What is one transformational experience from your time abroad. From Passports to Professions: How to Articulate the Value of your Study Abroad Experience October 21, 2017 Dr. Kirsten Fox Before we go to slide 2, we’ll do quick “sharing” from around the room.. What is one transformational experience from your time abroad. Current thoughts on future aspirations

Benefits of Study Abroad

Benefits Challenges your comfort zone Ability to work independently Adaptable to situations of change Apply information in new or broader contexts Identify social / political / global implications or decisions Interact with people who hold different interests, values, and/or perspectives Understand cultural differences in the workplace Undertake unfamiliar tasks and opportunities Amplifies curiosity

What attributes are employers looking for?

NACE: 2017 Job Outlook Survey Leadership Strong work ethic Ability to work in teams Initiative Written communication Analytical/ quantitative skills Problem solving Flexibility/ adaptability Verbal communication skills Detail oriented Overlap??

And…. Curiosity

Articulating the value of your Study Abroad experience Telling your story: Articulating the value of your Study Abroad experience CONCERNS Unfortunately, some employers may not necessarily understand the value your experiences have compared to other curricular and/or co-curricular activities in which students participate. Why? Rise of Voluntourism Lack of Awareness Inability to Articulate your Experience toward the Workplace Value of the experience Skills and competencies gained Applicability towards the workplace / grad school

STAR(T) Method S = situation T = task A = action R = result T = tie it back How do you articulate the value of your Study Abroad experience? S.T.A.R - Situation, Task, Action, Result Context – Experience(s) – Skills/Knowledge - Evidence of Achievement

Where will you express this value?

Resumes Components of a bullet point: Customize to audience: Action verb Responsibility/task Quantify Accomplishment/outcome Customize to audience: Graduate school Employers Mission Placement of experience on resume

Resume Practice Step 1: write down at least one situation or task that you experienced during your time abroad Step 2: create three bullet points describing study abroad experience Step 3: turn, pair, and share - decide on one bullet point to share with the person next to you.

Unpack & Articulate your Experience How do you articulate the value of your Study Abroad experience? ACTION____________________ RESULT? __________________________________________

In-person: Networking, Interviews, & Elevator Pitch Leverage your Abroad Experience Concise What is your Differentiator Value-Added Behavioral Interview Questions “Tell me about a time you…” Managed conflict Worked in a team Failed Adapted to change The Elevator Pitch: 30 seconds to 2 minutes long Customized

Elevator Pitch Practice Step 1: write down what you want to say Step 2: in groups of 2, deliver your elevator pitch to each other Step 3: brave volunteers will deliver their elevator pitch to whole group

Questions? Dr. Kirsten Fox foxk@denison.edu 740-587-6656