Should you accept an international assignment?

Chemical Engineering Progress, Aug 2003 by Contreras, C Delia, Bravo, Fabio

Consider the career- and family-related benefits and trade-offs of an overseas experience, as well as whether you have what it takes to be successful in such a position.

IN THESE DAYS OF GLOBALIZATION, chemical engineers may be faced with the possibility of an international assignment. The company may need specific expertise at a certain location to support a project, start up a business, solve problems or create networks. Sometimes the objective of an assignment is to facilitate cultural and technology transfer between locations. Other times, the main objective may be to prepare a key employee for more challenging responsibilities. International experience is becoming a must for executives who want to advance up the corporate ladder.

This article outlines what you need to know before you accept an overseas position, and offers advice on preparing for and making the move, getting the most out of your international experience, and readjusting when you return.

The decision

When deciding whether to accept an international assignment, it is important to have open discussions with your spouse (or partner) and other family members. Use whatever mechanism works for your family when it has to make very important decisions. Don't deliver the news by saying "I have boon assigned to . . .," even if you think you have no option.

Involving the entire family in the decision is extremely critical - first because the whole family will be affected by the decision, and second because having family support is a key factor for success in the international assignment. In one survey, 64% of the respondents cited family problems as a significant factor contributing to failed international assignments (1).

From a career standpoint, the advantages are numerous. An overseas assignment will expose you to other ways of doing business, allow you to gain new perspectives, and give you a better understanding of the corporation as a whole. It will help you improve your interpersonal effectiveness, develop new competencies and hone existing skills, as well as acquire a broad range of experience. It will result in tremendous personal growth and boost your self-confidence in your professional capabilities. And it will improve your marketability for future career moves.

Offsetting these benefits are several career-related disadvantages. You may experience some degree of the "out of sight, out of mind" syndrome - i.e., a feeling that people at home forget about you and that you are out of the loop. You may get caught off-guard in the event of layoffs or reorganizations. There is also a risk of feeling disconnected from external networks, such as professional association contacts and recruiters.

An international experience offers the family many advantages. It will expose you to other cultures and provide opportunities for family travel (sometimes even "exotic" trips) and a chance to learn foreign languages. The children may be able to attend international schools (which are typically very good). You will make friends with the locals as well as with other expatriates (ex-pats). The experience will boost the self-confidence of all the family members as you realize you can adjust and perform in different situations and environments. The entire family will mature, because you will be forced to get out of your comfort zones, challenged to do some soul-searching, and required to think "out of the box." It will result in significant personal growth for all of you - there is nothing quite like moving abroad to gain an entirely new perspective on your life (1). Finally, you will earn more money, in the form of international premiums, hardship premiums, or even danger premiums. But do not do it for the money only!

On the other hand, you are likely to feel disconnected from your extended family and friends at home. You all will be exposed to stressful situations related to moving, adjusting to a new culture, and not having many friends at first. The children may get spoiled by the exotic travel and the rich cultural experiences. The entire family may become spoiled by the extra income (and after repatriation, may find it difficult to readjust to living on a smaller budget). The family may need to make some sacrifices, such as long separations for the children to attend college or a good international school. And, you will be forced to make a lot of decisions in a short period of time.

In addition to weighing the career and family advantages and disadvantages, you also need to perform a self-assessment to see if you have the characteristics needed to succeed in an international assignment (Table 1). Be very honest with yourself while doing this evaluation.

Also factor into the decision the characteristics of all family members and any special circumstances, focusing especially on two key issues: adaptability and willingness to accept new challenges. Note that some situations (Table 2) may be valid reasons for declining an international assignment. The whole family should brainstorm about these situations, but this needs to be handled carefully, as minor excuses could be exaggerated.