The impact of studying abroad on your career
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Studying abroad is a vital decision and one of the biggest reasons people choose to do so, is for their future and their career. After all, where you study and what you study can change the trajectory of your life completely.
In addition to receiving a great education and making memories that will last a lifetime, you'll also gain the skills employers are looking for and take advantage of opportunities that will advance you in your chosen career.
If you're interested in how your study abroad trip can benefit your career, keep reading!
Build a Global Network
International students who study abroad not only make lifelong friends, but also make global connections with a variety of people.
You can also expect to meet researchers and industry professionals. Networking globally has proven useful for many students after they graduate and enter the workforce, so make a conscious effort to connect with these people in your home country.
These connections can provide job opportunities, promotions, referrals, support and guidance.
Search for meaningful and fun ways to get involved in university or college and connect with as many people as possible while studying abroad.
Sometimes the friends you make in college can also become your support network when you are in a new city! For example, maybe someone ends up becoming your roommate in an
where you shift for work.
Gain An Internationally-Recognised Qualification
Major study destinations such as the UK, USA, Canada and Australia are home to some of the best universities in the world.
The 2022 QS World University Rankings include 350 US universities, 90 from the UK, 36 from Australia and 28 from Canada.
Needless to say, all higher education institutions perform well both nationally and in specific areas.
To an employer, a degree from a prestigious university says a lot about you as an employee.
Many universities abroad have had a reputation for producing excellent young talent.
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A recognized college degree is a shortcut for employers to select qualified candidates.
Become Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
For many, our comfort zone is limited to our hometowns, family and friends. Once you decide to study abroad, you need to get out of your comfort zone.
International students must learn to adapt to new environments, cultures and languages. It's normal to feel uncomfortable.
But there is much to be gained from situations like this, especially if you have experienced it yourself.
As a result, international students quickly become accustomed to uncomfortable environments.
This prepares you to face all the awkward moments in your career.
For example, if you shift to a new country in a new house, say an
, you will have to set it up, figure out the logistics and transportation, handle landlords, find good roommates etc.
All of these experiences will also help you when you shift for work to a new city or even country! It will not be a new and overwhelming challenge but a situation you have already handled before and that will make it easier to do again!
This can give students like you an advantage in the workplace, preparing you to remain calm under high pressure.
This experience can lead to promotion to higher positions, as these roles typically require employees who can handle high-stress situations and take on more responsibility.
Develop the Most Highly-Sought Soft Skills
Employers naturally require hard skills in this field, such as knowledge of coding languages and software design.
What you may not know is that they often look for soft skills as well.