Internships open doors, especially when the economy is down

In the presence of a less than stellar economy, what can you do to make yourself stand out from your peers?

I was listening to a story on NPR the other morning about how fewer employers are recruiting on campus, and how much harder it is for students to get jobs and internships with US employers. It’s times like these that make it especially important to make an investment in your future, and boost your resume with as much professional work experience as possible.

The economy is forcing companies to make difficult hiring decisions, so why not make it easier for them? Having work experience directly within your field of study while still an undergrad may set you apart, but by showing the initiative and confidence that it takes to live and work internationally will show prospective employers that you are the right candidate.

While the above will get you in the door, it’s up to you to nail the interview. Employers want a candidate that is sure of him or herself, can work independently yet also work well in a team. Your independence, confidence, and self-reliance will grow as a direct result of, for example, figuring out the public transportation system in a new city or having to ask for directions in a second language. Having the experience of working within an international and multicultural team prepares you to work all over the world, or right in your backyard as the world comes to you.

In this global and tight economy, you can’t afford not to undergo an international internship. This is an investment in your career and your future, and your opportunity to assist the recruiter in making the right decision: to hire you.