3 Ways Being An Au Pair Helps Your Career

Being an au pair can be the adventure of a lifetime.Not only does being an au pair teach you about your passions and skills, but it also looks great on your resume! Read on for how being an au pair can prepare for you for a successful career, regardless of the path you choose.

1. Mastering English. While you're living and working in the U.S. you are immersed in the English language. You'll be learning new terms related to childcare, and you're also learning how to communicate efficiently in a completely different language. Companies across the world are always looking for candidates that are bilingual (and trilingual!), so being fluent in English is a big advantage. For example, German au pair Lara's English skills benefited greatly from the au pair program.

2. Problem solving and time-management. As a care provider for children, you know the importance of being organized and on a schedule! From making sure your host kids make it to school in a timely manner to navigating the development of toddlers or teenagers, you've seen it all during your time as an au pair. Knowing how to prioritize tasks under stress or deadline is an important skill future employers look for.

3. Empathy and being a team player. You have the opportunity to meet so many diverse people as an au pair. From bonding with fellow au pairs from other countries and backgrounds to living with a host family from a different culture, your world view will broaden due to cultural exchange. Understanding different perspectives and cultural differences helps you become a better team player, regardless of the job you're in. Plus, you'll become a part of an alumni network around the world!

Being an au pair is not just an adventure, it changes a life.

- Christelle from France