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Trying to break into the field of international education or advancing at any level can be a challenging process, and especially for aspiring professionals. In some ways the cards are stacked against you…you may or may not have your master’s degree...you have little to no full-time experience...you have most likely studied abroad, loved your experience and now want to make a career out of it…but where to start?

If you are dedicated to working in international education and have a passion for it, the number one advice that we can give is perseverance. This can be a challenging job search process, as the field is very specific and there are a growing number of graduates who wish to enter. Despite the challenges, Education Abroad (EA) is a very rewarding field and worth the effort. 

"To perhaps give you a frame of reference and some encouragement as you start and continue the process; be prepared for a potentially long and exhaustive search. My own job search took a nation-wide effort, about 90 job applications, dozens of phone interviews, a few in-person interviews and a grand total of about a year (nine-months of full-time searching) before I secured my position at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. There were days when I was ready to give up and resort to being a server at the local chain restaurant which was supporting me during the search, but I knew that I wanted to work in EA and now was the time to put myself out there in order to break in."  ~Peggy Retka, Study Abroad Advisor

Getting Started: Canvas all of the available resources

There is a lot of information available on-line for those searching for jobs in the field of Education Abroad. Also be aware of the local resources in your area and stay abreast of the field. The following is a laundry list of ideas for you to start with. Use as many of these as you are able to find time for and best of luck! 

• SECUSS-L: This is an email listserv designed to help professionals in the field share resources and information. SECUSS-L provides a place for professionals who work in education abroad to share their experience and knowledge. Advisers, administrators, and program directors find postings about programming issues, program and scholarship announcements, job openings, and much more (best of all this is free!). Find subscription details here. Follow etiquette and guidelines when receiving or posting to SECUSS-L. We recommend that you subscribe to the daily summary or journal rather than receiving each posting individually.
• Topical Listservs: These are designed to address specific topics in EA. You can find more details about these offerings at the NAFSA website. They help you stay up-to-date in the field.
• Attend relevant conferences: Consider International Education conferences sponsored by NAFSA, the FORUM or CIEE. There are both regional and national conferences so you can find something in your area. Also consider local conferences in your area that deal with the field of international education. While there, be sure to network and look for jobs, but also scan the program and attend sessions. These give you an idea of the current and relevant topics in the field. "Hot topics" provide you an insider’s view and this knowledge can assist you in the application and interview processes. To help with the cost of attendance, you may want to consider volunteering at the conference in exchange for a portion of your fee.
• Access the Education Abroad Network: This is a website designed by NAFSA to help you “discover new ideas, practice resources, relevant training & events, and the latest news about your particular professional area. Seek advice or share your thoughts by participating in NAFSA's 14 Professional Networks sponsored by NAFSA’s five Knowledge Communities”.
• Conduct Informational Interviews: Set up a time to meet with your school’s study abroad professional or others in your area. Ask if they are willing to meet with you to discuss their entry into the field and how you might best position yourself for a successful search. Be sure to go in prepared with a list of pertinent questions so as not to use too much of their time. The first thing you learn when you land a job in EA is that there is always too much work to do in the time allotted to one day! It is very important not to expect this person to hire you. You are conducting this interview for information, not employment.
• Connect with local professionals: Many metropolitan areas conduct some sort of monthly or quarterly meetings of study abroad professionals. Ask around to see if there is a meeting in your area that is open attendance. These are great ways to network and stay up on those “hot topics” in the field. Boston, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin are a few examples of these professional groups.
• Be prepared to volunteer: If you don’t have a lot of experience in the field of EA, the only way to “get your foot in the door” may be to gain some valuable work experience through volunteer opportunities. You could achieve this at an office near your home or through a nation, regional or state conference.
• Search the Job Postings: You can find job postings on the NAFSA Job Registry, Forum Jobs, and on each school’s individual websites. If you are set on staying in one geographical area, make sure you are connected with the schools in that area. Otherwise, apply for everything for which you meet the minimum qualifications and are interested. Read our tips on entry-level jobs. Bookmark your favorite or target schools and check these listings regularly. 
• Be mobile: There may be some great professional opportunities in less than desirable places!  Limiting your options by refusing to leave a certain city can be detrimental to your breaking into the field. Many of the most influential people in Education Abroad today began in "humble" and "less than desirable" locations. You have to "pay your dues" at some point. Indicate in your cover letter that you are willing to relocate. Be aware that an entry-level position may or may not include moving expenses. Once you have gained 3 to 5 years of experience and have earned your Master’s degree, perhaps you can begin to be a bit more selective.
• Do your research: As important as it is to be humble as you break into the field, you also need to make sure that the institutions for which you are accepting interviews and job offers are reputable within the field. Where you break into the field could help make or break the rest of your career. Talk to others already in the field if they work with that particular institution. Would they recommend the programs to their students? Reflect on whether or not this office and the larger institution fit your personality and professional goals. In addition, consider these resources:
  • NAFSA's Getting Started: A Guide for New Education Abroad Advisers
  • Sanborn, B. International Education Careers: What They Are, How to Prepare, and What to Expect in Transitions Abroad

Beyond the Search: Landing the job

So you have secured a phone or in-person interview. Now is the time to switch gears and focus on the task at hand. You should spend a significant amount of time preparing for your interview. Remember that your first impression does stick.

• Do your homework: If you are fortunate enough to make it to the interview stages (either over the phone or in-person), make sure you walk in ready to dazzle them. Review the employer ’s website and publications and talk to anyone you know who works there. It is important to show that you have some knowledge of the workings of the place you are applying.  Attempt to reference their programs specifically during your interview.
• Review the job description: Go through the job description and think of skills that you have which make you the best candidate for the job. Also list specific experiences that you have which illustrate the qualities they are looking for. Try to incorporate any trends that you see in the field. Take notes (especially for phone interviews) and be prepared to talk to their specific requirements. Always have questions prepared in advance and it is a good idea to organize a closing argument. It is important to not to sound too rehearsed. When leaving the interview be sure to shake the interviewers’ hands and thank them for their time. 
• Polish your resume: See our tips on resume building for more ideas on how to eloquently talk about your experiences and how you would benefit the interviewer’s organization. Be articulate, confident without being arrogant and let your enthusiasm shine through.
• Connect with a career professional: There are many people at your home institution and private agencies which can help you to prepare for interviews.  Bring with you all of the information you have about the job and the institution.
• Follow Up: During your interview you can ask about the anticipated timeline for their search.  Based on their feedback, make sure that you follow up with the appropriate office (usually Human Resources) about the status for your search.  Show that you are interested, but do not be too demanding.  Make sure that you are also sending a professional thank you to the interview committee for their time. 

Last modified on November 21, 2008