Your International Job Options

If you're limiting your international job search to companies headquartered in your target destination, you may be restricting your options. Expand your search and your possibilities of success by considering:

• Working for a company with headquarters in your home country and offices abroad
• Taking a short-term/volunteer position
• Starting you own business
• Studying abroad.

Working for a company with headquarters in your home country and offices abroad

Many companies already have global offices or are looking to go global. This can be a great opportunity for you. If you already work for a company with global offices, find out more about their operations and express your interest in working in your country of choice. If there's a match, you may be there instantly. If not, work with management to develop a plan that will have you transferred within a defined amount of time.

If you don't work for such a company, look to interview with companies that have offices in your destination country. You may have to work in your home country for a certain period of time, thus delaying your departure. But, this can have its advantages. I'll give you a chance to learn company policies and interact with employees who may become critical contacts once you go abroad. It'll also give the company a chance to get aquainted with you. All of this works to make the transition to your new country and job much easier.

It is sometimes easier to find a short-term position than a long-term one. These positions can be either paid or unpaid. The advantage of this option is that it allows you to be in your new country legally. While there, you can network, interview, and hopefully find the job you really want. It'll also give you international experience, the lack of which can at times be a stumbling block when applying for jobs abroad.

One popular program is the one offered by the Association for International Practical Training. AIPT, offers different programs for US citizens looking to get experience abroad and non US interns looking to gain experience in the United States. The assignments generally last for at least 18 months (http://www.aipt.org/programs.html). Other options include working in tourism, finding a job as an au pair or working in agriculture. Volunteer and internship opportunities can also be found through The International Volunteer Programs Association (http://www.volunteerinternational.org).

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