More Chinese Students Getting MBAs In China

How An MBA Can Help Your International Career

The job market is as competitive as ever. For many, an MBA is a way to stand out and open more opportunities internationally.

The Local Client Studio – a news network covering nine countries including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain – recently released six ways getting an MBA will help launch your international career.

1) You’ve lived abroad

Many MBAs offer study abroad programs that allow you to study and live in a foreign country. These types of opportunities are often a chance for you to step outside your comfort zone and adjust to new surroundings, which can be valuable experience for an international career. “Many employers look for international experience on a CV – it shows that you are adaptable and have overcome challenges without your usual support network. This resourcefulness and resilience is seen as desirable for anyone who wants to work in a managerial position.”

2) Study where you want to work

Choosing an MBA location carefully can pay off in the long run. Building relations and understanding your location can also open up more doors for internships and professional experiences. “It gives you the chance to get the lay of the land and spend some time in a country before taking the plunge and moving there for good. It also offers networking opportunities and opens up connections to local businesses that may be useful when you graduate.”

3) Brush up on your English (or local language)

If you’re an international student studying in a western MBA program, this can be an opportunity to work on your English language skills. If you’re a native English speaker, an MBA can be an opportunity to learn a new language. Regardless of your native-tongue, your years spent in an MBA program can help you gain crucial language skills that may be beneficial to an international career. “Having one (or more) languages on your CV is always appealing to an employer, and with most MBAs running for 1-2 years there’s ample time to at least get the hang of the basics.”

4) Grow your international network

In your MBA program, there will be students from around the world – all of whom come from different cultures, experiences, and industries. An MBA can be an opportunity to network with a variety of individuals. Your professors will also be well-connected within their fields, which can be helpful in building connections for your international network.

5) Gain international experience

If you want a successful international career, you’re going to need to gain international experience. How do you gain that valuable international experience? According to The Local Client Studio, “doing an MBA in another country helps you to gain international experience that makes you more appealing to employers.” With international experience, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself in your application by having an “international mindset.”

6) There’s demand for graduates worldwide

Despite growing competition in the workforce, opportunities for MBA grads still looks decent. According to the GMAC ‘Corporate Recruiters Survey Report 2017,’ “86% of the 959 international employers interviewed planned to hire recent MBA graduates in 2017, while 52 percent planned to raise their starting salaries.” That’s a good outlook if you’re entering your career with an MBA.

Most importantly, it’s important to gain experience internationally and find opportunities that will expand your “international mindset.” By taking these six pieces of advice into consideration, you’re on a good start for an international career.

Sources: The Local Client Studio, Graduate Management Admissions Council

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