Introduction

Many people who want to work abroad spend months searching for international vacancies, researching visa requirements and sending applications to employers in other countries. Some eventually discover that their biggest challenge is not finding a suitable country or understanding the application process. It is proving that they have the skills and experience needed for the opportunity they want.

An international employer may want someone who can manage customers, operate equipment, prepare reports, write software, supervise a team or solve practical problems. A university may want evidence of leadership, research ability, professional development or community involvement. A scholarship committee may ask applicants to explain how their previous experiences connect with their future goals.

These expectations do not mean you must leave your home country before building an international career.

In many situations, you can begin preparing where you currently live. A local company, small business, school, hospital, technology firm, community organisation or freelance project can provide opportunities to develop useful skills and demonstrate your abilities.

The important thing is to choose your activities carefully, take your responsibilities seriously and keep reliable evidence of what you have accomplished.

This guide explains how to build work experience locally before applying for international jobs, scholarships or other opportunities. It covers where to find employment, how to gain experience without a formal job, how to build a professional portfolio, how to document your achievements and how to present your background to international employers.

The aim is not simply to keep you busy while waiting to relocate. It is to help you become a stronger candidate wherever your career takes you.

1. Why Building Work Experience Locally Matters

Local work experience can help you develop the practical abilities that employers and organisations look for. It gives you opportunities to apply what you have learned, understand workplace expectations and become more comfortable handling professional responsibilities.

A degree or certificate can demonstrate that you completed a course of study. Work experience can help demonstrate how you use your knowledge in real situations.

For example, someone who studied accounting may understand financial principles but may have limited experience preparing invoices, maintaining records or using accounting software. Working with a small business could provide an opportunity to develop those abilities.

Similarly, someone who studied computer science may understand programming concepts but still need practical experience building applications, testing software, documenting code or working with clients.

Local employment can also help you develop professional relationships. A supervisor, business owner, project manager or client who has directly observed your work may be able to provide a credible reference when you apply for another opportunity.

There is also a financial benefit. Working locally can help you save towards relocation, application preparation, professional examinations, document processing and other legitimate expenses. However, the amount you need will depend on your destination and individual circumstances.

What to do

Before applying for local opportunities, identify what you want to gain from the experience.

Write down three things:

1. The professional skill you want to develop.
2. The type of responsibility you want to handle.
3. The evidence you hope to obtain after completing the work.

For example, if you want to work in international customer support, you might look for a position where you can communicate with customers, resolve complaints, use customer relationship management software and maintain service records.

That is a more useful starting point than accepting any available job without considering what it can teach you.

2. Understand What International Employers Actually Look For

There is no single list of requirements that applies to every international employer. Expectations depend on the industry, position, employer, country and level of responsibility.

However, many employers want evidence that applicants can perform the duties described in a vacancy.

A job advertisement may request experience with project coordination, customer communication, data analysis, equipment maintenance, financial reporting or team supervision. These requirements give you clues about the abilities you should develop.

Employers may also consider professional conduct, reliability, communication, problem-solving and the ability to work with people from different backgrounds.

A candidate who can explain how they solved a workplace problem may make a stronger impression than someone who simply lists several certificates.

Read job descriptions before choosing local work

One practical way to prepare is to study vacancies in your intended career field.

You do not need to apply immediately. Instead, collect job descriptions from reputable employers and examine the responsibilities and requirements.

Pay attention to:

• Technical skills.
• Professional qualifications.
• Software and equipment.
• Communication requirements.
• Industry experience.
• Supervisory responsibilities.
• Language requirements.
• Evidence of previous projects or achievements.

Separate the requirements into two groups: those you already meet and those you need to develop.

Then identify local opportunities that can help you close the gaps.

For example, someone interested in international administrative work might discover that employers regularly request spreadsheet skills, document management, scheduling, customer communication and report preparation.

A local administrative position could provide practical experience in several of these areas.

What to do

Choose five to ten genuine vacancies in your intended field. Compare their requirements and identify the skills that appear repeatedly.

Create a simple skills-development list and use it to guide your local job search.

Do not assume that every requirement is essential for every employer. Focus on the qualifications and responsibilities that are relevant to the specific positions you eventually intend to pursue.

3. Identify the Right Local Career Opportunity

The best local opportunity is not necessarily the one with the most impressive job title.

A small business may give you direct responsibility for managing customers, preparing reports and coordinating operations. A larger organisation may offer more structured training and established professional procedures.

Both can be valuable, depending on your goals.

The important question is whether the opportunity gives you relevant experience, useful skills, credible professional relationships or financial stability.

