Jobs Most in Demand for English Speakers in the European Union
If you are a foreign national in the EU and English is your primary language — perhaps there are some inevitable questions that cross your mind. What it’s like to work abroad without knowing the language? Which jobs are most in-demand? Which is the best country for me to transition into quickly? Don’t let fear get in the way of starting your international job search. As we are here to help you answer some of these questions through this blog.
Globalization has made it possible for foreign talents to live and work in Europe without speaking the local language. However, it doesn’t hurt to take language lessons once you’re on the job. This would help you while socializing, in your daily life (groceries, banking, commute, etc.), and bonding with your colleagues. But we will say this — working in the EU without speaking the language is possible!
If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, you have a good chance of landing specialized English speaking jobs in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. While these countries have an appealing and highly competitive job market, they are also expensive to live in. Something you must consider before making the big move! We are picking France, Germany, and the Netherlands for the sake of simplicity in this blog.
FRANCE
If you are a recent grad or even a seasoned professional who’s craving change and considering relocation, France is one of the top choices especially in the fields of Business and Finance. Major banks like BNP Paribas, oil giants like Total are a few names that are based out of Paris — the French financial capital. It is also said that there will be a few thousand jobs created in the field over the coming years owing to the companies' moving their bases outside of London post Brexit. According to a LinkedIn France survey, the three cities with the highest demand for emerging jobs are Paris, Lyon, and, Toulouse. With the European Union’s data protection directive GDPR, Technology remains one of the most highly desirable industries with great momentum and scope for International talents.
French jobs come with excellent social security benefits but there’s definitely a skill deficit that makes room for ex-pats to fill up the vacant highly specialized job vacancies. The industries most in demand currently in France are healthcare, retail, construction, F&B, etc.
- Average Annual Income: Eur 34,658
- Major Companies and Startups: LVMH, L’Oréal, Total, Renault, BNP Paribas, Sezan, Brut,etc.
- Major Industries: IT, Banking, e-Commerce, Luxury, Automobile, Healthcare, etc.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check for companies from your home country for their affiliate offices could be based out of France.
GERMANY
Germany has become a hotspot for technology and for its startups. In fact, according to Crunchbase, every year on average, 500 new startups are born. The three cities with the highest demands for emerging jobs are Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Companies like Microsoft and Google have invested in major startup incubators in this country. Germany is known for its automotive and engineering expertise. Hence, it's only natural that there’s a high demand for electrical, automotive, and mechanical engineers. Germany has a shortfall for Doctors which opens up gates for internationally qualified medical ex-pats.
The low rents, green spaces, and innovation are some major boxes that are ticked especially for the Gen Z and Millenials. A well qualified English speaking professional can easily find jobs here and especially the ones who have graduated from German universities. Germany has low unemployment levels hence, the skill shortage is not much compared to other European countries.
- Average Annual Income: Eur 39,665
- Major Companies and Startups: Adidas, BMW, Allianz, Siemens, Volkswagen, N26, Babbel, Blinkist, etc.
- Major Industries: Technology, Automotive, Banking, Healthcare, etc.
THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a cultural melting pot of Europe. Whether you are an international student or an ex-pat looking to switch from one European country to the other, there’s a lot to explore both career-wise and culturally in this land of windmills and clogs. There are large ex-pat communities here and the very social and outgoing Dutch culture is a bonus, well, for extroverts at least!
Most Dutch speak English as compared to other European countries, which makes it easier for one to get acquainted and get around their daily lives. Amsterdam, Leiden, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are places with a high volume of international talents and emerging English speaking job opportunities. Also, many multinational firms are based out of these hubs.
While the cost of living is high with high taxes, the standard of living, affordable health insurance, and financial aids for students with an excellent education system more than make up for it. Unemployment levels are almost the lowest below the average of EU at 6.2%. Highly skilled workers like engineers, those in finance, those in sales and marketing are in high demand here. Healthcare, taxation, and education being the other in-demand fields.
- Average Annual Income: Eur 43,247
- Major Companies and Startups: Royal Dutch Shell, ING, Philips, Heineken, Picnic Technologies, etc.
- Major Industries: Agriculture, Energy, Engineering, Hig-Tech, etc.
The country has a diverse population with excellent work conditions and work-life balance. Labor laws are meant to protect employees over employers, with great unemployment benefits should one find themselves in such a situation.
If you are an international student, please click on the links below to find our comprehensive guides covering visas, work permits and much more for each of the above countries:
Did you find this information helpful? Check out more of such useful information and advice from akiTalent.
Written By: Smriti Narendran for akiTalent, Paris, France.
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