How to get a job in Italy.
Finding work is hard in Italy because unemployment is so high. In Sardinia
for example, the unemployment rate is 19%.
But you should not let this put you off from moving to Italy. While
you will face competition from Italian, remember that you have an advantage
in that you speak English fluently. This already sets you apart from
most Italians whose knowledge of the language rarely goes beyond the
English picked up at school
.
Secondly, you probably have far more work experience than your Italian
counterparts. Although the Italian University system is one of the most
demanding in Europe in terms of the sheer amount of information students
learn for each exam, there are no time constraints. Thus, it is not
uncommon to find people still studying at a University into their 30s
after having first enrolled at the age of 18 or 19.
One of the stumbling blocks you will encounter, however, is that Italians
like their potential employees to be super-qualified with advanced degrees
in the relevant subjects. If you want to land a job in marketing you
will be expected to have a business and marketing degree, even if you
have years of practical experience in the field.
This is true for all jobs. Even if you feel you are qualified to work
in tourism or as a travel agent you will often be asked to prove that
you have taken courses. If you are young and don’t have experience
in the sector, you may also be expected to work for little or no money
while you complete what Italians call a tironcino or training period.
In most cases you will also be required to speak good – if not
fluent - Italian, so consider taking a language course, first in your
own country before the move to cover the basics, then another one once
you have unpacked your belongings. It is never too early to begin getting
to grips with Italian. And with a wide range of courses you are sure
to find one matching your requirements.
|
