Posted on April 21, 2011
Jim Key - Director of Global Marketing at Intrax Internships Abroad
Today’s guest post is brought to you by Jim Key, Director of Global Marketing at Intrax Internships Abroad. Last year, Jim took us through the international job searching funnel starting by preparing for a job abroad, researching potential employers and turning those findings into potential interviews. Now that you know the process, it’s time to narrow down your focus and chose your industry. In this guest post, Jim will teach you about the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and what you can expect working in that field.
In last fall’s series of guest blog posts, we went through how to find an internship overseas and turn it into a job. This winter and spring we will look at a few different categories and why you might consider them for an international internship.
Photo courtesy of Jim Key
Our second category is Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs start businesses in industries ranging from high tech, consulting, freelance marketing work, HR placement & outsourcing, to any other industry you can imagine. I’ve met entrepreneurs who manage art galleries, who produce & distribute wine, and who run incubators (office complexes)…for other entrepreneurs. I’ve also met quite a few who have created and run social enterprises, which are for-profit businesses with a social mission.
So what do entrepreneurs do?
Students often think in terms of majors – is entrepreneurship more like management or accounting or finance or marketing or management information systems? Entrepreneurship is pretty much all of the above, but faster and more unpredictable because entrepreneurship is business in its rawest essence. While an intern in finance or marketing with a large organization may look for a harmonious stream of projects related to that one function, an entrepreneur (and by extension, the intern) can expect a more staccato flow of operations, sales, marketing, product development, crisis management, HR, program execution, finance, and a few more things to be determined on the fly. Students are often taught to think in terms of a Fortune 500 company – an organization that grew from the chaos of a few people working out of a garage to a mature company with a brand, a recognized logo, an office building or a campus as a headquarters, and unique departments for the different functions staffed in proportion to the amount of workflow of each function: Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, New Business Sales, Account Management, Marketing, Finance/Accounting, IT, HR, etc. When there are 3 or 8 or even 20 people, everyone does everything and the flow of work is often driven by specific events – a product launch, a large customer’s needs, or a conference that brings together most of your target market. For example, last time I saw one tech startup in the UK, everyone was focused on a weekend music festival (the customer) using their mobile phone app, which had been designed specifically for that festival. Since hundreds of thousands of music lovers would be attending, this firm had a lot riding on getting it right.
Why do students choose to intern with entrepreneurs?
1) Passion – in an entrepreneurial firm, you will be exposed to the zeal of the founder. The founder created the firm and the vision, so they believe in what they are doing with a passion that you rarely see in larger, more mature businesses. The business is much more personal and meaningful to the whole team. Take that passion and double it with the social enterprises – all the mission orientation of a non-profit with the passion (and urgency) of an entrepreneurial founder.
2) Real experience even, if you don’t speak the language – the entrepreneurs that I have met tend to be well-connected, internationally-oriented people. They are often targeting their product or service to a global or at least Europe-wide market. As such, they have great opportunities for interns to do meaningful work and add value even if they are not fluent in the local language, because much cross-border business is done in English. Of course each national culture (and company culture) approaches the challenge of the business environment differently, so you are still getting cultural immersion, but you can often do it even if your French needs some work.
3) Exposure to a variety of functions helps students figure out their strengths – many students are not really sure what they want to do. They often choose a major by the intro class that they liked or what others (parents, teachers, advisors) have suggested that they should do. As an entrepreneurship intern, students get to see operations, finance, sales, marketing, and put out a fire in account management – sometimes all in one day. With that experience, students can identify and gravitate towards what they enjoy and do well.
4) Understanding how organizations work – the flip side of the point above (figuring out what work you like best) is that students see the dynamic of how different functions interact in a small business. Most business classes provide a sense of how finance or marketing or accounting work on their own, but not necessarily together. Unless students take an entrepreneurship classes or discuss the interworking of functions in a strategy or case method class, it is easy to miss the bigger picture of how organizations really work internally.
5) Fast moving environment – there are some who love the structure of a larger organization and the certainty of knowing what they will be doing months before they do it. Others get bored and wonder if the research project they are working on will really impact the company or be read at all. Working for an entrepreneur, the intern often sees a more frenetic pace as she works on varied assignments that are almost always directly related to the success of a firm. Obviously every company is different, but being small often means that they are working close to the margin. What happens today means either a) success & growth or b) closing up shop at the end of the year (especially in this economy), so there is no time to drift. As one student said, “this company has the personality of its founder and its founder is definitely ADD – just like me.”
