“I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.”

Work overseas.

I often get asked the question, “when did you know that you wanted to work abroad and how did you do it”?  Growing up, I was always interested in travel and learning new things.  I studied abroad in college, and by the time I graduated, I knew I wanted a career that included an expat experience.  From there, I worked for large companies and organizations in roles that were international in scope. I returned to school for an international MBA, and that’s where I got my big break.

So, to answer the question, wanting to work abroad started as an interest that I steadily cultivated throughout my career.  In the beginning, I had no clue how I would go abroad professionally.  However, as I pursued my interests, I became more informed about the opportunities available to me, and what I needed to do to reach my goal.

So here are the steps I took to find work abroad.  I’ve also included some links to help you get started with your own journey. 

1. Study and travel abroad.

If you can manage it financially, I highly recommend you do it.  Studying or traveling to unfamiliar places will open your mind to so many things such as meeting people from all walks of life, learning a new language, experiencing a different culture, discovering new ways to approach age old problems, and, most importantly, stepping outside your comfort zone.  There is only an upside here that includes self-improvement, learning and career advancement.

Traveling abroad.

• Transitions Abroad: Transitions Abroad: Study Abroad and Educational Travel
• Go Abroad: GoAbroad
• EF: EF Education First

2. Work for an international company or organization.

More and more, I believe that working in a multinational or in an international organization not only prepares you for what is to come but also increases your chances of working overseas. Early in my career, I worked for one of the largest cruise companies which provided me with the opportunity to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and to travel extensively. Having this opportunity early on created the foundation for what would become a career filled with international experiences.  More importantly, I expanded my thinking on how vast the possibilities were when it came to career opportunities.

Find a corporate job.

• INSIDER: The 25 global companies with the best workplace cultures, according to employees
• Forbes: The World’s Best Employers
• LADDERS: These are the 50 best companies in the world to work for right now

3. Get your Master’s overseas.

At this point in my life, I was committed to getting an expat job.  I went back to school for an international MBA that included studying and interning abroad.  By this time, you have enough years of experience to have an idea what you want to do in life.  Today, there are more ways to get an advanced degree than ever before – online, part-time, executive, full-time, etc.  Regardless of what you choose, be sure to understand the commitment you are undertaking.  The outcome will depend 100 percent on you.  An advanced degree will not guarantee you get what you want.  What an advanced degree will do, is open doors. 

Get an advanced degree.

• U.S. News: Find the Best Grad Schools
• The Financial Times: FT Global MBA ranking 2021: Europe tops table but US dominate
• Forbes: The Latest Rankings Of The World’s Best Online MBA Programs

4. Stay in contact.

So, you studied abroad, traveled the world and worked in a global organization.  Now what?  Maintain and grow your network. My break came two years after finishing business school.  The company where I did my business school internship called me for a full-time job in Italy.

Network.

• Fast Company: How to feel less icky about networking
• Indeed career guide: 10 Tips To Help You Network Like a Pro
• LinkedIn: Four Tips to Network on Linked

5. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? Well, it’s easy to come up with a list of excuses of why you can’t do something.  If I’m honest, after being offered the opportunity to return to Italy, I definitely had butterflies or doubts about going back.  But after the fluttering stopped, I knew that this opportunity was right for me.  And here I am today, in Italy.  No more explanation needed.

Take chances.

• Lifehack: Top 10 Fears That Hold Us Back In Life
• Inc.: 20 Great Courage-Inspiring Quotes
• Harvard Business Review: How to Overcome Your Fear of Making Mistakes

Everyone’s journey is different, but when I look back on my career, these steps were the actions and choices that helped me reach my goal. 

Photo by Ono Kosuki from Pexels.

The post Work abroad: steps I took to become a professional expat. appeared first on Ciao Lulu!.