Researching International Jobs

Here's some great news about being a liberal arts major:

You possess one of the most valuable skills in the job search - Researching!
If you don't know what you want to do, or where you want to work, research can help you clarify and narrow your goals.
If you know what you would like to do and where you'd like to do it, research it to see how to proceed if your idea is feasible.

Through good research you will be able to:

• Learn more about potential employers
  • Compile a list of companies to target.
  • Identify typical entry level positions and decide where you fit.
• Prepare for the job search process
  • Write a targeted cover letter and resume.
  • Look at the fit between you and the job market.
  • Lay the groundwork for effective networking.
  • Know key information to bring up in an interview
• Learn more about the geographic location you're interested in.
  • Find out the countries where you could use your language skills
  • Learn the requirements for working in your country of choice
  • Learn the employment situation in your country of choice

Research Resources:

Websites

By far and away, the most valuable information is located on the web.

• Look up specific company names for employment information.
• Look up information by the name of the country.
• When using job search engines try the keyword for the language you know, such as "French" rather than "France"-you will find more opportunities.

Here are some comprehensive sites to start your research into international employment:

• Monster.com
  Includes hundreds of entry-level positions overseas. Also includes company profiles.
• Transitions Abroad
  One of the richest resources for finding an overseas job - an outstanding guide to both short and long-term jobs abroad, study and work abroad articles, resources, and web link.
• The Economist
  International country briefings filled with news, country profiles, forecast, statistics and more.
• The University of Michigan
  Bill Nolting's comprehensive and excellent guide to work abroad.
• The University of Minnesota
  International study and travel site.
• The Riley Guide: Resources for International Job Opportunities,
  Region-by-region lists of websites for career jobs.
• WWW Virtual Library
  The "International Affairs" section is excellent, with links to organizations, universities, documents, news, and even some job listings.
• The WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources
  While not designed as an employment site, this website has the most comprehensive set of links for international relations.
• Goabroad.com
  Excellent website with information on study, work, volunteering, and teaching abroad.
• University of California-Irvine
  Comprehensive working abroad website

Newspapers:

Read foreign newspapers and periodicals. If possible, subscribe to a newspaper which will keep you informed of the economic, social and political conditions in your country of choice and provide clues to job opportunities.
Read the classified ads as well as the news and business sections about your country of choice. The Career Center library carries most major foreign newspapers. You can also check them out online:

American

• Wall Street Journal
• The New York Times

Global

• The International Herald Tribune
• London Times
• Le Figaro(Paris)
• Die Welt(Hamburg)
• Tico Times Central America's leading English-language newspaper, published in Costa Rica.
• The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
• La Nacion (Argentina)
• El Comercio (Peru)
• O'Globo
• Folha De Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Magazines, Newsletters and Periodicals:

• Transitions Abroad
• Foreign Telephone Directories can be helpful; particularly the yellow pages

Books and Guides:

• Search for international employment books in Amazon.com.

Type in "international employment" or "international jobs" and you will see the latest publications in this area.

• Be sure to note when and where the book is published. IF it is a British text, for example, the information may be more applicable to EC citizens than Americans. If the book is more than 5 years old, the information may not be as useful.
• Check out the various Hoover's Guides, Vault, and WetFeet publications online.
• Many foreign countries have Chambers of Commerce offices in New York City and publish guides to working in their countries and/or lists of businesses which have American/Foreign affiliations.

Suggested web resources for more books related to international employment:
The Monster Bookstore links to such titles as: Careers in International Affairs, Insider's Guide to Relocation, International Jobs: Where They Are, Jobs for People Who Love to Travel, and Work Your Way Around the World.

Content for this page provided by:
Dr. Kate Brooks, Director, Liberal Arts Career Services, University of Texas at Austin