Match local opportunities with your intended career

Consider these examples:

These are examples, not guarantees that the experience will satisfy a particular employer’s requirements.

Some professions are regulated. Healthcare, engineering, law, teaching and other professional fields may require recognised qualifications, registration or licensing before you can perform certain duties in another country.

Local experience can help demonstrate your background, but it does not replace the professional recognition required by the destination country.

What to do

Choose one career direction and identify local employers or organisations that operate in that field.

Compare the responsibilities they offer with the requirements in international vacancies.

Prioritise opportunities that give you practical responsibility rather than choosing a position solely because its title sounds impressive.

4. Where to Find Legitimate Local Job Opportunities

Finding genuine work can be difficult, particularly when you are starting your career or searching in an unfamiliar industry.

Instead of depending on one source, use several channels. Public employment services, company career pages, professional networks, recruitment agencies and direct applications can all help.

A. Government employment platforms

Government employment services can be useful starting points because they provide access to employment information and, in some cases, job matching, career guidance and training opportunities.

For Nigerian job seekers, several official resources are worth exploring.

National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX)

The National Electronic Labour Exchange is an employment platform associated with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. It connects job seekers and employers and provides access to employment opportunities.

Visit the NELEX official website to explore its services and available vacancies.

National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

The National Directorate of Employment works on employment creation, vocational skills development and other programmes intended to address unemployment.

Its programmes cover areas such as vocational skills development, small-scale enterprises, rural employment promotion and special public works.

Visit the National Directorate of Employment website to check its current programmes and announcements.

LEEP Jobs

LEEP Jobs describes itself as the official labour platform of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. It provides job listings across different sectors and connects job seekers with employers.

Explore LEEP Jobs and check the details of each vacancy before applying.

NiYA Jobs

NiYA Jobs is a youth-focused employment platform that connects job seekers and employers. Its official website provides candidate registration, job browsing and application tracking features.

Visit NiYA Jobs to explore opportunities and understand its eligibility conditions.

These platforms are starting points, not guarantees of employment. Check the employer, job description, application instructions and any conditions attached to a vacancy.

B. Company career pages

Many employers publish vacancies directly on their websites.

If you are interested in working in banking, telecommunications, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education or logistics, identify organisations operating in your area and visit their official career pages.

Do not wait until a vacancy appears on social media before researching a company.

Create a list of employers you would genuinely like to work for. Check their websites periodically and learn about their products, services and operations.

This preparation can help you understand the industry and submit more relevant applications.

C. Professional networking

People already working in your intended industry may know about vacancies, training opportunities and professional events.

Build genuine relationships with colleagues, former classmates, lecturers, business owners and professionals.

You can also use professional networking platforms to follow companies, connect with recruiters and learn about career opportunities.

LinkedIn provides guidance on creating a professional profile, finding opportunities and presenting your experience. Visit the official LinkedIn profile guide for practical instructions.

For a more detailed explanation, read our guide on improving your LinkedIn profile for an international job search.

D. Direct applications to local businesses

Not every legitimate employer advertises every vacancy online.

Some smaller organisations recruit through referrals, direct applications or local professional networks.

You can approach businesses with a short, professional application explaining the type of work you can perform and the value you could bring.

For example, if you have administrative skills, you might contact a school, clinic, logistics company or small business that needs help with records, scheduling and customer communication.

Make your approach specific. A message that explains how you can help is more useful than a general request for any available job.

What to do

Use at least three different job-search channels.

Create a record of the organisations you contact, the positions you apply for, application dates and follow-up actions.

Keep copies of the original vacancy descriptions. They can help you remember the responsibilities and requirements of each position when preparing for interviews.

5. Build Experience Even When You Cannot Find a Formal Job

Not everyone can secure paid employment immediately. Some graduates have limited work experience, while others live in areas where suitable vacancies are difficult to find.

This does not mean you must remain inactive.

You can build practical experience through legitimate projects, freelancing, small businesses, supervised training and community activities.

The important distinction is that you should describe your experience honestly. A personal project is not the same as formal employment, and volunteering should not be presented as paid work.

A. Freelancing

Freelancing allows you to provide services to clients without necessarily working as a permanent employee.

Depending on your skills, you could offer:

• Graphic design.
• Website development.
• Writing and editing.
• Translation.
• Video editing.
• Social media management.
• Data analysis.
• Virtual assistance.
• Customer support.
• Software development.

Start by identifying one service you can provide competently.

Prepare a few samples that demonstrate your ability. These can be personal projects or work created for clients, provided you have permission to display it.

When you secure a client, agree on the work to be completed, the delivery schedule, payment arrangements and ownership of the finished work.

