How to Develop a Career Abroad While Studying

People go abroad to study for many reasons. First is the opportunity to learn from reputable institutions. Another reason is the hope of having a better life after school. Whichever scenario applies to you, you can develop your career while your academic program is on.

The importance of not waiting till graduation to launch your career is that it equips you with the necessary experiences that make you employable. So, how do you achieve this quest? Find out by reading this article to the end.

1. Apply for Part-Time Jobs Relevant to Your Field

Many countries allow international students to work for some hours while studying. The number of hours allowed varies from country to country and is usually specified in the visa. So, whichever country you choose, you must understand the provisions of the student visa before going ahead to work.

For example, if you are on M1 study visa, you can only work part-time, within the campus, and in a field related to your study alone. Moreover, you must obtain an M-1 visa work permit to do so.

Many international students only see this opportunity as a means to earn some cash to augment their cost of living. But a career-minded person like you should be strategic when applying for part-time jobs.

For example, if your career choice is business and administration, working as a sales associate can open your eyes to some marketing strategies and effective communication methods. You can’t compare this experience to working as a barista in a cafe.

2. Maximize Internships and Co-op Programs

Some courses require that students spend some hours in a working environment as a criterion for graduation. These programs enable them to put theories to work and see the practicality of their course outside the classroom. Two options for this are internships and a co-op program.

For internships, you must apply to relevant workplaces. On the other hand, the institution where you study arranges the co-op programs for students that ask for it. Another difference between these two opportunities is that the co-op program is similar to full-time employment, and students learn more in-depth aspects of their careers.

Not all institutions have a co-op program, and the option isn’t for every field of study. It’s better to consult immigration lawyers Newcastle to find institutions with cooperative education programs.

In general, both programs allow you to meet with professionals in your career path and get mentorship from them. Moreover, you’ll learn the ropes of your future occupation and start to build strategic relationships. A well-maximized internship or Co-op program can help you secure employment immediately after you finish your studies.

3. Work as a Volunteer

If making money isn’t a priority, apply for volunteer programs, preferably in your field. But don’t worry if the opportunities you find don’t seem to have a bearing on your career; apply anyway.

You’ll work without getting any compensation, but the skills you will imbibe are equally priceless. Who knows, someone could be noticing your efforts and thinking of ways to help you.

Never underrate what may come out of volunteering programs. Moreover, some employers have a soft spot for applicants with a resume that shows they’ve once been volunteers.

4. Explore Summer and Vacation Jobs

While there may be restrictions on where and how long you work when classes are on, summer and vacation take away such restrictions. These periods are priceless for engaging in career-related jobs for as long as you like. Of course, you should start scouting for such opportunities as the break draws near. Such employments are not that readily available if you start applying late.

Moreover, this is also the perfect time to explore the country since you’ve been busy all year. You can apply to places outside your familiar region to appreciate the cultural climate of the county and learn in a new work environment.

5. Join a Professional Network

There’ll be several professional networks available within and outside the school environment. Take advantage of this by joining one relevant to your field. But why should you?

First, you can build professional ties, which can be crucial when you need them the most. These platforms also expose you to available job opportunities within your field. A senior colleague can ask you to come and work during the summer or holidays. Another privilege is that you’ll gain practical knowledge from those that have made their marks in your occupation. You can’t buy experience, you know?

Moreover, joining a professional network can help you polish your communication and social skills.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps, the most important step toward developing a career abroad is finding a university that allows you to achieve this goal. A trick to determining the perfect place is by visiting your proposed location beforehand on a tourist visa and seeing for yourself what things look like.

Virtual tours may not capture the atmosphere you seek or answer questions bothering your mind. While in the country, visit as many institutions as possible and get answers to these questions. Don’t worry if this looks stressful. You are only making sure that the three to five years of studying abroad count in the end.