Great that you want to work internationally!
Many people in sales and management dream of an international career. For example, I recently spoke to someone who was eager to travel the world for work. He had a romantic image of how he would combine business travel with sightseeing. Think a meeting in Beijing and then straight on to the Great Wall of China.
Is it really as adventurous and fun as it seems?
Glamour
The Netherlands is really a trading country. We have business partners all over the world. Whether in Europe, America, Asia or Africa, nowadays everything is accessible for companies that want to offer their products and services.
Sure, as an international sales or executive, you travel a lot. But often it’s less glamorous than you think.
You fly from one airport to another, hop in a cab to your hotel, and then straight on to meetings that last all day. Maybe another dinner in the evening, but usually the day ends with work in your hotel room or a flight back.
Many of the candidates I talk to hardly see anything of the cities they go to. Not because they don’t want to, but because the focus is on business and not pleasure. And when you travel often, you’re away from home a lot, too.
– Roy van Eijk
Rather travel than home?
On the other hand, it is of course great to be able to travel for work and come into contact with different cultures. You get to know a lot of people, speak different languages and sometimes there are companies that like to show you their city. The real pioneers love international business and would rather travel than be at home.
Most importantly, think carefully about whether working internationally is really for you. Do you see yourself traveling often and do you enjoy that? Or do you get more satisfaction from working locally or regionally? International business is not a whim; it is a conscious choice and a lifestyle.
Hopefully this will help you get a better idea of what international work entails. Good luck with your decision!
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