Keep invoices, contracts, project records and evidence of completed assignments.

Freelancing can develop useful professional skills, but it does not automatically count as qualifying employment under every immigration or recruitment programme.

B. Personal and independent projects

A project can demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge even when you have not yet worked for an established employer.

For example:

• A software developer can build a functional application.
• A designer can create a portfolio of original designs.
• A writer can publish researched articles.
• A data analyst can analyse a publicly available dataset.
• An accountant can create sample bookkeeping exercises using fictional data.
• A digital marketer can develop a campaign plan for a hypothetical business.
• An engineer can document a practical project within their training and safety limits.

The project should have a clear objective and a finished result.

Simply watching tutorials or collecting certificates is not the same as demonstrating that you can perform a task.

C. Community and voluntary work

Community organisations, charities, educational initiatives and professional associations may offer opportunities to develop useful skills.

You might help organise an event, manage registrations, prepare reports, coordinate volunteers or support a community training programme.

Choose an organisation with a genuine purpose and clear responsibilities.

Ask whether the organisation can provide confirmation of your participation and the duties you performed.

Voluntary work can be useful for scholarship applications and professional development. However, it may not count as paid skilled employment under an immigration programme that specifically requires paid work.

D. Small business and self-employment

Running a small business can provide experience in operations, customer service, finance, marketing and problem-solving.

A small business does not need to be large to teach you professional skills.

For example, someone selling products locally may learn inventory management, customer communication, pricing, record keeping and order fulfilment.

Someone offering technical services may learn client management, project planning and quality control.

Maintain accurate business records, including invoices, receipts, contracts, business registration documents where applicable and evidence of completed work.

Never invent clients, sales figures or responsibilities to make a business appear more established than it is.

What to do

Choose one practical activity that you can start with your current resources.

Set a clear outcome, such as completing a website, delivering a client project, supporting an organisation’s event or managing a small business process.

Document the work from beginning to completion.

6. Use Internships, Apprenticeships and Training Opportunities Carefully

Internships and apprenticeships can provide structured opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

They are particularly useful for people who have completed their education but have not yet developed enough practical experience to compete for more advanced roles.

An internship may introduce you to workplace procedures, professional communication, industry tools and the expectations of a particular occupation.

An apprenticeship may provide supervised practical training in a trade or technical field.

However, not every opportunity advertised as an internship or training programme is worthwhile.

Before accepting an offer, understand the responsibilities, duration, supervision arrangements, learning objectives and any payment or support provided.

Questions to ask before accepting

• What specific duties will I perform?
• Who will supervise or train me?
• What skills should I expect to develop?
• Is there a written agreement?
• How long will the arrangement last?
• Will I receive feedback on my performance?
• Can the organisation confirm my participation afterwards?
• Are there any costs, and what exactly do they cover?

Be cautious of organisations that use the word internship to justify unlimited unpaid work without meaningful training.

The legal rules governing internships, apprenticeships, wages and working conditions vary by location. Check the applicable labour rules before agreeing to an arrangement.

What to do

Choose a programme that offers genuine learning and supervision.

At the end of the arrangement, request an accurate record of your participation, including the dates, responsibilities and skills developed.

7. How to Gain Experience When You Have No Previous Work History

A lack of formal employment experience can make the first job search difficult. Employers may ask for experience, while applicants need employment to gain that experience.

The solution is to begin with opportunities that match your current ability and gradually take on greater responsibility.

You do not need to pretend to be an experienced professional.

Start with your existing abilities

Think about activities you have already completed that demonstrate useful skills.

These might include:

• Academic research and presentations.
• Student association responsibilities.
• Community activities.
• Family business support.
• Personal technical projects.
• Voluntary work.
• Organising events.
• Tutoring or mentoring.
• Freelance assignments.

Identify what you actually did, who benefited and what the outcome was.

For example, helping a family business manage customer orders may demonstrate organisation, communication and record keeping.

However, describe it accurately as family business support or business assistance if that is what it was. Do not invent an official job title.

Apply for entry-level opportunities

Entry-level roles, trainee positions and supervised assistant jobs can provide a starting point.

Do not dismiss an opportunity simply because it does not offer a senior title.

Focus on whether the work gives you a chance to develop relevant skills, learn professional procedures and build a credible record.

Create practical samples

If you cannot secure employment immediately, build examples of your work.

A portfolio can help an employer assess your ability without relying entirely on your employment history.

For example, a junior web developer can share a website they built. A writer can provide published articles. A graphic designer can display original design projects.

