Will studying abroad have an impact on my career?
My name is Yajaira and I want to study abroad while pursuing my Master's degree in Accounting and Finance and I am considering earning my masters degree abroad- studying for about two years in another country. Will studying abroad/earning a degree abroad in the business field affect my opportunities of pursuing a business-related field in the U.S. or another country(whether those impacts may be positive or negative I appreciate knowing)? In addition, which locations would you recommend when deciding where to study abroad? #career #finance #accounting #degree #masters #study-abroad
12 answers
Alexandra’s Answer
On the personal level, you can learn a new language and meet people who have a different mindset and different experience from the students you might meet in your own country or city.
An international environment allows you to learn so much about different cultures and it makes things so interesting and enriching.
From a professional point of view, diversity is really important. Especially if you work with an international company, you might have to work with people from different countries. You need to be careful how you interact with them as different cultures means different sensitivity on a number of subjects. You might also need to get more familiarized with different accents as well.
Having studied abroad myself, I definitely recommend this experience.
Michael’s Answer
Studying abroad may open new international opportunities and may make you more appealing to international companies coming to the US. Like picking a US school, do your research and ensure that you choose a great program. It will also build-out new sets of networks with the professors, students, and alumni, so research that as well.
You may want to inquire whether you can do two degrees. The MBA program that I participated in abroad offered a US degree, but also with completion of a thesis a local masters as well.
I received many local leads to great opportunities during and shortly after graduation and today, 14 years later, it helps to anchor my international brand.
Guilaine Saroul
Guilaine’s Answer
Good luck!
Liza’s Answer
In my opinion having International Experience is always a good thing. Each year we become more and more a global business world. In addition to the work piece, having another life experience is invaluable.
Vic’s Answer
I studied abroad my first semester of senior year (undergrad). I think that it helped my career in that it was a good small talk point and it has led me to being interviewed for projects with more of an international touch to it.
If going abroad does not impact your recruiting cycle, I would say it is a valuable experience both professionally and for personal growth.
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Yajaira,
I can speak from experience, studying abroad is extremely beneficial. By traveling abroad I was able to experience new cultures, become more independent, and learn about cool topics while experiencing new cities. My studying abroad experiences have allowed me to bring fresh perspectives to my interviews and furthermore my work teams. In this ever globalizing world, having study abroad experience will help differentiate you and make you a better asset.
Sydney’s Answer
Hello Yajaira,
I studied abroad twice during college and I can tell you my firm that I currently work at was very impressed by that. It shows that you can manage your studies all while experiencing another culture. It shows that you are embracing diversity and inclusion (which is on the forefront of every company's agenda), and lets potential employers know that you are adaptable and can work with anyone in any situation.
You can use this opportunity to study at wonderful universities and experience diversity of thought with foreign professors with diverse backgrounds. I highly encourage this because not only will it help set you up for your career, you will make lifelong memories and friends. I hope you take this opportunity!!
Marissa’s Answer
Hi Yajaira,
I can speak from personal experience that studying abroad will have a beneficial impact on your career. It is a great way to learn about different cultures and learn new things, while being very independent. I ended up getting my bachelors in accounting and did the 150 credit requirement to sit for the CPA in 4 years, which was common at my school. I studied abroad during the summer in Italy and it was such a wonderful experience. I hope you highly consider this abroad experience, I promise you it will be worth it!
Yasemin’s Answer
Best of luck!
Katie’s Answer
I studied abroad in Hanoi, Vietnam during my junior year of college, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I developed confidence and independence, and I was able to experience life in a completely different culture. Those are all things that have helped me in my professional life!
Ken’s Answer
Hi!
Studying abroad can be a beneficial experience. It is a personal decision. Here are a few sites that you might look into to help determine if it is right for you.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/study-abroad-solution
http://www.studyabroad.com/student-guide-why-study-abroad
http://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/ten-benefits-to-studying-abroad/
Best of luck! Please keep me informed. I would like to follow your progress!
Julia’s Answer
I think it is great that you are considering obtaining you Master's Degree abroad. Our society is becoming increasing global, and I think gaining experience in another country is invaluable.
Before you decide, I would look into the requirements surrounding obtaining your CPA license. If you plan on obtaining your CPA licence, there are several requirements that you must fulfill. For example, certain coursework abroad in the field of accounting may not be applicable if you sit for the CPA exam in the US. Make sure you will still be able to fulfill all of the required courses and 150 semester hour requirement before you decide to study abroad!
Good luck with everything!