What are the best practices for managing repatriation after an international assignment?

1 Prepare before departure

One of the key steps to successful repatriation is to plan ahead before leaving for the international assignment. You should clarify your goals, expectations, and duration of the assignment with your employer, and discuss how your performance and career development will be evaluated and supported. You should also maintain regular contact with your home office, colleagues, and mentors, and keep updated on the changes and opportunities in your home country. This will help you stay connected and relevant, and avoid losing visibility and recognition.

2 Seek support during the assignment

While you are on the international assignment, you should seek support from various sources to help you cope with the challenges and opportunities. You can join a network of other expatriates, local colleagues, or professional associations, and share your experiences and insights. You can also access online resources, coaching, or mentoring programs offered by your employer or external providers, and learn new skills and knowledge that will enhance your career. You should also keep in touch with your family and friends back home, and celebrate your achievements and milestones.

3 Plan ahead for the return

As your international assignment comes to an end, you should start planning for your return to your home country. You should communicate with your employer about your preferences, expectations, and concerns regarding your repatriation. You should also update your resume, portfolio, and network, and showcase your accomplishments and contributions during the assignment. You should also prepare yourself and your family for the reverse culture shock, and research the current situation and trends in your home country.

4 Reintegrate into the home office

Once you return to your home country, you should reintegrate into the home office and culture. You should seek feedback and guidance from your manager and HR, and understand your new role, responsibilities, and expectations. You should also reconnect with your colleagues and peers, and share your knowledge and skills gained from the international assignment. You should also seek opportunities to apply your cross-cultural competencies and global perspective to your work, and demonstrate your value and potential.

5 Manage your career development

Repatriation is not the end of your career journey, but a new beginning. You should manage your career development proactively and strategically, and leverage your international experience to advance your goals. You should identify your strengths, interests, and aspirations, and explore the options and paths available to you. You should also seek feedback, mentoring, and coaching, and pursue learning and development opportunities. You should also network with other global professionals, and keep an open mind to future international assignments.

6 Evaluate your repatriation experience

Finally, you should evaluate your repatriation experience and learn from it. You should reflect on what you have gained, learned, and achieved from the international assignment, and how it has changed you personally and professionally. You should also assess the challenges and difficulties you have faced, and how you have overcome them. You should also acknowledge and appreciate the support and resources you have received, and provide feedback and suggestions to your employer and others. You should also celebrate your success and growth, and share your stories and insights with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?