What to do

Prepare a simple entry-level CV that highlights your education, practical projects, transferable skills and relevant activities.

Apply for roles that match your current ability while continuing to build practical experience.

Our guide on identifying fake job offers can help you recognise suspicious recruitment approaches during your search.

8. Choose Local Work That Supports Your Intended International Career

One common mistake is accepting work without considering whether it contributes to your long-term direction.

You do not need to reject every job that is unrelated to your preferred career. A temporary role can provide income and help you develop general professional skills.

However, if you have a clear career goal, it is sensible to seek opportunities that move you towards it.

Example: Preparing for an international technology career

Imagine someone who wants to apply for software development positions abroad.

Instead of spending all their time searching for international vacancies, they could:

1. Learn a programming language relevant to their intended role.
2. Build practical applications.
3. Apply for junior development or IT support positions locally.
4. Contribute to genuine software projects.
5. Learn version control and software documentation.
6. Develop a portfolio showing completed work.
7. Request professional feedback and references.

This creates a clearer professional story than simply listing several online courses.

Example: Preparing for an international healthcare career

Someone interested in healthcare employment abroad should first understand the professional requirements of the destination.

They may need recognised qualifications, registration, examinations or additional training.

Local experience in an authorised healthcare role can help develop practical knowledge and professional discipline. However, it cannot replace the registration or licensing requirements of the destination country.

Example: Preparing for international business administration

A person interested in business administration could seek local experience in an office, school, logistics company or small business.

They could develop skills in:

• Document management.
• Spreadsheet preparation.
• Scheduling.
• Customer communication.
• Procurement support.
• Record keeping.
• Report preparation.

These activities can provide relevant examples when applying for similar positions elsewhere.

What to do

Choose a target occupation and study the responsibilities of actual vacancies.

Find local opportunities that allow you to practise those responsibilities.

Review your progress regularly. If your current job is not helping you develop relevant skills, look for additional responsibilities, training or a more suitable opportunity.

9. Build a Professional Portfolio That Shows What You Can Do

A professional portfolio is a collection of evidence demonstrating your work and abilities.

It is particularly useful in careers where employers can assess practical output, such as writing, software development, design, digital marketing, research and data analysis.

A portfolio does not have to be complicated. It can begin as a well-organised digital folder.

What to include

Depending on your profession, you may include:

• Completed projects.
• Writing samples.
• Design samples.
• Software applications.
• Research reports.
• Presentations.
• Training certificates.
• Published work.
• Project descriptions.
• Relevant professional references.

For each project, explain the objective, your role, the tools you used and the outcome.

If you worked with a team, clearly distinguish your contribution from the work completed by other members.

Do not upload confidential company information, private customer data or documents that you do not have permission to share.

Make your portfolio easy to review

You can use a simple website, a professional document or an organised cloud folder.

The format matters less than the quality and clarity of the evidence.

For digital careers, a public code repository may be appropriate. For writing, a collection of published articles or approved writing samples may be more useful. For design, selected visual projects can demonstrate your abilities.

What to do

Select three to five strong examples of work you are allowed to share.

Write a short explanation for each one.

Update the portfolio whenever you complete a meaningful project.

10. Document Your Responsibilities, Achievements and Results

One of the most important habits you can develop while working locally is keeping accurate records.

Many people perform useful work but struggle to explain what they accomplished when preparing their CV or attending an interview.

They remember their job title but forget the actual responsibilities they handled.

A simple work record can prevent this problem.

Record your responsibilities

Write down the tasks you perform regularly.

For example, an administrative assistant may:

• Prepare correspondence.
• Organise files.
• Maintain spreadsheets.
• Schedule appointments.
• Respond to enquiries.
• Prepare meeting documents.

These responsibilities can later help you tailor your CV to relevant international vacancies.

Record achievements

An achievement explains what changed or improved because of your work.

For example:

Weak description: Responsible for customer service.

Stronger description: Responded to customer enquiries, documented complaints and helped resolve service issues.

Another example:

Weak description: Worked in an office.

Stronger description: Maintained digital and paper records, prepared routine reports and supported daily administrative operations.

Where you have reliable figures, you may include them. For example, you might describe the number of customer enquiries handled or the number of records processed.

Never invent statistics or exaggerate your contribution.

Keep a work evidence folder

Save relevant documents such as:

• Employment contracts.
• Appointment letters.
• Job descriptions.
• Payslips, where available.
• Employer reference letters.
• Training certificates.
• Performance reviews.
• Project completion records.
• Invoices and client agreements for freelance work.
• Business records for self-employment.

Keep both digital and physical copies where practical.

Protect sensitive information and do not share private employment documents publicly.

