Three Key Takeaways to Help Education Abroad Professionals Support Student Workforce Development

4/21/2025

How does education abroad translate to career success? On Wednesday, April 9, Dr. Kate Moore, co-founder of the Global Career Center, discussed this question and many more with Ezequiel Herrera, Associate Program Manager at Southwest Airlines, during the webinar, “Through an Employer’s Eyes: Why EA Matters, Part 3.” This virtual discussion is part of the “Employer Perspectives: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow, Today” series, in which employers share their insights on globally focused career preparation and workforce development.

The webinar offered valuable advice on hiring trends and career preparedness, providing international educators with actionable strategies to better support their students in a rapidly evolving job market. The goal: to empower education abroad professionals to think bigger about how their work contributes to student success—not just academically, but professionally and personally—amid global shifts.

Explore these three key takeaways from the webinar:

Understand the Knowledge Gaps – and How to Fill Them

Recognize and address the gaps in students' educational and experiential journeys. Employers value graduates who have been challenged to step outside of their comfort zones, confront their worldviews, and gain exposure to different ways of thinking. For education abroad professionals, this means creating opportunities that not only promote academic learning but also foster personal growth and global awareness. “I so appreciate the way Ezequiel described the exposure gap and the education gap,” said Moore. “We should encourage opportunities for students to overcome both.” Global companies are looking for competencies like adaptability, teamwork, and independence all which education abroad can provide.

Think Outside the Box to Better Support Students

Our presenters challenged participants to move beyond “cookie-cutter” models of support. Education abroad professionals in the field know their students best, Herrera mentioned, and they can act as consultants, advocating for resources and opportunities from employers that are tailored to student needs. He also encouraged international educators to consider how they can design their study abroad programs more intentionally to empower students and best prepare them for the workforce, helping them build transferable skills and confidence.

Empower the Next Generation of Global Professionals

Students returning from studying abroad have accomplished something extraordinary that many people never have the chance (or the courage) to do. Education abroad professionals are uniquely positioned to help their students recognize their experiences as assets, encouraging them to become global ambassadors who “dare to dream and dare to grow,” Herrera explained. He stressed the importance of intentionality, reflection, and empowerment.

“Being intentional about reflection will help better connect past experiences with future growth,” added Moore.

Moore and Herrera’s conversation highlighted a powerful truth: By working more closely with employers and remaining intentional in providing student support and engagement, the field can better prepare education abroad alumni not just for their next job, but for the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world.

For those interested in continuing the conversation about workforce development and student success, registration is now open for The Forum on Education Abroad’s Careers, Internships, and Global Learning (CIGL) Conference. The 2025 event will take place from October 19-21 in San José, Costa Rica, and will explore how globally-focused career preparation—through international internships, consulting projects, co-ops, and community-engaged global learning—shapes the next generation of professionals.

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