We here at Park often see Graduates/ school leavers come in and tell us they are keen to work abroad and we are all for it! Some of the Park Team have spent some time working abroad and have seen first hand the benefits it can offer.
Let’s acknowledge that there isn’t one universal pathway for a young person to take into their early career. Some people will focus on academia for longer than others, while many opt for on-the-job training instead. There’s no right or wrong – it’s whatever works for you.
New technologies and social media has made it easier to share information, painting vivid pictures of every corner of the earth. Our eyes have been opened to a world bigger and more exciting than ever, and in some ways, smaller and more attainable than ever. It’s only natural to want to explore.
While working abroad might not be realistic for many people, if you feel like it’s within the realm of possibility, why not give it a go? Here’s some amazing things that can (and most likely will) happen to you when you move overseas for work! (But be warned: even if it’s only temporary, the travel bug you catch can stay with you for life).
You become more independentIt’s amazing how self-sufficient you become when you only have yourself to lean on.
You make life-long friends… and they become your family.
You get a reality shockSeeing how other people live compared to you can burst your bubble in a great way.
You are thrust out of your comfort zoneUnfamiliar surroundings will coax new strengths out of you.
You swim because you don’t want to sinkMoving overseas is a huge investment. Naturally you’re going to do everything to make it a success… that’s when great things happen.
You grow your professional networkYou make yourself known in important circles and new doors open.
You make yourself a better asset to companiesUnderstanding international markets is a huge value in business.
You can become bi-lingualThere’s no better and easier way to learn a new language than actually living in the country and practicing.
You edge out your competitionYou elevate yourself above candidates who have the same qualifications and experience.
You become humbledFeeling singled out in a new place can make you take a deep breath and get a fresh perspective.
You (might) meet the love of your lifeNot career-related, but happens!
You feel free and can reinvent yourselfBeing in an office full of people you’ve never met means you can bring your best self forward.
You can get some career clarityYou will learn more about what you want to accomplish in your career.
You experience new thingsThis one goes without saying, but working in a new country means you get to be a tourist outside of work hours!
You learn to appreciate what you have at homeIt’s a great opportunity to reflect on your life back at home.
You miss your loved onesThis isn’t a positive in itself, because no one likes to miss people! But it does mean you cherish every second you have with them more than you ever have.
You pick up new fashion tipsShopping in foreign stores will give your style a new edge!
You grow as a personYour experiences and travel will make you feel richer and fulfilled!
You increase your cooking repertoireNew cuisines will creep into your cooking book.
Your Cv looks greatAdding international experience to your CV is really impressive to ambitious employers.
You inspire othersColleagues, friends and family will likely follow in your footsteps, meaning you can open up doors for them too!
Family and friends come visitShowing loved ones around your new home is really fun.
You educate people about your countryWhile you absorb new cultures, you can also teach elements of your nationality to the people you meet!
You catch the travel bug – the best sickness in the world!The travel bug is often a lifelong condition, and one that, if treated properly with regular worldly trips, will make you happier and more confident than ever.
Happy travels!