By Steve McKinney
Korea Career Advisor

Working in an international company can be an exciting, challenging, and culturally enriching experience. But there are some key differences between working in a multinational firm and a local company—differences that can make a big impact on your job satisfaction, career path, and the relationships you make with your colleagues.

At a multinational firm, employees come from all over the world—bringing different languages, cultural traditions, and ethnic backgrounds with them. If you join an international company, your colleagues will probably speak English at some level, as well as the country’s native language. Working in a multilingual environment is a great opportunity to meet a diverse group of people, gain international business experience, and improve your foreign language skills.

A good sense of humor comes in handy when you’re working with an international firm—especially if you’re conducting business in several different languages. Your co-workers may have different business philosophies, working habits, and communication styles. Cultural differences can be confusing, and accordingly, many multinational firms promote a more relaxed environment to allow for different work and leadership styles. Patience, understanding, and effective communication skills will help you establish stronger working relationships with foreign colleagues, and get the most out of your international experience.

You may also have more personal development opportunities at a multinational company than you would at a domestic firm. Many international companies have offices all over the world, and their employees may spend a year or two working abroad. If you’re thinking about joining an international firm and are interested in working abroad, ask about potential employment exchange opportunities at the company’s foreign offices.

Before applying to a multinational company, seek out friends, acquaintances, and other contacts that have experience in an international working environment. Ask about their day-to-day work schedule, their boss and co-workers, and the general culture and atmosphere of the firm before you decide whether working in an international environment might be the right choice for you.

For more information on conducting an international job search, go to www.goinglobal.com. Direct link to article: http://www.goinglobal.com/hot_topics/mckinney_inter_co.asp