Choosing a European country: Russia
Experience the diverse culture of the largest country in the world.
Key facts
Population: 141,377,752 (July 2007 est.)
Languages: Russian and many minority languages
Median graduate starting salary: 153,720 roubles (about £3,000)
Average working hours: 40 hours a week
Days’ holiday: 28
Key industries
- communications
- construction
- consumer goods production
- defence industries
- economic development
- finance
- retail
- road and rail transportation
- teaching
Labour market
Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area. In recent years, consumer demand and investment have contributed to a growth in the economy. Poverty has steadily declined in the last five years and the middle-class has continued to expand. Despite a financial crisis in 1998, Russia has managed to rebuild its international financial position. It has the third largest oil reserves in the world and makes billions of pounds each year from oil exportation – however, this major source of government revenue leaves Russia vulnerable to shifts in world commodity prices. Western goods and expertise remain in demand, particularly skills in transport, construction, ICT and engineering. Trade has been directed away from Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union countries to places such as Germany, China and the UK. Russian business is status orientated and hierarchal.An attempt to speak Russian will be greeted warmly and business meetings often begin with a short introduction to each person in the room. Culture is very important to Russians: make sure you research its diversity as you might be expected to join in with conversations about music, art and literature.
Application methods
Jobs can be found either through personal contacts, agencies or organisations based in the UK, or through job advertisements in local and national press. Your CV should be handwritten and very detailed – use full sentences and don’t leave blank spaces. The style of your covering letter should be formal but not too persistent. Prepare for questions about your personal and professional goals. Russian employers value language and computer skills, as well as a lively personality. When you do find a job ensure that your contract is written up in both Russian and English so it is potentially enforceable in a Russian court.
Graduate employers
Russia is an outlet for a number of large graduate employers including international law firms CMS Cameron McKenna LLP and Norton Rose, automotive employers Autoliv Inc and Continental AG, coffee giant Tchibo GmbH, as well as Hewlett Packard, Reuters and KPMG.
Cost of living
Russian currency (roubles) is not widely available in the UK so be sure to exchange your money well in advance. Renting a flat in Russia is a reasonably easy process. Prices range from about 3,000–5,000 RUR(about £60–£100) per month in a medium-sized city; in Moscow or St Petersburg you’re likely to pay around two to three times more. While housing can be expensive in the major cities, local groceries, petrol and public transport costs are relatively cheap. As a general rule, Western products are more expensive than local – a meal at a Westernised restaurant could be two to three times more than in a traditional Russian one.
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