Somehow we find ourselves here again. 2016 has officially started and it’s time to figure out how to make this year exceptional.
Maybe you have accomplished a lot in the past year or maybe you never got around to half the things you set out to do. Well, you are in luck, because a new year is about to begin and now is the time to set new goals and make new plans. (And not just so you have an answer for each family member who needs to know what you plan to do with your entire life at every holiday party you attend this month).
Now imagine you are at a family party and Aunt June is inevitably about to ask for your entire life story, again. Except this time you have an answer ready. You are interning abroad next year. Game changer! Aunt June completely forgets she was about to ask you about your relationship, or lack-there-of.
Obviously, Aunt June isn’t the sole reason you make your decisions for next year, there is a much bigger picture. You are figuring this out because the large decisions you make now have the power to completely alter your career path and life. An internship abroad is one of those decisions that will not only make 2016 an epic year, but also determine and better prepare you for all the choices you make after that.
Each step in the program process works to build your skills and experience to set you on the path towards a career you love. From working on your professional documents to living, working and networking in a new city. You will be able to take every single experience and apply it to what you hope to do in the future.
The time to start your career is now.
Don’t go another year without having the perfect resume
You have one first impression with an employer and it lies within one piece of paper. This single page is your ticket into the interview and you need it to go beyond expectations. You may think you have the perfect resume or you may not have put any thought into it. Either way, our professional career development coaches will work on this with you. You want them to tear it apart, you want to be told to redo it because this will help you create something better than you ever knew possible.
When your resume and cover letter are built up to what they need to be, you now have the ability to add and adjust as you gain more experience. You don’t have to keep rebuilding each time because you can be confident that what you have is what it should be. Now, you need to be able to articulate effectively and efficiently what is in your resume in conversation.
Don’t go another year without nailing the interview
An interview is not only one-on-one with the employer at a scheduled meeting time. It can be over the phone, over Skype or even impromptu in an elevator. An interview isn’t telling someone how great you are. It is letting the interviewer know what you are able to do for the organization. Start working now – what does the company do well? What can they improve on? What skills do you have to offer to help with these improvements? By offering advice and solutions, you are already thinking like you are their employee.
This is only the tip of the iceberg of the amount of crucial professional development and career advising you will receive from your Program Advisor. They will give you the knowledge and tools to be successful in your internship abroad and all future experiences as well.
Don’t go another year without living abroad
Whether you are an experienced traveler or have never left the country, 2016 is the year to get out there to live and work abroad. Moving to a new country where you may not know a single person or speak the language speaks volumes about the type of person you are and your abilities. Cultural immersion and learning new languages makes you more adaptable, open-minded, kind, aware and accepting – all of which are admirable qualities in a person as an individual and as an employee. Also, by putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, questioning yourself and your beliefs and overcoming challenges help shape you to be a more confident, well-rounded individual.
Don’t go another year without having a life changing experience
We tend to get caught up in the day-to-day of life and push things, like traveling, aside. I cannot tell you how many people I have heard say, “I’ve always wanted to go abroad, but things keep getting in the way”. This opportunity is so important, it will alter everything you do after your internship. From what classes you decide to take, the career path you follow and the job opportunities that open up to you. You will find out what is really important in your career and life, but you won’t know what the outcome is unless you decide to take the leap and do something different.
There will never be a perfect time. So stop waiting. Today is your day. Just go.
I want to stop telling you about it, I want you to experience it for yourself. Apply now and work with an Admissions Counselor to make this a reality. Make all the Aunt Junes speechless when they ask what is in store for your future, because now you have the perfect answer.
