[ID:0115]This article covers a few important elements of your professional life abroad. Read on for tips about academic credentials, networking and professional attire.

Academic Credentials

To advance in your international career, you must have the necessary academic credentials and skills. According to Nancy Adler, in her book Competitive Frontiers, a survey of expatriate women managers revealed that almost all held graduate degrees (MBAs being the most common), had extensive inter­national interests and experience, and spoke, on average, two or three languages.

Without appropriate academic credentials, it is very difficult to progress in your career. Think ahead. Consider a variety of strategies for building your credentials.

In the past, women went abroad as nurses/health care workers, teachers or administrators and, after several postings, advanced into positions managing field programs. Today, this way of getting ahead is much less common and not nearly as profitable.

Networking

Networking is a means of gaining...