Trying to find my dream job in Studying Abroad...?

Question

I am a current graduate with a degree in Sociology and an emphasis in Anthropology. I studied in London for a semester and I really would love to have a career in studying abroad and helping students with this. I would drop anything to work abroad, but considering I just graduated, funds are quite low. My question would be... what could I do to build my resume to be in the "study abroad" field i.e. study abroad coordinator. Any suggestions to really look appealing for this career?? Any input would be great!!!THANKS!!!

Answer 1

Do you have languages?  What travel experiences have you had other than one semester in London?  Do you know anything about budgeting?  Can you show the ability to be organized and handle lots of different details?  Do you get along well with other students?  Parents?  

Most study abroad offices are fairly small and don't employ many people.  There may be one or two professionals, and a few recent graduates who take care of the details.  If you are looking for such jobs, get a start at your own institution, because it is very hard to get into the field at another university - most will hire their own recent graduates for the lower level jobs.  You might, however, look at the Chronicle of Higher Education to see if there are any jobs in Study Abroad.  Right now, for example, there are a few Director jobs, one Assistant Director job (which requires 2-3 years of prior Study Abroad Experience), and a Senior Coordinator position (which requires 3-5 years of prior Study Abroad experience).