After finishing graduate school or coming near to graduation, you might be wondering how you can get a job abroad with an MBA in marketing. Working overseas has a number of benefits you won’t find when working for American companies. You might even have the chance to travel across Europe or throughout Asia as you work in the marketing department of a major company. No matter where you want to work, there are some simple ways you can improve your chances of working abroad with your MBA.
Take International Business Classes
When you enroll in an MBA program, you’ll take core business courses and classes within your concentration. You should also take a few international business classes, which will give you an idea of how companies based in other countries work and what those employers expect of their employees. Many programs will count those classes as electives you must take. Even if you need to take a few summer classes or spend an extra year in graduate school, though, you should take as many classes in international business as possible.
Learn the Language
A common mistake that some workers make is that they move to a new country without first learning the language. While English is common in some countries, you may find yourself working with coworkers or supervisors who speak little to no English. Taking multiple classes in a language during your undergraduate years can give you a basic understanding of a language and help you effectively communicate with others. Using foreign language software can also help you develop stronger language skills. In addition, you may want to hire a tutor before moving overseas. A proficient tutor can improve your language skills and even teach you a dialect or accent common in a certain region of a country.
Immerse Yourself
Alexandra Talty, a writer for Forbes, recommends immersing yourself in the country you want to work in before applying for a single job. When you apply for a marketing job with an overseas company, you usually need to go through a phone interview and then an in-person interview or an interview over Skype. The hiring manager may have a hard time understanding the American phrases you use, or the person may have little experience with English. Taltry suggests spending several months or more in that country to improve your skills before you start your job search. Living in that country will also show you which type of marketing appeals to locals and how the locals react to advertising campaigns.
Expand Your Search
If you want to get a job abroad with an MBA in marketing, you need to expand your job search. Relying on just one or two job hunting websites will limit the postings you see. You also need to think outside of the box when it comes to conducting your searches, too. Don’t look for jobs posted only in marketing or advertising fields. You might find your perfect job posted under administrative workers or in the retail or manufacturing sections.
Studying marketing gives you a unique perspective on what customers want and how companies can increase profits through smart and effective advertising campaigns. To get a job abroad with an MBA in marketing, you need strong language skills and knowledge of international business practices, but you may also find it helpful to expand your job search and to immerse yourself in that country.
Related Resource:
The Top 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs