An introduction to working in Europe
With barriers melting away there are more and more opportunities to work in Europe. Whether you want to progress your career or try something new, you'll find an opportunity in Europe.
For many people working abroad seems like the ideal career move. For some it is their dream to make the professional move abroad; for others it’s an adventure or the next natural step in their career. Whatever your personal motivations and professional interests, Europe has something to offer everyone.
What Europe can offer
Europe is developing as one continent more and more, and Europeans have access to incredible professional and social opportunities that no other continent can match. In recent years Europe has become a more favoured option than the US: cross-border working opportunities, good climates, flexible working conditions, a high standard of living, fantastic cities and ease of integration being just some of the reasons why potential employees prefer Europe. The global war for talent has also pushed salaries and remuneration packages up across Europe, making it a very appealing destination.
Mobility across Europe
The enlargement of the EU in May 2004 and the addition of ten new member states have provided even more
opportunities for social and professional mobility. The EU Commission voted 2006 the year of the mobile worker – an initiative to overcome obstacles and increase the mobility of workers in the EU. International investment, outsourcing and technological wizardry have helped foster the growing culture of social and professional mobility while shaping the modern commercial world. Whereas it was once true to say that a job was for life, the world is now on the move and it is encouraging a little travel.
Languages
Language skills are undoubtedly important for an international career and English on its own is no longer enough. To make a successful move and fully integrate it helps if you either speak a second European language, or if you’re prepared to learn to a good basic standard.
International investment, outsourcing and technological wizardry have helped foster the growing culture of social and professional mobility while shaping the modern commercial world.
Utilising your university experiences
The route to an international career does not start at the end of your studies but at the very beginning. Use your university years to dive into all things international, whether opting to study a new language, working or travelling abroad for a period of time or arranging a work placement with an international company. It’s important to gain experience of the international employment scene and also of different cultures and working practices in a cross-culture working environment. More and more companies expect their international recruits to have already studied abroad or completed a work placement in another country.
Building your international work portfolio
Finding work in your home country can prove difficult at the best of times and finding work within Europe can be equally tricky. International entry-level and experienced hire positions do exist – the international job search just requires a bit more time, effort and preparation in order to succeed. The majority of European employers will be seeking staff with some international experience. You will need to demonstrate your interest and commitment to working within a particular country or countries.
Europe – the facts
The European Union (EU) comprises 27member states and is the largest political and economic entity by area. The EU has the world’s largest economy with an estimated nominal GDP of 14.2 trillion USD (2006) accounting for 35 per cent of the world’s GDP.
Source: Wikipedia
Find out more about making a start in Europe
This article has been viewed 1538 times.
Rating: 3 / 5 (4 votes cast for this article)
Rate this article:
Related articles