Did you ever consider the fact that someone else is doing the same work as you, but in a different part of the world? When we narrow our thoughts to our “world” (our office, organization, city, state...), we miss out on the opportunity for worldwide connections. The opportunity can take on various meanings. Some career professionals may be interested in learning how career services are offered in a specific country. Some seek global participation in the areas of social action and advocacy, others may be aware of the global economy, and still others may be conscious of multicultural competencies regardless of the geographic setting. Continuing to develop oneself as an active thinker, locally and globally, will benefit more than just the client. ~ Melanie Reinersman, editor@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Small Community Acts Add Up
Taking care of employees and communities can have ripple effects. Working at a newly created job, whether the company is large or small, is the start of both local and global influence. Because actions accumulate and multiply, it is important for employees, and employers take a step back to consider the strategic vision regarding global impact. Read more about community influence. Read more.
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: Learning from the French
Comparing different worklife patterns across the world, reveals work attitudes and worker strengths. For example, the French government policy allowing workers to disconnect from work email outside the office does not match the experience of American workers. While worklife balance may be easier when the country has laws that govern time-off, workplace trends change over time – often for economic reasons. Read more from Time.
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: Learning in New York City, Kuwait, Berlin...
After participating in the Fulbright Scholar Program, an instructor and researcher from Macedonia shares her story of studying and working all over the world. Learning from students, creating connections with fellow researchers, and focusing on positive social changes, all support the belief in the beauty of international collaboration. Read more about this scholar's experience.
JOB SEARCH: Relocate? Where?
Job seekers may struggle with answering the recruiter's question, “Are you willing to relocate?” Maybe the answer depends on whether the new job is local or international or maybe the answer is a flat out “no”. Planning and practicing an answer in advance will show the potential employer that opportunities, as well as commitment, are on the job seekers radar. Honest answers, spoken with confidence, are sure to get noticed. Read tips and suggested answers from WayUp.
TOP TEN: Myths about International Relocation
International work has its perks, but the reality of the challenges must be faced. Whether concerned about language (“everyone speaks English, so it will be an easy transition”) or culture (“culture shock never happens”), the worker (and family) and employer have much to learn. Read all ten myths.
QUOTES
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” ~ Roald Dahl
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." ~ Rumi
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