Maximize Your Experience Abroad

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Wellesley Career Education

This resource was co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.

Learn how to maximize your study abroad experience by connecting to the Wellesley network, exploring beyond the classroom, and reflecting on your experience.

Thinking of Study Abroad?

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Wellesley Career Education

This resource was co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.

While it is easy to see the academic benefits of study abroad, it is also important to identify its career benefits. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has a list of competencies that contribute to the career readiness of today’s college graduates. Global/intercultural fluency was one of the marketable competencies on the list. Furthermore, in a NACE survey, employers identified their top four competencies: critical thinking/problem solving, professionalism/work ethic, teamwork, and communications skills. The great news is that you could develop all of these skills as part of your study abroad experience.

Resume Guidelines and Samples

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Wellesley Career Education

Your resume is generally a one-page document that clearly presents your current and past experiences and accomplishments so that your reader can understand the unique value that you bring to the table. As you begin to draft your resume, this resource will provide guidelines to consider.

Leverage Your Experience Abroad

Wellesley Career Education logo
Wellesley Career Education

Co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.

This resource provides tips to help you leverage your study abroad experience upon your return.

Cover Letter Guidelines and Samples

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Wellesley Career Education
  • The purpose of the cover letter is to demonstrate to the employer that you are a good fit for their organization and the role for which you’re applying. Think about your cover letter as a way to “connect the dots” between your resume (your past) and the job description (the future).
  • Share the reasons for your interest, enthusiasm, and qualifications for the job, beyond what is communicated in your resume.
  • Help the employer understand your motivation and provide an introduction to your personality and values.

LinkedIn

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Wellesley Career Education

Think of your LinkedIn profile as a virtual “resume” that includes information about your education, experiences, skills, and much more. Keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile, similar to your resume, is an opportunity to brand yourself. So before you begin building your profile, you should think about how you want to communicate your brand. Ask yourself: What sets you apart from your peers? What unique contribution do you bring to the table?