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Q&A Live: Marketing Your Critical Language Skills and Overseas Experience

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When: Friday Jun 24, 2011 at 01:00 CDT Guests:

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Disability Lite rature C om m unity Study of the U.S. Institute s Vie tnam e se C om m unity

Cheryl Matherly , Martin Tillman

Moderated By: John Thon Majok (Moderator) Description: On June 24, 2011, Dr. Cheryl Matherly from the University of Tulsa and Mr. Martin Tillman from the Global Career

Compass joined the State Alumni for a Q&A Live discussion on Mark eting Your Critical Language Sk ills and Overseas Experience. These two experts in career development and international education discussed strategies for integrating critical language skills and study abroad experiences into resumes and job interviews. Since 2006, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has awarded thousands of scholarships to U.S. citizens to study critical languages in countries where these languages are predominantly spoken. These critical languages include: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu. Many of these alumni have finished their studies and are now entering the job market. Read Guest Bios | View Discussion
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Cheryl-and-Martin-Bios.pdf

Welcome to todays Q&A Live discussion on Marketing Your Critical Language Skills and Overseas Experience, with Dr. Cheryl Matherly and Mr. Martin Tillman. They are reviewing your questions and we will start shortly. Please continue to submit your questions or comments. Moderator I spent a week in Germany while water-rafting, mountain-climbing and biking. Do we mention leisure travel on our resumes as overseas experience? Kevin from United States of America No, there is no benefit from mentioning leisure travel like this on your resume. It does not add value to your credentials in the job search. However, it would be acceptable to add such activities under a header, Interests. Martin Tillman What types of specific careers are available for those with knowledge and fluency in critical languages? What careers does the Department of State offer to those who have participated in critical language study abroad programs? Jennifer from United States of America Hello Jennifer. It is good to talk with you. There are many careers that present good options for people who speak critical languages. Below are a few suggestions: Advertising Copywriter Flight Attendant Librarian Airport Staff Member Archivist CIA/FBI Agent College Professor Columnist/Reporter Communications Specialist Community Affairs Specialist Court Interpreter Cultural Affairs Officer Customs/Immigration Officer Editor/Writer Employee Relations Specialist Foreign Correspondent Foreign Film Specialist Foreign Service Officer Foreign Student Advisor Health Care Provider Import/Export Specialist Intelligence Researcher International Consultant Interpreter Investment Banker Market Research Specialist Marketing/Sales Representative Peace Corps Worker Proofreader Public Health Administrator Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Teacher Tour Organizer/Guide Translator Travel Agent UNESCO Official

International Conference Planner Social Worker

Customer Service Representative International Trade Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

