This Gator Career Chat focused on international business careers, featuring three UF alumni panelists sharing their experiences living and working globally:
- Melissa Hester, Lecturer in Management, Wrexham University; UF alum with a B.A. in political science and M.B.A.
- Damon Sununtnasuk, CEO & Founder – Natural Cure Labs LLC; UF alum with a B.S. in business administration and M.B.A. (from another university)
- TJ Bowley, Controller and Assistant Treasurer (ret.), Deutz; UF alum with a B.S. in business administration and M.A. in accounting.
The discussion covered career paths in multinational companies, strategies for finding international opportunities, cross-cultural challenges, and advice for students interested in global careers. Panelists emphasized the importance of patience, open-mindedness, and networking when pursuing international work experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Working abroad requires patience, open-mindedness, and willingness to adapt to different cultural norms
- Multinational companies offer pathways to international careers through internal transfers
- Building international networks through university connections, professional organizations, and social platforms is crucial
- Understanding cultural differences helps navigate international business environments effectively
- Reframing challenges as learning opportunities enhances the international experience
Pathways to International Careers
The panelists described three main pathways to international careers. The first is through internal transfers within multinational companies, which Damon experienced when transferring from Microsoft’s Seattle office to London. While this path leverages existing employment, it can take significant time due to visa requirements and proving the need for foreign talent. The second approach involves physically relocating to the target country and conducting an in-person job search, demonstrating commitment but facing challenges like tourist visa limitations and financial pressure. The third method is applying from home for positions abroad, potentially securing visas in advance based on qualifications. Panelists emphasized that joining multinational companies after graduation provides a foundation for future international opportunities. They also highlighted the value of graduate programs with international focus, like Thunderbird’s Global School of Management, which Melissa attended, requiring international experience and regional specialization.
Relevant Q&A
David: How were you able to start moving in the direction of international work earlier in your careers?
TJ: I communicated to my superiors that international work was something I desired and sought out benchmarking opportunities with other countries, which opened doors for international travel.
Melissa: Having done the international business degree at Thunderbird, where I focused on Latin America, helped develop business and language skills for that region.
Cross-Cultural Challenges and Adaptation
Working across cultures requires significant adaptation and awareness. Damon described his experience in South Korea as working in “one of the most culturally extreme environments on the planet” compared to Western norms, emphasizing the need for patience and open-mindedness. He noted that eliminating judgmental terms like “weird” from his vocabulary helped him appreciate cultural differences rather than criticizing them. Melissa highlighted that even English-speaking countries like the UK present cultural challenges that can be overlooked due to the shared language, creating a false sense of similarity. TJ identified “American arrogance” as a major obstacle, noting that Americans often assume their methods are universally applicable without understanding local contexts. All panelists stressed the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and respecting different approaches. They also discussed how everyday activities like sending a birthday card can become complex adventures in foreign countries, requiring adaptability and patience.
Relevant Q&A
David: Can you share a particular moment in your careers where you had a key lesson in navigating cross-cultural environments?
Damon: My ‘aha’ moment was returning to the US after 18 months abroad and experiencing reverse culture shock, realizing my friends and family were doing the same things while I had experienced significant growth and change.
Melissa: You need to constantly be aware of cultural differences to avoid unintentionally causing offense, while maintaining your American identity without imposing it on others.
Building International Networks
The panelists emphasized the importance of networking for international opportunities. TJ recommended joining professional organizations like IMA and FICPA, which provided connections and leadership opportunities that enhanced her credentials for promotion. Damon highlighted Internations, an organization for expatriates that exists worldwide and allows people to build international networks through social events. Melissa suggested attending international conferences, even within the U.S., to meet people from around the world. All panelists stressed the importance of expressing interest in international work to supervisors and colleagues. They also recommended researching country-specific job search platforms, as platforms popular in the U.S. may not be used internationally. Additionally, they advised understanding the cultural norms around job applications in target countries, as some may prefer in-person connections while others expect formal applications.
Relevant Q&A
David: What suggestions do you have for students to build international networks or find global opportunities?
TJ: Express interest in international work to those above you and take advantage of conferences and meetings to visit countries and meet people.
Damon: Consider joining a multinational company, as that’s what propelled me abroad. Many companies recruiting at UF are international in nature.
Suggested Ways to Explore and Prepare for a Career Abroad
- Research multinational companies that recruit at UF and their international programs
- Consider study abroad or international internship opportunities while at UF
- Join international student organizations on campus to build cross-cultural skills
- Explore graduate programs with international components like Thunderbird School of Global Management or UF’s Master of International Business
- Express interest in international opportunities to potential employers during interviews
- Research country-specific job search platforms for target countries of interest
Supplemental Resources and Readings
Check out these resources and books recommended by the panelists.
- The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – Provides overview of various cultural spectrums including authority and perception of time
- Internations – Social org for expatriates and internationally minded individuals
- The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson – Cultural insights about Britain from an American perspective
- Have You Eaten Yet? by Cheuk Kwan – Book about Chinese restaurants around the world offering cultural awareness
- Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program – Opportunity for teaching English in Japan
- Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad (also has a YouTube channel) and Canned Coffee and Kimonos by Tom Fitzmaurice – Resources about living in Japan
- Professional organizations: IMA and FICPA for accounting/finance professionals
