If you are one of those intrepid spirits that wonder what it is you need to do in order to prepare yourself to live and work abroad, a great option to consider is an MBA in marketing. In our ever-growing global society, working and living abroad is easier than ever, and an MBA in marketing is among the most versatile degrees you can get in order to position yourself for a successful transition abroad.
Additional Resource: MBA in Marketing Guide
The “Right” Skill Set
For Americans wanting to work abroad, an MBA in marketing perfectly complements a set of highly desirable skills that you most likely already have. Many foreign businesses want someone on their team that can help them successfully market their product in Western countries. By virtue of growing up in the West, you have an insider’s scoop on the culture and customs of a society that is of great interest to international businesses. For this reason, many foreign employers are eager to fill their marketing positions with American MBA graduates who can effectively market their products and services to American consumers. This entails another coveted skill: native English proficiency.
Native English proficiency is another immensely sought after ability that foreign employers look for in marketing candidates. While there are many foreigners that speak English fluently, nothing is quite as comparable to having a native speaker on the team.
Getting the Job
Finding a marketing job abroad is not as hard as it seems. There are two ways: get it before you go or find one when you arrive. Either way you choose, it is important to network. Look for expatriates in online forums in the countries that interest you most. Online forums will help you find out what you can expect in a job abroad and give you names of international companies that may be hiring. Internations is an online community of expatriates from countries all over the world committed to networking with and helping new arrivals or those considering a potential move. You can also browse relevant international job boards such as the Guardian Jobs International Jobs board. The website indeed.com also has international job boards, but you will need to add the Internet country code for job searching in other countries. Some examples are: indeed.com.mx for Mexico and au.indeed.com for Australia.
While finding a job ahead of time certainly takes away a lot of risk factors for you, it’s actually a greater risk for the employer. They fear you might back out before arriving. Showing up, in person, with your CV in hand will go a long way in showing your sincere interest to live and work abroad. Research potential employers and contact them before you go.
Staying Grounded
Working and living abroad is an amazing experience, but it comes at a price. In order to have an adventure, you must leave your comfort zone. Keep in mind that in many countries the salaries are low, business structures are more bureaucratic, and work values may differ greatly from what you’re used to. However, if you easily adapt to change and can keep an open mind, an MBA in marketing will open the world to you and take you where you want to go.
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