By Kara Warren
Study Abroad Office
You’ve probably heard that studying abroad can help you in your professional endeavors. You might have even heard that it can set you—and your résumé—apart from other job candidates. The good news is, the things you’ve heard are true! Here are a few specific ways studying abroad can benefit you in your future career:
- Besides setting your résumé apart, studying abroad also gives you plenty of examples to use when answering tough job interview questions. If you are asked about a time you faced a challenging situation or a time when you dealt with uncertainty, sharing examples from your experience abroad is ideal!
- Studying abroad is a great opportunity to gain international connections and to improve your contact base. Networking while overseas can give you a “big picture” perspective on your field and a solid understanding of the global job market.
- Employers are looking for candidates who are adaptable, responsible, culturally adept, good at problem-solving, and skilled at interacting with diverse groups of people—all skills you can hone while participating in a study abroad program. It can also shows employers that you’re willing to take risks and get outside of your comfort zone, which demonstrates your potential to be an outstanding employee.
So, where’s the proof that studying abroad can actually impact your future career? Right here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Has the evidence convinced you? If so (or even if not!), we encourage you to attend one of our Study Abroad 101 sessions, call us (785-532-5990), email us (abroad@ksu.edu), or stop by our office in 304 Fairchild Hall. We’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss how studying abroad can jumpstart your career!