Navigating Career Transitions in International Education 

As changes in technology, student demographics, and regulatory frameworks evolve, many international education professionals find themselves facing a career transition. Navigating this change can be stressful, but careful planning, skill-building, and leveraging your professional network will make it easier. Using the NAFSA resources below, you can approach your career shift with confidence and purpose. 

Understanding Career Transition Stages 

Career transitions are often navigated in three stages: reflection, exploration, and action.  

• In the reflection phase, individuals look inward to identify their strengths, passions, and purpose 

• Exploration follows, using research and discovery to identify how evolving industry trends intersect with aspirations and career goals 

• The action phase aligns with concrete steps, including updating skills, attending networking events, or applying for a new role 

These phases are not always sequential, but may run concurrently, or even loop back around as new information and opportunities are presented.  

In international education, these phases can also mean adapting to new educational technologies, policies, or student needs. Having a structured approach helps ensure a smoother career transition, especially as the field increasingly values flexibility and intercultural competence. Use the NAFSA website as your starting point, taking advantage of the numerous tools, resources, and learning opportunities available to help you navigate your career transition.   

 

Key Resources for a Smooth Transition 

Use the information below to help you effectively navigate your career transition. 

1. Networking and Community Engagement 
   Professional networks can significantly bolster career trajectories by providing mentorship, job leads, and industry insights. The NAFSA Connect and Network section offers a variety of resources, including Knowledge Communities, and Member Interest Groups that can help you make new connections and explore new options within the international education sector.   
   Additionally, conferences, like the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo and local professional groups create opportunities for connection, mentorship, and discovery that align with career aspirations. 

2. Skill-Building Opportunities 
   For career advancement, building relevant skills is essential. Many platforms, including NAFSA, offer accessible courses and training in global competencies and digital literacy. Visit the NAFSA Learning & Training section to find out more about e-Learning curriculum and workshops. These courses provide new skills and help a job seeker demonstrate their ability to adapt to industry shifts. 

3. Targeted Job Platforms 
   Industry-specific job boards like NAFSA Careers, streamline the search for relevant positions by featuring only job listings specific to international educational professionals. They help individuals focus their search with roles that meet their level of experience and expertise. 

Real-World Examples and Success Stories 

Successful career transitions often blend networking, skill-building, and strategic positioning. Check out some of the NAFSA Member Spotlights to see how NAFSA members have pivoted into international roles and grown their careers through mentorship coaching and expanding their skillsets. Rosine Kamahoro’s Spotlight talks about her pivot from tech to international education and how she found NAFSA workshops and Member Interest Groups to be particularly helpful to her. Martin Rosales’ Spotlight highlights the importance and value that NAFSA members have had in his career growth as mentors.  

Similarly, a Harvard Business Review case study outlined the journey of one educator who moved into a global-focused administrative role by building their network of industry connections and attending specialized workshops, like those led by the NAFSA Learning & Training team. These stories highlight the impact that proactive learning and effective networking can have for international education career advancement. 

Conclusion  

For international educators, navigating a career transition can be a meaningful journey. One that develops exciting new skills, expands your professional network, and prepares you for roles that align with the changing demands of global education. By setting clear goals, engaging in lifelong learning, and connecting with a supportive professional network, educators can thrive during periods of transition. 

Make sure the NAFSA website is your first stop when facing a career transition. It offers a variety of specialized resources, trainings, networking opportunities, and job listings tailored to international education professionals. 
 

 

References 

1. Harvard Business Review. “Managing Career Transitions.” Available at: https://hbr.org/2008/09/transitioning-from-the-military-to-a-civilian-career 

2. University of California, Berkeley. “Networking Strategies.” Available at: https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/Networking 

3. Inside Higher Ed. “Investing in Professional Development.” Available at: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/07/09/how-colleges-can-invest-faculty-professional-development-opinion 

4. HigherEdJobs. “International Education Job Listings.” Available at: https://www.higheredjobs.com/admin/search.cfm?JobCat=141 

5. NAFSA Career Center Resources. Available at: https://www.nafsa.org/professional-resources/career-center