Studying abroad can enhance a resume in today’s global business environment
Experience is an attractive feature on any resume. Educational background is important, but employers are also often very interested in other types of knowledge and experience. This does not only apply to previous jobs, but any acquired learning through life experience as well. The life and educational roads you travel offers wisdom in ways books cannot teach.
Studying abroad is one way you can enhance your learning experience in a way that taking the traditional route of education doesn't provide. Traveling abroad is an education in itself. Studying in another country is very beneficial to the development of an understanding of cultural diversity. Society has gone global, and the integration of technology has blurred the borders between nations in the business environment. Not only has this changed the business structure, but it has also affected the dynamics in the workplace. Living and studying in another country will give a clear perspective into the differences in cultures, heightening awareness of the importance of diversity.
While abroad, not only do you have an opportunity to continue to take courses in the formal structure of study, but you also get the chance to obtain the informal learning that cannot be acquired in a classroom. Along the way, you'll discover the distinctions in cultural practices, be exposed to other languages, hear and see linguistic variations in the ways people communicate and be exposed to ethnic differences. All of these are extremely worthy to know and to more importantly, understand, in today's workplaces.
Other things you will experience that may not necessarily apply to your degree program or career, but is valuable nonetheless, is the contact with people in day-to-day living. This includes developing interpersonal relationships, following routines, interactive communication, and hearing the perspectives of others. You'll see and learn first hand of the tangibles such as the regional history, countryside, cuisine and attire. These are all lessons that can't be as wholly taught sitting in a class in your native country.
Studying abroad widens your perspective and this is valuable for any career. Knowledge is a tool and the gateway to wisdom, but knowing how to use your acquired knowledge is a skill, and it is an important one. The wisdom derived from lived experiences is priceless. It is qualities such as these an employer will find as an attractive addition to your educational and work experience. Knowledge is what exhibits the power of learning enabling people to look at things from different perspectives, but wisdom is what brings one to understand the perspectives and gain something from them. This is a terrific part of yourself to share with your potential employer.
Regardless of the career path you have chosen, having all or part of your education abroad will definitely enhance your resume and this will show when you go on interviews. If you strive to work for a company that is international or involved in global transactions, this will increase your visibility when job selections are made. Even if your goal is to work for a company that is based nationally, having heightened awareness in diversity is important.
Today's work environment is a dynamic and high performance one. By expanding your horizons you can learn so much. The ability to communicate and build successful interpersonal relations is one of those "soft skills" that cannot be taught out of a textbook. These skills are nurtured in one's outlook, inner-self and experience.
