How Working Abroad Can Advance Your Career
Working abroad isn’t for everybody. If you have a family to consider, and/or you are unable to leave your current work position, then you might want to forget the idea, at least for the time being.
However…
If you have no family commitments tying you down, and you have the financial resources at your disposal to work abroad for a while, then you might consider it. You might then be able to climb the career ladder, be that within the industry you are currently involved in, or within a new career altogether.
Here’s how working abroad can advance your career.
#1: You will show your willingness to your employer
Should you be working for an employer, and you are asked to consider relocating abroad for a short time, then your willingness to do so might stand you in good stead for a promotion down the line. It will also show your employer that you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone, and this might also improve your promotion chances within your career.
#2: It’s good for your resumé
When going for other positions in your career, the fact that you have worked abroad will give employers a reason to consider you above other candidates. As suggested above, it will show an employer that you have shown courage to do something that many people wouldn’t dare consider. You might have to take a Spanish level test or another language qualification before moving abroad, and this will look good on your list of skills. And there will be other skills you can add to your resumé, including adaptability, communication, and cultural awareness. The next point might also be of interest to a potential employer.
#3: You will learn new practices
By living in another country, you will get the first-hand opportunity to see the best (and the worst) working practices in other businesses, be they related to your industry or not. You can then take what you have learned and apply it to the company you might already be working for in your home country, or present the ideas you have discovered when you’re next sat in front of an interview panel. Either way, being the person to bring potentially pioneering techniques to an employer will give you added credibility and will help you to advance in your career.
#4: You will gain confidence
As we mentioned earlier, when you live and work abroad, you are stepping out of your comfort zone. You will be forced into unfamiliar situations, such as having to conquer the language barrier and coping with cultures that may be very alien to your own, and consequently, your self-confidence should grow as you grapple with the challenges facing you. After this, sitting in front of an interview panel or taking on new responsibilities at work when back in your home country won’t seem so daunting anymore. And by taking the bold and courageous step to work abroad, you may well feel as if you will have the confidence to do anything, and this might encourage you to push harder to advance your career.
Finally
Should you consider working abroad? We can’t answer that question for you, but if the opportunity should arise, then you might want to snap it up. We aren’t saying it will be easy, but when looking at the benefits to your long-term career (as well as the opportunity to see more of the world), you might want to give it some serious thought.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.