UNESCO Official

The above list comes from a site developed by the University of Kansas Career Center. One other site I really recommend is http://www.vistawide.com/careers/language_skills.htm. Cheryl Matherly I was a Boren and Fulbright (Arabic, Urdu). My current work involves global health in Bangladesh. What are some of the resources for work that would leverage my regional/functional skills? Khizer from United States of America Id highly recommend that everyone participating in this chat have a fully developed LinkedIn profile. This includes citing recent publications as well as obtaining recommendations which you can request and edit before they go up. This tool is actively used by both recruiters and operational managers. Join your undergrad and grad school groups; search for groups [in the Groups Directory] whose focus matches your professional interests: e.g: global health, South Asia. Id also suggest that you conduct keyword searches within specific Groups; insert global health for example to see whose profiles contain professional experience which is a match. You can analyze profiles to also expand your knowledge of organizations working on health issues in South Asia. If you seek to return to or remain in the country where you conducted your study/research, then actively network with your peers to identify work opportunities. Are you interested in international NGOs, foundations or international organizations? Each requires a different approach to leveraging your skills and experience. Use informational interviews to gain insider tips and advice on best practices to approach different employers. -Marty Martin Tillman What can students do to build on their critical language skills during college to make themselves more marketable? Susan from United States of America Depending upon the type of job you are seeking, your critical language skills may get you in the door, but they will not be enough to get the job. Probably the most important thing that you can do while in college is to thoroughly research your career options and know what is expected for particular fields. Your college career center can assist with this. You might also conduct informational interview with alums (of your college as well as other State Department programs) who are working in your prospective field. This will enable you to choose other classes or experiences that will enhance your marketability. For example, I advise anyone seriously looking at a career in the field of study abroad to gain some technical experience because an increasing number of jobs at universities seek candidates with experience managing websites or databases. You should also seek ways to get relevant experience. Regardless the field, employers will give preference to candidates who have previous work or internship experiences. This will allow you to demonstrate that you are able to apply your language experience to the needs of the workplace. Finally, think about joining the relevant professional associations for your prospective field. Most offer student memberships, and this is a good way to learn more about current issues or trends affecting jobs. This is also a good way to network with professionals in the field. Weve included a list of some relevant associations for people interested in careers in foreign languages in the resources site. Cheryl Matherly I recently received a Department of Defense scholarship that comes with a four year obligation to the military or the federal government agency with national security responsibilities. The scholarship is a new initiative to produce linguistically and culturally apt officers in the military. Should I let that be known on my resume? And if so, how do I go about phrasing it without sounding presumptuous? Thanks for your time! Kevin from United States of America Congratulations! Yes, you should definitely place this award on your resume. You can use a header titled, Honors and Awards and include it in this category. Citing scholarships of any kind on a resume is neither a sign of arrogance nor is it considered bragging about oneself - if thats what you mean by appearing presumptuous. Cite this award by the precise title indicating it was made by DOD; indicate as you say what its purpose is and perhaps the duration. Do not mention for any scholarship the dollar amount of the award. -Marty Martin Tillman What would you say to be a typical profile of a company that is interested in hiring candidates with overseas experience and foreign languages? Is it large or small? Is it in high-tech or in low-tech industry? Is it based in a metropolis or in a mid-size city? Does it run many international activities or just starting them? Is it for-profit or charity? Thank you, Alexander (Sasha) Bryukhanov, Edmund S. Muskie Fellow, 2000 Alexander from Russia Please see some of the online resources weve suggested which relate to global workforce development and mobility of talent. There is no easy answer to this question as the profile will vary widely. Globalization impacts businesses of all sizes in all states. Certainly, a private company in any field, marketing any product or conducting research anywhere in the world, in any size U.S. city, would favorably consider applicants with both industry knowledge, language skills or cross-cultural skills which would add value to their work [either domestically or in terms of ex-pat placement]. Research supports this conclusion. Its important to note that along with the experience and language skill, its your ability to articulate how your background and competencies are a good match for the job profile that will move you forward in the interview process. In the end, the resume can open the door but its how you communicate and discuss your experience that will distinguish you in a search process by an employer. -Marty Martin Tillman How can I find out which tests or certifications are widely used to verify language skills? I am finishing a grant in

