Hey everybody!
I am here in search of advice and tips. I know the "search" button is here to be used, but I assure you I did my research before I posted this, and yet came to the conclusion I would like to ask for some personalized suggestions, especially from those who have been living and working in CH for a long time! :)
I am a 26-year old EU-Citizen with a Bsc in Economics and 3-year experience in Finance. I came to Zürich 6 months ago, last August, so as to take new professional challenges in my career, since I was not foreseeing a good future back home. The thing is, I haven't found a job in my field yet. Truth be told, I have just searched in the last 2 months, since I worked the first 4 months in a completely non-related full-time job, as a way to get in the country, save some money and learn the language (was told and lead to believe it would be the best first approach). Since January, however, I have been searching for a job, while learning the language intensinvely (ended today my B1 Level on German, mostly learnt at home with books and Internet) and working part-time, but again on a non-related field.
Since I am not an expert with many years of experience in my field, I am having some trouble finding my way and getting good responses from recruiters. I have german CV and cover letter, but the agencies and swiss companies to which I apply say "no" quite quickly (probably since I'm still not german fluent). The multinationals, on the other hand, haven't been much of sucess, either - I get the feeling the big ones have gigantic HR departments who sort applicants like a lottery, and smaller companies are too unknown or invisible for me to know who and where they are. From agencies I haven't gotten any love either.
I thought about applying to entry-jobs as a strategy (I honestly don't mind). Have been told, however, that (1) I'm too old for Trainee programs, and (2) it has been too much time since I finished my degree to fit for a Praktikum. Other times, on the other hand, they say I have too little experience. So, the question here is: how to secure an opportunity, and reach those who can actually believe in my talent and skills? Hot to get in touch with the companies and people who can make a difference in your life?
I have some achievements since I got here: I have a B-Permit, I have B1 level German finished (in practice I am in fact ahead, due to self-learning) and have some previous experience in Finance Controlling and exposure in IT environments (do not code/programm, however). I also have been networking a lot, and managed to talk to/meet interesting and important people from all fields. They help and advise me, but in the end one has to trail his own way and sucess (I would not expect anything else).
So, in short. Having coming here alone, I just depend on myself on a daily basis. And even though I feel I am doing things right and it is just a matter of time before I find something, I can't help the feeling that I'm never doing enough. I am obviously not giving up, that's not what I came here for, and I am not throwing away what I achieved. I am also confident in my skills and ambitions. But when the answer keeps being "no" (which is fine and normal I guess), it DOES consecutively drain your energy and motivation. How can I overcome this situation and get in? How can I stop being an outsider, and start being an insider?
Thank you for listening, and for those who care to share an opinion!
Oh.. and this is my first post, please be gentle.
For the lazy:
TL;DR: Want to get in the job market. Moved to CH 6 months ago with a BSc in Economics and 3.5 year experience; have been studying German and working here-and-there on jobs unrelated to my studies. Am looking for a job-opportunity in Finance but it hasn't been easy. Am motivated, determined, positive thinker and fast learner. Appreciate feedback, tips, motivation phrases. :msngrin:
I am here in search of advice and tips. I know the "search" button is here to be used, but I assure you I did my research before I posted this, and yet came to the conclusion I would like to ask for some personalized suggestions, especially from those who have been living and working in CH for a long time! :)
I am a 26-year old EU-Citizen with a Bsc in Economics and 3-year experience in Finance. I came to Zürich 6 months ago, last August, so as to take new professional challenges in my career, since I was not foreseeing a good future back home. The thing is, I haven't found a job in my field yet. Truth be told, I have just searched in the last 2 months, since I worked the first 4 months in a completely non-related full-time job, as a way to get in the country, save some money and learn the language (was told and lead to believe it would be the best first approach). Since January, however, I have been searching for a job, while learning the language intensinvely (ended today my B1 Level on German, mostly learnt at home with books and Internet) and working part-time, but again on a non-related field.
Since I am not an expert with many years of experience in my field, I am having some trouble finding my way and getting good responses from recruiters. I have german CV and cover letter, but the agencies and swiss companies to which I apply say "no" quite quickly (probably since I'm still not german fluent). The multinationals, on the other hand, haven't been much of sucess, either - I get the feeling the big ones have gigantic HR departments who sort applicants like a lottery, and smaller companies are too unknown or invisible for me to know who and where they are. From agencies I haven't gotten any love either.
I thought about applying to entry-jobs as a strategy (I honestly don't mind). Have been told, however, that (1) I'm too old for Trainee programs, and (2) it has been too much time since I finished my degree to fit for a Praktikum. Other times, on the other hand, they say I have too little experience. So, the question here is: how to secure an opportunity, and reach those who can actually believe in my talent and skills? Hot to get in touch with the companies and people who can make a difference in your life?
I have some achievements since I got here: I have a B-Permit, I have B1 level German finished (in practice I am in fact ahead, due to self-learning) and have some previous experience in Finance Controlling and exposure in IT environments (do not code/programm, however). I also have been networking a lot, and managed to talk to/meet interesting and important people from all fields. They help and advise me, but in the end one has to trail his own way and sucess (I would not expect anything else).
So, in short. Having coming here alone, I just depend on myself on a daily basis. And even though I feel I am doing things right and it is just a matter of time before I find something, I can't help the feeling that I'm never doing enough. I am obviously not giving up, that's not what I came here for, and I am not throwing away what I achieved. I am also confident in my skills and ambitions. But when the answer keeps being "no" (which is fine and normal I guess), it DOES consecutively drain your energy and motivation. How can I overcome this situation and get in? How can I stop being an outsider, and start being an insider?
Thank you for listening, and for those who care to share an opinion!
Oh.. and this is my first post, please be gentle.
For the lazy:
TL;DR: Want to get in the job market. Moved to CH 6 months ago with a BSc in Economics and 3.5 year experience; have been studying German and working here-and-there on jobs unrelated to my studies. Am looking for a job-opportunity in Finance but it hasn't been easy. Am motivated, determined, positive thinker and fast learner. Appreciate feedback, tips, motivation phrases. :msngrin: