The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
HR Generalist / HR Business Partner (with global exposure)
2-3 years in a generalist HR role, especially one supporting international teams or assignees.Skills to master
- Understanding of global HR processes, employee relations across borders, basic global mobility knowledge, and a knack for spotting cultural issues in team dynamics.
You're ready to move on when
- You've already been the informal 'go-to' person for cultural questions in your current HR role.
- You've helped manage a few international assignments from an HR perspective.
- You've delivered some basic training sessions to employees.
- You actively seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures.
- 2
Global Mobility Coordinator / Specialist
2-4 years focused on the logistics and administration of international assignments.Skills to master
- Deep understanding of the expatriate lifecycle, relocation processes, visa requirements (from a support perspective), and the common challenges assignees face.
You're ready to move on when
- You've noticed that cultural adjustment is a major factor in assignee success (or failure).
- You're constantly looking for ways to better prepare assignees beyond just logistics.
- You've had direct contact with assignees and their families, offering informal support.
- You're keen to move beyond just the 'what' to the 'why' of global assignments.
- 3
Learning & Development Specialist (with international focus)
2-3 years designing and delivering training programmes, ideally for a global audience.Skills to master
- Instructional design, facilitation skills, needs assessment, and experience tailoring content for diverse audiences. You'll have some exposure to global learning initiatives.
You're ready to move on when
- You've already incorporated cultural considerations into your training materials.
- You're passionate about making learning relevant for different cultural groups.
- You've delivered training to participants from various countries.
- You're looking to specialise specifically in cultural aspects of learning.