In the Spring 2025 issue of IIENetworker, Higher Education Professionals Focus on Connecting Global Learning with Workforce Skills
As the world of work continues to evolve, so too must our approach to preparing students for global careers. Career readiness is more than just a buzzword – it’s a critical component of a student’s educational journey, equipping them with the skills, experiences, and networks necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The ability to navigate various cultures, communicate across borders, and think critically about global challenges are skills employers increasingly value, especially as students and employers alike evaluate how disruptive innovation will impact the future of work.
This issue of IIENetworker reflects a broader movement to ensure international education isn’t just an enriching experience; it’s also a strategic investment in students’ futures. The responsibility lies with all of us — educators, administrators, and policymakers — to create pathways that connect international experiences with career aspirations. Issue topics include:
- Future of work projections and research demonstrating the competitive advantages of international internships
- Expert guidance for assessing and reorienting curricula and education abroad programs
- How critical language study programs can lead to careers in national security and intelligence
- Assisting students with articulating the professional outcomes and applications of global learning
- A North Carolina community college meeting the needs of the local economy with job-ready, global learning experiences
- The value of alumni engagement and industry-specific mentorships
Throughout my own travels, including my personal milestone of visiting all seven continents, I’ve learned that career growth is a continuous journey shaped by exposure to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. Just as global learning fosters adaptability and problem-solving, career readiness is an ongoing process – one that evolves with every new experience.
I invite you to engage with the thought-provoking perspectives in this issue and reflect on how we, as international education professionals, can better prepare students for the global workforce. By embedding career readiness into international experiences, we ensure that students aren’t just prepared for their next job, but for a lifetime of career success.
The semiannual IIENetworker magazine amplifies knowledge and best practices for higher education professionals. Contributors provide strategic guidance and lessons learned from their international education efforts, including building international and academic partnerships, recruiting international students, and advocating for study abroad and student mobility. As a benefit of IIENetwork membership, more than 1,500 organizations and 10,000 professionals receive copies.
