As students approach their final year, they start feeling tense and curious about what the future holds for them. With their CVs prepared, and a keen eye on the job market and their target firms, students are eagerly waiting to grab the best opportunity that comes their way.
While recent economic recessions have impacted the job market, Belgium still presents a wealth of opportunities across various fields. According to the European Union, the Belgian economy has shown resilience amid these global challenges, maintaining a decent employment rate. So, if you’re curious about what job opportunities come with this employment rate, read this article to discover the work options available in Belgium post-graduation!
In-Demand Job Opportunities in Belgium
1. Financial Analyst
- Salary Range: 3,000 – 5,000 euros/month
Acting as the right hand of a firm, financial analysts analyze the economic conditions, market trends, and financial position of the firm, which they use to advise the company to make the best investment decisions. They use various skill sets for analyzing and forecasting finances along with reporting and modeling of data.
In Belgium, a financial analyst can earn between 29,000 euros to 61,000 euros annually. It is a well-paying job with rising demand globally as well as in Belgium, which makes it a suitable fit for international students. With an appropriate degree in finance, accounting, or business, students can search for job opportunities posted on websites like LinkedIn and Indeed.
2. Data Scientist
- Salary Range: 3,000 – 6,500 euros/month
Playing with big data with a knack for programming, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, data scientists know it all and are in high demand all around the world, including Belgium. With an average base salary of around 45,500 euros per year, data scientists can earn well majorly depending upon their skills, advanced degrees, and seniority in regards to their experience. Recent graduates may prefer working in this field considering the benefits Belgium provides to its working class along with the scope of the job. Companies that may be hiring for similar roles include McKinsey & Company, LACO, and Datashift NV.
3. Engineer
- Salary Range: 3,000 – 5,000 euros/month
According to The Brussels Times, Belgian companies and industries, particularly in metropolitan cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, have been facing a severe shortage of engineers and they are in urgent need of around 2,000 engineers annually, where only 1,500 are entering the workforce. This is a good chance for international students and graduates to fill the gap.
Engineers play a vital role in innovation and maintenance via problem-solving using extensive mathematics, science, and technology. Considering this high demand for engineers and technologically skilled people, mechanical engineering graduates can earn an average base salary of 47,000 euros annually.
4. Project Manager
- Salary Range: 3,000 – 6,000 euros/month
Multiple companies hire project managers in Belgium including LGA Engineering and PwC Belgium, where they take up roles of planning, organizing, supervising, and executing specific projects within the given timeframe and budget. Project managers in the IT sector can typically earn an average of 54,000 euros per year alongside receiving common health benefits such as medical and dental assistance, which seems like a nice offer.
In order to increase their chances of getting paid more than average, international students can level up their skills by becoming fluent in the commonly spoken languages in Belgium like Dutch, considering that the job revolves around effective communication.
5. Teacher
- Salary Range: 2,000 – 3,000 euros/month
International graduates can also take up roles of teachers in Belgium, especially if they have an exceptional grip on the languages spoken all around the country. Teachers play a critical role in the development of students and their success. The field requires excellent communication skills combined with in-depth knowledge of the area of study in question. To earn well, international graduates may need to have vast experience and proven track records of their performance in helping students, young or adults, improve themselves during their academic tenure. The average base salary that high school teachers may earn in Belgium revolves around 35,000 euros in a year.
This can be a field of choice for international graduates as it offers flexibility in terms of online, hybrid, and in-person classes with the added benefit of working part-time. Teaching jobs can be applied for from various websites along with directly applying to schools and colleges.
FAQs: Employment Opportunities in Belgium
What Type of Visa is Needed for Employment Purposes in Belgium?
Non-EEA students who are currently in possession of a residence permit for their studies but wish to extend their stay to do a part-time job hunt in Belgium are eligible for a 12-month residence permit for a search year. Similarly, employees need specific work permits along with a valid visa to continue with their jobs without interference. Foreigners intending to work in Belgium need a work permit (Type A, B, or C) according to their eligibility. While the work permit allows one to live and work in Belgium, a work visa, specifically D Visa is required which has a duration of 3-6 months but can be extended afterward. It then allows the applicant to get a residence permit and the flexibility to live there. However, one needs to keep in mind that a Belgium work D Visa can be applied for after an employer from Belgium has extended you an invitation.
Where Can You Find a Job in Belgium?
There are numerous authentic websites that allow residents in Belgium to seek jobs that match their field of interest and skills. These websites also have an option of directly applying for the interested position by sending out CVs, resumes, or other necessary documents. Some of these websites include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Stepstone. With distinct roles available, searching for the right company that is currently hiring has become extremely easy, along with having direct contact with the companies and their representatives. Meanwhile, there are other specific Belgian job search websites as well such as References.
By issuing you important information regarding jobs and careers in Belgium, with respective pay scales and scope of work, we’ve tried to make the process smooth and easier for everyone out there, dreaming of an ideal work life in Belgium!
Hopefully, this article has been insightful. Learn more about studying in Belgium through our Belgium Study Guide and Available Programs!
