Plan your international career in Europe in 7 steps

Do you believe that building an international career is something far from your reality? If you’ve already asked this question, and despite all the associated fears and insecurities, you probably have a desire to pursue an international career!

So, if you have this desire, stay here with me and I will show you in this article seven steps that will help you plan a professional career in Europe.

What does it mean to build an international career?

Before we talk about career, wherever it is, it is important to clarify that building a career outside your home country will require resilience and strategy, as it is something that will totally take you out of your comfort zone.

I don’t want to scare anyone with this. Just show right away that, once you decide to live this experience, you need to be aware of the challenges and mishaps that you may encounter ahead. Being aware and prepared will help you anticipate and overcome these challenges that may arise during your journey. Besides, as I always say, confidence will increase the greater your level of knowledge and preparation!

Therefore, motivation is a word that has to be part of your daily life during this journey, and having a clear goal will certainly help you maintain the focus and persistence.

What are the main steps to build a professional career in Europe?

There are a few steps to follow in order for you to define an excellent action plan. I can say that each step is a stage of this journey. To know if you are on the right path, something I always suggest doing is: ask questions!

In my opinion, this is the best starting point to set clear goals and outline consistent tactics. Who better than you to know what you want, right?

Based on this principle, combined with knowledge, study and research, you will already have a clear idea of how to create a good plan to build an international career in Europe.

Another important point that I want to highlight is the organization. It is very important that you have your ideas and planning well organized, so that you can stay focused and not get lost along the way.

To help you start building a successful international career, here are seven steps that I consider essential in designing this plan:

1. Set a goal

Be very clear about the real reasons that lead or led to the decision of an international career. Emigrating, in addition to all the advantages and benefits, also requires a strong capacity for resilience when facing obstacles and situations that will make you question in more than one moment what you really want and want to achieve with it.

So be very clear about what you want, and as I mentioned earlier, have a clear objective. I emphasize this once again, as this will help define in greater detail some of your choices and direction.

Also, be aware of your personal and professional profile, most relevant experiences and knowledge, and main areas of interest.

2. Choose the place

It is important that you research the country you are interested in emigrating in order to have prior knowledge and align with your short-term career objective. This choice may, in some cases, be associated with other personal and/or professional factors. In addition, understand cultural aspects and local customs that may or may not make it difficult for you to adapt, and if these aspects are also aligned with your lifestyle and profile.

3. Know the academic context

In some situations, there is a need to validate a diploma, carry out certified translations of relevant documents, or even understand the requirements of this market in terms of qualifications. As part of an effective career planning, it is essential to assess your situation and the requirements of the job market at this level.

4. Understand the bureaucracies

Knowing what documentation is needed in the country of interest, if there is a need for a visa and how the process works, what are the steps to be legalized in the country, all these issues will be relevant for your better understanding and preparation for the change.

5. Know the market

Understand well how the job market works in your country of interest and in your area of activity or intention. Get to know the potential industries and companies of interest, vacancies, and general living and working conditions, as well as other elements that may interfere with your decision and your current life and career goals.

In addition to all this, also learn about the recruitment practices of the market and companies in the country of your interest.

Knowledge and preparation will help you win your place and walk towards success in a company in any European country.

6. Plan your finances

Very important, if not essential! Effectively preparing for an international career also means being financially ready. Either to prevent a possible delay in your professional replacement, or to mitigate the possible effects of a salary decrease, or to prevent possible unforeseen events at any level.

7. Develop yourself

Prepare the knowledge and skills necessary for your professional development and replacement (courses, specific certifications, etc.). Explore and create or improve your profile on relevant platforms in your area of expertise. In addition, increase your networking with relevant professionals in your market of interest.

With all that I have just shared with you here, I ask again the following question:

Is building an international career something far away?

My answer is, it depends! It depends on you, your dedication, clarity, focus and, above all, willpower.

There are countless fears and insecurities. However, if you seek knowledge, research and study the country of interest, and seek expert help, you will be able to better assess what is feasible and what is not, and what options you will have for excellent planning. In addition to all this, working on your self-knowledge and emotions is also essential.

By Rita Costa, collaboration Rodrigo Coutinho