Where can IT lead you? Add an international dimension to your career in IT Youssef Bouguerra AMBCS

My international experience International background Studied in France and in the UK Joined Kenan Systems (now CSG Systems) in August 1998 Europe – Sep/Dec 1998 Venezuela (Caracas) – Jan/Feb 1999 US (Virginia) – Mar/Apr 1999 Argentina (Buenos Aires) – Jun/Aug 1999 Chile (Santiago) – Sep 1999 Brazil – Oct 1999 to Oct 2001 –Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte

Why does IT matter? Why are there now more opportunities to work internationally? Globalisation Increasing proportion of international technology contracts Centralised IT systems for large multinationals Need to buy from foreign suppliers in niche markets (handful of market leaders – e.g. telco billing) Need to fetch some specialist skills overseas Trend to outsource to third-world countries

Tips to go for IT Let your employer know you’re interested in international work Ask, don’t wait till you’re asked (won’t happen!) Be on the lookout for opportunities (inside and outside your organisation) What can you do now? –Perfect your language skills –Work placements abroad –Take some time off to travel – employers will acknowledge the skills you will have gained

The downside Can be exhausting to travel frequently –Monday morning flights… Away from home for extended periods of time Difficult to draw line between personal and professional life And you may end up in unsavoury locations!

How will you benefit? Perfect your language skills Opens your mind –Different ways of working –Different ways of thinking –Cultural awareness Meet new people, make new friends Looks good on your CV –More opportunities later, future jobs And it’s fun!