Finding an international job in brussels- Orientation

International jobs are based on career paths. You arrive in Brussels with a plan.

It's best to map out a plan based on a definite goal. You also need to do some costing, and set things up in advance.

Setting yourself up to live in Brussels As a foreign worker, you do need to set things up in advance anyway. Your work visa, identity card, accommodation, and other basic living needs should be fully set up and in place. Your study and any other educational needs should be prepared. (See our other articles to check out these arrangements in detail.) The basics Getting your career moving is a matter of getting results. Definite job goals are a real asset, in more ways than one, in an international career. Working in Brussels will give you an education in what's possible, but you do have to start from a solid base, with a clear idea of your goals. Employment It is quite possible to get entry level jobs and lower scale jobs in the international labor market. In Brussels, where the international element is such a major component of the labor market, it's a bit more civilized. The culture is much more cosmopolitan, and the job hunting process, if competitive, is very equitable.

There are a range of jobs which will give you a footing:

• European Commission jobs are open to all EU citizens.
• EU nations trade and diplomatic missions are available to their citizens.
• Multinational jobs through the big European corporations are highly competitive, but also within reach.
• NATO jobs are also available.
• Belgium's own employers are regular employers of international staff.

Education and qualifications

Like any career path, qualifications, experience, and knowing your way around the job market are the absolute essentials.

Also like any career, your international career is based on some definite requirements. Degrees and areas of specialization, depending on your goals, are the first thing to research.

Note: Don't jump into this. You need to learn how to navigate in an international career, and some comparison and shopping around for qualifications is always advisable.

• Start looking at qualifications well in advance of any time frames.
• Get advice from experts in your field about education, wherever possible.
• Double check your qualifications needs, on principle. Make sure you're getting exactly what's required. It can be costly, if you don't.
• Cost everything you do, and keep your budget well under control.

These first moves setting up your career track are extremely important. Make your decisions based on thoroughly checked information.

Not getting lost in the qualifications/employment maze

In Brussels, it's a multi layered employment market, and that can get a bit confusing. Career paths are based on professional vocations, and some of these are split across Brussels' multiple employment markets.

Actually, it's not as much of a problem as it might look. It's just a bit different. You stay focused on the profession's international qualification standards, in this case, not just the local employment market. Make sure your qualifications are internationally accredited! Important: Because of the natural requirement for accreditation across educational fields in international jobs, you need to ensure your qualifications are recognized across international employment markets. The right qualifications for your career always have reciprocal recognition arrangements with other international career educational standards. So your degree in France is accepted in the EU, the USA, and other countries, etc.

This is actually very easy to check:

Accreditation in foreign education systems is a basic need in international careers, and in most professions, the international qualification requirements are well known. Check with foreign employers regarding their requirements beforehand. If a particular qualification is required, check for your EU equivalent.

This process is also a good cross check on your career qualifications goals.