How can I find out which tests or certifications are widely used to verify language skills? I am finishing a grant in Russia and wonder if the language test conducted by the Russian Academy of Sciences holds much weight in the U.S. Adam from United States of America Adam, the place I would recommend that you check is with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). ACTFL has a widely recognized and accepted language assessment scale. You should also check with the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR). Cheryl Matherly It is not uncommon for well-educated professionals returning from overseas to face a job market that considers those candidates overqualified. Are there any measures that you would suggest to help returning scholars not to fall into this "overqualified" trap? Thank you, Alexander (Sasha) Bryukhanov, Edmund S. Muskie Fellow, 2000 Alexander from Russia Lets start with thinking from the employers perspective why would an employer be concerned to hire someone that he or she considered overqualified? There are a myriad of concerns: that you will leave the job as soon as a better opportunity opens up, that you will not accept the salary for a lower position, that you will not want to do work for which you are overqualified, that you wont like the job. I could go on. If you think that there is a risk that you will be overqualified for jobs you seek, it is helpful to think about the employers concerns and how you can minimize them. First, carefully look at your resume and cover letter to make sure that you have adequately described your skills and previous experiences. You will want to put the emphasis on what you can do for the employer, and take the emphasis off of your degrees or foreign study. (NOTE: I am not suggesting that you leave these off of your resume, but rather make sure that when someone reads your resume, they know more about you than where you earned your degree.) Second, prepare a two-minute self-introduction that highlights your specific skills. This is the so-called elevator speech how you would describe yourself if you were to meet someone in an elevator and explain your background. Take labels off of yourself, and instead introduce yourself by describing the skills you can offer an employer and how they relate to the position you seek. This serves two functions: it will help you learn how to succinctly describe your background in terms that make sense to an employer, and you may actually use it. Finally, network, network, network. Making contact with people working in your proposed field will help you bypass a myriad of preconceptions. They can introduce you to people who are hiring, advise you on how to present your background, and help you identify skills you didnt think were marketable. Also, by networking, you are able to build a relationship with people who are more likely to give you a chance, even if they think you might be overqualified. You can impress people with your earnestness and seriousness. If you are concerned about this risk, you might consider working with a career counselor who can advise you about your resume and interview skills. Cheryl Matherly Thank you for taking my question. I am on the verge of completing a Fulbright research fellowship and have already completed an MS. Most people use the Fulbright experience to transition into graduate school, where the admissions process places great value on the experience. I find the private sector is largely unfamiliar with Fulbright. Are there resources available to us to find jobs (or even just network with people with similar backgrounds) that may or may not be supported by the State Department? Cheers, Samir Samir from United States of America Samir: There are private sector consulting firms especially those in the field of international development or strategic management who would recognize the Fulbright experience in and of itself. But as we say elsewhere, the important thing is how you articulate the value of your research in terms that are a strong fit with particular job requirements. Thus, it is not so much about name recognition as it is as is true in all job searches about how you provide evidence of why your competencies, however gained, are a fit for a job wit the company. As may be mentioned during the chat, LinkedIn is an outstanding social media tool for identifying others with like interests and experience join a variety of groups in and outside of academia to participate in the onlin dialogue and to search profiles of both individuals and the companies that they have worked for. Martin Tillman Thank you for taking my question. During one summer in college I made an extended visit to Turkey, where I did not really pick up to much of the language, but I learned about the culture. I spent a semester abroad learning Arabic in Jordan. In the end of the semester I found that I had tested into third semester (second year) Arabic after I took the placement exam. I am now living and working abroad in China and working on my basic Mandarin conversational skills with a private tutor for about 3 hours a week. Before I return to the United States, I will have accumulated about 4 months of language instruction. I recognize that I am not fluent in either language, but that I have expressed unusual interest in beginning to learn two critical need languages and also spending time in places with critical need languages. Do you have any suggestions about how I can mark et my sk ills and experiences? Thank you again! Sarah from United States of America Without talking with you in person to know what jobs you are seeking, it is difficult to advise you about marketing specific skills. You clearly enjoy and have an aptitude for learning languages, and you need to decide how best this will benefit you in your job search. If you are seeking a career that will directly draw on your language skills, such as your ability to speak Arabic, you will want to accurately describe your current level and aptitude for further study. If you are seeking a career, such as one with the State Department, that may require you to learn other languages, then youll want to emphasize your breadth of language study and aptitude for foreign language. If you are seeking a career that will draw on your international experiences (and not language experience per se), you will want to stress those transferable skills you learned from your language learning. With the last scenario, in particular, you will need to be very clear about the specific skills you seek to use, such as analysis, research, writing, so that the employer understands what you can do to contribute to his or her organization. You need to demonstrate enough knowledge about the field or employer to be able to demonstrate how to add value.

