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Articulating the Study Abroad Experience in the Cover Letter, Resume and Interviews
Friday, September 26, 2008
Babson College, Babson Park, MA
I. Identifying New Accomplishments & Acquired Skills
Examples of Accomplishments
Learned a foreign language
- Communication skills (verbal & written)
Adjusted to another culture
- Flexibility, adaptability
- Entrepreneurial skills/risk
Lost passport and had to get a new one
- Problem solving skills
- Resourcefulness
Source: Emmanuel College Office of Internships & Career Development
II. Presenting Your Transferable Skills: The Cover Letter
(Provide an opening statement that introduces your diverse experience.) Collectively, my coursework, study abroad experience, internships, and co-curricular involvement have prepared me well for the [position] at [name of company].
(Mention the name of the program where you studied and state the name of the organization where you interned.) While enrolled at the [name of program] in summer 2006, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at [name of company]. (Clearly articulate what you learned from the experience and how this will help you in the position you are applying to.) This experience helped me to hone my [specify, e.g. analytical, research, etc.] skills and gave me insight into how to work effectively in a cross-cultural situation in the context of health care services. I believe this skill will prove beneficial in working with [name of company] global clients.
III. Presenting Your Transferable Skills: The Resume
- Education
- Name of college/university attended
- City and country
- Dates of enrollment
- Coursework and/or program of study
- Experience
- Create a section called “International Experience” to highlight your internship, part-time jobs, and volunteer work abroad
- Skills
- List foreign language(s)
* Specify language skill level (e.g. basic, intermediate, fluent)
Sample Resume
EDUCATION
Babson College Wellesley, MA
Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Business Management 5/2007
Concentration: Global Business Management
University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
Coursework in Global Finance, Computer Information Systems 1/2006 - 5/2007
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
UBS Espania Madrid, Spain
Global Wealth Management Intern 6/2006 - 8/2006
Assisted with audit processes
Prepared and reviewed financial statements to advise clients
SKILLS
Fluent in French, Intermediate German, Basic Spanish
IV. Presenting Your Transferable Skills: The Interview
Reflect on the “why” questions
- Why did you choose to study abroad?
- Why and how did you choose your program location?
Give examples that illustrate competency in qualities employers seek. Identify experiences that demonstrate that you can:
- Creatively solve problems by applying familiar concepts in unfamiliar situations
- Contribute to an ethnically diverse team
- Take personal risks and act independently
- Be flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing situations
Refer to your education abroad experience when answering behavior-based interview questions
Ex. “Tell me about a challenging experience you faced while in college and how you handled the situation.”
Practice Interview Questions
- Why did you choose to study abroad?
- How and why did you choose your program location?
- What skills did you learn abroad? How will these skills be helpful to you in the future?
- Tell me about your most challenging situation while in college and how you handled the situation.
- Tell me about a time when you took a risk. What was the risk? What did you gain or loose from the risk?
V. Bottom Line: Employers value your ability to…
Demonstrate cross-cultural competence, and articulate lessons learned and skills developed through your international experience.
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