Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development

by Sherry L. Mueller

Now available in a new second edition, Working Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development offers an engaging guide for cause-oriented people dedicated to begin or enhance careers in the now burgeoning fields of international affairs. Mueller and Overmann expand their original dialogue between a career veteran and a young professional to address issues that recognize the meteoric rise of social media and dramatic geopolitical events. They explore how the idea of an international career has nearly every industry taking on more and more international dimensions, while international skills -- linguistic ability, intercultural management, and sensitivity -- become ever more highly prized by potential employers. This second edition of Working World offers ten new and four significantly updated profiles as well as new and expanded concepts that include work-life balance, the importance of informational interviews, moving on, and key building blocks for international careers.Like the award-winning first edition, Working World is a rare and valuable resource to students and graduates interested in careers in international affairs, mid-career professionals who want to make a career change or shift, as well as guidance counselors and career center specialists at universities.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

246 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2008

Reviews

[Suzanne Ondrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It’s important to suspend limitations and reflect on what you would do if no obstacles existed. Your answer is an essential clue to identifying your cause. As you consider possible causes, note your natural preferences. What events and speakers attract you? What are your favorite courses? What topics are covered in the articles you read first? Whom do you admire? What facet of their work prompts you to say, “I want to do that—that is worth my energy and effort”? (17)

“How do you want to spend your days? What kinds of tasks do you enjoy most? To what extent do you want to interact with international clients?” Consider what type of organization you want to work in-large and structured or one “where being a self-starter and having initiative is highly valued? What type of supervisor motivates you to do your best?” Tuning in to the type of supervisor you need and want is very important. “You want to work for people who care about your professional growth and development, even if you sacrifice a bit on the salary side of the ledger….The value of having a supervisor you respect, admire, and learn from is tremendous. In fact, it supersedes many other considerations, such as job title and pay” (18)

Just walking around being ourselves, in our own skin, means networking. Indeed it is the very act of being our own selves that can be the best form of networking. “Every time we meet someone and a conversation ensues based on mutual interest, we’re networking. Every occasion we meet a friend of a friend and talk about our interests or jobs, we’re networking. Every day we do our work to the best of our abilities, we’re networking….Malcolm Butler, former president and CEO of Partners of the Americas, put it another way: “There are a lot of relationships that are valuable to establish even if you don’t know why at the moment. You don’t have to have an agenda at any given point when establishing a relationship.”…We have to remain open to establishing the relationships that may take us in those directions, even if, at the moment, we’ve no way of knowing our exact destination”(43).

[Lia Hulit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid advice also filled w/ anecdotes and chock full or resources and online materials.

[︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ Steph ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working Word is a good compendium of job-hunting resources with interviews that offered a helpful window into real life.

What I really gained from this book is that people can’t plan their lives around any sort of career trajectory. Careers in the international development and education sphere are often built from sometimes seemingly random opportunities. It’s up to us to be open to whatever may come next and stick to what we’re really passionate about (and not to stagnate in a job that leaves us too comfortable with no room for growth).

Although I disagree with this book’s defense of unpaid internships, it would be nice to see an updated version.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's great that a book like this has come out for those interested in International Education, Exchange and Development careers. While information on job hunting in the first part of the book is not new information, it is nice to have a brief overview of it and adding in specific details for the specific job field. I didn't find the profiles particularly useful, as many of these people graduated from very prestigious universities and the book regularly emphasizes to "forge your own path." However, the most beneficial part of the book is, by far, the resources section which details specific internships, professional organizations, non-profits, governmental organizations and volunteer organizations that have jobs in the international studies field. For that reason alone, I may actually buy the book.

[Elyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The list of resources, especially those online, are the most helpful aspect of this book. The job search techniques were nothing new or noteworthy.

[Trecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this for class. It is going to be a good resource after I graduate.