how to add value. One important factor not clear from your question your ease or difficulty in marketing your language learning will depend in part on your other professional experiences. If you have significant previous work experience, you will more easily be able to connect your aptitude for languages to the needs of the workplace. If this isnt true for you, you might consider options for getting relevant work experience, even while you are in China. (internships, volunteer, other). I suggest that you consider working with a career counselor to identify the marketable, transferable skills. This person can also advise you about putting together your resume and cover letter in such as way to highlight these skills. Cheryl Matherly How can I market my critical language skills when I don't plan to actually use the language professionally? Andrew from United States of America You should think about the transferrable skills that you have learned as part of your language major, those skills that come directly from learning a language that can be applied to another field or career. Here is a list of skills common to foreign language majors that was prepared by the Career Center at the University of Kansas: Analysis: Reading critically; Interpreting data; Evaluating information; Comparing translations/interpretations; Weighing values; Evaluating evidence Communication: reading/writing another language, clarifying ideas, writing clearly, speaking clearly; reading for understanding, content and structure; explaining complex concepts Interpersonal Skills: Collaborating as part of a team; Understanding cultural diversity; Determining the needs of others; Acknowledging value systems; Adapting to other cultures; Listening carefully; Interviewing nonjudgmentally Research: Working with original sources in many fields - philosophy, history, art, music, and natural sciences; Gathering information; Designing instruments; Organizing materials/information; Summarizing ideas; Evaluating results A career counselor can help you with identifying those skills that you think that youve developed and that you would like to use in a job. He or she can also help you with researching career options to know which fields would have a demand for these skills. Your next challenge will be to frame your resume and cover letter in such a way as to emphasize the skills you wish to use (as opposed to your degree or language experience). Think carefully about how you will describe your previous work experience so as to emphasize the transferrable skills. Same holds true for your cover letter. Be sure to emphasize what you learned when studying languages, rather than assuming that the reader will figure it out. Finally, as true for all job searchers, I cant overstate the importance of networking. Talking with people in fields in which you are most interested will help you learn which skills are most marketable. It is also sometimes easier to make the case that you language training has prepared you for a related field in person rather than in a response to job posting. Cheryl Matherly Sasha: To add to what Cheryl said: In the current market, the distinguishing factor for all job-seekers [although it is mitigated by education and income-level] is the length of unemployment. Cheryls advice is important. Id add that you should approach your search with great clarity and focus. Being flexible as to location also will help open up new opportunities. Targeting employers who would value your experience and skills is important. This requires careful due diligence and research. Often, highly qualified applicants will apply for jobs that require far fewer years of experience out of a sense that they have nothing to lose---this is not a good strategy to follow. A suggestion is to seek out colleagues who can provide you with useful insider perspective on what the employer is looking for so you can tailor your cover letter to address these specific workplace needs. -Marty Martin Tillman What is the most important aspect of international travel in the way it relates to a job/college application? What should you stress the most about your overseas experiences when applying to a job/college/position? Lily from United States of America Hi. You can always cite international travel at end of the resume as part of a section called "Additional Information" or if the travel in any way involved you in community service you could add it under your experience section. Pay attention to the nature of the organization's mission and how you assisted in a meaningful project on the ground. Always stress outcomes of your experience....although the breadth of travel can add value early in your career exploration. -Marty Martin Tillman I have been studying Arabic for a year. I have studied the modern standard Arabic at the university for two semesters, Egyptian dialect for six weeks in Egypt, and Jordanian dialect for two weeks in Jordan. Along with learning modern standard Arabic, what dialect would be best to learn if I plan to live and work in the Middle East (traveling around, not just in one country)? Anna from United States of America Neither of us has the expertise to respond to this, I'm afraid. But of course it would seem that the best answer would come from a campus mentor in Middle East studies program or foreign language department. You might also receive good advice from a language-focused LinkedIn Group. -Marty Martin Tillman I was a NSLI-Youth participant for a semester in Korea. How would I best untilize the experience in my college applications and essays? Gabrielle from United States of America Gabrielle, What a terrific experience for you! This should help you stand out in your college applications and essays. In presenting this experience, you should think about how this relates to your college goals and how this personally impacted you. Think how you would answer this question: if you had two minutes, what would

