September 8, 2015, by Laura Estrop

Three pieces of advice: working abroad

By Laura Estrop, Social Media Officer

Last year I was lucky enough to spend my summer working abroad; it was a once in a life-time experience. If you are embarking on an autumn internship abroad or if you’re considering undertaking some international work at some stage of your career these three tips will help you get the most out of your adventure.

1. Get to know your colleagues and the local area

It is crucial to make a good impression of yourself and put your best self forward on your first day. But once you’ve settled into the role, I found that a good way to make friends with your colleagues is to socialise with them outside of the office. For me, this included going to a concert and a fundraising party; some examples of could include pay day drinks or a staff meal at a nice restaurant. Not only did this give us a great working relationship it also gave me the chance to explore different areas of the city I was living in, which I would not have discovered otherwise.

2. Network

If you are lucky enough to get a position in the industry or sector you desire to work in, networking and attending company events is a great way for you to gain contacts with industry professionals. Even if you are not working in your desired career, getting involved in these sorts of opportunities is something that can be extremely worthwhile; you never know who you may meet or what you may learn.

3. Make time for adventure

Photo: Kaboompics 

One of the great things about working in a different country is that there are lots of new and different things to experience and places to visit. Your top priority should be to focus on work and developing your skills, but it is equally as important to give yourself a well-deserved break. If you know that you’re only going to be working three days a week then you can organise your free time around this. Alternatively if you’re working full-time and a friend is coming to visit you for a couple of days, it may be worth asking how flexible your working schedule is or if you are entitled to any holiday leave.

If you want to pursue an international career or are looking for international internships for next summer, visit Passport Career or Venture, our sources of international vacancies. Alternatively, if you are unsure of the right direction to take book an appointment with careers adviser to help you with the next steps.

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