HOW TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP ABROAD
Are you thinking about interning abroad? Work experience in another country can be an incredibly valuable experience and can help you gain skills like learning a new language, understanding a different culture, and interacting with new people in a professional setting.
It can also be a great way to boost your value in the job market. Interning abroad really stands out on your resume and can become an entry point for working internationally permanently.
So, how do you go about finding an internship abroad? If it’s something you’re interested in, you might be wondering how to get started and what your options are.
Read on for some top tips.
Preparing your resume
Before you jump into the application process, it’s important to think about your long-term goals. Why do you want to do an internship abroad? What skills or experience are you hoping to gain?
It’s also essential to consider the logistics of interning, like how much time and money you can allocate toward the experience. Although the benefits of taking an internship are normally worth it, it’s still a good idea to consider your goals and needs before taking the plunge.
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to update your resume. You’ll need to sell yourself, especially for competitive internships, so make sure you find a professional resume template.
Where to look for internships
Next, it’s time to start applying for internships. Although it can seem daunting, finding the perfect placement doesn’t need to be difficult and there are a number of ways to approach the search:
1. Check out job boards
Like with any job hunt, one of the best places to start your search is job boards. Popular platforms include Careerbuilder, Indeed Job Search, Glassdoor Jobs, and Monster.
There are also some job boards that are dedicated to internships, like Internwise or Chegg Internships. Alternatively, if you’re a student or graduate, most universities have a career service page with internships listed, which is definitely worth a look!
Looking on job boards can be one of the most effective ways to find interning opportunities, especially if you’re early on in your career and don’t have many professional connections.
2. Make networking a priority
Another way to find an internship is through word-of-mouth, and for this, you need to start networking. Building professional connections is one of the best ways to get opportunities. Although this takes a bit more time than other methods, it can be well worth it!
Some strategies for finding an internship through networking include:
- Attending networking events that are relevant to your desired industry
- Connect with your university’s alumni network
- Set up a LinkedIn profile and start conversations
- Put a call out on social media to let your existing network know you’re looking
- Send an email to people you already know who might be able to help
- Send out cold emails or messages to people at companies you’re interested in
3. Apply directly to the company
Many larger global companies have established internship schemes that are open to international applicants. You can normally apply directly, which means checking the company’s website and researching the application process.
It’s important to remember that these programs are normally much more competitive than other options and some of the most popular schemes attract thousands of applicants. Because of this, we recommend applying much earlier than you would for a smaller company.
4. Speak to your tutors (if you’re a student)
If you’re already studying abroad, speak to your tutors or advisers in the program, as they might have information about companies that offer internships for international students.
People working in higher education often have a strong network, and they’re more likely to have connections. If not, they might still be able to point you in the right direction for more advice.
5. Internship placement providers
The last option on our list is using an internship placement provider, such as Start Me Up, Evolve Abroad, Intern Abroad HQ, and Asia Internship Program – and there are hundreds more available depending on what you’re looking for.
There are a variety of placements available through these types of schemes. Some are combined with a study abroad program, while others are exclusively working at the internship.
One of the benefits of using a program provider is that the process is a lot simpler than applying on your own. It also means you get support with different parts of interning abroad, like finding housing and applying for a visa. However, the downside is that it can cost a lot of money.
Internships abroad are an amazing way to experience a different culture, make new friends, learn a new language, and get ahead in the job market. Employers are always looking for people who stand out, and an internship abroad can be a great way to do it!
