Boost your resume: career benefits of studying abroad

1. Foster cross-cultural communication

In today's interconnected world, cross-cultural communication skills are no longer a bonus but a necessity. The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds is highly valued in workplaces that span continents and cultures. Studying overseas naturally develops these skills by immersing you in a new cultural environment, forcing you to adapt to different communication styles, understand cultural nuances, and navigate interactions with people from various ethnicities, nationalities, and social groups.

2. Develop flexibility and independence

The ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations and overcome challenges with resilience is crucial in navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. Studying abroad inherently fosters these qualities as you step outside your comfort zone, adjust to a new environment, manage your own affairs, and make independent decisions in unfamiliar circumstances. From navigating a new city to solving unexpected problems, the experience cultivates a sense of self-reliance and adaptability that employers highly appreciate.

3. Establish global awareness and network

Why study abroad? Because it provides a unique opportunity to expand your understanding of different cultures, political systems, and economic realities. Moreover, studying overseas, particularly at institutions recognised in global university rankings, allows you to build a valuable international network. These prestigious schools often have exclusive networks, connecting you with peers, professors, and professionals from around the world. These connections can open doors to future career opportunities and collaborations on a global scale.

4. Enhance teamwork and collaboration

Many modern workplaces operate in diverse and multicultural teams, requiring employees to collaborate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Studying abroad often involves group projects, discussions, and activities with students from various cultures, enhancing your ability to work effectively in diverse teams. You learn to appreciate different perspectives, adapt your communication style, and contribute to a shared goal in a collaborative environment, all of which are highly valued by employers.

5. Obtain distinctive experience

In a competitive job market, having a distinctive experience on your resume can make a significant difference. Studying abroad benefits your resume by providing a unique and compelling narrative that sets you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates your willingness to embrace challenges and adapt to new environments. Employers perceive this as a sign of initiative, adaptability, and a global mindset, all of which are highly desirable qualities.

Crafting your study abroad narrative

To effectively showcase the value of your study abroad experience on your resume, treat it with the same level of detail and professionalism as you would a work experience or internship.

• Use action-oriented language to describe your accomplishments and contributions during your study abroad programme, e.g., analysed, presented, collaborated, managed and developed.

• Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact. For instance, you can state, "Improved language proficiency by one level," "Presented research findings to an audience of 50 people," or "Managed a team project with five international students".

Highlighting relevant transferable skills

When tailoring your resume, focus on highlighting the transferable skills you developed that are most relevant to the specific jobs you're applying for.

• Carefully review the job descriptions and identify the key skills and attributes the employer is seeking.

• Emphasise skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, intercultural competence, and critical thinking, providing specific examples of how you developed these skills during your study abroad experience.

Strategic example selection

To make your resume truly impactful, be specific and strategic in selecting examples that best display your growth and value.

• Choose examples that demonstrate how your study abroad experience has enhanced your skills, broadened your perspectives, and prepared you for success in your chosen field.

• Focus on accomplishments that highlight your ability to adapt to new situations, work effectively in diverse teams, and contribute to a global environment.

Effectively formatting your study abroad experience on your resume is crucial to ensure potential employers recognise its value and relevance to your career. Think of your resume as a marketing tool, and strategically present your international experience to highlight the skills and attributes that make you a strong candidate.

Here's how to best incorporate your time abroad into the different sections of your resume:

Education section

• Include the name of the institution you attended abroad, the dates of attendance, and the degree or programme you completed.

• Consider adding a brief description of the programme or any relevant coursework, especially if it's highly specialised or relevant to the job you're applying for.

Work experience section

• If you had an internship or work and study abroad experience, include it in this section, following the same format as your other work experiences.

• Clearly highlight the skills and responsibilities you gained that are relevant to your career goals, using action verbs and quantifiable achievements.

Skills section

• Include a dedicated skills section to highlight the transferable skills you developed during your study abroad experience.

• Use keywords that are relevant to the jobs you're applying for, including terms like "intercultural communication," "global mindset," and "adaptability."

Studying abroad provides a wealth of career benefits, equipping you with valuable skills and a global perspective that can significantly enhance your resume for a job application and open doors to exciting work opportunities. By effectively showcasing your international experience, you can demonstrate your readiness to thrive in today's globalised job market.

To maximise the advantages of studying abroad, leverage your experiences and seek guidance from career services or overseas education consultants to optimise your resume and job search strategies.

Book a counselling session with IDP today to explore how overseas education placement can help you achieve your global career aspirations.