Kazira

The current times maybe somewhat choppy, turbulent, and gloomy for folks who are in the job market, specially the ones that possess little (<3 years) to no experience. Job cut news are making headlines pretty much across the board - Countrywide, AOL, Yahoo, Citi, etc. Recent government job reports also show a trimming of company payrolls and a slight rise in unemployment numbers. On the flip side, you've also got the case where more and more companies are sensing the need to diversify their operations, so as to make the company's overall performance less prone to local, national, and regional fluctuations and vagaries (specially the negatives ones). These bumps could be as a result of changes in the economic, social, political, and geographical landscape. Global diversification also gives companies access to, amongst others things, new talent, markets, and customers.

If that is the case, why not look beyond the borders? How about searching for an international opportunity? Canada and Mexico could be options but their close proximity to US tells me that there is a good likelihood of the US ailments spilling over to those countries. How about South America (Brazil, Argentina) or Europe or Asia or even down under (Australia, New Zealand)?

All I am saying is that there are plenty of options available to you if you are willing to step "outside the box". The US education brand is fairly reputable and recognized all around the world. US continues to be the most valued market and customer to most of the large global firms. If you've already got a few years of US experience and have some understanding of the domestic US market and consumer behaviors/tastes, it could position you real well in the global job market. Knowing a second language could also give you a leg-up over your competition.

Of course, the most obvious destinations would be the countries where English is the working and business language - UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Australia, New Zealand, etc. But then there is also a tremendous demand for well qualified 20 to 30-somethings, to support the operations of US firms, in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, France, Germany, and Taiwan. Most of the firms you would be chasing in the US have presence across the globe - Goldman Sachs, Pfizer, Citi, Unilever, P&G, Caterpillar, WalMart, Disney, GM, Google, Microsoft - the list goes on and on.

And then there are all the gains, benefits, and perks that come along with having a global gig -

1. Get exposure to a different national and work culture

2. Learn how to do business in a different part of the world

3. Get an opportunity to see new places and experience new cuisines

4. Get an opportunity to save more (living expenses may be more affordable or your company may give you other allowances to compensate you for being away from home)

5. Make friends across the continents

6. Broaden your global horizon and perspectives

7. Most important of all - Demonstrate to a future employer your aptitude and ability to contribute at a global level, along with the perception that you take your career seriously

I am optimistic that this posting will help open the minds (followed by a few doors) of some of our readers. Don't let all that economic gloom and doom bog you down.

For the bold and the ambitious, there is never dearth of opportunities!