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:: Career News |
Working
for an International Company
Steve McKinney,
(Originally published in The Korea Herald on Monday, November 9,
2001, page 11)
Working in an international company can be an exciting, challenging, and
culturally enriching experience. But there are some key differences between
working in a multinational firm and a local company-differences that
can make a big impact on your job satisfaction, career path, and the relationships
you make with your colleagues.
At a multinational firm, employees come from all over the world-bringing
different languages, cultural traditions, and ethnic backgrounds with them.
If you join an international company, your colleagues will probably speak
English at some level, as well as the country's native language. Working
in a multilingual environment is a great opportunity to meet a diverse group
of people, gain international business experience, and improve your foreign
language skills.
A good sense of humor comes in handy when you're working with an international
firm-especially if you're conducting business in several different
languages. Your co-workers may have different business philosophies,
working habits, and communication styles. Cultural differences can be confusing,
and accordingly, many multinational firms promote a more relaxed environment
to allow for different work and leadership styles. Patience, understanding
and effective communication skills will help you establish stronger working
relationships with foreign colleagues, and get the most out of your international
experience.
You may also have more personal development opportunities at a multinational
company than you would at a domestic firm. Many international companies
have offices all over the world, and their employees may spend a year or
two working abroad. If you're thinking about joining an international
firm and are interested in working abroad, ask about potential employment
exchange opportunities at the company's foreign offices.
Before applying to a multinational company, seek out friends, acquaintances,
and other contacts that have experience in an international working environment.
Ask about their day-to-day work schedule, their boss and co-workers,
and the general culture and atmosphere of the firm before you decide whether
working in an international environment might be the right choice for you.
About Steve McKinney
Steve McKinney the president and CEO of McKinney
Consulting Inc., an executive search company serving multinational clients,
and the co-chairman of the Living in Korea Committee of the American
Chamber of Commerce. Email
Steve.
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| :: International Job Topics |
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