this personally impacted you. Think how you would answer this question: if you had two minutes, what would you tell a stranger about what you learned from being in Korea? Think about what you learned about Korean culture, working with people from a different cultures, living and traveling independently. These are just a few examples of what many students report learning from their time abroad. It is important when writing your college essays or in your college interviews to not simply say that you learned about Korean culture, but to be able to demonstrate it with examples. I advise students to select a few stories to tell about their experiences that best demonstrate what they learned from time abroad. If you want to demonstrate how you learned to work with people from another culture or how to be an effective problem solver, can you think of an example you might use to illustrate? Cheryl Matherly What sorts of positions in higher education are best suited to those of us with critical language skills? Karen from United States of America Hi. Do you know about NAFSA: Association of International Educators at http://www.nafsa.org? Great association, which includes those applying language skills to appropriate international student offices on campus. See the Career Center site to look for jobs around the country. Study abroad offices would love application from someone who speaks a critical language especially if it's from a country where they send students to study-intern-or work! -Marty Martin Tillman Gabrielle, I was a participant in the NSLI-Youth program to China. I asked an admissions officer at Princeton University what he thought I should stress about it, and he advised me to put emphasis on how the things I learned effect my life and will change my future. Just something to think about. :) Lily from United States of America As a rising high school senior (who is well into the college search process) I'm wondering how early I need to start planning for my career. How can I research various fields that will allow me to use my international experience and love of travel/learning languages, while not limiting myself and my options? Lily from United States of America Hi Lily, you are very smart to be thinking about how to research careers while still in high school. As you are looking at colleges, I encourage you to ask questions about the available career services centers. (And if you are making a college visit, be sure to ask to tour the career center and meet the staff.) You'll find that these offices have many resources to help you explore careers. We've included links to websites at different universities that include information about careers for langauge majors (check out Rutgers and KU as examples.) You should also think about talking with alums (or other friends/family members) in fields you might find interesting about their career paths. And very important plan to seek out an internship while to test out a particular field. One other comment it is very common to change your major and careers while in college. You want to be serious about researching your options, but not so narrow that you eliminate options before you've even started exploring! Cheryl Matherly Thank you for sharing your time with us! As a recent college grad with minimal work and internship experience, but with extensive travel experience and language skills, what steps would you suggest taking when first beginning a job search in the field of foreign languages/international business? Heidi from United States of America Hi. Well, as I'm sure you know, it is a tight market and you will have to be quite flexible as to both the location of employment and type of job that you will find given your limited work experience. But, actively look at job sites like idealist.org and craigslist to name two where I know younger grads often do find opportunity. Be active with your campus alumni Linked In Group! Check in with older alums to get their advice. Seek out an alumni mentor. Stay connected with your career office! Most importantly, start somewhere it is not about "settling" but it is about beginning to establish your workplace credentials by performing well in a first job. -Marty Martin Tillman My current GPA is 3.0 as an upcoming senior in high school. I participated in a six week 2010 Summer NSLI-Y trip to Taiwan and have taken Chinese since I was 12. This week, I am assisting teaching a Chinese Camp for kids ages 5-12 where kids get a good overview of culture through history, crafts, language, writing, martial arts, and food. Also, I am thinking of taking on a couple of students this fall or even volunteering to teach extended day care at a local elementary school. Will my GPA hurt me significantly to qualify to scholarships? The Mandarin School does not provide scoring. I also took two years of French. I plan to minor in Asian Studies. Are scholarships available as a minor or only for those who major? And are scholarships mostly specific to a given university. Would the NSLI-Y, the Chinese Camp, and volunteering to teach introduction to Mandarin be good to list? Devin Baker -- Madison, AL Devin from United States of America Hi Devin: Nothing wrong with a 3.0! Check out Rotary scholarships and those from local civic organizations where you live. Usually such awards are not targeted at any one university. But, there may be some which are applicable to a college or university in your state. Have you yet spoken with a college advisor at your school? That office should know about scholarships and identify those that students before you have received. -Marty Martin Tillman Devin, I'm afraid that the best answer I can give you is "it depends." Each scholarship will have its own set of criteria, which will include GPA. However, you are smart to recognize that you have many other qualifications that you will want to highlight in your college and scholarship applications. That fact that you were selected for the NSLI-Y program is impressive, and you have a special ability with your Chinese. I suggest that you research colleges, you ask questions about scholarships and awards for students with your background. You will find that most departments can tell you about awards specific for their program as well as awards for study at the institution. Be sure to check out the Princeton Review website - there are lots of good resources for about scholarships. Whatever you do, continue to be involved in activities that demonstrate your strong leadership and cross-cultural skills! Cheryl Matherly Thanks for your advice, Marty! I will definitely look into getting an alumni mentor.

