Studying abroad can be a life-changing investment personally, academically and professionally but its payoff (ROI) increasingly depends on skills, not just the university name. Employers want people who can work with AI, solve messy problems, move between cultures and turn classroom learning into real outcomes.In an interview with TOI Education, Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO of Leverage Edu, shared that studying abroad should be approached with a clear outcome and ROI lens. He suggested, “It’s absolutely pertinent that students focus on the different levers that can help them land their dream career roles. One of the most critical is building future-ready skills, whether it’s being AI-native, data literate, or cross-culturally fluent.“These go beyond the classroom and employers today increasingly value adaptability and problem-solving much more than narrow expertise. He added, “Internships and applied projects go a long way too, as they help bridge academics with much needed real-world industry exposure. Another key driver that can really make a difference is starting to build networks early on. The relationships you form with your peers, your professors, alumni, or professionals you meet along the way, often open doors to opportunities you couldn’t have foreseen and some of these can end up defining long-term career success.“Here are some future-ready skills that matter most and why students should prioritise them while they are studying overseas –
Be AI- and data-literate: Technical fluency with judgement
Employers report a growing demand for analytical thinking, AI and data skills as these skills increase employability and career options after graduation. Opt for courses, micro-credentials or undergraduate projects that require data work and ethical AI discussion and get hands-on with tools, not just theory. According to a World Economic Forum study published in Future of Jobs Report, analytical thinking and innovation and AI and big data, are among the top skills employers say will be in demand. The WEF surveyed employers worldwide and found that AI, big-data literacy and analytical thinking are rising quickly on employer wish-lists. For students, this means learning to use AI tools (prompting, verifying outputs) and gaining basic data skills (interpreting charts, understanding metrics) will markedly improve career prospects.
Internships and applied projects really move the needle
Real work experience helps students translate academic credentials into job interviews and offers. Prioritise paid/credit internships, summer research projects or consultancy projects during study abroad as they turn a degree into demonstrable experience. As per a 2021 study in Labour Economics, applicants with internship experience have a 12.6% higher probability (on an average) of being invited to a job interview.” Using large-scale data, the authors showed that internships materially increase chances of interviews and early-career employment. Another synthesis of internship research confirms that internships improve short and medium-term labour market outcomes and career adaptability.
Global mobility and study-abroad experiences boost employability if framed right
Short-term and semester-abroad programmes develop adaptability, intercultural communication and problem solving skills that are valued by employers. Treat study abroad like an internship with document projects, reflections and concrete achievements to present to future employers. A 2022 journal issue in Higher Education Research & Development, revealed that short-term learning abroad programmes provide students with skills such as adaptability, intercultural communication and problem-solving that are attractive to employers. Survey and outcome data show that participants report stronger employability skills and that employers often value international experience, especially when the student can demonstrate what they did and learned (not just that they travelled).
Networks: The jobs often come through “weak ties”
Who you know often opens opportunities that grades alone don’t. Opt for early networking like alumni events, LinkedIn outreach, informational interviews and mentors to make a difference between applications and offers. As per a 1973 study in the American Journal of Sociology, weak ties are more likely to provide novel information and opportunities such as job leads, than strong ties. Decades of social-network research show that casual acquaintances connect you to information outside your immediate circle. For international students, expanding weak-tie networks (alumni, internships, faculty contacts, local meetups) substantially raises job prospects.
Social skills, adaptability and communication (the soft-skill premium)
As automation grows, jobs that combine technical know-how with social and collaborative ability pay more. Opt for team projects, presentation practice or student leadership roles while studying abroad as these build the social fluency that employers prize. A 2017 study in the Quarterly Journal of Economics established that jobs requiring high levels of social interaction grew substantially and the labour market increasingly rewards social skills. Analysis of occupational trends show that social skills like teamwork, communication and leadership have risen in value and often complement technical skills. Employers seek graduates who can not only code or analyse data but also explain results, persuade stakeholders and manage teams.
Equity and access: Beware of unpaid internships and networks that favour privilege
Not all internships/networks are equally accessible but unpaid or ‘hidden’ roles can entrench inequality and affect ROI. Ask programmes and employers about pay and favour opportunities that include formal recruitment channels (university portals, advertised roles) rather than relying solely on social connections. Sutton Trust research and recent analyses show that unpaid internships favour students with parental support while news and policy pieces highlight the risks of unpaid roles. Internships help — but unpaid or network-only roles often amplify socioeconomic gaps. Families should seek paid placements, university-mediated programs, or stipends that make internships inclusive.Bringing his expertise to the same, Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education, said, “An international degree is one of the most critical investments you can make for your future and its returns go far beyond academics. To get the maximum ROI, you should start by choosing a programme with good job prospects – one that matches in-demand skills and industries – and a reputable, accredited institution to add value to your degree. Alongside this, gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or research opportunities will make you career-ready.”He concluded, “Equally important is developing transferable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, which are relevant across industries. Building global networks, leveraging post-study work visa options to get hands-on experience and continuous upskilling will put graduates in good standing for long-term success in a competitive job market.”