Here, June Coleman, O’Neill Career Hub Assistant Director of Career Services (Graduate Programs) shares the benefits of studying abroad.
How can studying abroad positively impact career development?
Students develop and grow in so many ways as they move through the college experience. Their values, skills and identities are shaped by their academic, social and professional experiences. A significant part of a student’s development through college includes their career development. Regardless of one’s career path, a study abroad experience can positively impact one’s career development by exposing them to global and diverse perspectives, navigating different cultures, and gaining a broader understanding of careers around the world. Even if a student has a specific major and career path established, they may refine that plan or even change it, based on their experience abroad. The value of a study abroad experience is that students experience perspectives and careers that challenge and shape their career framework and understanding.
Are there specific skills that employers look for that studying abroad would help expand?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveyed employers nationally and identified 8 competencies that show a candidate is “career ready”. NACE Career Readiness competencies include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, professionalism, equity and inclusion (formerly global fluency), technology, career and self-development and leadership. If you think about the impact of a study abroad experience, most of these 8 career competencies are developed and refined through a study abroad experience. (see infographic below)
How can students help market their study abroad experience on resumes, cover letters, or in interviews?
We encourage students to create a separate section on their resume called “International Experience” or “Study Abroad Experience”. This highlights the international experience and corresponding skills and gives the candidate an advantage. More and more, we see employers doing business globally and recruiting a highly diverse workforce. Candidates with study abroad experience highlighted on their resume are highly competitive for most positions. In the interview process, we recommend candidates outline their specific transferable skills developed through the study abroad experience, and specifically how this global experience can enhance the organization’s mission and aligns with diverse initiatives. Candidates should talk about the value of their international experience even if the employer doesn’t ask about international experience. Study aboard sets candidates apart from others even if the employer doesn’t list this experience in the job description.
Source: NACE Job Outlook 2024
Are there industries or professions where the experience of studying abroad is particularly advantageous, and if so, what aspects of the experience make a candidate more appealing to employers in these fields?
Certainly global companies, regardless of industry, seek candidates with study abroad experience. However, I would argue that all companies and industries with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion understand the value of the study abroad experience. Regardless of a student’s area of study and career path, a study abroad experience is highly valuable in shaping one’s identity, perspective, career path and view of the world.
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