6) Job Opportunities – we have seen students get job offers and get hired by their internship company in several countries, almost always with small businesses. Why? They can make decisions. Back in the 90’s when I interned abroad in Germany with Opel (GM Europe), my boss liked me and wanted to hire me, his boss liked me and wanted to hire me, but… it was General Motors. It takes about 18 people to agree to make a decision like hiring someone, plus another five to justify hiring a foreigner (requiring all the extra paperwork). When the Founder/CEO of a small firm says “He’s doing a good job, let’s hire him,” it gets done.
In summary, working as an entrepreneur is unstructured because you are creating something new. Students who embrace that challenge can gain meaningful work experience in a dynamic environment, learn more about themselves, and get a better sense of what they want to do.
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on April 18, 2011
Photo attribution to andercismo
Imagine working abroad for the first time, armed with all the information you need to successfully acclimate yourself to the work environment, social scene and overall cultural customs? That is where Goinglobal steps in. Goinglobal is committed to providing you with an arsenal of career information and resources to ease the transition abroad and help you be prepared before you leave. We have career country guides for over 30 countries, written by in-country researchers, aimed to help you as a professional, regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expat.
Every week, we will feature an insight from one of our global career guides to help you achieve your dream of working internationally.
Living in Gumball Machine, Photo attribution to 29cm
Today’s tip: Knowing your cost of living in Italy
Salaries and Cost of Living
Italy is one of the least expensive countries in the European Union. Even though the Euro has made great gains in recent years against the US dollar, average prices in both Rome and Milan are still slightly lower than in New York, North America’s most expensive city, according to investment bank UBS.
Housing
On a per-square meter basis, apartment rent is most expensive in central Rome and least expensive in Milan. Apartment rent in Venice is more expensive than in Florence,
but both are less expensive than Rome. In central Rome, a 30 square meter (323 square feet) apartment rents for 1,100 EUR (1,737 USD) per month. In Milan, a 50 square meter (538 square feet) apartment rents
for 600 EUR (948 USD) per month.
Vacation and Leave
Workers receive a minimum of four weeks of paid holiday, although many receive up to six weeks. There are also 10 public holidays, plus some half-day holidays and feast days for local patron saints. Many Italians choose to take their annual leave during August.
This is just a sample of what you’ll find in the complete Italian country guide. To learn more about Goinglobal and our other country guides, please visit www.goinglobal.com
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on April 7, 2011
Photo attribution to Ripley Daniels
Today’s guest post is brought to you by the Ripley Daniels at Without The Stress. Ripley Daniels is an editor at Without The Stress, a passport, travel visa, and immigration advisory firm located in Los Angeles. They specialize in helping to make the visa and immigration process easier for you. What is fascinating about their post is that rarely do we consider the immigration implications when we fall in love. It’s important to know what kinds of options you have if you decide to take the relationship further and live in the same country. To learn more, visit www.withouththestress.com.
Love knows no boundaries. Thanks to the internet people are finding love across international borders every day. But a particularly interesting trend is the number of Americans who meet and fall in love with Brits on dating sites like Match.com and eHarmony and want to relocate to the U.K. However, as much as couples want to relocate, tie the knot, and start their lives together, the UK Border Agency has made the process of settling in the U.K. anything but simple.
Let’s face it, as Americans, we’ve enjoyed the luxury of globetrotting around the planet freely for decades. For those UK/US couples who have decided to take the next step in their relationship towards marriage, there is often a sense of disbelief that the process is so convoluted. The UK demands that all non-British citizens looking to relocate to the UK must apply for a settlement visa which allows them permanent residency and eventually the opportunity to apply for UK citizenship. On the surface, that doesn’t seem so bad.
A closer look at the process reveals something entirely different. Not only does the application cost a non-refundable $1,000, (depending on the prevailing exchange rate), but the application process itself has become exceedingly difficult. The UK government has dramatically tightened up its borders; a policy initiative fueled by the soaring number of illegal immigrants currently residing in the UK.
The justification is that these measures are an effective means of deterring fraudulent cases and other false relationship claims from those who are only seeking to relocate to the country for health care and other social welfare benefits. The UK consulate demands a dizzying list of supporting documentation which proves that your future or current relationship with a UK citizen is both valid and true.
Photo attribution to Ripley Daniels
Those who are serious about relocating across the pond have three ways to get it done:
- Do it yourself.
- Hire an immigration attorney.
- Hire an experienced visa expert.
For Do it Yourself-ers, it is imperative that you do your research regarding the lengthy online application, daunting list of supporting documents, and the vast array of submission policies in order to dramatically improve your chances of obtaining a UK Settlement visa. Total cost: Approximately $1,000. Total time and stress: off the charts.
