Vijay Garg
In today’s increasingly globalized world, companies focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). As per a McKinsey report, more diverse companies are likely to outpace their less diverse peers in profitability. This highlights the burgeoning demand for graduates who can seamlessly adapt and thrive in a dynamic corporate ecosystem.
Studying abroad is known to enhance multiple 21st-century job skills. From boosting intrapersonal & interpersonal skills to developing critical thinking and adaptability, students feel equipped to forge global careers. This observation is also backed by the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) study titled Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills & Career Prospects.
As an international student, it is crucial to work towards improving your employability throughout your academic journey. According to the QS Global International Student Survey 2022, Indian students (62%) worry about getting a job abroad upon completing their graduation. To navigate this challenge, it’s important to learn some of the best career cushioning strategies.
Enhance Employability While Studying Abroad
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Internships/Co-Op Programs
Internships and co-ops (cooperative education) provide students the opportunity to gain work experience and exhibit formally acquired skills in a business setting.
Opting for internships or co-ops will help you transform into a versatile professional and learn the best practices to juggle multiple tasks. As per the National Survey of College Internships (NSCI) 2023 Report, employers comprehend the value of internship and co-op programs as effective channels to both identify and connect with potential future employees.
Leverage University’s Career Resources
From helping to draft an impressive resume and sharing interview tips to networking & shadowing opportunities and special access to job search portals, university career resources can act as a benison for you. That’s not all; international universities have strong industrial connections. And fairs or events organized by these career centers throughout the academic year can help you connect with the industry bellwethers.
Meaningful Networking
Around 80% of jobs are not posted online (known as hidden jobs market). Individuals who are able to secure a job offer in this hidden market are the ones who have solidified their professional network. As per the QS Global International Student Survey 2022, students studying abroad (64%) highlighted networking as one of the most valuable aspects of their experience. Networking can be done by attending international conferences and seminars relevant to your study area. You will not only learn new things but will get access to influential personalities in the industry. A good online profile on sites like LinkedIn can also help you draw in the best jobs. Indubitably, networking online and offline can lead to internships, job opportunities, and valuable insights into the job market.
You can also inquire with your academic department and relevant clubs & societies to see if anyone can help you with your career.
In addition, contacting university alumni can also help you find significant opportunities.
- Develop Transferable Skills
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2023, analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, motivation, and empathy would be among the top sought-after skills in the job market. As the economy continues to migrate towards having social and service skills, acquiring soft skills will be indispensable to one’s professional success. These skills can be developed by Indian students while studying abroad. This further reinforces that aspirants with successful study abroad experience have a high chance of flourishing in a diverse corporate setting. They gain insights into and are exposed to a slew of linguistic, cultural, and nationalistic diversities. - Craft Compelling CV & Portfolio
Determining the type of work you want to do and how it connects to the course(s) or career(s) you want to pursue is essential. Your CV or portfolio can make or break your chances of landing an interview.
Do not miss out on creating your CV in sync with the country’s acceptable format. Along with this, the most fundamental element would be updating your CV with pertinent projects completed during the training. - Cross-Cultural Competence
Employers highly value candidates who can navigate diverse cultural contexts. A study by the British Council and Ipsos Public Affairs (the Social Research and Corporate Reputation Specialists) found that employers believe that international experience is a valuable asset in candidates, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural competence. Moreover, knowledge of a foreign language can offer you an edge. These competencies show prospective employers your cultural awareness.
(The writer is Retired Principal Educational, columnist)