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Packaging Horizons
Should I Accept an International Assignment, and if so, How Do I Get One?
Globalization is no longer a buzz word, it’s a standard in today’s business world.
The opportunity to work outside the United States if you're an American citizen or to work inside the United States if you are a non-U.S. citizen is a greater possibility than ever before. However, international assignments aren't for everyone. Packaging Horizons Magazine asked several women how they felt about accepting international assignments, and how to go about getting one.
Sophie Chevalier, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Techpack-Henlopen, Melville, New York
Sophie Chevalier is a French citizen and worked for Techpack France. She was promoted to international sales director at Henlopen-USA in 1998, and moved with her husband to the United States. In 1999, she was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing.
First, you get an international assignment by wanting it and then by choosing a company that is international or wants to be. Second, you must speak other languages fluently. I speak French, German, Dutch and English and can manage my way around another four. Third, you must tell your boss that you want an international assignment (or you will look for another job). Managers can think that because you are a woman, you want to stay home and be cozy, and if you have children that you cannot go away. In my case, I was already married and had one child when I moved to America. I now have a second child. I go to Europe every other month for one week. I want to slow down, but not stop going to Europe. Finally, when you first join a company, you must advise your managers as soon as possible that you want an international assignment. Keep repeating that at reviews. Get in touch with colleagues in your company who are already living or working abroad. Get to know them. One day they will return from abroad, and you might be able to take their place. You must be ready to go anytime, because these jobs are rarely planned for more than six months ahead.
Traveling opens your mind. International assignments give you the opportunity to meet every manager at the top level of your company worldwide. Working abroad will radically improve your knowledge of your company and its strategy. It will make you become a key person and a reference, because you know who and where people are. It will give you further opportunities and make you more knowledgeable in all fields, not only in yours. It will make you love to take risks and never be afraid of being lost or alone in a weird place. You will always find a solution because nobody you know is there to help. You will become more independent, more confident and, therefore, offer more potential for higher positions - that is, if you want to get up the ladder, of course. But perhaps I like international assignments because when I travel overseas I have those wonderful eight hours in a plane, where I can read and watch three or four movies in a row - something I would never have time for otherwise.
You can reach Sophie Chevalier by e-mail at sophiec@henlopen-usa.com or phone (631) 756-7461, Ext. 331.
Lorna Runkle, Field Agent, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Newark, New Jersey
Lorna Runkle graduated from the Asian Institute of Management and had international responsibilities for 17 years. She has traveled in Asia, Canada, Germany and England and enjoyed every minute of it. She is now assisting small- to mid-sized manufacturers in Middlesex county in New Jersey.
Much has been said and written about appreciating other cultures and people. If you are interested, an assignment that deals with international clientele should be considered at some point in your career. Being of Philippine ancestry, my exposure to international customs and people began early in life. I studied English, the language of business, as part of my early education, attended graduate school that was comprised of diverse cultures and eventually immigrated to the United States.
My international assignments were a result of my academic background. A means to gain international exposure is to enroll in a course or workshop in college. Alternatively, an international vacation outside the usual tourist areas will teach you quickly about local customs.
Until recently, the centerpiece of my business career has been the international marketplace. International experience has improved me as a businessperson, allowing a more complete understanding of my customers then and now. International customers value relationships and will not conduct business or make a commitment until they are comfortable with you. Several meetings may be needed to establish credibility and allow business to proceed. The process may not be as lengthy with domestic customers but a variation of this comfort level between parties always makes business go smoother.
One way to get an international assignment is to simply ask your employer. Show your boss that you are open to the challenge. Many fear the unknown and the difficulties associated with conducting international business. Be certain you understand the challenges of an international assignment. Jet lag, lost passport and unfamiliar cuisine are minor incidents. Political demonstrations in Trafalgar Square or downtown Jakarta and airline strikes in Mumbai can strand you in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation for extended periods. Potable water in India, for example, is trucked into the city, rationed, and served in restaurants as if it's an expensive wine. Being away from your family for weeks can affect your ability to effectively conduct business. I have been in these situations, but in hindsight, I would not change a thing!You can reach Lorna Runkle via e-mail at lrunkle@njmep.org, phone (973) 642-7099 or web site www.njmep.org.
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