For those who plan to hire an immigration attorney, you will have much less work to do, and a lot less stress. But you will pay a pretty penny. And “attorneys”, according to former UK entry clearance officer Myra McKelvie, “usually do not guarantee their work” “I’ve seen thousands of applications botched by attorneys. Its a shame too, because having a denial stamp means forfeiture of the entire application fee and a big “DENIED” stamp on your passport; something that only makes it tougher to get in on future attempts”, she added. Total cost: Approximately $3,500. Total time and stress: Tolerable.
“Another viable, but lesser known option is to hire a travel document expediter. These are firms specializing in helping travelers acquire passports and visas in a hurry”. Most people are completely unaware these firms exist”, say McKelvie. These are people with the expertise to advise clients on visa and immigration matters, but because they are not attorneys, they charge a fraction of what attorneys charge for what is, many times, a better result.
You can easily locate the website of the UK Consulate that serves your jurisdiction to find a list of agencies who may employ such experts. These folks specialize in handling UK visa applications for US travelers and US residents. “Some will even guarantee entry (with the exception of fraudulent applications) into the UK for a very reasonable fee”, she concluded. Total cost: Approximately $1,200. Time and stress: Minimal.
Linda Ripoll is a senior editor at Without The Stress, a passport, travel visa, and immigration advisory firm located in Los Angeles. Myra McKelvie is one of the worldís foremost UK Immigration experts. She is currently offering consulting services at UK Immigration Without The Stress. Prior to her current role, she was an entry clearance officer (ECO) at the UK Consulate in Los Angeles for 15 years. Myra is originally from Glasgow, Scotland.
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on February 21, 2011
Photo attribution to andercismo
Imagine working abroad for the first time, armed with all the information you need to successfully acclimate yourself to the work environment, social scene and overall cultural customs? That is where Goinglobal steps in. Goinglobal is committed to providing you with an arsenal of career information and resources to ease the transition abroad and help you be prepared before you leave. We have career country guides for over 30 countries, written by in-country researchers, aimed to help you as a professional, regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expat.
Every week, we will feature an insight from one of our global career guides to help you achieve your dream of working internationally.
Today’s Tip: Knowing the cost of living in Argentina
By North American and European standards, the cost of living is very low in Argentina. According to a global cost of living survey for expatriates conducted by UBS, the average cost of a basket of products and services in Buenos Aires is 45 percent of the cost of the same basket in New York, the most expensive city for expatriates in the Americas.
Transportation
Due to road congestion and the high cost of parking in Argentina’s cities, most people utilize public transportation. Each of Argentina’s cities has urban bus, or colectivo, service. In Córdoba, Mendoza and Rosario, buses are supplemented with trolley buses which are powered by overhead wires. Buenos Aires has a subway system (known as Subte, short for subterráneo) as well as a network of commuter trains covering its suburbs.
Medical Care and Health Insurance
Argentina’s public health care system has been ravaged by inefficiency, corruption and the paralyzing economic downturn occurring in the early part of this century. Nearly half of all Argentines are covered by healthcare programs funded by their employee union and administered by one of many Obras Sociales. Forty percent do not have health insurance and about 10 percent are covered by private insurance plans. Those who do pay into the public plan pay six percent of the first 4,800 ARS (1,520 USD) in gross earnings plus 1.5 percent of the first 4,800 ARS of gross earnings for each dependent.
This is just a sample of what you’ll find in the complete Argentina guide. To learn more about Goinglobal and our other country guides, please visit www.goinglobal.com
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on December 27, 2010
Photo attribution to andercismo
Imagine working abroad for the first time, armed with all the information you need to successfully acclimate yourself to the work environment, social scene and overall cultural customs? That is where Goinglobal steps in. Goinglobal is committed to providing you with an arsenal of career information and resources to ease the transition abroad and help you be prepared before you leave. We have career country guides for over 30 countries, written by in-country researchers, that help you as a professional regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expat.
Every week, we will feature an insight from one of our global career guides to help you achieve your dream of working internationally.
Today’s tip: How to interview in Spain
Interviews will vary greatly depending upon the type of companies, their cultures, the interviewer, the type of job, the sector or other aspects. This guide only intends to address the typical behavior or situation one can be facing.
Pre-Interview Preparation
The best way to prepare for a job interview in Spain is to research the company’s website or reference books. Spanish recruiters are impressed with applicants who have knowledge about the company’s chief executives, products and services, competitors and clients. One should also review the job requirements carefully to ensure that all the important issues can be addressed in the interview.
Interview Conduct
For an interview, dress should be formal or classic. Men’s business attire consists of a conservative but well-fitted suit, including a jacket and tie. Women generally wear stylishly tailored dresses or suits. Black or brown shoes for men and heels for women are preferred.
The Interview
Spaniards tend to be very conversational, and there is always casual discussion before entering into business. Personal relationships are very important, both socially and in business, as this helps establish trust.