What to do

Create a folder for each job, project or business activity.

Update it whenever you complete an important task, receive a certificate or achieve a meaningful result.

This will make future CV preparation and application documentation easier.

11. Obtain Credible Professional References

A professional reference can help another organisation understand your work history and professional conduct.

A good referee is someone who has directly observed your work and can provide accurate information about your responsibilities and performance.

This could be a supervisor, employer, project manager, client, lecturer or community organisation leader, depending on the opportunity’s requirements.

Choose the right referee

Do not select someone simply because they have an impressive title.

A person who knows your work well may be more useful than someone senior who has never supervised or worked with you.

Before listing anyone as a referee, ask for their permission.

Explain the type of opportunity you are pursuing and what information the organisation may request.

What a useful reference should explain

Depending on the purpose, a reference may include:

• Your relationship with the referee.
• The period they knew or supervised you.
• Your responsibilities.
• Relevant skills.
• Examples of your work.
• Professional conduct.
• Areas of demonstrated strength.
• Contact details for verification.

Not every application requires a reference letter. Some employers request contact details, while others use online reference systems.

Follow the instructions provided by the organisation.

What to do

Maintain professional relationships with people who have directly observed your work.

When requesting a reference, provide accurate information about the opportunity and allow the referee enough time to respond.

Do not write or submit a reference in another person’s name without permission.

12. Turn Local Work Experience Into a Strong International CV

Your CV should help an employer understand how your experience relates to the position being advertised.

A local job title may not be familiar to an international recruiter. This makes it important to explain your responsibilities clearly.

For example, a title such as office assistant may cover different duties in different organisations.

Instead of relying only on the title, describe the actual work you performed.

Use clear and relevant descriptions

A strong experience section should include:

• Employer or organisation name.
• Job title or accurate description of your role.
• Employment dates.
• Main responsibilities.
• Relevant achievements.
• Tools or systems used, where appropriate.

Use language that matches the vacancy when it accurately describes your experience.

If an employer requests experience in inventory management, highlight genuine work involving stock records, dispatch, procurement or warehouse operations.

Do not copy responsibilities from a vacancy if you have never performed them.

Explain transferable skills

Transferable skills are abilities that can be useful in different industries or workplaces.

Examples include:

• Communication.
• Problem-solving.
• Organisation.
• Teamwork.
• Time management.
• Customer service.
• Digital literacy.
• Research.
• Project coordination.

The strongest CVs do not simply list these skills. They provide examples of how the applicant used them.

For example, rather than writing that you have leadership skills, explain how you coordinated a project, supervised a task or helped organise a team.

Adapt your CV to the destination

Different countries, industries and employers may have different CV expectations.

Some request a short résumé, while others expect a more detailed CV. Some application systems ask for employment history in separate fields.

Follow the employer’s instructions rather than assuming one format works everywhere.

For more guidance, read our article on improving your LinkedIn profile for international job searches.

What to do

Prepare a master CV containing your complete and accurate work history.

For each application, adjust the relevant sections to reflect the actual requirements of the position.

Keep your job titles, dates and responsibilities consistent across your CV, application forms and supporting documents.

13. How Local Experience Can Support Scholarship and University Applications

Work experience can provide useful evidence for some scholarship and university applications, particularly where the programme considers leadership, professional development, community contribution, research or practical achievements.

However, not every scholarship requires employment experience.

Some programmes focus primarily on academic performance, research potential, financial circumstances, leadership, community service or other selection criteria.

The correct approach is to read the specific scholarship requirements before deciding which experiences to emphasise.

Use real examples in your application

Suppose you are applying for a scholarship in public health.

Your local experience might include working with a community organisation, supporting health education activities or assisting with relevant research.

You could explain what you did, what you learned and how the experience connects with your proposed studies.

Similarly, an applicant pursuing a business degree might describe experience helping a small business improve its record keeping or customer service.

The experience should support the argument you are making. It should not be included simply to make the application appear longer.

Connect experience with future goals

A useful application explains the relationship between your background and your intended programme.

You can discuss:

• What motivated you to enter the field.
• What practical problems you encountered.
• What skills you developed.
• What knowledge you still need.
• How the proposed programme supports your goals.
• How you intend to apply what you learn.

Your experience does not need to be extraordinary. It needs to be genuine, relevant and explained clearly.

Explore our guides on writing a strong scholarship essay and preparing a scholarship motivation letter for further guidance.

What to do

Read the scholarship’s selection criteria and identify the experiences that demonstrate the qualities it requests.

Use specific examples rather than making general claims about your leadership or commitment.

