More and more college graduates have begun to look for employment opportunities abroad. At an institution like Mount Holyoke, students are constantly exposed to countless occasions to engage in global conversation through study abroad programs, international internships and direct interactions with our diverse student body. It is thus, without a doubt, that in each graduating class from Mount Holyoke, there are often a handful of students who decide to work or pursue advanced degrees overseas.

French major Carolyn Strobel ’09 is one of them. During her junior year, Strobel had the chance to study and work in three countries—she spent her fall semester in India, went to France during the spring semester and interned at a publishing house in Ireland during the summer. By the time Strobel returned to Mount Holyoke to complete her senior year, she knew exactly where she wanted to work after graduation: Ireland.

Strobel took advantage of the resources that the CDC offers, including mock interviews and workshops for students interested in working abroad. She found her job search group particularly useful, which consisted of seniors looking for jobs. The group met regularly to discuss and present the progress on their individual job searches. “These meetings kept me on top of things because I always had to have something to report back to my group members in regard to the progress I was making in finding a job,” said Strobel.

All of the research and hard work eventually paid off. Thanks to the connections she had developed while interning in Ireland the previous summer, Strobel secured a volunteer position as a communications and membership services intern at a volunteering organization in Dublin.

Strobel emphasized the importance of gaining international work experience because it shows that the candidate can adapt to foreign work environments and work with a diverse group of people. She also learned that unlike in the U.S., where one is advised to market or flaunt one’s exceptional qualities and skills during an interview, European employers look for candidates who are qualified but humble.

Though as an English speaker in Ireland Strobel does not have to deal with language barriers, she faced other challenges. Living and working abroad, she had to deal with issues such as securing visas and work permits. “The process can be stressful, especially when you plan to move abroad before you find a job,” said Strobel.

Strobel has three pieces of advice for students hoping to work overseas after graduation. First, she said, know where you want to work and what industry you are interested in. Yet make sure you keep your options open. Second, decide whether you want to find a job through a program or independently. And lastly, build up a strong network by connecting with other Mount Holyoke alums who might currently be residing in the country to which you plan to move.

Although Strobel has enjoyed her time in Dublin, she intends to return to the U.S. later this year to pursue a career in higher education. But no matter where life takes her, she will always value the experience and skills she has gained from her internship in Ireland.

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