1. How would you evaluate the list of challenges that Gunderson identifies regarding IHRM support for business success, such as relocation, talent management, recruitment, employee development, compensation, labor relations, and information systems? Which of these do you think are most important and why? Which ones might become even more important in coming years, and why?

2. Gunderson emphasizes the importance of being prepared, search widely for positions, expand one’s network, communicate interest, and volunteer for new challenges. Do you agree with these recommendations? Why or why not? How can you incorporate them within your own life and professional development efforts?

The focus of this Get that Job! From Backpack to Briefcase boxexplores Laura Gunderson’s experiencesin preparing for and entering a career in international human resource management. Her interest in international issues was sparked by her own international upbringing, which included a broad variety of living and travel experiences. These experiences clarified the challenges of doing business internationally, and piqued her interest in human resource management aspects of international business. She discusses her experiences going to work immediately after graduation in the international human resources group of a Fortune 100 company, providing an insightful overview for students interested in careers in this area. She provides several salient recommendations for how students might better prepare themselves for finding and exploiting opportunities in IHRM.