14. Understand When Work Experience Matters for Immigration

This is an important distinction for anyone preparing to relocate.

Local work experience may strengthen your professional profile, but it does not automatically qualify you for a work visa or permanent residence.

Immigration programmes have their own eligibility requirements. Some assess work experience directly, while others focus on an employer-sponsored position, professional qualifications, family relationships, study admission or other criteria.

You should therefore investigate the immigration pathway before assuming that a particular job will help you qualify.

Example: Canada’s Express Entry system

Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for certain economic immigration programmes.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program considers qualifying skilled work experience obtained in Canada or abroad. However, the work must satisfy the programme’s specific requirements, including rules concerning occupation, duties, paid employment and qualifying periods.

This means that having a job title alone is not enough. The actual duties and supporting evidence matter.

Read the official Federal Skilled Worker Program requirements before making decisions based on Canadian immigration eligibility.

Example: The United Kingdom Skilled Worker route

The UK’s Skilled Worker route is based on an eligible job with an approved employer, a certificate of sponsorship and other applicable requirements.

Previous local employment may help demonstrate your professional ability to an employer, but it is not a universal substitute for the route’s eligibility conditions.

Consult the official UK Skilled Worker visa guidance for current requirements.

Understand the difference between employment experience and immigration eligibility

Consider these questions:

1. Does the immigration programme require previous work experience?
2. Which occupations are accepted?
3. Must the work be paid?
4. Are self-employment or freelance activities accepted?
5. How must employment dates and duties be documented?
6. Are there qualification, language or licensing requirements?
7. Does the route require an employer or job offer?

These questions can prevent you from spending time developing experience that does not meet the requirements of your intended pathway.

What to do

Identify the official immigration route you are considering.

Read the government guidance and make a separate list of its employment requirements.

If the rules are unclear or your circumstances are complicated, seek advice from an appropriately qualified immigration professional.

Our guides on how immigration actually works and legitimate international career routes provide additional background.

15. Build Professional Connections Before Relocating

Your professional network can help you learn about your industry, discover opportunities and understand what employers expect.

Building a network does not mean sending random messages to strangers asking them to arrange a job abroad.

It means developing genuine professional relationships over time.

Start with people in your field

Connect with:

• Former classmates.
• Lecturers and instructors.
• Colleagues.
• Industry professionals.
• Professional association members.
• Recruiters.
• Business owners.
• People working in your intended destination.

Follow organisations that operate in your career field and pay attention to the skills and experience they discuss.

Use professional platforms properly

LinkedIn can help you present your experience, follow employers, discover vacancies and communicate with professionals.

Keep your profile accurate and consistent with your CV.

Share useful work-related updates where appropriate. You might discuss a completed project, a new professional skill or a lesson learned from a genuine work experience.

Avoid presenting yourself as an expert in areas where you have little practical experience.

Learn from people already working abroad

You can learn about workplace culture, professional expectations and career development by speaking with people who have experience in your intended industry.

Ask focused questions.

For example:

• Which technical skills are important in your role?
• What qualifications do employers usually expect?
• What mistakes do international applicants make?
• Which professional standards should I understand?
• What should someone in my current position learn next?

Respect people’s time and do not treat every conversation as a request for a job referral.

What to do

Identify a few professional communities relevant to your intended career.

Participate respectfully, contribute where you can and build relationships based on genuine professional interests.

16. Prepare Financially While Building Experience

Relocation can involve several expenses, and the exact requirements vary by destination and immigration route.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to budget for application preparation, travel, accommodation, professional examinations, document processing and initial living expenses.

Local employment can help you prepare financially, but earning money alone does not mean you are ready to relocate.

You should understand the costs associated with your actual pathway before making commitments.

Separate career development money from daily spending

If possible, create a separate savings account or savings arrangement for your international plans.

Decide how much you can reasonably save without neglecting essential responsibilities.

Avoid borrowing heavily or making major financial commitments based on an unconfirmed job offer, scholarship or visa application.

Invest in useful professional development

Some of your income may be used to improve your qualifications or practical abilities.

Consider whether a course, examination, professional membership or piece of equipment is genuinely necessary for your target career.

Before paying for training, verify the provider and determine whether the qualification is recognised by the employers or professional bodies you are targeting.

Do not collect certificates simply because they are advertised as internationally recognised.

What to do

Prepare a realistic financial plan based on your current income, responsibilities and intended route.

Our guide on managing money in a new country can help you think through the financial side of relocation.

17. Mistakes to Avoid When Building Local Work Experience

Building experience takes time, and some decisions can make your preparation less effective.

