1. 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

2. Benefits of Study Abroad

3. 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

4. What attributes are employers looking for?

5. 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??

6. And….
Curiosity

7. 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

8. 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

9. Where will you express this value?

10. 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

11. 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.

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

13. 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

14. 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

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