Is it a good idea to study abroad?

Good idea to study/intern abroad after graduation?

• I've always wanted to study/intern abroad, but until this year, I had a horrible boyfriend who told me I could not pursue my dreams because he'd get too jealous or worried if I left him for a couple of months. I really feel I must prove my self-worth by interning abroad. I just went to an info session, and my university happens to offer some great programs for recent grads. I told my parents about this, and they think it's a horrible idea. They think I'd be "passing up job opportunities" by not accepting a job in May. Of course, if I went, I'd have a job set up for me when I return, but they think I'd be "settling for less" somehow or that companies would not be willing to wait for me :\ I already have a strong resume (lots of leadership and internship experience) and some great connections (but then again, who doesn't?). So - is it beneficial for me to intern abroad after graduation (for say, 12 weeks), or should I just listen to my parents and take the traditional route? They fear that I'd lose my competitive edge if I wasn't immediately hired -__-

• Answer:

  I hear what your parents are saying, but in this day and age, I think the best way to get a "competitive edge" is to do something apart from the traditional route - something that will make you stand out to potential employers and show initiative. As long as you are studying/interning in something related to what you hope to pursue in terms of a job, the experience will be invaluable and certainly impress the employers. Everyone and their mother is looking for a job right out of college, so the key is to set yourself apart from the pack - and if you can gain experience that would be applicable to the workplace while doing this, even better!