Thanks for your advice, Marty! I will definitely look into getting an alumni mentor. Heidi from United States of America Hello! I am Alexandra and I just returned to the U.S. after spending a year in Moscow, Russia where I trained at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. I also took part in the NSLI-Y program in Moscow the summer before. My school was conducted entirely in Russian and I took a daily Russian course in addition to my dance subjects. Back in the U.S. I am planning on continuing to take Russian language at university (I am going to be an undergraduate freshman in the fall) while majoring in Global & International Studies. I speak/read/write a fair amount of Russian now and it is my goal is to reach fluency by the time I graduate. Besides taking Russian language courses, what else can I do to reach my goal? Also, do you think this is a realistic time frame? Thanks!! -Alexandra Martin U.S. Alexandra from United States of America Alexandra: Congrats! Wonderful experience! I'm not sure exactly what your goal is, but, use your four years to broaden your academic experience and perhaps consider a regional study abroad program which will expose you further to critical international issues. If you intend to pursue a career in ballet, I'm certain that your current experience will lay a solid foundation for your later academic work or dance experience. Martin Tillman Please note the language and career resources that Cheryl and Marty referred to will be posted after the webchat. Moderator Do you think it's more advisable to pursue a deep level of understanding of one culture and a high level of proficiency in that language, or to have experience with a wide variety of cultures and languages? In other words, a mile deep or a mile wide? Thank you for your time. Lily from United States of America This is a very personal choice to make: my opinion is that it's better to develop a high level of proficiency in one language -- although you certainly can pursue experiences in multiple cultures through travel, service or internships. Being fluent in a language will serve you better as a job applicant with a company or with an NGO working in a particular country. Martin Tillman I participated in the NSLI-Y program during high school last year. As I am now entering college, I am wondering if there are any program or other opportunities you would recommend for college students to take advantage of that would help them develop skills that in the areas of international relations or business. For example, I'm already looking into the CLS program, but are there any others you recommend? Susan from United States of America Hi Susan, there are lots of things you can do. First, I encourage you to plan to study abroad - I'm guessing that this is already in your plans. Your college can advise you about programs and options available to you. Depending upon your plans, you might look at some of the other Stat Department awards for study abroad, such as the Gilman or the Boren. Second, think about the courses you can take to deepen your knowledge or familiarity with international business and relations. It is important that you develop depth and not just bredth in your subject area. Third, focus on developing language proficiency. Your study abroad experience should give you an opportunity to develop your skills. Fourth, think about doing an internship or other professioanl experience abroad (in addition to study abroad). Given your interests in international business or international relations, you will find many opportunities. The State Deptartment's internship program is a rich experience. You'll also find that many organizations, such as CDS International, offer professional business internships abroad (some paid!) Finally, you may need to consider graduate school. You should look at graduate programs in international affairs or MBAs with a focus on itnernational business to learn more about their requirements and the types of careers that these programs can prepare you for. Cheryl Matherly Alexandra--when you get to your university campus, you might find a Russian student organization. If so, you might be able to set up a conversation partner or group. The Russian students might be happy to practice their English, and you can practice your Russian. Or, if there's no group on campus, maybe there is a community of Russians living in the area of your campus. Practicing your Russian in a non-classroom environment will help with your fluency, I'm sure! Karen from United States of America I appreciate your advice! As a follow-up question, considering my limited job experience, would grad school, possibly in foreign languages and area studies or international relations, be a good option instead of and/or in addition to an interim job? Heidi from United States of America My inclination is to always delay grad school for a few years. At Johns Hopkins-SAIS where I worked for 11 years in career services, those who had 2-4 yrs or more of work experience had an easier time in their job searches than those who entered the program at a younger age. Martin Tillman Thank you for your time and advice today. As someone who has studied/interned abroad for 3+ years in several countries (and travelled to 35 others), I find that my resume seems to be dominated by these experiences. Should I tailor my resume to individual job openings/scholarships/grants by developing specific overseas experiences that might be more appropriate, or should I have less-developed descriptions for more of my experiences? Thank you. Jesse from United States of America Jesse - Good question! Yes, absolutely - you want to tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job openings and scholarships. With your breadth of international experience, you want to also demonstrate some depth. You run the risk that people will mostly pay attention to the fact that you traveled to 35 countries and not see the specific knowledge/skills/experiences that you gained from your internship and studies. This doesn't mean that you leave off your other travel, just make sure that you focus on the most relevant experiences. I advise many job seekers to develop multiple versions of their resumes, specific to the different jobs for which they are applying. Cheryl Matherly