Post-Interview
After the interview, it is acceptable to follow up with a phone call or an email with the main interviewer. It is advisable to avoid calling the first thing in the morning. This follow up communication will thank the interviewer for his/her time, and offer him/her the opportunity to get further information, including information about references.
This is just a sample of what you’ll find in the complete Spain guide.
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on November 22, 2010
Photo attribution to andercismo
Imagine working abroad for the first time, armed with all the information you need to successfully acclimate yourself to the work environment, social scene and overall cultural customs? That’s where Goinglobal steps in. Goinglobal is committed to providing you with an arsenal of career information and resources to ease the transition abroad and help you be prepared before you leave. We have career country guides for over 30 countries, written by in-country researchers, that help you as a professional regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expat.
Every week, we will feature an insight from one of our global career guides to help you achieve your dream of working internationally.
Photo attribution to clearlyambiguous
Today’s Tip: Employment trends in Costa Rica
Major changes can be identified in the Costa Rican labor market based on data supplied by the National Population Censuses. One industry declining in importance is agriculture. It declined from 34.6 percent of total employment in the 1980s to just 19.5 percent currently. On the other hand, financial employment (which grew from 2.9 to 6.2 percent) and trade (from 9.5 to 13.9 percent) have shown significant growth and are becoming increasingly seen as the major job sources for salaried employees.the last decade, job opportunities have become ever more diverse. They are increasingly focused on services as a result of INTEL’s arrival, along with other technology companies, and the development of business clusters including software, financial services, medical supplies and medical tourism. The service sector is made up of jobs related to basic services such as electricity, water, gas, warehousing and transportation, as well as vehicle distribution, sale and maintenance, trade, stores and small-scale trade. It comprises nearly 56 percent of total employment. The manufacturing sector, linked chiefly to manufacturing, food and beverages, apparel and leather, wood and furniture, and machinery and equipment accounts for 24 percent. Finally, the agricultural sector accounts for 20 percent, with employment in traditional and non-traditional agricultural exports (i.e., coffee, sugarcane, bananas and cattle) and, to a lesser degree, staple grains.
Over the last decade, job opportunities have become ever more diverse. They are increasingly focused on services as a result of INTEL’s arrival, along with other technology companies, and the development of business clusters including software, financial services, medical supplies and medical tourism. The service sector is made up of jobs related to basic services such as electricity, water, gas, warehousing and transportation, as well as vehicle distribution, sale and maintenance, trade, stores and small-scale trade. It comprises nearly 56 percent of total employment. The manufacturing sector, linked chiefly to manufacturing, food and beverages, apparel and leather, wood and furniture, and machinery and equipment accounts for 24 percent. Finally, the agricultural sector accounts for 20 percent, with employment in traditional and non-traditional agricultural exports (i.e., coffee, sugarcane, bananas and cattle) and, to a lesser degree, staple grains.
This is just a sample of what you’ll find in the complete Costa Rica guide.
Comments:
Posted by: Olga at Going Global
Posted on November 15, 2010
Photo attribution to andercismo
Imagine working abroad for the first time, armed with all the information you need to successfully acclimate yourself to the work environment, social scene and overall cultural customs? That’s where Goinglobal steps in. Goinglobal is committed to providing you with an arsenal of career information and resources to ease the transition abroad and help you be prepared before you leave. We have career country guides for over 30 countries, written by in-country researchers, that help you as a professional regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expat.
Every week, we will feature an insight from one of our global career guides to help you achieve your dream of working internationally.
Photo attribution to juanflauta
Known for their long standing history of political neutrality, yodeling, and decadent chocolates, Switzerland is a top destination for bankers, politicians and adventure seekers. Surrounded by the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura in Western Europe, Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. Switzerland is home to a variety of international organizations including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization, and FIFA. Consistently ranked as having one of the highest quality of life standards, it’s no wonder that Switzerland is a top destination for international internships. Below we have listed a few resources to start your international internship search in Switzerland.
Job Search Overview
If looking to find a job in Switzerland from abroad, time and patience are indispensable. There are several resources to help secure a position in Switzerland. Online websites, along with more traditional forums of job searching, such as employment agencies, temporary agencies, recruitment agencies and classified advertisements in newspapers and trade magazines, are good ways to find available positions. Recruitment agencies and Internet-based sources are the most widespread ways of looking for a job in Switzerland.
Online Job Sites
Iagora
http://iwork.iagora.com/jobs/Switzerland/listing/ (German, French, Italian, Spanish, English)
This European job portal provides information on entry-level jobs and internships in Switzerland.
WAIT! There is more to read… read on »
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Posted by: Olga at Going Global
