If you’re wondering whether studying abroad can help your career, the answer is yes! You’ll gain many practical skills as an international student which are useful in the workplace. Sharing these skills—and how they helped you excel at your studies and life abroad—on your resume may also open the door to your dream job. Below is an overview of some of the key skills you’ll gain while studying abroad which can boost your resume.
Here’s a quick look at some hard skills modern employers are looking for!
Independence
When you become an international student, you often choose to do it independently, leaving behind your close friends and family. This means you’re living outside your comfort zone, meeting lots of new people, and sorting through situations on your own. Though you may not feel comfortable initially, with patience and perseverance you can adjust to your new environment and develop a sense of independence. As you study abroad, you’ll learn to look after yourself. This also builds your confidence.
Adaptability
Sharing with prospective employers you’ve studied abroad shows them you can flourish in new situations and adapt well to change. A candidate who thrives in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment is a strong one, and expressing this skill can help boost your resume to the top of the pile! According to recruitment specialists Clevry, adaptability is one of the top skills employers are looking for.
Cross-cultural Communication
Studying abroad can greatly improve your cross-cultural and interpersonal skills. Being immersed in a different culture gives you the opportunity to interact with locals and gain an appreciation for their culture. It also opens your eyes to the ways another culture may communicate, behave, and dress. With time, this allows you to better understand cross-cultural differences. You’ll finish your studies and enter the workforce with an open-minded outlook, which can help you thrive in an increasingly global workforce. Plus, this skill may also mean you have foreign language experience. There’s a constant demand for employees who know multiple languages in many industries, increasing your chances of securing a good job.
Multitasking
One thing you certainly master as an international student is the art of multitasking. Between balancing your course load, trying to learn a new language, and understanding the public transit system alone, you’ll practice juggling multiple responsibilities daily. This skill is particularly helpful in roles involving project management. Having mastered multitasking means you’ve got great time management skills, and also proves to the employer you’re able to manage stress.
Critical Thinking
When you enter a new country, you’re faced with cultural differences. The local way of living is likely different from what you knew in your home country. As you adjust, you’ll learn how to handle new situations. You can develop an open mindset and in turn, strengthen your problem-solving skills. You’ll learn to think on your feet, meaning you’ll act decisively and effectively in the moment when it’s needed, and also to ‘think outside the box,’ meaning to think from a new or unexpected perspective.
Initiative
Studying abroad shows you can take initiative and pursue new experiences. This shows employees you’re okay with experiencing something completely unique and foreign, even if it means you’ll have to weather uncertainty. Additionally, you’ll be recognized as a resourceful individual. Showing initiative and leadership can boost your resume for nearly all jobs.
Studying abroad impresses employers and gives you something interesting to talk about in an interview. As an international student, you’ll experience many different situations that will translate well to situational and behavioural interview questions. Your experience abroad can help you become independent, adaptable, and understanding. Many international students are also strong multitaskers, problem solvers, and know how to take initiative. These skills will help you stand out as a strong candidate for many roles.
Ready to start a new adventure? Connect with the ApplyBoard team to begin your study abroad journey!
