I completed my PhD in Environmental Science and then moved to Switzerland. I also worked as an environmental consultant during my PhD.
I can't comment on the other fields you mention, but I think that the Environmental Science route for a non Swiss national is very tricky because it is government contolled (they are very insular and want only seem to employ people who studied at ETH Zurich). In my opinion (I would love you to prove me wrong!), you have no chance of Environmental Science work without first being at a technical university here in Switzerland.
If this is a possible route for you, then ETH Zurich is your best bet or possibly Lausanne. I was offered a Postdoc at the latter, but completely self-funded, so it was a no go for me.
If you move to Switzerland and take the Environmental Science route, then feel free to send me a PM - I have a fair idea what is out there. You may have more success with marketing or chemistry though......
I am italian, trying to move to Zurich as soon as I get a job there.
I tried to apply to several jobs for many months now, but all my applications were rejected.
I have a degree in Languages and a Master in Comparative Literatures (Purdue University), I can speak 5/6 languages and have excellent communications and relational skills.
I also did a marketing and project management internship and have a lot of experience as team assistant (PR, Communications, marketing, HR, project management) in companies that operate on international ground. I travelled a lot and have much experience abroad.
Unfortunately I am overqualified for an adm job, but not specialized enough for any others.
I would welcome any suggestion or information!!
I would be most grateful if someone could tell me how much is the salary for a job as Head Hunter (e.g. at Page Personnel)
I am italian, trying to move to Zurich as soon as I get a job there.
I tried to apply to several jobs for many months now, but all my applications were rejected.
I have a degree in Languages and a Master in Comparative Literatures (Purdue University), I can speak 5/6 languages and have excellent communications and relational skills.
I also did a marketing and project management internship and have a lot of experience as team assistant (PR, Communications, marketing, HR, project management) in companies that operate on international ground. I travelled a lot and have much international experience.
Unfortunately I am overqualified for an adm job, but not specialized enough for any others.
I would welcome any suggestions or information!!
I would be most grateful if someone could tell me how much is the salary for a job as Head Hunter (e.g. at Page Personnel)
Like you I am searching for eng speaking firms in S. and or those that recruit for them - allthough I am looking for medical business role, pharma medical device....I know the big companies and am going to apply directly but a recruitment firm that specailses in this area would be great . Have you come across any...they must be out there !! Any at speacilse in mkt/sales bus. dev that you may have come across would be so helpful.
One technique could be starting out in Lugano where the Italian will be most valued and then later looking at Zurich. Many are in a similar boat; overqualified and yet not specialized enough.
Given your language skills, should not be a problem actually. They love that in Switz.
Thanks for the suggestion, but I'd rather move directly to Zurich, since Lugano is a bit like being in Italy, it's expensive but salaries are not as good as in Zurich.
But the main reason is personal, I have many friends living in zurich. Therefore I wold like to be there.
I cannot give you much advise other than DON'T GIVE UP lokking for a job!!! Search the net every day and send your CV to any company or to any job profile you think you more or less fullfill the requirements. And don't let your self-confidence going down!!
It will be only a matter of time believe me. I also had been desperately looking for a job here in Switzerland since September and it seemed to me impossible. But now I have already a nice job offer and I am in the selection process of other two companies.... dont give up!!
Maybe it will help you to move to Zurich as soon as possible and do your job hunting from there. you can considering teaching Italian or working in a restaurant in the mean time to help your finance. Being in Italy might function as a disincentive because they would have to pay your journey and it takes longer.
I know you have to keep going, but of course self confidence may suffer external happenings which raise or debase it. Well, at least this happens to me.
But I agree you have to be go through it with the knoweldge that it can be hard and frustrating, but you have to go on!
Well, sometimes you just need to hear it, so, thanks!
As for your suggestions, I agree that living in Zurich would make it easier to find a job, but it is not so easy. I have a job in Italy and I am afraid to leave it before I find something sure. But I have a second interview on the 15th for a job that is my dream job, but could be a beginning.
Hi, my name is Cori and I'm a 24 year old American who just moved to Zurich and is eagerly looking for a job! I would love to learn more about Zurich insurance.
No, you do not need French and German Skills to get a job here. However opportunities are limited. Companies do like you to show you are willing to learn and go to lessons though.
You will need language skills to get by in daily life so it is a wothwhile investment.
In my experience French was essential to work (in IT) in Geneva. It's smaller and perhaps more insular than Zurich with regard to language. There's also the tens of thousands of frontier workers coming over from France on a daily basis. Couldn't speak much francais when I started but showed an effort which was enough to be taken on.
Zurich is more international and I haven't felt the need to invest in German. Mind you I'm in an English speaking work environment and don't mix much with the locals socially (not snobbery - back to France most weekends).