What are the best strategies for transitioning to a global career?

1 Assess your readiness

Before applying for a global role or assignment, it's important to assess your readiness and suitability for working in a different environment. This means evaluating your skills, knowledge, interests, and goals, as well as your personal and family circumstances. Ask yourself if you have the relevant technical and professional skills for the role, as well as the language and communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders. Consider if you have the cultural awareness and sensitivity to adapt to different norms and expectations, the motivation to learn from new experiences, the flexibility and resilience to cope with uncertainty and change, and the support from family and friends to relocate or travel frequently.

2 Research your options

Once you have assessed your readiness, it's time to research the options and opportunities for a global career. This includes exploring different types of global roles and assignments, like expatriate, inpatriate, international commuter, and virtual team member. Additionally, you should research specific countries and regions that are relevant for your global role. This involves learning about the culture, history, politics, economy, legal system, and social issues of those places. You can use online resources, books and magazines, courses and workshops, or networks and mentors to gain insights into living and working abroad. All of these sources can help you develop the language, communication, and intercultural skills necessary for a successful global career.

4 Adapt to your new environment

Once you have arrived in your new environment, it is important to adapt to your new role and culture. To do this, you should observe and listen to how people communicate, behave, and interact in your new environment to gain an understanding of the underlying reasons and assumptions behind their actions and words. Additionally, ask and learn from your new colleagues, clients, and stakeholders about their expectations, preferences, and feedback. Demonstrate respect and appreciation for the differences and similarities between your own and other cultures, without making judgments or stereotypes based on your own assumptions or biases. Finally, experiment and reflect on your own behavior and performance in your new environment so that you can adapt and improve your skills and strategies based on your observations and feedback.

5 Maintain your balance and well-being

Finally, to maintain balance and well-being while working in a global role or assignment, it is important to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as your personal and professional development. To do this, you need to manage your time and energy by setting priorities, boundaries, and routines. Additionally, staying connected and engaged with family, friends, colleagues, and clients is key. Furthermore, if you face any issues or challenges (e.g., stress, isolation, or conflict), it is important to seek help and support from your employer or mentor. Lastly, you should celebrate your achievements and growth by recognizing and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments and learning outcomes.