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Careers

How can studying abroad help out in my future plans of graduate school or entering the workforce?
 
That is a common question that many Study Abroad Professionals receive from students and parents alike. We believe that studying abroad is not only an incredible life experience, but it can also pay off for you in the long-term.
 
It has been proven that students who have studied abroad not only have an incredible academic experience, they also positions themselves well for the future.
 
Just take a moment to look at the numbers provided by a recent IES study:

  1. 97% of study abroad students found employment within 12 months of graduation. Compare this to only 49% of graduates that found employment in the same period. That means study abroad students were twice as likely to find a job. 

  2. 25% boasted higher starting salaries than students who did not study abroad.  On average, this higher salary equates to $7,000 more for study abroad alums. Maintaining this earning advantage translates to earning an extra $567,500 over one’s career!

  3. Interested in graduate school after you graduate? 90% of study abroad alumni who applied to graduate school got into their 1st or 2nd choice. 

  4. 59% of employers said study abroad would be valuable in an individual’s career later on with their organization.

  5. Are you unsure on what you want to do in your life? 34% of study abroad alumni claimed that study abroad helped them choose their career field. 


We always hear the expression that numbers never lie. After seeing these figures, why not give studying abroad a chance? Not only does it help you in possibly securing a job or a spot at your graduate school of choice, it also helps with your personality development. According to a German study, those who studied abroad showed improvements in five core traits compared to those who did not go abroad: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability.
 
In addition to these resources, the Career Center team at Ole Miss is here to help you in how you can market your time abroad for your future. They are conveniently located right next to the Study Abroad Office in Martindale 303!