applying. Cheryl Matherly Jesse: To add to what Cheryl has said--it's always important to "tailor" your resume. You do not want to have a one-size-fits-all type of document....A mistake job seekers of all ages and experience make too often is to NOT do this. And it is especially important when crafting cover letters as well. -Marty Martin Tillman Susan: I'd only add this to what Cheryl has written ---visit your career office early! Make good use of their knowledge and of the alumni they can put you in touch with who can add great value to your career decisionmaking throughout your college years [and later as an alumna]. -Marty Martin Tillman Heidi, One other suggestion for you - think about getting an internship or possibly volunteering with an organization. This has two advantages - you will enhance your work experience and you will build a network with people working in the field. If you are interested in careers with foreign languages or international business, talk with eh career center at your college or the study abroad office. The local chamber of commerce or state trade office may also be able to direct you companies or organizations involved with international work who may be interested in you as an intern. Cheryl Cheryl Matherly Cheryl and Marty, thank you for your words of wisdom. You are indeed very helpful. On a side note: Marty, I will begin an MA at SAIS this August with a concentration in Middle East Studies. I am always impressed by the quality of people that I find associated with the school! Jesse from United States of America Thank you both for your sagacious advice! Heidi from United States of America Thank you for answering my previous question Mr. Tillman and Karen! A question on the current topic of graduate school: I know that an applicant for a job is generally a stronger candidate if they have obtained a degree higher than a bachelors in university. Is it the same in the foreign service? What do graduate admissions officers look for in an application when applying for international studies? Thank you!. Alexandra U.S. Alexandra from United States of America I believe you do need an MA or other post-grad degree to enter the Foreign Service. The FS is always a highly competitive application process and you should definitely explore the application process with alums of your college. It's thus not something one would do until the late 20s [based on my experience at SAIS]. As for what grad admissions offices look for -- I can only speak from my experience at SAIS in Washington, DC: and it is someone with superior academic credentials, international or domestic work experience [usually 2 + yrs at least] and a well rounded background. But every type of grad school will apply different criteria to admissions. One thing that is important when you apply is to keep demonstrating your interest throughout the application process -- files are kept and letters and calls matter! Definitely visit the campus. -Marty Martin Tillman Jesse --Congrats!!! You'll find SAIS a VERY exciting place to study. And be sure to visit my former colleagues in career services as soon as you arrive on campus. They do a fantastic job. Martin Tillman Thank you Mr. Tillman for the advice! Alexandra from United States of America Are there any universities in the U.S./Europe (particularly for graduate school) that are well known for their international relations and/or international business programs that you would recommend? Thank you! Alexandra U.S. Alexandra from United States of America There is INSEAD outside Paris for sure. There is the Johns Hopkins-SAIS program based at the Bologna, Italy campus where you can either get a one year diploma or begin the two year MA program. Visit the APSIA website to learn about all the U.S.-based IR MA degree schools. Martin Tillman Alexandra - You should also look at the University of London (School for Oriental and African Studies, in particular). The London School of Economics is another place. Cheryl Matherly We are out of time. We thank Dr. Matherly and Mr. Tillman for their time and for answering the submitted questions. We thank all of our participants for submitting questions and comments. The transcript will be made available on this website after the chat. Moderator Editor's Note: State Alumni moderators retain editorial control over Q&A Live online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests; guests may decline to answer questions. Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent U.S. government policy.

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