Mistake 1: Accepting any job without considering your goals

A job may provide income without helping you develop the skills required for your intended career.

There is nothing wrong with taking work for financial reasons. However, where possible, continue developing the professional skills that support your longer-term direction.

Better approach: Identify one or two relevant skills you can develop alongside your current work.

Mistake 2: Exaggerating your responsibilities

Some applicants make their experience sound more impressive by changing job titles, inventing supervisory duties or claiming achievements they cannot prove.

This can damage credibility when an employer checks their background.

Better approach: Describe your actual responsibilities and explain your contribution clearly.

Mistake 3: Treating certificates as a substitute for practical ability

Certificates can demonstrate training, but they do not automatically prove that you can perform a task.

Better approach: Combine relevant training with practical projects and evidence of your work.

Mistake 4: Ignoring documentation

You may forget important responsibilities or lose access to records after leaving an organisation.

Better approach: Keep accurate employment records and request appropriate documentation before you leave.

Mistake 5: Accepting suspicious recruitment offers

Some fraudulent recruiters advertise unrealistic salaries, request unexplained payments or use fake company identities.

Better approach: Verify employers through independent sources and check the recruitment process carefully. Read our guide on identifying fake job offers.

Mistake 6: Remaining in an unproductive arrangement

An internship or voluntary position may become a poor use of your time if there is no meaningful training, supervision or defined responsibility.

Better approach: Agree on expectations and review whether the arrangement is helping you develop.

Mistake 7: Leaving a job carelessly

Leaving without following reasonable notice requirements or handing over responsibilities properly can damage professional relationships.

Better approach: Follow your employment agreement and applicable labour rules. Maintain professional conduct even when moving to another opportunity.

Mistake 8: Assuming local experience guarantees an international opportunity

Experience can improve your professional profile, but employers and immigration authorities make decisions based on their own requirements.

Better approach: Continue checking the qualifications, licensing, language, sponsorship and immigration requirements of your intended destination.

18. A Practical Preparation Plan Before Applying Abroad

You do not need to complete everything at once. A simple plan can help you build experience gradually.

Stage 1: Define your direction

Identify the career or professional field you want to pursue internationally.

Research actual job descriptions and official professional requirements.

Write down the skills, qualifications and experience you need to develop.

Stage 2: Find a suitable local opportunity

Search through government employment platforms, company career pages, professional networks and direct applications.

Consider entry-level jobs, internships, apprenticeships and legitimate freelance work.

Choose opportunities that match your current ability and development goals.

Stage 3: Develop practical skills

Take on responsibilities that help you apply your knowledge.

Learn relevant tools, improve communication and seek feedback from people who understand the work.

Complete projects that demonstrate your abilities.

Stage 4: Keep evidence

Maintain records of your employment, projects, training and achievements.

Request references when appropriate.

Build a portfolio containing work you have permission to share.

Stage 5: Prepare your international applications

Update your CV and professional profile.

Compare your experience with the requirements of actual vacancies.

Check the official immigration or scholarship requirements relevant to your chosen pathway.

Stage 6: Apply strategically

Apply for opportunities that match your qualifications and experience.

Tailor your application honestly, prepare for interviews and continue improving your skills while waiting for responses.

Do not resign, relocate or make major financial commitments based only on an informal promise. Confirm the employment offer and understand the necessary immigration permission before making travel arrangements.

19. Your Local Experience Preparation Checklist

Before applying for international opportunities, review the following checklist.

Career direction

• [ ] I have identified the career or occupation I want to pursue.
• [ ] I have reviewed genuine job descriptions in that field.
• [ ] I understand the skills and qualifications employers request.
• [ ] I have checked whether the profession is regulated in my intended destination.

Work experience

• [ ] I have relevant employment, project, freelance, business or voluntary experience.
• [ ] My responsibilities are clearly defined.
• [ ] I can explain what I learned from each experience.
• [ ] I have examples of practical work I completed.

Documentation

• [ ] I have accurate employment dates and job titles.
• [ ] I have kept relevant contracts and supporting records.
• [ ] I have saved certificates and training records.
• [ ] I have permission to share the work included in my portfolio.
• [ ] I know whom I can approach for a professional reference.

Professional presentation

• [ ] My CV is accurate and up to date.
• [ ] My LinkedIn profile reflects my actual experience.
• [ ] My portfolio contains relevant examples.
• [ ] I can explain my achievements clearly during an interview.

International preparation

• [ ] I have checked the official requirements of my intended pathway.
• [ ] I understand whether work experience is required and how it is assessed.
• [ ] I have checked relevant licensing or professional recognition requirements.
• [ ] I have a realistic financial preparation plan.
• [ ] I know how to verify an employer and a job offer.

