By : Beth Barico Hering
You may be ready to take on the world, but is your degree? Advancements in communication, transportation and technology have literally opened up a world of opportunities, but they also demand that students improve their global savvy. Here are some tips that may help open doors in any country.
Your degree is your calling card
Want to announce to potential employers that you are prepared to work on the world stage? Pursue a degree that immediately tells them you are ready to tackle issues beyond U.S. borders.
"As an international company, we look for 'international' degrees -- international finance, international supply-chain management, international sustainability, international marketing -- particularly MBAs in one of these fields," says Julie Rulis, a senior recruiter for Western Union's talent acquisition team. "A degree from any program with a focus on international business will set you apart ... it gives candidates an appreciation for a global mindset."
"Knowing how to deal with other cultures is extremely important," says Rulis's colleague Chris Brabec, director of leadership talent acquisition. "Western Union has operations in 202 countries and employees in nearly 50. Not everyone conducts meetings in the same way, and not all countries do business the same way. A marketing campaign that would work in the U.S. may not work in China. For example, black and yellow are our logo colors, and most of our advertising incorporates those colors. But in China, black is a color associated with death and is considered to be bad luck. So years ago, we changed the logo there to be all yellow. This kind of innate cultural knowledge is something that's extremely important to an international company."
Another advantage of studying international studies is that students often offer the opportunity to complete work in another country, giving them a different perspective. "We look for candidates who have on-the-ground experience and have worked abroad. How can you sell something in Africa if you've never lived there?" Brabec notes.
Classes to give you an edge
Some students, however, follow a different path to a global career. They may already hold a degree in a field such as computer science, education or social service, or they may wish to pursue a more general course of study. What can they do to strengthen their international marketability?
"There are three types of classes any student can take to become globally ready," states Michael Nastanski, dean of the school of business at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. "First, mastering a foreign language is a must. Today, students graduating with language skills in Spanish and Mandarin are in demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Second, intercultural studies, which typically includes gaining social, cultural and political understanding, is a critical knowledge set for any globally focused student. Third, international economics and trade knowledge can be learned while in school and applied to any discipline to improve the student's ability to adapt his field to the international scene."
"Also, consider classes outside your traditional degree," Rulis suggests. "If you have a degree in information technology, for example, take some classes in finance. Especially these days, when there are fewer people to get the work done, this can really make a difference."
Brabec adds that marketing classes are always helpful. "Understanding how to market a product or service to consumers and having some background on how to market something to different ethnicities can really set a candidate apart for any position."
Put your best foot forward on any soil
With a solid educational foundation under your belt, it is time to convince employers that you are ready for the international scene.
"The applicant must be able to conduct himself professionally in writing, speaking and social protocol," Nastanski states. "The student should be able to clearly describe his reasons for entering the international market and why that interest is relevant to the employer. Finally, the applicant must be able to articulate the key components of his training, education and life experience and how the combination of those attributes has prepared the student for immediately contributing to a potential employer."
While trying to break onto the global stage may seem different than finding a local position, it pays to remember that some qualities are universal. Rulis notes that she looks for candidates to be open to new ideas, patient and able to offer concrete examples of leadership skills and integrity.
Perhaps it really is a small world after all.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
You may be ready to take on the world, but is your degree? Advancements in communication, transportation and technology have literally opened up a world of opportunities, but they also demand that students improve their global savvy. Here are some tips that may help open doors in any country.
Your degree is your calling card
Want to announce to potential employers that you are prepared to work on the world stage? Pursue a degree that immediately tells them you are ready to tackle issues beyond U.S. borders.
"As an international company, we look for 'international' degrees -- international finance, international supply-chain management, international sustainability, international marketing -- particularly MBAs in one of these fields," says Julie Rulis, a senior recruiter for Western Union's talent acquisition team. "A degree from any program with a focus on international business will set you apart ... it gives candidates an appreciation for a global mindset."
"Knowing how to deal with other cultures is extremely important," says Rulis's colleague Chris Brabec, director of leadership talent acquisition. "Western Union has operations in 202 countries and employees in nearly 50. Not everyone conducts meetings in the same way, and not all countries do business the same way. A marketing campaign that would work in the U.S. may not work in China. For example, black and yellow are our logo colors, and most of our advertising incorporates those colors. But in China, black is a color associated with death and is considered to be bad luck. So years ago, we changed the logo there to be all yellow. This kind of innate cultural knowledge is something that's extremely important to an international company."
Another advantage of studying international studies is that students often offer the opportunity to complete work in another country, giving them a different perspective. "We look for candidates who have on-the-ground experience and have worked abroad. How can you sell something in Africa if you've never lived there?" Brabec notes.
Classes to give you an edge
Some students, however, follow a different path to a global career. They may already hold a degree in a field such as computer science, education or social service, or they may wish to pursue a more general course of study. What can they do to strengthen their international marketability?
"There are three types of classes any student can take to become globally ready," states Michael Nastanski, dean of the school of business at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. "First, mastering a foreign language is a must. Today, students graduating with language skills in Spanish and Mandarin are in demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Second, intercultural studies, which typically includes gaining social, cultural and political understanding, is a critical knowledge set for any globally focused student. Third, international economics and trade knowledge can be learned while in school and applied to any discipline to improve the student's ability to adapt his field to the international scene."
"Also, consider classes outside your traditional degree," Rulis suggests. "If you have a degree in information technology, for example, take some classes in finance. Especially these days, when there are fewer people to get the work done, this can really make a difference."
Brabec adds that marketing classes are always helpful. "Understanding how to market a product or service to consumers and having some background on how to market something to different ethnicities can really set a candidate apart for any position."
Put your best foot forward on any soil
With a solid educational foundation under your belt, it is time to convince employers that you are ready for the international scene.
"The applicant must be able to conduct himself professionally in writing, speaking and social protocol," Nastanski states. "The student should be able to clearly describe his reasons for entering the international market and why that interest is relevant to the employer. Finally, the applicant must be able to articulate the key components of his training, education and life experience and how the combination of those attributes has prepared the student for immediately contributing to a potential employer."
While trying to break onto the global stage may seem different than finding a local position, it pays to remember that some qualities are universal. Rulis notes that she looks for candidates to be open to new ideas, patient and able to offer concrete examples of leadership skills and integrity.
Perhaps it really is a small world after all.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
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