How To Work Internationally In the United States

The truth is, 80% of so-called international jobs are actually located in the United States. Opportunities for international connections are available in virtually every sector of the economy: private (for-profit), nonprofit, education, government, self-employment, etc.

To find international work in the United States:

• Look for organizations with international ties. This could include American companies that have significant global interests, foreign companies that have American branches, nonprofit or social service agencies that deal with an international population, etc.
• Look for American companies interested in promoting their services or products to US residents with ethnic or foreign backgrounds. The sales field, for example, often needs bi-lingual workers to sell products to people whose primary language is Spanish.
• Look for international pockets within a city. Many cities have a district which is primarily Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, etc. Seek out opportunities to work in those communities.

While all cities and regions of the country have some opportunities for a global experience, some are particularly ripe for opportunities. Check out these options:

• New York: New York is the hub for many businesses including communications and media (advertising, publishing, etc.), nonprofit organizations, finance, trade, and shipping. Many of the film industry's international offices are located in New York. Many international corporations have offices in NYC as well.
• Washington, DC: Virtually every agency in the US government has an international division. In addition, Washington is host to a variety of lobbying groups, nonprofit organizations, consultants ("Beltway Bandits"), and think-tanks.
• Miami: Miami is a hub for international shipping and trade. Many companies which manufacture their products elsewhere ship through Miami, and have a Miami office. Hershey Foods, for example, is moving their export operation to Miami.
• Philadelphia: serves as a major import/export center and also offers international banking opportunities.
• Chicago: is the base for several international consulting firms and also has international banking interests.
• San Francisco and Los Angeles serve as major connections to the Far East.

Content for this page provided by:
Dr. Kate Brooks, Director, Liberal Arts Career Services, University of Texas at Austin