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Why an international experience can help launch your career

Did you know that a year abroad during college can help your personal and professional growth? Find out how it made all the difference for one of our students.

Coveted work skills these days go far beyond work ethic, teamwork abilities and being on time every day. For instance, knowing your way around AI is now essential, despite being almost irrelevant five years ago. Time management is critical with the rise of remote work. One area where interns and employees can truly stand out is their ability to thrive in a multicultural environment—an ability that comes from firsthand international experience. One of our students has agreed to tell us about the skills she’s gained during her year abroad at HEC Montréal.

Some less talked about in-demand skills

A study by the IIE Center for Academic Mobility Research and Impact sheds light on which soft skills executives prize in the 21st century. Here are some lesser-discussed skills that are becoming must-haves:

  • Comfort with uncertainty: Most of us like feeling in control. A willingness to adapt during times of uncertainty is hard for a lot of people. It can even affect their performance and decision-making skills. Someone dependable is a gem in the workplace.
  • Self-awareness: Ego has no place in high-performing teams. Knowing yourself—your strengths, weaknesses and when it’s time to shift gears—is a rare superpower.
  • Curiosity: It’s not just about getting the job done. Being genuinely interested in the “why” and “how” of things makes you more likely to find creative solutions.
  • Intercultural skills: In a world of cross-border collaboration, understanding different cultures is essential. It makes you more empathetic, adaptable and, frankly, a better person to be around.

The first three are skills you can cultivate internally. But intercultural skills? You’ll need to step out of your bubble to unlock those. And the best way to do that is to spend time abroad. Your college years are the perfect time for this.

Why is having an international experience so important?

Venturing out to live or study abroad is a leap into the unknown. You’re navigating a new language, unfamiliar streets and having to overcome culture shock. However, those challenges build the resilience and adaptability that are so prized in today’s job market. Plus, you gain something books, movies and the internet just can’t offer—a lived understanding of another culture.

What you can gain from studying abroad

Here’s what studying abroad can offer:

  • You’ll grow (a lot): Hardship and adventure make you stronger. You’ll also be exposed to different perspectives and gain maturity and self-confidence.
  • You’ll make life-lasting bonds: Everyone knows that the friends you make when you’re far away from home end up becoming like a second family.
  • You might learn a language: Sure, you can get by in English in many countries, but learning a local language is a huge advantage. Plus, locals will appreciate the effort.
  • You’ll gain a competitive edge in the job market: 89% of participants in a recent study from Open Doors Data said their international exchange helped them develop skills relevant to their careers. Another study shows that they also help enhance traits like self-confidence, self-awareness and, of course, global-mindedness.

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Lolita’s international experience

Take it from someone who’s been there. Lolita Cerdán is a third-year Bachelor in Economics student at IE University. Studying abroad is one of the two things she’s always wanted to do. The other is pursuing a career in corporate finance. She recently completed an exchange at HEC Montréal, a global finance hub. Here’s how Lolita set herself on the track to achieving everything she wants.

Lolita Cerdán living her best life in snowy Montréal

What made you decide to study abroad for a year? And why Montréal?

Studying abroad has always been something I had wanted to do, and I was excited to immerse myself in a new culture and environment. I chose HEC Montréal because it perfectly fit my aspirations after my studies. Plus, I love skiing, so Montréal was an ideal choice. It has a vibrant city life, a reputation for academic excellence and unlimited snow!

What was your main takeaway?

Living in Montréal taught me adaptability—whether it was coping with harsh winters or adjusting to a different university. I became more independent and resilient. Plus, the friendships I made with fellow students abroad created a support network that made me feel part of a community.

Did you miss your home university?

Yes, there were several things I missed about IE University. I missed my professors, who are leaders in their fields and truly invested in our success. The collaborative environment among students really stands out, too—it feels like a family where everyone supports each other.

How did IE University help you align your international experience with your future goals?

IE University’s international exchange program offers a range of prestigious institutions to choose from. I was lucky to get my first choice, HEC Montréal. The university didn’t just give me options; they really helped me see how each institution could match my academic and career aspirations. By providing all the info on how HEC Montréal could complement my interest in global business practices, they made sure that my time abroad would be enriching and educational.

Lolita and the friends she made abroad

Any advice for future exchange students?

Before going abroad, I would suggest connecting with students and alumni who have previously spent a semester at the same institution for firsthand insights and practical advice. This will help future exchange students better understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Also, make sure to have one-on-one meetings with professors or a career advisor to ensure the classes you chose abroad align with your academic background and goals. This is important because some classes may require prior knowledge. Discovering this after the course has started is not fun!

Standing out these days means more than just mastering technical skills. It’s about embracing new challenges, pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and developing a global perspective. As Lolita’s journey shows, an international experience offers just that—and much more. It builds resilience, adaptability and cultural awareness, all while shaping your personal and professional growth. So, if you’re considering studying abroad, take the leap. The rewards go far beyond your resume—they can transform the way you see the world.

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Annie Beasley is a Spanish-American journalist specialized in political journalism and feminist issues. Raised in Galicia, she spent her summers in the US, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Galician.

Her academic journey took her all over Spain. She started at Universidad de Valladolid, where she was a member of a student activist group, then went on to Universidad de València, and finally Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, where she’s currently working and pursuing postgraduate studies in voice acting. Each university offered a unique academic approach, giving her fresh insights into journalistic writing and access to an array of learning opportunities.

During college, she interned as a copywriter at a marketing firm in Madrid and went on to work as a communications specialist at Fractalia, a prestigious cybersecurity company.
Annie currently works at IE University as the editor of Driving Innovation, bringing a fresh, journalistic voice to the blog and focused on delivering insightful, informative content.

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