The Iglu Guide | Blog
Studying overseas: how it can benefit your future career
There are many well-known benefits to studying abroad, but the reality is about so much more than travel opportunities or better weather. In fact, studying abroad can give your resumé a real turbo boost when it comes to finding a job at the end of your degree. Here’s how it can supercharge every student’s future career prospects.
Gain a global perspective
In an increasingly globalised workplace, employers are actively seeking candidates with international experience that can bring a fresh and mature perspective. Studying overseas exposes you to a wide range of cultural differences and new ways of life that may be completely unlike anything you’ve experienced before. As a global citizen, you’ll be more open minded and adaptable, with a highly transferable skillset that will help lift your resumé to the top of the pile.
- Proven comfort working in a multi-cultural environment
- Independent thinking ability and cross-cultural skills
- Greater understanding of the unique needs of clients and peers
- Ability to foster trusting relationships
Language immersion
Immersing yourself in a new country and listing a second language on your resumé can unlock the door to many job prospects. Additionally, students studying abroad have the unique opportunity to learn a new language in a way that goes beyond a purely academic experience – which beats any classroom study hands down. Students immersing themselves in a new language have the opportunity to pick up those nuanced communication skills that go way beyond words. Think social media jargon, local slang and particular phrases. It’s about being there in the moment, understanding the wider context and leaning into the cultural references. This happy combination of language acquisition and communication skills showcase your ability to effectively navigate changing social landscapes – a key skill for your future workplace.
Personal Growth
Studying oversees gives students the opportunity to gain some all-important life skills that are easily transferred into the modern workplace. Think adaptability, open-mindedness, independence and confidence for starters, just some of the magic ingredients that can give you a head start in the working world. Students return home with broader perspectives on culture, language and education which are greatly valued by future employers.
- Choosing to study overseas – demonstrates bravery and a life curiosity
- Managing a budget and living independently – essential for handling fast-paced roles and problem solving skills
- Meeting academic goals – requires discipline, resourcefulness and self-motivation
- Building a social network – demonstrates resilience and tenacity and an ability to adapt and thrive in a multicultural environment
Quality education
Earning a high-quality degree somewhere like Australia can make a huge difference to your career prospects. Employers notice where you studied, and a respected academic institution can make all the difference when it comes to applying for work.
- High-quality academic institutions can boost your resumé and get you to the top of the pile
- Students are more likely to have access to internship programmes, company partnerships and career or professional networking events
- A decent education provider installs confidence and communication skills in students, leaving them ready to hit the ground running
- Access to a wider choice of study electives and research projects enables the opportunity to develop highly refined critical thinking skills
Expand your professional network
Meeting a new and diverse group of people is one of the greatest benefits of studying overseas as it can have a huge impact on your future career prospects. Even if you hate the whole idea of networking, the reality is you are already doing it at some level – even through clubs and societies. Simply interacting with your peers introduces you to a range of different professions and backgrounds that may impact your own in some way, and each interaction improves your own interpersonal skills every single time. These important contacts may be the key to a new opportunity – either at home, or here in Australia
- Take advantage of any uni networking events
- Seek out internship opportunities or work placements to gain experience of a new market and give your resumé a boost that employers will value
- Any work experience will improve your employability factor
- Keep track of any contacts that you have made for future reference
- Take advantage of the alumni network for professional advice
