Interested in an international career? Since the global financial crisis, massive geopolitical and economic shifts have started to take place. Wealth, power, and influence are moving away from the United States and Europe and towards high growth emerging markets such as China, South East Asia, Brazil, Mexico, and Africa. While the total collapse of the western world is not likely, it's indisputable that western economies will increasingly depend on the robust growth and consumer markets in middle class populations springing up around the world.
5 Reasons To Launch An International Career
Here are five reasons why you should launch an extraordinary international career right now.1. Adventure
Your international career launch will be an adventure. It will be the most fun you’ve ever had and also the most challenging undertaking you’ve ever committed to. Ultimately, though, you will grow immensely as a person and have life-changing experiences. If you are in Bangkok, you can fly to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar within a three hour flight radius for under $100 USD round trip. Moreover, many of these destinations include world class beach destinations. If you are in China you can explore thousands of years of history and go trekking across a complex and ancient civilization. If you are in Brazil, you can experience the joy and festivity of Carnaval and the upcoming Olympics and World Cup. Be a pioneer. Go on adventures and become a role model for your jealous friends to emulate!2. Build Global Leadership Skills
A globalized economy calls for globalized leaders - an international job placement will immerse you in exciting projects that will forge you into a highly adaptable professional. As high growth emerging economies become more and more important for U.S. and European companies, these companies will need reliable leaders and diplomats who understand these markets from both a macro level and from hands-on experience. You can position yourself as a future global leader by taking advantage of the power and wealth shifting to these places.3. Language Acquisition
No more language podcasts and procrastination on becoming a polyglot. When you immerse yourself in a new culture, taking a simple trip to the market will be a lesson in speaking, listening, and reading comprehension. You will learn far more by being on the ground and acquiring a foreign language as you go about your daily life. These skills will never leave you, either - most likely they will be useful to you as an international careerist for the rest of your life.4. Build An International Network
The saying goes “it’s not what you know, but who you know...” This is true at home and it is true abroad. Building yourself a strong international network of friends, colleagues, co-workers, and business partners will multiply the amount of opportunities you have later on in life. You will grow immensely as both an individual and as a professional by working with and socializing in your new global career destination. These relationships will last forever. You might even find your soul mate!5. Stand Out As An MBA Applicant
Lastly, if you are considering applying to MBA programs, you will have to find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Since it is likely that your competitors will mostly have U.S. based work experience, you can create a unique and unfair competitive advantage for yourself by becoming the applicant with fascinating global experiences. Thus, you can prove your ability to execute and operate both at home and when you are out of your element. These are valuable traits that will make you very competitive for an MBA program or a graduate program in international affairs and government. "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." -Sun Tzu, The Art of WarRelated Posts:
Top 10 Secrets to a Great International Resume
International Relations Internships
How To Get An International Job Offer After Graduation
Photo Credit: ShutterstockRead moreShow less
