jobtalks getting a job overseas indiana university kelley school of business c. randall powell, ph.d
TRANSCRIPT
JOBTALKSJOBTALKS
Getting a JobOverseas
Indiana UniversityKelley School of BusinessC. Randall Powell, Ph.D
The Scene
The Scene:Somewhere outside the prosperity of
the U.S. The Situation: The world is in chaos. Profits are down. Workers on strike. Company can't make payroll. Banks will soon take over.The Solution:
American entrepreneur to save the company; complete with white horse
and shining armor.The Outcome:
The American applies years of exceptional
business education and returns prosperity to this corner of the world once again.
Maybe that's your image of a job overseas,but the rest of the world has a slightly differentoutlook. YOU'RE NOT ALWAYS WELCOME!
Use the techniques from this session;chances are you will be at the airport,tearfully saying good-bye as you embarkon your international adventure.
But Not Impossible
Very Difficult to get an international job,
but not impossible
Title Slide
Getting a Job Overseas
The breathtaking majesty of the pyramids.
The splendor of the Taj Mahal.The romantic nights of Paris...
Fascinating to a number of peoplewho want to start or continue theircareers with an international assignment.
Everyone wants to go overseas!
Only 20% of graduates with internationally oriented degrees work outside the U.S.
20
Facts
Everybody wants to go overseasNot that many companies lookingNobody is rushing to our shores to export our graduates
It Boils Down to This... You need to have something to offer
Need to be prepared to work your tail off
Supply Over Demand
Quiz
Answer each question by rating yourself from zero to five
Circle the number that best represents your current level of knowledge, skill, attitude, experience or behavior.
Over 200 = well on your way to finding an international assignment
150 to 199 = concentrate your efforts on areas where you scored between 0 and 3
Below 150 = hopefully this isn't your last semester
You need an organized approach to shore up your weaknesses
Scores:
Obstacles
Quiz should have highlighted several obstacles
These can be overcome with effort
The following are the biggest hurdles:
Work VisasLanguageCultureLocal HiringJob Hunting StyleWorking Below Your LevelDealing with Spouse's Employment
Countries don't want foreign citizens taking away jobs
Jobs for foreign workers are at the high and low ends of employment spectrum:
Doctors Scientists Other professionals or Waiters Cleaning services
Obstacle/Work Visa
Best way to get a work permit is to get a job
Best way to get a job is to have a work permit
Catch-22
Obstacle/Work Visa = catch-22
Exception: Have a valuable skill
Parlez vousFrancais?
Obstacle/Language
English is the most popular used in international business transactions, but not the only one used in day-to-day business
Not knowing language makes working in most foreign businesses impossible.
Getting assignment in English-speaking countries is doubly tough
Language of college courses may not "cut it” with native speakers
Obstacle/Culture
Adapting is tough!
Treated differently in recruitingSome countries do not regard women highlySome have strong anti-American biasWays of doing business may be totally different
Obstacle/Local Hiring
Would you like corporate headquarters sending you, the manager, people from overseas?
Few people are hired without being in the country already
Obstacle/Hunting Style
Style that works here would never work elsewhere
Ask you international classmates:
How does employment system differ?
Obstacle/Hunting Style
For example:
Our version of the resume may differMany want info such as religion, political party and ageSome countries want curriculum vitaeSome countries want the cover letter handwrittenIn many countries, graduates start job hunting after graduationPositions aren't available until fall because of extended
summer holidaysIn some countries, have to have strong connections
Obstacle/Working Below Your Level
Only jobs are waiting tables or tending bar
Entry-level positions not available for non-locals
Requires patience
Obstacle/Spouse Employment
Expect problems if you are a dual-career couple
If highly skilled and in demand (doctors or nurses), it makes it easier
Advantages
Your background and skills are pluses
Look for companies where your background will pay dividends and it fills a need
Advantages
You may have skills needed by a company wanting to do business in America:
Understanding of American cultureUnderstanding of American business patternsUnderstanding of a specific industryUnderstanding of a specific regionSpeak dialects
Advantages
Companies likely to be most interested in Americans are:
Those that are trading with (or would like to be trading with) AmericaImport/Export companiesCompanies with subsidiaries or headquarters in the U.S.Companies with American customers Those that communicate with U.S. to a great extent
Start in a position teaching EnglishAmerican English is in demandSometime you don't need to know the native tongueIt is a way to make connectionsYou have chance to learn local culture and language
Tactics for Getting Your Foot in the Door
U.S. Foreign ServiceCIAPeace Corps
Chances are better after spending time in country.
Tactics
Find a position with the government that will take you overseas:
Tactics
Work for a multi-national company in this country
Gain experienceConvince employer to transfer you Takes longer but usually have chance at a better position
Find a globalized position with multi-national company
Find position dealing with international currency exchanges
10% of all jobs in Manhattan are provided by foreign companies.
Tactics
There are opportunities in this country that are international in natureExample:
Contact International Centerto find citizens of your targeted country Ask for advice on job searching Ask about companies there
Contact appropriate departmentin the university
Check alumni office for grads living there Contact country's consulate or foreign trade
office Find companies with subsidiaries in that
country Find social and cultural organizations
Tactics/Networking
Tactics/Networking
Look for companies that can use your background
Look at "International Business" magazine's International 100
Then check companies in the library
Tactics/Visit County
Makes it easier to make contacts
Expensive, but there are breaks on lodging
with youth organizations
Take your list of contacts with you
Tactics/Someone on Other End
Greater success if someone on other end:Former classmateFriend of a friendCan help you find your way aroundIdentify appropriate people to contactSend you local papers when you return
You may be allowed to obtain ashort-term work permit that will allow you to get your foot in the door.
Tactics/Short-Term Work Permit
Council for International Educational Exchange
3-month permits for some countries
Contact local consulate for more info
International Student OfficePut you in contact with faculty and studentsLibraryInternational publications and newslettersNetwork of contacts
Organizations
Resources Available
Library
(Some of the more common periodicals:)
The International Directory of Corporate AffiliationsThe Directory of MultinationalsThe Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S.International Directories in PrintMoody's International ManualThe International Corporate 1000
Resources Available
Government (such as:)
Local Industrial Development BoardThe International Chamber of CommerceThe State Commission for Economic DevelopmentThe Chamber of Commerce in Seaport CitiesThe World Trade CentersThe Department of Commerce
Contact as many groups as possible!
Resources Available
Does this sound like your Father?:"Nobody ever said it would be easy."
Pretty close to the truth. Tough job hunting in the U.S.Trying to find a job in a foreign country is even tougher.
Need to know how to workyour way through the system.
Apply the techniques learned hereand you will have a better chance..
Conclusion
If you would like to learn more, Career Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.