get your international career in gear - practical tips on living and working abroad from two cal...
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Ever dream of living and working abroad but don't know where to start? Leslie Forman, who teaches entrepreneurship and works with startups in Chile (by way of several years in China) and Natalie Tan, a project manager at Lonely Planet who spent several years working at a multinational in Europe, share their experiences and practical advice on how to kick start a career abroad. Learn about factors to consider and proactive steps you can take to create an international career from two global citizens who have done it! Presented at Cal Career Center, February 23, 2013. More advice from the event and a list of international career resources can be found here: http://www.leslieforman.com/2013/03/get-your-international-career-in-gear-advice-diagrams-and-links-from-our-cal-career-center-presentation/ Thank you!TRANSCRIPT
Leslie Forman, Universidad del Desarrollo, Cal grad ‘06 Natalie Tan, Lonely Planet, Cal grad ‘06
Cal Career Center, February 23, 2013
Get Your International Career in Gear
Where do you want to go?
Why?
Leslie Forman
B.A. Latin American Studies @ Cal, ’06 Study Abroad: Santiago, ’05
2006-2007 Jiaxing University, China
2007, 2008-2011 Adventures in Corporate China
• Taught English outside Shanghai • Began learning Chinese in the
vegetable market and on the train • Learned about Chinese mindset
• Interned at American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
• Trained attorneys, diplomats, and journalists in specialized English
• Wrote ads and edited documents for corporate clients in Beijing
2011-present Start-Up Chile, freelance work, university teaching in Chile
• Joined solar energy startup that was selected for Start-Up Chile
• Do editing, research, and translation projects for biotech, energy and mining companies
• Teach social entrepreneurship, leadership, and English at two universities
Starter Position in Target Country
Local Fluency
Industry Experience
Local Hire
Entrepreneurship
Teach English or
Internship or
Fellowship or
Language Study or
Volunteer or
Save $ + Leap
Contacts +
Culture +
Language
How to do the work
Yes, you can and will learn on the job!
Often with similar $$ as
local staff
A large % of long-term expats eventually choose self-
employment.
Starter Position to Local Hire
Natalie Tan
B.A. Mass Communications @ Cal, ’06 Study Abroad: Paris, ’06
2007-2008 Burson-Marsteller SF
2008-2011 Burson-Marsteller London
• Worked at international PR agency • Gained experience with global
clients and colleagues • Developed expertise in technology • Expressed interest in working
abroad
• Built connections in London office and worked there for a week
• Transferred to UK help grow European technology practice
• Decided to go in another direction after three years
Present Lonely Planet Oakland
What’s Next? MBA in Hong Kong
• Pivot into the travel space • Currently managing digital projects
with clients interested in content and marketing campaigns
• Work closely with colleagues in UK and Australia
• Moving abroad again! • Gain experience in a new market
and exposure to a new culture • Grow network • Develop a truly global marketing
career in US, Europe and Asia
Start in your home country
Show your interest Get familiar with the culture
Plan on Changing Your Plans
Secure job at multinational or
growing company in your home country
Tell your boss
Take on international projects
Become an expert/
rockstar
Network, network, network!
Learn the culture and language of your
destination country
Join local cultural interest clubs
Explore a “starter position”
Apply to a graduate program overseas
International Office Transfer
Secure an international
transfer
Try to work/travel to your preferred
destination
The Big Questions
1) Where do you want to go? 2) Why?
3) What does success mean to you? 4) How might your skills fit into the local economy?
5) How long do you intend to stay?
6) How much do you need to have saved up to make the leap?
Top Tips
1) Consider living outside the major cities. Friendlier people, fewer
foreigners, more immersion and impact.
2) Learn the language! One-on-one tutoring can be efficient and fun.
3) Put yourself out there. Join local industry communities (co-working spaces, happy hours, startup incubators, etc.) and go to as many social events as you can. Be sure to follow up.
4) Be findable. Create a blog and be active on Facebook, Twitter, and
LinkedIn.
5) Avoid automated hiring systems (like local versions of Monster.com). They are not designed for global candidates. Ask your friends instead.