It's not easy being a student, much less one about to graduate into a workforce still reeling from the impact of the recent global economic crisis. It's important (perhaps more now than ever) to consider ways to be proactive about your future career prospects. In this day and age, you'll need a lot more than a high GPA and a few weeks of volunteer experience to get the job of your dreams. If you have your heart set on getting an international business internship, here's a handful of tips and advice for finding the right international internship for business students.
In preparation for your application to an international business internship, take some time to research all of the large multinational corporation with offices in your area. There's a good chance that you know somebody with connections on the inside, and in many cases these individuals would be only too happy to help you get your foot in the door. Naturally, you'll want to approach businesses that are best suited to your education and/or work experience.
Government agencies offer excellent opportunities for young people to gain international business experience. The US State Department is one such example. Sometimes, the best international internships can be found with a government agency. If you intend to apply for an internship with the Consulate Offices abroad, it would be a good idea to explore their website for information regarding international internships. Business associations provide another great opportunity to research and learn more about international business internships. The chamber of commerce, for instance, can help you identify local businesses with an international presence.
Expatriate networks and student alumni groups provide another opportunity to gain meaningful, actionable feedback regarding international internships. Hopefully, you haven't lost touch with all of the connections you made while in college. They are the people who can likely help you the most. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are wonderful tools for staying connected with former classmates and colleagues.
If you have the resources available to you, why not consider traveling to the country of your choice and try to line up an internship in person. Most employers will appreciate your commitment their cause, when they learn that you traveled half-way around the world to pursue an international business internship with their company. Give it a try, why don't you? What have you got to lose?
