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Young Member Toolkit In August of 2000, the SAME International Action Committee presented a concept of a toolkit for SAME Young Members planning to work abroad to the Executive Committee. Based on discussions over the next several months with the Young Members Committee and members of the International Action Committee, a guide was prepared to assist our Young Members in the military and the private sector prepare for their overseas assignments. The Toolkit was made available to the general SAME membership at the International Action Committee workshop on May 30th during the National Training Conference in Nashville. The purpose of the Toolkit is to help our Young Members prepare for an overseas assignment. Many individuals have personal and career enriching experiences overseas, while others would rather forget the bad experiences they had abroad. While the military and some companies do much to enhance and support their employees and servicemen who work abroad, some companies may do no more than provide an airline ticket. The costs of a failed assignment can be very high in terms of career, finances, and personal life, so careful thought before accepting an international assignment and thorough preparation before going are clearly worth the time and effort involved. SAME, the Federal government, state government agencies, and trade associations offer a myriad of resources and services to assist in preparing for an international assignment. Individuals that are new to the international arena have specific needs, and a number of resources are available to assist in the transition abroad. The Toolkit introduces a few basic resources available. The Toolkit is divided into three sections. Sectoin I, called "Getting Started" cover Career Considerations, Bridging the Cultural Divide, and Coming Home. These three sections provide a discussion on some of the concerns and questions that arise when planning and preparing for the overseas assignment. Section II provides general resource information listed under various categories. Each category identifies specific resources to help members gather information. Section III provides information on other trade organizations and associations that offer international assistance. We hope Young Members will find this Toolkit useful. For further information on the Toolkit, please call Teresa Pohlman, Chair of the International Action Committee at 703-614-2173 or teresa.pohlman@whs.mil. |
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