Christopher works for a major investment bank doing country credit reviews, particularly for high-risk countries, to assist the bank in establishing and maintaining ratings and setting country credit limits. He must keep current on political and economic trends around the world.

Michael creates policy and monitors activity for Africa in a large development organization. He travels frequently throughout the region, but is based in the US so he can stay in close touch with upper management and organizational decision-making that may affect the delivery of the programs he manages.

Giuliana manages the Latin American programs for a global relocation firm, assisting executives and their families with cultural briefings, whether they are relocating or simply doing business in the region. She uses her Spanish daily.

What do these three individuals have in common? They all have satisfying and rewarding international jobs based in the United States. Why would someone choose to work internationally, at home? First and foremost, personal lives. Working abroad can be exciting, but it takes you far away from family, and if you’re married, navigating dual careers can be difficult for an extended period of time. Sometimes, people don’t want to raise children overseas. While some people are happy to globe-trot forever, others may be ready to return home after a few years abroad.

For those of you who want a job with a global perspective, but do not want to live abroad, opportunities exist for you in what may be unlikely places. Every public and private sector has global job opportunities based at home. Many companies, for example, have international business and finance jobs that focus on specific regions of the world or involve monitoring the firm’s business globally. In New York, the hub of US global financial activity, there's a multitude of opportunities. But opportunities exist on the West Coast as well for those with an interest in Asia. Miami and Texas are also good cities for individuals who would like to focus on Latin America. Really, multinational firms and international opportunities exist in practically every US city.

The public sector is also full of possibilities. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta has an international division for professionals with a public health background. State governments have offices that focus on trade and export promotion. And in the nonprofit sector, opportunities can be found in international development organizations, think tanks, educational organizations, universities and many other areas.

It is important to assess your marketability for these jobs. For example, entry-level positions for an individual without a master’s degree are available in many nonprofits, but for management positions you might need a master’s degree and three to five years of field experience (i.e., time working in a developing country. For business jobs, you might need an MBA. Do your research carefully by conducting informational interviews and arranging networking meetings with individuals who have the kind of job in which you are interested.

Sometimes, starting your global career at home is easier for you and your employer. Both of you can test the waters without risking an expensive relocation. Working internationally at home has never been as accessible and exciting.