The pros and cons of an overseas posting

When your employer suddenly asks you to go on an overseas assignment, here are a few things – some obvious, others less so – that you should think clearly about before accepting, or, after assessing the career-limiting risks, politely declining.

 

To start with, besides anything about the destination itself, of course you need to understand what this job is about. For a company with global operations and, therefore, regular overseas posting arrangements for head office management staff – such as an airline, for example – the answer may be rather obvious. Otherwise, you need to take more time to explore beyond what you have been told: the mission, success criteria, challenges, the local team and other resources available, who will be your champion at head office, and all the rest of it. Above all, you need to assess how important this overseas assignment is to the company’s overall business and strategy. The more important it is the chances are that the more likely that it will be beneficial to your career prospects.    

 

Realistically, you need to be certain about how the role fits into the company’s hierarchy. If it is a promotion, it should doubtless add weight in your favour.

 

However, the destination itself will have a certain influence on whether you like the assignment or not, particularly for those with family – assuming that the employer will also look after all the costs involved. If you have children to bring along, the availability of reputable international schools is no doubt an important factor to consider.