Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to sub menu navigation College of Liberal Arts Logo and The University of Texas Logo The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts
leftNavImage

Image Career Services

Upcoming Events

Defining “International” in Your Job Search

The way you work internationally will depend on your interests and personal situation. International jobs come in all shapes and sizes and characteristics; in fact, 80% of all "international" jobs are located in the United States.

Here are some categories of international jobs based on primary location with examples of employers within those categories:

Live in a foreign country, and

  • Work for a foreign-owned business or school
    • Teach English as a second language in the JET program
    • Work as an "Americanizer" in a British publishing firm
  • Work for an American business:
    • Disneyland Paris
    • American law firm with offices abroad
  • Work for the American government:
    • Foreign Service position
    • US Army and Air Force Exchange (civilian positions at military bases worldwide)

Live in the United States, and

  • Work for an international company (which may or may not involve travel):
    • Guinness PLC in Stanford, CT (British)
    • Nestle in Glendale, CA (Swiss)
  • Work for an American organization, traveling occasionally:
    • Buyer for a major department store
    • International Education Coordinator for an American college or university
    • American banks with international offices
    • American consulting firms
  • Maintain communication with other countries, without necessarily traveling:
    • Import/Export businesses
    • Federal government positions
    • Teach
  • Work with people of another culture:
    • Social service organization which helps new immigrants
    • Social work in Florida, Texas, or California
    • Multicultural/international student advisor at a college or university

Careers which involve constant travel:

  • Careers in the transportation or travel industry, particularly:
    • Cruise ship worker
    • Tour guide
    • Pilot

Ways to pursue your international interests regardless of your career:

You can keep your international perspective through:

  • Volunteer work
  • Participating in international exhibits and programs in an American city
  • Joining clubs or international organizations, visiting museums and art galleries
  • Going to local ethnic festivals.