Leveraging Your Experience
(Reprinted from the Metro Boston Study Abroad Re-Entry Conference, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, February 8, 2003. Presentation of Susan Ingleby, Office of Career Services, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Additonal handouts can be downloaded at www.studyabroadconference.com)
Now that you have a fabulous international experience under your belt, how can you translate this into a useful professional tool? Below are some ways to help articulate how the skills and qualities that you have acquired will be useful in a professional setting. Using the list below, pick out 5 – 7 items that will be useful to an employer. Recall and discuss a specific situation that demonstrates the skill or quality.
SKILL
Time management skills
Identify problems and utilize available resources to solve the problems
Accept responsibility
Communicate despite barriers
Learn quickly
Take initiative and take risks
Establish rapport quickly
Function with a high level of ambiguity
Achieve goals despite obstacles
Handle difficult situations
Handle stress
Manage/Organize
Lead others in informal or formal groups
Conduct research despite language and cultural differences
Cope with rejection
Adapt to new environments
Understand an organization's culture
Learn through listening and observing
Learn through mistakes
Perform in an environment with adverse conditions
QUALITIES
Self-reliance
High energy level/enthusiasm
Appreciation of diversity
Perseverance
Flexibility & Adaptability
Tolerance/open-mindedness
Assertiveness
Inquisitiveness
Self-confidence
Self-knowledge
Independence
Openness to relocation
Diplomatic