Beyond the logistical concerns of studying abroad, like time and money, students must consider one additional factor in their decision as to whether or not to leave the country for class - their career.
According to Brooke Meisner, a career coach at the Vanderbilt Career Center, studying abroad can look very good to employers and give students an advantage in interviews.
"Employers are definitely glad to see it on a resume," Meisner said. He said he has heard that some of the larger firms and companies actually have separate deadlines and application processes for students who are studying abroad. For example, instead of having a deadline in the January or February, they will have an application for the semester before. "That in of itself shows interest in the candidates," he said.
According to Sarah Schlachter, who works in the Global Education Office, having that kind of experience tells employers a lot about a candidate.
"The No. 1 thing we think studying abroad provides (students) is flexibility and problem solving," Schlachter said.
"When an employer sees (study abroad) on a resume, that person comes across as adaptable. Just the fact that you're living in a situation where so many of the rules that normally apply don't, that can be a pretty big switch," Meisner said.
Adaptability can be a very attractive asset, considering the nature of today's job market, according of Meisner.
"A typical length of time that someone stays at a job is two to three years and that's a lot of switching around," he said. "The workplace is changing, the jobs people are doing are constantly changing, and having the international perspective can help someone adjust and adapt to drastic change."
Nevertheless, some employers see this adaptability as a red flag, Schlachter said, especially if it is not presented the right way. She said she has heard some companies may view students who have studied abroad as "flighty" and potentially less committed to staying with the company for a long duration of time.
"I haven't heard a lot of employers necessarily say that," Meisner said, "but I can see how the question can come up. I think a person who has studied abroad should be prepared to address it."
Meisner also said another potential concern for students studying abroad is they might not be aware of different recruitment dates and deadlines and therefore might not be as prepared as others. He said this is something that can be easily addressed, however, through proper research and preparation.
Senior Austin Rissler, who studied in Italy during his junior year, said he has already had positive experiences with employers.
"I interviewed for a financial firm, and even though (the employer) didn't directly say ǃÚHey you studied abroad. That's going to help you here,' he did say ǃÚI see you studied abroad, I'm sure you grew a lot personally, that takes a lot of confidence and independence, and that can be very good for this job,'" Rissler said.
The GEO and Career Center will be teaming up for a seminar on "How to articulate your Study Abroad experience in the resume and interview process" later this month. The tentative time and place is Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Furman 217.
