Career advice: International issues

How to Land an Overseas Job Despite Visa Obstacles

I recently obtained a bachelor's degree from a renowned university in the U.S., and my academic records are excellent. I moved to Spain without a work visa. I thought that my resume would open doors with ease. As it turns out, I was wrong. Spanish interviewers are interested in me until the visa issue arises. According to lawyers in the U.S., the visa procedures are easy and inexpensive, and it's just a matter of finding a company that will sponsor me. What do you suggest I do?

Getting a Work Permit Is Your Biggest Hurdle

I'm considering looking for a job in Europe, in the UK in particular. I have over 30 years of management experience in all areas of an organization — sales, marketing, manufacturing, finance, etc. — and owned a manufacturing company that did business in the UK. What's required of a US citizen to work there and how can I learn about job openings?

Check Local Consulate For Information on Visas

I have a bachelor's degree in computer science and over five years' experience in information technology. I work in India, but would like a new career in Europe. I heard that there's a visa that would allow me to work anywhere in Europe. How can I get one?

Language Skills Pay When Job Hunting Abroad

I'm a student studying economics, politics and history. The difficulty I'm facing is what to do when the academic year ends. I've been accepted to study Portuguese and management at the University of Leeds, but am no longer sure this is the right choice for me. My ambition is to live and work in Brazil, however my knowledge of Portuguese is limited. I understand a great deal of the language, but am not confident about my communication skills. What should I do?

Consider Family Feelings Before Accepting a Relocation

I work for a large company in London that wants to transfer me to Boston for a year. The new job sounds exciting. I'll be provided with housing and will receive a small salary increase. I'm concerned my husband won't be happy if I take this new assignment, even though he says he'll go. I really like my job and think I have a good future with this employer. Will it hurt my career if I turn down this offer?

Consider Various Challenges Before Searching for a Job Overseas

I've always dreamed of living and working in London. I have a bachelor's degree in business and have been in the marketing field for many years. Aside from applying for a work visa, what should I do to get started?

How to Restart a Career After a Transfer to Germany

I'm an experienced marketing and advertising executive who has worked for several multinational companies. I'm Romanian and recently moved to Germany after my husband, a category manager, was transferred. I enjoy working in multicultural environments where people work together towards a common goal. Could you please give me some advice on how to find a job in Germany? I'm open-minded and willing to start a new career if I cannot find something in my field.

Talk to People Who've Lived and Worked Where You're Moving

I was offered a job that requires me to relocate to Asia. I think it will last for about three to five years. I'm excited about the job, salary and people, but worry that I won't like the place. What can I do to deal with this fear?

From Argentina to Britain in IT Management

I've been working as a technology manager for a medium-size insurance company's computer center for about 10 years. I hold a master's degree in data networks and a degree in psychology. I'm 43 years old, and I plan on moving to England to start a new career as an information-technology manager or consultant. I realize that working at a new job in a new country will be difficult, and I'm concerned about my ability to conduct business in a foreign environment.

Should I apply for a job at an IT-consulting firm in order to help me become familiar with British technology strategies? And would this be a good opportunity to begin a master's degree in business administration or executive program to learn more about business and technology as well as to network?

US Accountants Need Special Certification

If I possess a British professional-management-accounting qualification such as one from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), would I be able to find employment anywhere in the US? Would I be required to seek a different form of certification?

Is Relocating the Right Move?

My company offered me a promotion for a job located abroad. This is excellent for my career and the salary is exceptional, but I can't decide whether to accept it. I procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate. What should I do?

Learning a New Language Is the Easy Part

I'm looking for work in Bangkok, Thailand, but speak only English. I picked up a few Thai words on a recent visit, so I'm certain I could learn the language easily. How can I find out about jobs there that would suit me?

Fellow Expatriates, Industry Groups Help Foreigners Find Work

My wife and I are moving to the Netherlands in a couple of months for my work. My wife is a corporate-finance attorney and she recently left her job at a large law firm so that we could take an intensive Dutch-language class together. She's having a difficult time finding a firm in the Netherlands or Brussels that's willing to hire an American lawyer. Where should she look for employment opportunities?

How to Get to China from the US?

I'd like to get a job in China since I grew up there and because the economy appears healthy. I currently work as a marketing strategist in a software company in the U.S. How can I target potential employers?

Too Many Choices Complicate Job Decisions

I have a background in banking, with experience as an account manager, credit analyst and controller of a dealing room. My temporary position ended in January and I took time off to think about my next step, take a banking course and participate in local politics.

This year hasn't been a good one to find a new position in private banking. So at a job fair in Berlin a few weeks ago, I spoke to consulting companies. I like to be creative and in my last job I volunteered to write product and strategy concepts. Since graduation, I've had some great opportunities that I didn't pursue, probably because I was being too selective.

I'm also thinking about working in private banking in Brazil, where I've visited and have contacts. I'm attracted by the challenge and opportunity to use my language skills and the chance to combine work and travel.

I know it's not all beaches and sunshine, but where can I find information about working in Brazil, besides embassies, the Internet and other traditional sources? Plus, what do you think I should be considering?

Follow Your Interests To Find an Overseas Job

I have a diverse background in the human-services field that spans 15 years. I also completed master's-level studies in sociology specializing in human-services administration and evaluation. What additional training do I need to tap international job markets? I'm not averse to changing careers. But with my financial commitments I can't go back to entry-level pay.

I'm immigrating to Canada and, in the next six years, to Australia. I've researched possibilities, but requirements from one area to another are very different. I have many transferable skills, but employers won't look past my human-services job titles. Is there a particular degree, or career avenue that is more universally recognized?

Back to the US from Pakistan

I'm a U.S. citizen and a vice president of an investment bank in Pakistan. I'm thinking of moving back to U.S. What should I do?

Determine Why You Want to Work Abroad

I'm studying for a master's degree in marketing and finance at the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi, Pakistan. I graduate in December and intend to find a job abroad, preferably in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates or Hong Kong -- in that order of preference. I've completed several internships, including stints with International Business Machines Corp. and the World Conservation Union. I've also worked in the media and as a free-lance consultant for small businesses. Is it advisable to seek a job in the countries of my choice? If so, how should I proceed?

Relocation

I am researching potential career-change options because I am moving to a new location with my husband where there are no jobs in my industry. I plan to re-career in a field where there is expected demand for new workers. I have looked at the Department of Labor recommendations but am concerned that with so many people seeing the same information there will be over-enrollment in training programs for the number of new positions that are expected. I want to know where I can find the following information:

• Current enrollment in educational programs by state.
• Statistics on the current number of people employed in specific occupations.
• Layoffs by occupation, by state.

Employers Hold the Keys To Work Permits in Europe

I'm an administrative assistant for an international company in Belgrade. I'd like to secure a part-time job in Western Europe so I can work while I finish my studies at the London School of Economics. I have a passport and references from two previous employers and I'm fluent in English. How can I get started?

Find US Companies That Sponsor Foreign Workers

I just completed a master's degree in business from Uppsala University in Sweden and want to work at a large international investment bank in the US. I don't have a US work permit and live in Sweden. How can I go about this?

How to Find Contacts in the UAE

I've got a master in mechanical engineering and an MBA from one of the leading European Business schools. In the past I implemented ERP's as IT consultant. Actually I'm managing a business unit in the manufacturing industry, exporting machine components worldwide. Now I'm interested in a new challenge outside good old Europe. How can I find offerings and build serious contacts in the Gulf region, mainly the UAE, where I expect strong economical movement in the future? What do I need to consider when investigating offers in the region?