Here's how you can develop the most valuable skills for working internationally as a mid-career professional.

Having cultural sensitivity in the workplace is crucial. To be successful you would need to be able to adapt to different cultures and work as team with people from different backgrounds. This skills is unique as it can’t be taught in academia, you would need to obtain it by work experience. Once acquired, you will demonstrate how to share your thoughts in the boardroom as well as working with your peers.

Una larga estancia en el extranjero comienza mucho antes de hacer el viaje de ida. Conoce el país al que vas a viajar, sus costumbres, historia o política. Compara como es la rutina vs tu país y sobretodo los choques culturales que puedes encontrar, como por ejemplo: el horario de trabajo, comida...

Cultural Agility: Cross-Cultural Training: Engage in cross-cultural training programs to understand and navigate different cultural behaviors, practices, and norms effectively. International Exposure: Seek opportunities for international exposure through work assignments, volunteering, or traveling to broaden your understanding of various cultural contexts.

Strategic Networking: Build International Connections: Actively build and maintain a network of international contacts through professional associations, conferences, and online platforms like LinkedIn. Cultural Exchange: Participate in cultural exchange programs or international collaborations that can enhance your global network and provide firsthand experience working with diverse teams.

As you try to build international connections it is important that you do it authentically. Don't spam people just because they live in your desired area. Instead, go to a professional conference or networking meeting for your niche in that area. Contact the biggest employers in your niche through recruiters working for that company. Find local head hunters who specialize in your niche and let them know what you are looking for. Start creating content online that targets your ideal co-workers and network with them. When they view you as an authority they will be happy to suggest your for roles in their companies.

Language Proficiency: Language Courses: Enroll in language courses to learn or improve your proficiency in languages critical to your target markets or international roles. Practice Regularly: Practice language skills in a business context by participating in language meetups, professional groups, or through language tandem partnerships.

Dominar el idioma local debe convertirse en tu prioridad; cuanto antes lo hagas, mejor será tu adaptación. Por supuesto puedes inscribirte en cursos, pero yo personalmente siempre he elegido integrar el idioma en mi rutina diaria: cambio el idioma en aplicaciones que domino, veo películas o series en su idioma original, libros igual o investigo sobre grupos locales y escucho música en ese idioma. La mejor opción de desarrollarlo es si conoces a alguien que ya lo domine, pues recibirás un feedback instantáneo.

Global Mindset: Global Awareness: Regularly update yourself on global economic, social, and political trends that impact international business. Inclusive Thinking: Develop an inclusive approach to problem-solving that considers diverse perspectives and solutions.

Un error muy repetido de manera general está en la frase "esto en mi país se hace así". Ten claro que un ejercicio muy complicado al que te vas a enfrentar es el cambiar tu punto de vista y entender que soluciones que te pueden funcionar en tu día a día, pueden ni contemplarse en este nuevo escenario. Un gran consejo que recibí es buscar expertos de mi campo sobre el país que tenga en mente y conocer todo lo que pueda acerca de ellos, pues ellos habrán recorrido ya un camino en el cual voy a emprender.

Digital Proficiency: Tech Skills: Update your technical skills relevant to your field, focusing on tools and platforms commonly used in international settings. Remote Collaboration Tools: Become proficient in using digital communication and project management tools that facilitate remote and international teamwork.

Mantén un buen protocolo de seguridad (por ejemplo: cambios periódicos de contrase?as) y no dejes pasar un día sin conocer o formarte en herramientas digitales, sean del campo que sean.

Adaptability & Resilience: Flexibility in Roles: Be open to various roles and responsibilities that may differ from your previous experiences, adapting quickly to new job demands. Stress Management: Develop strategies to manage stress and remain resilient in the face of the uncertainties and challenges of working internationally.

Es el momento de ser una esponja total, tener los ojos abiertos y la mente preparada en todo momento, cada conversación con clientes, compa?eros, proveedores es una oportunidad de oro para seguir con tu desarrollo, mejorar el idioma o ampliar tu red de contactos.