How Travelling the World Can Make You a More Appealing Employee

Travelling the world might actually help you get a job. Go figure!

This post is presented in partnership with Monash Business School.

Are you feeling the heat from your parents or friends to dive back into further study after Year 12? For some, it makes sense, especially if you want to keep that post-exams momentum going.

But it makes just as much sense for certain students to take stock after high school—and potentially even after one or two years of uni or VET study—to recuperate and re-evaluate their study pathway. And that may mean getting out of town for a bit, and potentially even holidaying around the world.

One of the funnest ways to do this is through a gap year; ideally one in which you get to travel to see things that exist beyond the bubble of school. However, if you just can’t let go and need to do something productive while adventuring overseas, you can always look into studying abroad.

Fact is, more and more employers are seeking graduates with cultural competence (which we’ll explain in a bit). So, even if you graduate a little later than your peers, if you’ve seen more of the world and even done some study in a different country, you’ll be more appealing in the job market.

We asked the Deputy Dean, International at Monash Business School, Michaela Rankin, to explain the benefits for students who want to travel, and also get a better shot at their dream career.

Cultural competence.

When Google revealed the seven top skills they seek in job applicants, many were surprised to see that “coding” didn’t make the list. Instead, Google said they’re looking for good coaches and communicators, with empathy and social awareness above all.

Basically, they—like many of the biggest and best businesses in the world—want employees with some worldly experience. And that’s where cultural competence comes in.

"Cultural competence refers to our ability and willingness to be open to different cultural perspectives, and to ensure people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds feel included, safe, valued and heard," says Professor Rankin.

"It extends beyond just being respectful of different cultures. Culturally competent individuals are aware of their own world view; have gained insights into different cultural practices and world views; have a positive attitude towards cultural differences; and have developed skills to interact and communicate across cultures."

"People who can approach everything they do with a mindset of inclusivity are incredibly valuable for the workforce as they encourage those around them to follow suit."

The benefits of studying abroad.

"It is one thing to read about an experience and quite another to live it," says Professor Rankin.

"We use the term 'global perspective' a lot at Monash Business School and it’s something that can really only be understood once it’s been experienced. Being able to witness for yourself how other cultures and communities function, broadening communication skills and learning another language gives students invaluable perspective and provides context to how business, politics and economy work on a global scale.

"Having 'lived experience' as well as academic credentials makes you a much more appealing employment prospect. When comparing apples with apples; an apple with a global understanding of culture and business is going to be more appealing."

How to make sure your overseas holiday/gap year is still valuable.

"While a holiday to Mykonos might be great for Instagram, you wouldn’t put it on your resume," says Professor Rankin.

She instead endorses structured study abroad programs to "help you gain a deeper understanding of different business cultures as well as helping you establish your own network of future contacts."

Another benefit: If you can’t afford to holiday overseas, financial support is often available through your uni to cover the costs associated with travel for study, via scholarships, loans, grants and exchange programs.

"At Monash Business School we also subsidise the costs of a number of our short-term study abroad programs to ensure they are accessible to a broader range of students."

Still, if you just want to see the world, Professor Rankin has a suggestion: "Go as far and wide as you can possibly go."

"Experience a breadth of cultures and countries and take any opportunity to integrate yourself into the day-to-day life by meeting the locals and learning about the history, business, economy and communication styles of different cultures. Ask questions, be curious, be brave and be ready to learn. If you are on a gap year then try to find some part time work on your travels. This will give you greater insights into culture, business and communities when you are both living and working with locals."

Where to go...

Professor Rankin says that really depends on what industry or career you’re interested in.

"You might like to study in San Francisco if you have an interest in entrepreneurship, or head to Chile for a better understanding of Latin America’s political and economic climate," she says.

"I would also encourage you to look to the broad range of opportunities across Asia, and particularly in China, to gain insights into how culture influences business in the region.

"By gaining a deeper understanding of how industry operates internationally, you'll be better informed to tailor your studies once back home."

Want a truly global education? Find out more about how you can combine a Monash Business School degree with overseas travel and study, and see why employers prefer their graduates for a reason. 

Header Image: iStock.com/encrier