<p>I'll major in either mech or electrical engineering as a college freshman. I also want to get assigned by companies to work abroad, preferably East Asia. Anyone with such experience? I know it's silly to plan out my career at this stage, and that company initiatives supersede personal plans.</p>
<p>Still, is there a way to "steer" my career toward the international market? Thanks!</p>
<p>If you have the time in your schedule, try studying abroad. If not, you just need to be very proactive about finding an internship in East Asia and make sure employers know that international work is your preference. Keep in mind though, most domestic employers will allow you to work abroad but only after a few years within the USA.</p>
<p>Do you have any cultural skills or originate from an East Asian country? If you have lived there or speak any native languages, that can help alot!</p>
<p>Study abroad, internships abroad, language skills (not necessarily in that order).</p>
<p>Yeah, lol I'm Chinese, and I can speak/read/write Chinese proficiently. Hmm so companies generally don't send greenhorns abroad?</p>
<p>I guess you could look for a company that does business with East Asia, or a company that is based in East Asia and has a US office. Then you start with them, and after a while ask if you could get a temporary or permanent position in China.</p>
<p>Unforunately, North American and European companies have different views on this question. I know some German and Swedish companies require young engineers to rotate around the globe for 4 or 5 years before returning home. For North American companies this type of posting is considered desirable and often does not happen to mid-level people. </p>
<p>Clearly, to get this exposure you have to work in a large MNC. However, as you mention, the needs of the organization come first. Beyond this, I do not know any way to steer a career in one direction.</p>