Define the right company
When people think of internships abroad, multinational corporations often come to mind. Companies like GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft), NATU (Netflix, Airbnb, Tesla, Uber), and other tech giants and innovative sectors are highly sought after, despite the recent wave of job cuts in these industries. These multinational companies are still actively recruiting, as they offer a pathway to a successful international career. The same can be said for internships with leading companies in sectors such as construction, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals. However, relying solely on multinational companies doesn't guarantee a successful internship overseas.
First and foremost, the right internship aligns with your individual needs. It should harmonize with your studies and career plans. The internship should allow you to grow professionally and closely relate to the type of job you aspire to. Take a moment to visualize and list the tasks you have undertaken during your studies. These are all potential assignments that could be transferred to a company. The successful completion of these assignments is crucial for a rewarding internship experience and the validation of your skills.
Consider the company and your career plan
Before embarking on your search for companies, take the time to develop your career project. Consider your academic background and the experience you have gained from your university or school, and list what you have accomplished and what you are seeking in a future company. Visualizing your career plan will help you narrow down your search and select a company that aligns with your goals. Ideally, gather as much information as possible about the companies abroad. How reputable are they? Do they typically hire international interns? What kinds of assignments do they offer? How easy is it to contact them (for example, do they have a dedicated area for internship applications)? Do you know anyone who has worked for these companies?
Choose companies that tick the most boxes on your list. Keep in mind that there is no "perfect" company. Select those that best align with your career plans and personal values. Don't solely focus on the size of the company, as multinational corporations may be highly competitive and challenging to join. Conversely, lesser-known companies might provide better opportunities. Don't underestimate the significance of internships and their potential impact. Internships not only enhance your CV but also serve as a launching pad for your career, whether you choose to continue working abroad or return home.
Find a suitable company
Finding the right company may be challenging, particularly if they have a limited online presence. Therefore, it's important to leverage both professional and informal networks. LinkedIn is an obvious choice, but depending on the country, you may utilize other networks. For example, in Japan, platforms like Wantedly, Renew career (pro), or Line (a popular messaging app) are commonly used.
Don't overlook industry-specific communities and forums. Each field of work often has its groups where professionals share information. Platforms like Discord are popular among professionals in areas such as technology, video games, film, animation, and music. LinkedIn serves as a general professional platform, and despite losing some popularity, Facebook still has dedicated professional groups. The advantage of these online groups is that they are international. However, don't rely solely on English, as it may not be the primary language spoken by group members. While fluency in English is essential for internships or careers abroad, relying solely on English (especially for longer internships) is not a good idea. Learning the host country's language (or at least making an effort to learn it) will give you an advantage and facilitate your integration.
Remember that not everything happens online. Attend professional forums and events related to your career plans, even if they are not directly related to internships. Foreign exhibitors or companies based in your target country may be present, offering an excellent opportunity to make contacts well in advance of your internship search.
Understand the company's responsibilities
Pay close attention to the tasks outlined in the company's internship offers. These assignments should align with your field of study. Before committing, ensure that the tasks you'll perform during your internship abroad correspond to what was advertised. The same applies to unsolicited applications – ensure the company's activities align with your interests.
As a student, you may hesitate to approach a potential future employer directly. We often rely on the information provided in the internship offer or on the company's website without delving into the job's specifics. However, if the assigned tasks are significantly different from your field of study, it may jeopardize the validity of your internship, especially if it is compulsory or a requirement for your diploma. Companies may not always be aware of your school's specific requirements. It's your responsibility to communicate with them and ensure that everything is in order.
Avoid overseas internship scams
Internship definitions and regulations vary across countries. For instance, in France, interns have a distinct legal status and are not considered employees but individuals who carry out tasks under the supervision of a company. On the other hand, in Canada, interns are treated as regular employees. These discrepancies in intern status not only affect your rights and obligations but also influence how the company perceives you. Understanding these differences and how internships are viewed in your target country will help you prepare for your international experience and avoid scams.
You may have heard or read stories of students who regretted their internships. Some found the work tedious or different from what they had expected. Others were not given a position upon joining the company or lacked proper supervision. Some even ended up performing tasks beyond the scope of an intern's responsibilities without receiving appropriate compensation. Preparation is essential on both sides. Just as you prepare yourself for the internship, the company should also be prepared to welcome you.
Beware of repetitive internship offers
Be cautious when encountering internship offers that appear on every job board, especially if they advertise dream internships in popular tourist destinations. Some companies specialize in recruiting international interns. The level of legal protection for interns can vary from country to country. Some companies take advantage of the vague intern status to recruit them as permanent employees. As a result, these companies intentionally publish ambiguous job offers, particularly regarding the assigned tasks, as they mainly work with interns. Consequently, these job offers are often posted on multiple sites throughout the year.
Avoid tempting and ambiguous offers
If a company is seeking an intern in a technical field but does not require any specific prior skills, or if they promise extensive "on-the-job training" or other forms of training at the beginning of the internship, be cautious. Hiring an accounting intern without formal accounting training is unlikely to be beneficial. Some companies may advertise their vacancies too broadly, implying that any profile will suffice. This approach opens the door to potential abuses, particularly regarding the nature of the tasks assigned to interns.
Beware of "super intern" expectations
On the other hand, some offers may resemble those of senior professionals, with a wide range of responsibilities and opportunities for advancement. At first glance, these offers may seem more appealing than vague ones. However, it's important to remember that as an intern, you are closer to a junior employee than a senior expert. Be cautious of any "super intern" expectations that may arise from the start of your internship or gradually as your tasks progress. If you feel that your assigned tasks go beyond what is reasonable (especially if the compensation does not reflect it), don't hesitate to seek explanations from your employer.
Be wary of easy hiring processes
While not all countries require an internship agreement to be signed, as an intern, you have an obligation to follow the procedures established by your school. If you need signed documents, request the company to provide them. Similarly, the recruitment process should involve mandatory steps, even for first-time hires. If your application is accepted immediately upon sending the first email without an interview or further assessment, exercise caution. The company should at least have some knowledge of you (even in remote recruitment scenarios), just as you should have some understanding of the company.
Extra tips for internships abroad
To increase your chances of finding an internship abroad, avoid starting your search at the last minute. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the host country. Understand the legal protections in place for interns, the internship status, required working hours, and salary standards. Verify the legitimacy and credibility of the company, such as how long it has been in operation.
Ideally, build a network of connections before starting your internship search. Your existing contacts are more likely to provide valuable information when they already know you. Make a positive impression, even in virtual networking settings.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, promptly notify your employer of any discrepancies between the internship tasks and the contract you signed. Discuss the issue with your employer if you feel uncomfortable or if your assigned tasks don't align with your expectations. It could be a simple misunderstanding. Inform your educational institution at the first sign of trouble; they can offer valuable advice and assistance. If the problem persists, they may be able to help you terminate the internship agreement, allowing you to seek an alternative placement. Remember that solutions exist in every situation.
Useful links:
Japan - Wantedly; Renew career
USA - Internship USA; US Department – student internship program
Canada - Talent Egg; Job bank
Australia - Australian internships; GradConnection
Germany - Germany career start; DAAD
