Defining “International” in Your Job Search

The way you work internationally will depend on your interests and personal situation. International jobs come in all shapes and sizes and characteristics; in fact, 80% of all "international" jobs are located in the United States.

Here are some categories of international jobs based on primary location with examples of employers within those categories:

Live in a foreign country, and

• Work for a foreign-owned business or school
• Teach English as a second language in the JET program
• Work as an "Americanizer" in a British publishing firm
  
  
  
• Work for an American business:
  • Disneyland Paris
  • American law firm with offices abroad

• Work for the American government:
• Foreign Service position
• US Army and Air Force Exchange (civilian positions at military bases worldwide)

Live in the United States, and

• Work for an international company (which may or may not involve travel):
• Guinness PLC in Stanford, CT (British)
• Nestle in Glendale, CA (Swiss)
  
  
  
• Work for an American organization, traveling occasionally:
  
• Buyer for a major department store
• International Education Coordinator for an American college or university
• American banks with international offices
• American consulting firms
  
  
  
• Maintain communication with other countries, without necessarily traveling:
• Import/Export businesses
• Federal government positions
• Teach
  
  
• Work with people of another culture:
  • Social service organization which helps new immigrants
  • Social work in Florida, Texas, or California
  • Multicultural/international student advisor at a college or university
    
    

Careers which involve constant travel:

• Careers in the transportation or travel industry, particularly:
  • Cruise ship worker
  • Tour guide
  • Pilot
    

Ways to pursue your international interests regardless of your career:

You can keep your international perspective through:

• Volunteer work
  
• Participating in international exhibits and programs in an American city
  
• Joining clubs or international organizations, visiting museums and art galleries
  
• Going to local ethnic festivals.

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