due to the shared experience of being strangers in a new country. These bonds are powerful and can last a lifetime. The ability to deal with issues that might arise in a foreign country together creates a strong connection between people and you will likely remain friends with these connections throughout your life.
Resume Builder
Adding new language and work experience to your resume provides an additional benefit that you may not have considered – the “interesting” factor. Hiring managers often see similar education experiences and resume templates, and the addition of unique experiences stands out. For instance, seeing “Executive Assistant at the largest accounting firm in Thailand” can pique a hiring manager’s curiosity and raise questions, leading to an interesting conversation during the interview. Sharing your experience can also help build rapport with the interviewer, especially if they have similar travel experiences. The “interesting” factor can set you apart from other applicants and make you more memorable, giving you an edge in the hiring process. Therefore, it is important to highlight any unique experiences on your resume and be prepared to discuss them during interviews.
Adventure
Most people don’t consider work to be an adventure, unless, of course, you’re a workaholic like myself. However, working in a different country can be an entirely different experience, and learning how to navigate a new country’s business culture can be a valuable learning opportunity. Not every country conducts business the same way as the United States, where conversations can be direct and to the point. In many cultures, it’s customary to engage in small talk before delving into business discussions.
Additionally, you’re unlikely to work every day of the week, which will leave plenty of free time to explore your surroundings and engage in new adventures. Since you’ll be living in the area, you won’t have to worry about obtaining visas, dealing with long flights, or arranging accommodations as extensively as you would if you were only visiting. After your adventures are done, you can simply return to your place of stay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working abroad provides an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. It can help individuals gain cultural exposure, language skills, independence, adaptability, professional development, networking opportunities, a unique resume, and an adventure. Working abroad is not without its challenges, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. It allows individuals to step out of their comfort zones and expand their perspectives on the world, providing them with skills that will last a lifetime. Therefore, if you are a young person who is seeking to explore the world and enhance your career prospects, consider working abroad. Book a call with me, and I will be happy to guide you in creating your own working abroad experience, from finding the right job and housing to navigating the intricacies of a new culture. Let’s work together to make your international work experience an unforgettable adventure.