Sara Friar, Director of Study Abroad & International Student ServicesEdgewood College, Madison WI. (sfriar@edgewood.edu) EA / ISS

Leah McSorley, Director of International Student Services Lawrence University, Appleton WI. (leah.d.mcsorley@lawrence.edu) ISS

Liz Kruse, Assistant Director, International ProgramsUW-Platteville, Platteville WI. (krusee@uwplatt.edu) EA / ISS

Hannah Lloyd, Study Abroad Advisor/Program AssistantEdgewood College, Madison WI. (hlloyd@edgewood.edu) EA

Kelley Patriat, Assistant Director of Admissions and AdministrationGlobal Language Institute, Saint Paul MN. (kelley.patriat@gmail.com) ESL / IEP

Presenters:

Resources:WAIE LISTSERV: www.waieonline.org/waie-membership-application

NAFSA RESOURCES: NAFSA Listservs: www.nafsa.org/Connect_and_Network/Join_a_Conversation NAFSA Job Board / Career Resources: www.nafsa.org/Connect_and_Network/Explore_Careers NAFSA Publication: “Finding Your Way: Navigational Tools for International Student and Scholar Advisers.” www.nafsa.org/wcm/Product?prodid=16&catId=10

THE FORUM ON EDUCATION ABROAD: www.forumea.org

SOCIAL MEDIA (such as LinkedIn): Search NAFSA

NETWORKING AT CONFERENCES: Student-Mentor Program : NAFSA in Boston – KC ISS Buddy Program: www.nafsa.org/Attend_Events/Annual_Conference/Networking_Opportunities/KC_ISSS_Buddy_Program

Our Advice:“When attending conferences or international education related events, always sit by strangers at lunch. It's by far the best time to network! Bring your business cards with you and exchange them when you connect with new people. When you get someone's card, be sure to write a little note about your discussion with that person on the backside (i.e. she loves paragliding, he studied in Barcelona, she has a dog named XYZ, etc.). This will really come in handy when you go to follow up with them via email or Linked In. Be sure to do that within a few days of meeting the person.” - Kelley Patriat ESL / IEP

“My number one piece of advice for breaking in to the �eld of International Education is to get experience working in an International Programs o�ce, whether that be through volunteering, shadowing, or unpaid internships. Many international o�ces are looking to hire people who have experience working in an international o�ce setting, and so it is crucial for you to get hands-on experience in the �eld if you are serious about "breaking in." Especially if you are looking to get in to International Student Services, familiarizing yourself with the immigration regulations is important, and often the only way to truly start to get a handle on the regulations is to observe more seasoned international student advisors and work/volunteer/intern in an international student services o�ce.” - Liz Kruse ISS / EA

“While you’re in school or as you search for a job in international education, volunteer to gain exposure to di�erent aspects of the �eld.” - Leah McSorley ISS

“Since entering the �eld three years ago, I haven’t met one person who doesn’t seem enjoy their job. When I re�ect on what makes working in the international education so gratifying, one piece of advice comes to mind...It is essential to research the mission and value of the institution you are considering to work for. Having a deeper connection will enhance your overall understanding of the curriculum and student experience. This knowledge serves as a strong platform for student outreach, ability to assess program options and your overall engagement in campus climate.” - Hannah Lloyd EA

In addition to gaining as much practical experience in international education o�ces as possible, I also recommend working on development of the wide range of skills and knowledge that are valued in the �eld. For example, read about and practice intercultural communication skills which are crucial whether you go into study abroad or international student services. Or, attend a more formal training on F-1 visa regulations or study abroad basics to get an introduction into the �eld and learn the lingo used by current professionals (helpful when you are networking and interviewing). In addition, the trainers for workshops can become great mentors and resources. - Sara Friar EA / ISS

Thank you for attending our session! please contact us for more advice!