AT WORK
Finding job in Europe not as easy as some think
By Andrea Kay
Intrigued with the idea of working in Europe? You're not alone. Many people think about how they can be an investment banker in Germany or a technology worker in France.
But landing these jobs is not as easy as you might think. If you're seriously considering work in Europe, you'll want to find out first what's true and what's not about finding work abroad.
For example, many Americans believe that knowing a foreign language makes you qualified for an international job. Not so, say Cheryl Matherly and Robert Sanborn, authors of "How to Get a Job in Europe."
Just as they do in the United States, employers will look at your skills and experience to decide if you're qualified.
Many people also believe that U.S. subsidiaries hire lots of Americans. But, say the authors, Europeans run and staff most U.S. companies in Europe. Americans hired to work in Europe have two things: skills that weren't found in Europe and experience with a particular company where they have proven their value.
Another myth is that an American MBA degree won't be useful in Europe. Europeans have high regard for an American MBA — especially one from a school that offers a specialization in international business, say the authors. Coupled with fluency in a European language, an American MBA and knowledge of the job market will open doors for you in Europe.
The employment sectors in Europe include agriculture, education, management consulting and finance, manufacturing and trading, nonprofit, retail, and travel and tourism.
Some international jobs are easier to find than others. Teaching English is a good route — especially in Central Europe, where English language skills are a hot commodity. If you're a native English speaker with a bachelor's degree, you probably qualify to teach English in Europe, say the authors. The best opportunities are in places that don't require students to learn English in school, including Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece and most of Eastern Europe.
Jobs also are easier to find in the hospitality industry, particularly in Greece. Smaller companies not engaged in tourism or a trade-related business have little use for American workers, they say. These companies will hire you only "if you provide some skill not readily available from local workers, such as computer programming."
Thinking about the United Nations or international government organizations? You've got intense competition. Plus, plan on waiting up to two years for your application to get through the system.
Having that advanced degree and skills in high demand such as those needed for computer programming, accounting and business, increase your chances of being employed there.
Sources for finding jobs include www.escapeartist.com, www.transitionsabroad.com and such publications as International Career Employment Weekly.
With so much change in the world, no one really knows what will happen to affect your job opportunities in Europe. But I agree with the authors when they say it may be even more important today for Americans to "become citizen ambassadors to the rest of the world."
Besides the rich experiences and career development you'll get, your work there also can contribute to more understanding in other parts of the world.
