Professional Discovery

Through internships or study abroad, you will gain valuable skills and experiences which lead to your own professional discovery. Multiple opportunities for professional discovery exists within the development of soft skills, such as cross-cultural communication or self-confidence, or work experience that you want to put on your resume. Either way you can be assured that your international experience will benefit you professionally. You might even experience a moment of clarity where you suddenly recognize your ideal job. Whatever your career goals, the value of an international experience - especially hands-ons experience through an international internship - is sure to expand your professional opportunities.

How GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Enhances Your Professional Discovery Prior to your Departure

During the application process, you will be asked to obtain a reference letter. For many students, this is the first time they have had to approach someone for this sort of request. This is an important milestone that all professionals must experience and our program provides you with support and advice to ensure you get the right kind of reference. If you are applying for an internship, our coordinators will work with you on your resume and cover letter to ensure that they are both adaquate and relevant to the position for which you are applying. Furthermore, if you have a scheduled interview for your internship postition, we will coach you and provide suggestions for how you can make the interview a success.

Examples of Some GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Scheduled Activities which Enhance Your Professional Discovery*

US Embassy and AMCHAM Sponsored USA Fair in Thailand

Our overseas resident staff organized an opportunity for interested students to volunteer with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand to assist with their "USA Fair". For those interested in globalization and US companies doing business in Thailand, this was an outstanding chance to get more information and explore possible opportunities and companies of interest. This event offered a chance for students to meet and greet individuals in the field while adding to a student's resume.

Professional Lectures

Universities often host talks by academics and professionals in various disciplines, such as politics, public policy, law, economics, etc . Open to the public and usually free, these lectures and panel discussions can help students learn about current events and issues around the the world. Such events might offer contextual information for class assignments, as well as good networking opportunities!

American Australian Association Thanksgiving Dinner

The American Australian Association is the largest public not-for-profit organization devoted to building strategic alliances between the United States and Australia. The Association develops exchanges and programs including, but not limited to, educational scholarships, conferences, seminars and other cultural events which aid the development of the US and Australian bilateral relationship. As students will be missing Thanksgiving, the AAA dinner is a way to have food from home and get the opportunity to network with professionals who regularly conduct and promote business and research between the United States and Australia.

5th Thai-Malaysian Asian Studies Conference

The conference “Re-Making Historical Memory in SEA” is a fantastic opportunity to engage in open discussions on Southeast Asian history with some of the leading specialists in the field. This event provides opportunities to connect with academics and professionals interested in Southeast Asia. This is an excellent educational networking event.

MBA Fair (UK universities)

For students who have thought about returning to the UK to do an MBA and want to learn about options at UK universities, they can check out an MBA fair near London's Victoria station. This is a great chance to get a feel for what the MBA credential is all about, and how UK and US programs might differ. There will be a score of exhibitors, but also sessions for general advice, like admissions, entry-exam assistance, and how to choose a university.

*Note that these are just examples and not necessarily offered each intake, some activities may have an additional cost to the student. 

Meet Students Who Experienced Professional Discovery While Abroad

Check out all our Featured Students here

What is Professional Discovery?

• Work Experience through a part-time or full-time internship
• Economic Globalization (ex: experience western trends in Asia or vice versa)
• Hands on experience
• Learning professional etiquette in various cultures (For instance, the way in which you give someone your business card in Asia is very different than North America)
• Language development - especially languages that are useful in international business such as Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese
• Discoverying new methods of research
• Exploring your own work ethic in comparison to others
• Intercultural Insight
• Career goals
• Networking opportunities
• Developing contacts for future networking
• Taking part in something to put on your resume (volunteering, interning, etc)
• Cross cultural communication skills