International mobility is on the rise, as employers value adaptable, inquisitive candidates
Economic potential in emerging markets and skills shortages has led to companies needing to move employees to the countries where their skills are required, according Adam Shapley, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.
Consequently, global opportunities are popping up for professionals across the world, allowing them to grow their careers by moving abroad and gaining experience that they otherwise wouldn’t get.
Moreover, Hays CEO Alistair Cox said that international mobility is on the rise, as employers value adaptable, inquisitive candidates.
“Taking a leap of faith to work overseas – or work in a totally unfamiliar environment – will increase your cultural intelligence and your flexibility and it shows a new employer you are willing to push yourself as opposed to staying permanently in your comfort zone.”
Shapley added that there are a number of reasons why an international move could be beneficial to professionals and why it should be considered by those that are looking to further their career and employability. These reasons include:
• Better career opportunities and prospects
Depending on a person’s skillset, there could be a greater range of opportunities available to professionals in overseas markets. If moving abroad is something a professional is seriously considering, then I would advise they check where their skills are most in-demand.
• New life experiences
An international move provides people with new experiences that they would otherwise be unable to find at home. Having to adapt to new environments and situations can also advance a professional’s personal development.
• Develop your cultural intelligence
As the world becomes more connected, employees with cultural intelligence are increasingly important to businesses. Professionals are able to gain these valuable skills by working abroad, skills such as understanding cultural similarities and differences and knowing the right verbal and nonverbal behaviours in different cultural environments and situations.
• Fine tune your soft skills
As professionals start to build their cultural intelligence, over time they will find that their soft skills are developed at the same time. In particular, working abroad will help to develop a person’s adaptability, communication, interpersonal skills and self-confidence. These are all valuable skills in the world of work.
• Expand your professional network
Building an international network can be incredibly powerful and provides professionals with more options and connections than a home-built network possibly could. While professional networking sites such as LinkedIn provide people with the opportunity to connect with others from across the globe, building relationships face-to-face is much more effective.
Shapley added that these are all great reasons why professionals should consider an international move to give their career a real boost.
“It’s not just beneficial to the individual either, companies can reap the benefits of international mobility too.”
