Owen
Which careers will allow me to travel the world?
I am a college student, living in a small town and never really going out of this small town. One of my biggest aspirations is being able to wear a suit, fly first class, work with new people in brand new locations. #business #career #job-search #travel #international-experience
7 answers
Mark Montz
Mark’s Answer
I understand the desire to get out of a small town. I grew up on a ranch in western Nebraska, was educated in a country school until eighth grade (with my VERY LARGE class of 7 kids!), and completed high school in a "big town" with 1,000 people in it. I have been in situations where "everybody knows me, and I know everybody, and things don't change", and it can feel very frustrating.
I have now traveled to all the continents (except Antarctica) and worked with people from Scandinavia to China as part of my career. And that career? Software for cell phone networks. It turns out that we needed standards delegates in my group, and the standards groups meet internationally. During my time as an active delegate, I was traveling about 10 times a year internationally, and working with a great bunch of people in each of these locations.
Did I PLAN to do this? No, to be honest I didn't. What allowed me to do this? I had a skill that wasn't common (software design), was in a position in my life where I COULD travel (my wife stayed at home with the kids), and I was willing to go (a lot of co-workers were nervous about traveling to some of the places I traveled).
Is it all first class and nice suits? No, not at all. Most companies (even large ones) will have you travel economy class. The cost of 1st class is about 5 to 10 times the cost of economy, and the ONLY good reason to have you travel in 1st class (or even business) is that you need to do business as SOON as you arrive. It is cheaper (and actually better) if you arrive a day early, and can adjust to the local time zone. It also lets you do some sight seeing and gives you some time to enjoy the new location instead of rushing from one meeting room to another, and never getting to see anything of the country where you have just arrived (have had that happen to me!).
Is it all fun? No, not at all. You are in a new country, you don't speak the language, you are sleepy, and you realize that you don't know if the taxi driver is taking you to the right hotel! You also should get good at currency conversion, be able to eat a range of food, and make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date. You will also get to the point where you can do immigration and customs in your sleep. And you will find your luggage lost, someone leaning onto your seat in the middle of the night of the flight, and a drink spilled on the suit you are wearing so that it you COULD go immediately to the office...
Is it worth it? Yes, overall it has been to me. You learn a lot when you travel about how people live. Even with studying guide books and the internet, you should find little things to surprise you. Having people have morning coffee in a restaurant in France with their dogs politely at their feet... when in the US you could not bring a dog into a restaurant in almost any case... was interesting! And you get to find that people are people all over the world.
Can you do something like this? Probably. Do you do this by focusing on the travel and perks? No, not at all. Become good at something that is useful (and hopefully VERY good), and something in an industry with international ties (which happens a LOT these days). Learn other languages and know other customs, and be willing to travel. Take some tours or exchange opportunities through school, and make SURE you like it. It takes a little luck... but a lot of "luck" is being ready when the opportunity presents itself. And enjoy your "small town" while you are there too... you may find yourself explaining what is was like to be there to someone half a world away. :)
Best of luck... and enjoy exploring!
Samantha Richardson
Samantha’s Answer
Joseph Gandolfi
Joseph’s Answer
I would consider majoring in International Business, or something closely related to that. Learn a second language, if you haven't already, and try to study abroad in college. Also, try and intern with a company that you know has locations abroad, or at least does business with other countries. Keep trying to gain international experience, however minor it may seem, to position yourself so that you're the type of person who would be desirable for an international role. Odds are your entry level job with a company will not involve international travel, but keep lobbying for positions where you can rise in the ranks to the point where you can travel.
Darya Tsitova
Darya’s Answer
1.International business consultant. Working with businesses to expand their operations globally can involve a significant amount of travel. Consultants often visit clients in different countries and help them navigate international markets.
2.Diplomat or foreign service officer. Representing your country abroad can lead to postings in various countries, where you’ll engage with local governments and communities.
3.Corporate executive. High-level positions in multinational companies often require travel to meet clients, attend conferences, and oversee operations in different regions.
4.Traveling sales executive. A sales career, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or luxury goods, may allow you to travel frequently to meet clients and prospects.
5.Event planner. Specializing in international events, such as conferences or conventions, can provide opportunities to travel to host destinations.
6.Journalist or travel writer. Covering international news, culture, or travel can take you to various locations around the globe, allowing you to share stories from unique places.
7.Airline or cruise industry professional. Working for an airline or cruise line can mean traveling to various destinations. Management or sales roles often involve corporate travel and professional attire.
8.Project manager. In fields like construction, it, or engineering, project managers may need to oversee projects in various locations, leading to frequent travel.
9.Ngo or non-profit worker. Working for international non-profits can involve traveling to different countries to manage programs or assist in humanitarian efforts.
10.Tour guide or travel consultant. While these roles may vary in attire, they often include opportunities to explore and operate tours in diverse locations.
11.Hospitality management. Roles in hotel management or luxury hospitality often involve overseeing operations in different locations, which can require travel.
12.Training and development specialist. Companies often send trainers to different locations to conduct sessions, providing opportunities to work internationally.
Before making a decision, consider your interests, skills, and whether you prefer short trips or longer assignments abroad. Internships or part-time jobs in these fields during college can also give you a better understanding and help you network within the industry. With love, Darya
Melissa Gaines, RN, MSN
Melissa’s Answer
You have received a lot of great information here. I wanted to add a few suggestions that may be helpful. Having fluency in a 2nd or 3rd language would increase your marketability for an endless array of jobs, many already mentioned. I suggest following your passion for what interests you. Nursing and education are mine and there are many options for travel as a "bedside" nurse, but so many others like work in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device. With advanced education in nursing (Master's and PhD levels for research and education at the university level (again having fluency in additional languages would make you a sought after candidate.)
Check out this link which discusses in a little more detail obtains for medical professionals who want to travel: https://www.verywell.com/traveling-medical-jobs-1736121
All the best to you!
Melissa
Jama Childress
Jama’s Answer
I recommend nursing. You can be a local, cross country and even an international travel nurse, or missionary. You can even join 'float pools' within companies. Career path changes are plentiful, as well as advancement. And pay? You can make the money you want
WADDAH GHEBE,M.D.
WADDAH’s Answer
these are some careers that get you to travel the world. See if you like any of them and plan accordingly
1- Flight Attendant
2-Become a Tour Guide,showing travelers around.
3- work in a government related position in foreign affairs and trade
4- The Import + Export Business
5-Teach English worldwide.
6- Work on a Cruise Ship.
7- Work as an Au Pair in different countries If you love children.
8- Work for an International Hotel Chain
9- Become a Travel Agent: receiving heavy discounts for your own holidays and free travel.
10- Write About Travel:make money from travel blogging
11- Freelance (anything)