You do not need every item to be complete before beginning your international career search. The checklist is a way to identify what is ready and what still needs attention.

20. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a job abroad without previous local work experience?

Yes, some international employers recruit entry-level applicants, recent graduates and candidates with limited formal employment history. However, the availability of these opportunities depends on the occupation, employer, qualifications, country and immigration route.

Practical projects, training and relevant skills can help demonstrate your ability, but they do not replace mandatory employment or licensing requirements.

Does local work experience count for international jobs?

It can. Employers may consider relevant experience gained in another country, particularly when the responsibilities match the position they are recruiting for.

The employer decides what experience is suitable for its vacancy. Some professions and regulated occupations have additional requirements.

Does local work experience count towards immigration eligibility?

Sometimes. Certain immigration programmes recognise qualifying foreign work experience, while others require experience gained in the destination country or impose specific conditions.

Check the official requirements of the programme. Do not assume that every job, internship, freelance assignment or voluntary activity will count.

Can freelancing count as work experience?

Freelancing can demonstrate professional ability and may be relevant to employers. Some immigration programmes also recognise certain forms of self-employment, subject to their rules.

However, other programmes exclude self-employment or require specific evidence. Keep contracts, invoices, payment records, project details and client references where appropriate.

Can volunteering help my international career?

Yes. Volunteering can help you develop communication, teamwork, leadership, organisation and project coordination skills.

It can also provide useful examples for some scholarship and university applications.

However, volunteering should not be presented as paid employment. It may not satisfy immigration programmes that require paid work experience.

What if I have a degree but no work experience?

Start with entry-level opportunities, supervised training, internships where appropriate, practical projects and relevant voluntary activities.

You can also develop a portfolio that demonstrates what you can do.

Your first opportunity does not have to be your final career destination. Focus on building useful skills and a credible professional record.

Should I accept a local job even if it is not related to my intended career abroad?

It depends on your circumstances.

A job may provide income, workplace experience and transferable skills even when it is not directly related to your target profession.

If you accept unrelated work, continue developing the skills and qualifications needed for your intended career.

How can I prove that I worked for a local employer?

Depending on the circumstances, useful evidence may include employment contracts, appointment letters, payslips, employer references, tax or business records, project documentation and other verifiable records.

The documents required will depend on the employer, institution or immigration programme reviewing your application.

Should I leave my local job once I receive an international job offer?

Do not resign solely because you receive an informal promise or an unverified offer.

Confirm the employer, understand the written employment terms and check the immigration permission required for the job. Make sure you understand any conditions attached to the offer before making major decisions.

Is local work experience more important than education?

Neither is universally more important.

Some positions require specific academic or professional qualifications, while others place greater emphasis on practical experience and demonstrated ability.

Read the requirements of the actual opportunity rather than assuming one will always replace the other.

Final Thoughts: Start Building Your International Career Where You Are

You do not have to wait until you relocate before taking your professional development seriously.

The work you do in your home country can help you develop practical skills, understand workplace expectations, build professional relationships and prepare for opportunities beyond your borders.

A local job can be valuable. So can a freelance project, a small business, an apprenticeship, a professional portfolio or a meaningful community activity.

What matters is that your experience is genuine, relevant and properly documented.

Do not spend all your time searching for international vacancies while ignoring opportunities to improve your qualifications and abilities today.

Choose a career direction. Identify the skills you need. Find practical ways to develop them. Keep evidence of your work and understand the requirements of your intended destination.

Your international career does not necessarily begin at the airport. It can begin with the responsibilities you take on today.

Official Resources and Further Reading

The following resources can help readers explore employment, skills development and international career requirements.

Nigerian employment resources

• National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX)
• National Directorate of Employment (NDE)
• LEEP Jobs
• NiYA Jobs
• Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment: Employment and Wages

International employment and immigration information

• LinkedIn: Creating a Good Professional Profile
• UK Government: Skilled Worker Visa
• Government of Canada: Federal Skilled Worker Program

Related ScholarWorkWorld guides

• International Career Planning
• How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile for an International Job Search
• Employers That Sponsor Work Visas
• Legitimate International Career Routes
• How to Identify Fake Job Offers
• How to Negotiate a Job Offer Abroad
• Managing Money in a New Country

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational and career-planning purposes. Employment, professional licensing, scholarship and immigration requirements vary by country, institution, employer and programme. Always consult the relevant official authority for current requirements before making important decisions. ScholarWorkWorld does not guarantee employment, scholarship selection, visa approval or immigration eligibility.