As advancement grows at educational institutions all over the world, the need for new perspectives can make an international job an appealing career move. While a global advancement career can be rewarding, it can present unique challenges.

"Accepting your dream job in a far-off land can be one of the most exciting times of your career. It can also broaden your perspective and, in turn, help you and your advancement team achieve your goals," writes Moyra Doyle, founder of the global search firm Richmond Associates, for the March/April 2018 issue of Currents.

Doyle explains some of the ways a global advancement position can be beneficial to both your career and your institution.

Learn best practices. "It is hugely beneficial for organizations to have expatriate Americans bringing best practices with them to more nascent fundraising institutions," says Sarah Morris, chief advancement officer at the Singapore American School. Additionally, institutions benefit from hiring professionals who have worked in other markets.

New philanthropic perspectives. There's a learning curve when entering a new philanthropic community, says Pamela Stephenson, director of development and alumni relations at Exeter College, the University of Oxford. When Stephenson transitioned from a position at the University of Western Australian, she had to learn about the key players in the community as well as the country. "Perth is a small town where everyone is connected in some way, which can be a tremendous advantage for a fundraiser," she says.

Financial cultural literacy. "Understanding attitudes about money and philanthropy is an important labyrinth to navigate," says Emma Silva, who moved from the U.K. to work at the American School of Paris and then to Vietnam, where she now serves as director of advancement for the United Nations International School of Hanoi. "The international cultural differences that really count are not about food and festivals but those deep-seated differences around values and attitudes. A successful international career will demand that you recognize and respect those differences without judgment."

This article is from the March 2018 BriefCASE issue.