If you’re a member of the new American expat generation or soon will be, our new article, “Finding a New Job Abroad,” should be must reading.
We were able to track down a long-time expat and international career coach to provide expert advice on how to find a new job abroad. Megan Fitzgerald is based in Singapore and is the CEO of Career By Choice, a company that helps expats accelerate their careers abroad.
Fitzgerald tells us that finding a job abroad is much more challenging than finding a job in your homeland. “I think a lot of people think getting a job abroad is like getting a job at home, but there is just so much more research that has to go into it in terms of understanding market needs, visa requirements, language skills demands and other factors,” she says.
Figuring out why you want to go abroad is the first step you should take. “For some people it’s quality of life,” Fitzgerald says. “They really do want to live in another culture and experience something different. For others, it’s about career advancement. They want global experience because they believe it’s going to help them leapfrog through positions to advance their careers. For some it’s a learning experience, they want to learn a new language. And some just want to earn a lot of money for a couple of years. You should base your planning objectives first and foremost on why you want to move abroad.”
One of the job trends Fitzgerald notes is increasing opportunities for younger people – the fast-growing new American expat generation - because they are seen as less pricey, more mobile and lower risk. “A lot of younger people understand the value of the international experience, so they are willing to go to places that someone with a family may not be willing to go, and take on challenges that might be a little more on the risky side,” Fitzgerald explains.
You can also view an excerpt from my interview with Megan Fitzgerald on our MYIA YouTube channel.
