5 benefits of working for a global company and tips for getting hired

Being a part of a business that operates on a global scale can provide benefits to people around the world, dramatically increase your international business knowledge, and add to the global economy. Image: Shutterstock

Companies that operate facilities in countries around the globe offer employment benefits that often reach beyond those of more localized companies. A role with a global company can offer opportunities for international travel and experience conducting business in diverse, multicultural environments across the world.

Being a part of a business that operates on a global scale can provide benefits to people around the world, dramatically increase your international business knowledge, and add to the global economy.

What Is a Global Economy?

Companies in several countries worked cooperatively during the main thrust of the pandemic to deliver medical-related supplies to places they were needed.

This worldwide global supply chain effort helped address temporary supply shortages, enabling access to these products and others. The global economy is simply the amount of endeavors that occur within and between separate countries. These endeavors are reflected as the exchange of goods and services that work to create an expansive global market.

Becoming a part of the global economy through employment with an enterprise that operates on such a large scale can be rewarding and lead to possible career advancements through gained knowledge.

Following are five possible benefits of working for organizations with global footprints and tips to help you gain global employment opportunities.

1. Exposure to International Business Operations

The scale of operations in which international companies operate can vary significantly, creating opportunities to gain experience in cross-border operations. For example, those dealing with payroll and human resources need to understand the laws for hiring, paying, and providing benefits within multiple jurisdictions.

Overseeing international accounts requires an understanding of the business, legal, and cultural issues that impact their territories. Roles that involve moving goods or managing digital assets over borders have to navigate laws and logistics. These situations may assist employees in expanding their business skillset and gaining experiences not generally available in smaller organizations.

2. Unique Career Growth Opportunities

Working for a global company can provide learning experiences that expand normal business operations to a much larger scale. For example, a project management role may take on new dimensions when applied to large-scale projects across international teams. The same may be said for a human resources role along with many others. Those with a global business management degree may be better equipped to assume leadership roles and oversee international teams.

Also read: The top languages to learn for international business

3. Access to Innovative Technologies

Global companies may have more resources than smaller, localized organizations, such as larger budgets and funding for noteworthy projects. Companies operating on a global scale may also have newer technologies and access to more expansive tools than their smaller counterparts.

4. Exposure to Diverse, Multicultural Working Environments

Companies are increasingly embracing diversity and inclusion within the workplace with visible benefits. McKinsey research has shown that companies are 35% more likely to have greater financial returns with a diverse workforce than comparable companies that are less diverse.

Working at a global organization provides the opportunity to experience diversity that crosses borders, languages, and cultures. This can broaden world views while facilitating the generation of unique ideas and approaches to problem solving. It can also improve valuable soft skills such as interpersonal communication, active listening, and teamwork within diverse world groups.

5. Opportunities To Travel and Live Abroad

Global companies operating in multiple locations may draw talent from a mix of remote, local, and international talent bases.

Opportunities to travel abroad often abound in companies that have a global footprint. Companies that require relocating to other countries may provide financial and legal guidance to help new hires navigate the legalities of working in a foreign country. Research or ask before you make a jump.

Also read: Careers and chance: How much control do you really have?

Getting Hired by Global Companies

Standing out from the competition in getting hired by a global company can have its challenges, but they’re not insurmountable. Performing due diligence on the company culture is important, especially when language barriers are involved.

Navigating interviews amid time zone differences is also something to take into consideration when applying for global company roles. To help prepare for global employment opportunities, you can:

• Prioritize education and skills to become a more viable candidate. Consider completing a global degree program, earning relative business education certificates, and accepting internships to gain specialized experience.
• Participate in globally-focused learning to gain insight into the workings of international teams.
• Research the culture of countries in which a prospective employer does business, including social norms and expectations in work performance.
• Take language courses to gain proficiency and demonstrate aptitude and dedication to prospective employers.
• Develop a Global Mindset.
• Dedicate time to identifying and understanding any differences within the application process, including resume requirements and interview expectations. There can be notable differences in each area when applying to companies that operate globally.
• Research the cost of living, including housing, transportation, food, and utilities if you are applying to a company position in another country. This is important to properly evaluate salary packages and avoid surprises, such as accepting a salary offer that may not cover basic living expenses.

[This article has been reproduced with permission from Knowledge Network, the online thought leadership platform for Thunderbird School of Global Management https://thunderbird.asu.edu/knowledge-network/]