Finding a Job in International Education

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I recently received an e-mail from a school teacher in Florida asking me for advice on finding a job in international education. That same day I re-tweeted a link to an article about how to sell your study abroad experience in a job interview by Dan Klamm and received another request for advice on how to break into the field.

Here’s my advice:

1. Build the skills and experience necessary for the job you want. If you want to work in study abroad, then you should have AT LEAST a semester spent abroad. Studying in non-traditional locations and non-English speaking locations make you more unique. Find people who have the job you want to see what qualifications they have, how do you match up? Technical skills are also sought after-database management, web design, social media, etc. Building skills is something you should continue to do throughout your career.

2. Check the NAFSA Job Registry. You can search by location or job. You can also post your résumé. Also check IIE’s International Education Job Board and Forum on Education Abroad.

3. Sign up for the NAFSA Academy. Although this has a fee, you get a foundation education in international education, as well as build a network of colleagues.

4. Network at regional and national NAFSA conferences. Make up business cards with your contact info on one side and a list of your skills/qualifications on the other.

5. Follow NAFSA, other field related organizations and professionals on Facebook and Twitter.

6. Check out Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange & Development by Sherry Mueller & Mark Overmann. It’s available for Kindle if you’re in a hurry. (*Note: I haven’t read it, but the description sounds appropriate).

I was able to get into the field with the help of my NAFSA mentor, Ryan Lorenz, and because my technology skills made me stand out from my competition.

I also paid (out of pocket) to attend the conferences and to take relevant workshops while I was still trying to get my first job. I looked at it as an investment in my career and it paid off.

I am not a schmoozer, but networking at conferences helped make people aware of my job search. They would forward openings that might interest me.

I’ve always found the international education community highly supportive, so if you are a newbie, don’t be afraid to approach us!

What helped you break into the field? Please share to help the newer generations!

This article originally appeared on the Academic Solutions blog. More comments can be found on the original. Reproduced by permission.

Tagged as: colleges and universities, Dan Klamm, education, Educational philosophy, Facebook, Forum on Education Abroad, higher education, Human Interest, IIE, IIE’s International Education Job Board, international education, job search, Mark Overmann, NAFSA Academy, NAFSA Conference, NAFSA Job Registry, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Ryan Lorenz, Sherry Mueller, Social Media, technology skills, Twitter

{ 1 comment }

jessiev August 12, 2009 at 11:15: excellent list of resources.

what helped me to break into the field was twofold: NAFSA, and my academic programs (MSU, U-MN). those led to jobs, which led to more contacts. which ultimately led to our publishing a travel site for global educators, http://www.WanderingEducators.com. it combines my passion for international education, and our love of travel.

thanks, penny and ruth! looking forward to following this discussion.