Shafiq Lokhandwala’s Tips on Launching an International Career
Posted by Alexandra Earnley on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 @ 08:48 AM
Feliz Navidad. Merii Kurisumasu. Oh, and a Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa greetings too. And wishing you a wonderful Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a beautiful Solstice. As small business writer Vickie Elmer recently pointed out in an article that appeared in both GlassDoor.com and MonsterThinking (a Monster.com blog), anyone who is trying to become a global employee needs to get comfortable celebrating unique holidays and workplace rituals.
Shafiq Lokhandwala, NuView Systems CEO, was featured in Vickie’s articles and offered expert advice for employees who are looking to make a bit of a location change and work for one of their organization’s offices in another country. Shafiq suggests that if you want to work in your corporation’s office in Barcelona, Bangalore or Brasilia, make your interest known to management.
It can be difficult for any company to choose the right people to send on overseas assignments. Showing that you’ve got what it takes to live and work in a foreign country can start with your approach right now. Below are some key characteristics Shafiq believes every global employee needs:
- Adaptability and openness
- Good communication skills
- Understand the company’s products and strengths – know your business well
- Curiosity – similar to openness but a bit more active. Ask questions and open yourself up to local cultures and people
If you are looking to move to your organization’s office in another country, these attributes will only help you achieve success. Good luck and Happy Holidays from NuView Systems.