Check to see that your preferred fields and organization types are present in the country or countries of interest.  If you are a naval architect and are interested in work in Japan, conduct an internet search such as “shipbuilding companies in Japan.”  If you are a civil engineer interested in hydropower, check “hydropower construction in Chile.”  These examples are simplistic for regular internet users, but done carefully, can very quickly narrow the candidate list for further research. This will help you save time and focus your search. The Big Guide to Living & Working Abroad, Going Global or the globalEDGE International Internship Directory may be good places to start your research.

Select the types of organizations that meet your needs. Your international internship does not have to be with a public corporation or small business.  You may find an interesting opportunity in a government agency, non-government organization (NGO), non-profit entity such as a private endowment, or with a philanthropic organization.

Use multiple strategies to find and apply for openings.  Cast a wide net. The methods and techniques for finding an international internship or permanent position are very similar.  The search is a numbers game.  The more contacts you make, the better your chances of finding the right position. In addition to HireME, the following points can help you expand your job leads.

Collect background information on countries and/or companies of interest.  By doing your own Internet searches, you may uncover additional opportunities and be better prepared for interviews.

Look at company websites to determine the extent of international operations and where these sites are located. If you find something that could be a fit, contact the listed representative and express your interest in the firm and request an internship assignment. Demonstrate that you have interest in an international job and you have familiarity with the firm’s international locations.  Depending on the situation, ask to have your information forwarded to the appropriate person at a specific location.

If there is a company using HireME of special interest, go to the company website and identify the head of international operations. Send a letter of introduction and a resume to that person indicating the following:

• You have a special interest in the company and why
• You know they are a partner with UM and hire CoE graduates
• You are interested in making an international internship part of your undergraduate experience
• You have certain skills, abilities and background that are a good fit for the company
• You would like consideration for an internship assignment in an international location
• If you also have an interest in working in the U.S. operation of the company, be careful how you construct your cover letters to ensure the broadest consideration.

The single most useful vehicle for finding an internship or permanent position is networking.  Learning to network effectively is a skill you will use the rest of your life.  There are numerous resources beyond the scope of this site that explain the techniques of networking.  The ECRC routinely offers workshops and advice on building and using your network.  Become an expert! Network with professionals, recruiters, peers, faculty and staff, alumni, professional associations, members of your family and other contacts.

Check to see if there are any CoE alumni in engineering positions at your companies of choice.  Ask professors or other professionals you know if they have any relationships with firms of interest.  An introduction and/or endorsement from a respected third party are very effective ways to open a door for conversation.  Once you have a conversation started, your likelihood of connecting to the “right” person increases dramatically.

Contact other UM CoE students who have already completed an internship in the country or company of interest to you. When you contact a peer, ask questions about their internship.  If appropriate, request introductions to prospective employers or others who may be able to assist you.  Learning about these environments enables you to be knowledgeable when you do have a chance to meet or interview.

Attend UM events such as career and information programs or employer meetings.  These are useful ways to get background information, meet peers with similar interests and gain access to representatives from potential employers.

Your UM faculty can also be a valuable resource.  Approach your advisor or other faculty members with similar research interests.  Find out if they have colleagues around the globe who might have similar projects and positions for students.  You might also approach faculty members who are natives of the country where you would like to work.  Ask for their advice on finding placements in their home countries.

Contact your past employers.  Many companies have overseas subsidiaries where you might find work.

Consider using IAESTE, AIESEC, CDS International, CIEE and other outside organizations to help with your job search.  Each has advantages and disadvantages.  ECRC and IPE advisors can help with background information and suggestions for how best to use the available outside services.