5 Steps to an International Job

The best trait you can develop to succeed in the international job search is “focused flexibility”: the ability to keep your target goal in mind, but being open to other opportunities.  You will also need to be determined, able to deal with rejection, and have a high frustration tolerance, that is, the ability to calmly deal with situations that don’t always go your way. 

1. Get Clear

Narrow down all your great ideas into a manageable unit so you can focus. 

Ask yourself some basic questions:

• Why do I want to work abroad?  To travel, to meet people, to learn a skill? 
• What is more important to you: the job or the location?
• What are the opportunities for employment in my field of interest or in the country I’d like to work? 
• Do I know the language well enough to work? 
• How hard is it to obtain a work permit?
• Am I seeking a long-term career or a short-term job? 

2. Set Goals

Map out a time-line for your plans and try to become an expert ”in international employment before you leave.

• Start with the target date for your departure and work back to the present.
  • Determine the amount of time you have left to do your research, get your plans in order, and prepare for your adventure. 
• Break your goals down into sub-goals and specific tasks you need to accomplish.
  • One of the easiest ways to do this is to ask yourself, “Can I accomplish my goal tomorrow?”  If the answer is “no,” then write down the steps you must take before you can go and insert them into your time-line.
• Set a money goal and start saving as much as you can. 
  • Money gives you flexibility when you travel and provides a “cushion” for any troubles you might encounter. 

3. Overcome obstacles.

Identify and eliminate self-sabotage by finding and overcoming your stumbling blocks.

What are your likely stumbling blocks?

• Do you procrastinate? 
• Overwhelm yourself with too many options or details? 
• Can you develop a plan to overcome those common roadblocks?  

Set up a reward system for accomplishing your goals.

4. Find support. 

The international job search can be frustrating and lonely at times.  You’re doing something others don’t even think about and may not understand, so finding support can be key to keeping you at your task. 

• Look for opportunities to meet other individuals interested in international topics. 
• Talk with professors and other students. 
• Seek out alumni from your school who have worked internationally. 
• Join clubs which focus on international issues.

5. Monitor Your Progress.

Keep assessing your progress and change your goals as you progress! 

• Monitor your goal sheet and timeline weekly and see where you need to catch up. 
• To get support, find a friend who’s also pursuing a goal and agree to meet once a week for coffee to discuss your progress. 
• Encourage each other to stick with your goals.

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