Once again, I've read that US firms are finding it difficult to find employees willing to accept a transfer abroad. It seems that employees are worried about the hardships that would be faced by their families in a strange land as well as a perceived concern that by being so far away, these employees might be overlookeded, or may seem 'invisible' to the kingmakers back home and thus would miss out on possible opportunities for career advancement.
As to the first item, that's a perfectly understandable issue, but it can be addressed by good research up front, tapping the large network of expats who have gone before, using the resources offered by the sponsoring firm, and finally using the internet to really learn about the community to which you could be joining.
The second item just doesn't make sense to me at all. In this era of globalism and multiculturalism, what would-be executive wouldn't want to grab at a chance to add some true international experience to one's resume?
The frustrating thing to me is that this is all I've wanted to do - ever since I began working. Sad to say, I've never been with a company that would offer me this chance. There's got to be a reason I keep practicing my German and French on an almost daily basis. Is anyone out there listening?
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