Leslie Forman, Universidad del Desarrollo, Cal grad ‘06 Natalie Tan, Lonely Planet, Cal grad ‘06

Cal Career Center, February 23, 2013

Get Your International Career in Gear

Where do you want to go?

Why?

Leslie Forman

B.A. Latin American Studies @ Cal, ’06 Study Abroad: Santiago, ’05

2006-2007 Jiaxing University, China

2007, 2008-2011 Adventures in Corporate China

•  Taught English outside Shanghai •  Began learning Chinese in the

vegetable market and on the train •  Learned about Chinese mindset

•  Interned at American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai

•  Trained attorneys, diplomats, and journalists in specialized English

•  Wrote ads and edited documents for corporate clients in Beijing

2011-present Start-Up Chile, freelance work, university teaching in Chile

•  Joined solar energy startup that was selected for Start-Up Chile

•  Do editing, research, and translation projects for biotech, energy and mining companies

•  Teach social entrepreneurship, leadership, and English at two universities

Starter Position in Target Country

Local Fluency

Industry Experience

Local Hire

Entrepreneurship

Teach English or

Internship or

Fellowship or

Language Study or

Volunteer or

Save $ + Leap

Contacts +

Culture +

Language

How to do the work

Yes, you can and will learn on the job!

Often with similar $$ as

local staff

A large % of long-term expats eventually choose self-

employment.

Starter Position to Local Hire

Natalie Tan

B.A. Mass Communications @ Cal, ’06 Study Abroad: Paris, ’06

2007-2008 Burson-Marsteller SF

2008-2011 Burson-Marsteller London

•  Worked at international PR agency •  Gained experience with global

clients and colleagues •  Developed expertise in technology •  Expressed interest in working

abroad

•  Built connections in London office and worked there for a week

•  Transferred to UK help grow European technology practice

•  Decided to go in another direction after three years

Present Lonely Planet Oakland

What’s Next? MBA in Hong Kong

•  Pivot into the travel space •  Currently managing digital projects

with clients interested in content and marketing campaigns

•  Work closely with colleagues in UK and Australia

•  Moving abroad again! •  Gain experience in a new market

and exposure to a new culture •  Grow network •  Develop a truly global marketing

career in US, Europe and Asia

Start in your home country

Show your interest Get familiar with the culture

Plan on Changing Your Plans

Secure job at multinational or

growing company in your home country

Tell your boss

Take on international projects

Become an expert/

rockstar

Network, network, network!

Learn the culture and language of your

destination country

Join local cultural interest clubs

Explore a “starter position”

Apply to a graduate program overseas

International Office Transfer

Secure an international

transfer

Try to work/travel to your preferred

destination

The Big Questions

1)  Where do you want to go? 2)  Why?

3)  What does success mean to you? 4)  How might your skills fit into the local economy?

5)  How long do you intend to stay?

6)  How much do you need to have saved up to make the leap?

Top Tips

1)  Consider living outside the major cities. Friendlier people, fewer

foreigners, more immersion and impact.

2)  Learn the language! One-on-one tutoring can be efficient and fun.

3)  Put yourself out there. Join local industry communities (co-working spaces, happy hours, startup incubators, etc.) and go to as many social events as you can. Be sure to follow up.

4)  Be findable. Create a blog and be active on Facebook, Twitter, and

LinkedIn.

5)  Avoid automated hiring systems (like local versions of Monster.com). They are not designed for global candidates. Ask your friends instead.