As an international student in Italy, looking for a befitting job is usually the next move. While Italy offers several job opportunities for skilled international students, navigating the options can be challenging. There are a lot of things you want to look out for and get right so that you can maximize your chance of being hired and earn a valuable salary suitable for meeting your needs.
You also have to consider that Italy had a major economic setback several years ago that caused a dwindle in the number of jobs available, and despite improving its economy over the years, there is still a chance getting the right job at the moment might not be going as planned, but with some of the ideas we would be sharing here your job hunting as a fresh graduate in Italy will be a lot easier. So read to the end to see the one that suits you most.
In-Demand Job Opportunities in Italy
1. Registered Nurse
- Salary Range: Up to €50,000 annually
Many countries, including Italy, have a high demand for health workers. While working as a nurse in this country can be a bit complicated for international students, it is worth the effort, especially since you can earn up to €50,000 annually. To work as a nurse, you must have a degree in Nursing or a nursing qualification recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health.
You are also expected to register with IPASVI, the Italian Association of Hospital Nurses, and take the nursing board exam administered by them as well as an exam to show proficiency in the Italian language. Although some hospitals hire English-speaking nurses, speaking Italian fluently is a huge plus. Once you have met all the requirements, you are qualified to look for a nursing job. As a nurse, you will enjoy several benefits, including a salary raise as you acquire more experience and education.
2. Engineer
- Salary Range: More than €40,680 annually
Engineering is one of the most popular careers in the world, with several areas of specialization. This profession is also highly sought after and provides an excellent job opportunity in Italy for international students. Engineers are expected to solve problems using science and mathematics. They are also brilliant thinkers and the bedrock of any nation.
Given how vital their contribution is to the economy, Italy is more than willing to hire as many engineers as it needs, some of which include civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer engineers, etc. However, to work as an engineer, you would be expected to meet several criteria. You should have an engineering degree from the university and you will also be expected to pass the professional examination prepared by the Ministry of University and Research to either become a full Professional Engineer or a Junior Professional Engineer.
Engineers in Italy can earn more than €40,680 annually and have access to training opportunities designed to improve their expertise and expose them to more international influence and opportunities.
3. English Teacher
- Salary Range: Between €1,200 to €3,000 monthly
English teachers are needed in many schools in Italy to teach their students the language, and even though Italian students are taught the language, they are barely fluent and typically require the help of a private English teacher to help them improve.
However, you must meet specific requirements before you can be an English teacher in the country. First, you must prove that you are a native or fluent English speaker by obtaining a legitimate TEFL certificate which indicates that you are internationally recognized as a professional qualified to teach English as a foreign language.
English teachers are also expected to have a degree in education if they would be teaching in a school but as a private tutor; a four-year degree might be required but this is only always the case. English teachers are expected to show the ability to instruct in English and ensure their students can speak fluently within a period. They can also earn between €1200 to €3,000 monthly, depending on the location and years of experience.
4. Fashion Designer
- Salary Range: Between €32,000 to €130,000 annually
Italy is home to several prominent fashion designers and has several fashion houses all over the country, which means there are job opportunities for fresh international graduates who have acquired training in various fields of fashion, including Fashion design techniques, Design & Development, Textile Technology, Tailoring, Merchandising, Fashion business, Retail management & development, Fashion illustration, etc.
Fashion design experts are expected to be able to design clothes, develop clothing ranges and products, contact suppliers and producers, plan events and shows, and coordinate presentations for clients, among other things. Proper communication is also essential, so you are expected to speak Italian well enough. However, with a career in fashion, you are expected to earn between €32,000 to €130,000 annually, depending on your skill and years of experience.
5. Travel and Tourism Consultant
- Salary Range: Up to €30,000 annually
Italy is a favorite tourist destination, with attractive historical sites in Rome, Milan, and Venice. This industry contributes heavily to the country’s economy and constantly requires more hands to help with it, hence a great job opportunity for international students in Italy. Graduates who studied courses related to travel and hospitality are in the most demand in this industry. To become travel and tourism experts, and to function in this area, you must have an intensive knowledge of the country as much as the locals and must be able to guide foreigners on the best hostels, restaurants, tourism sites, etc. where they can have the best time.
This career offers international graduates the opportunity to understand the environment and how to make the most of it, and they can also earn up to €30,000 annually with a significant increase in earnings and standard of living as they grow in their career.
FAQs: Employment Opportunities in Italy
Do International Students Need a Visa to Work in Italy?
Yes, a non-EU citizen would need a visa to work in Italy. Once you have obtained a degree in the country, you will need to replace your student permit with an Italian work permit. To obtain an Italian work permit, you must first have someone willing to employ you. Your employer would then submit a proposal for a residence contract to the One-Stop-Shop for Immigration. Once it is accepted, the Italian embassy in your country of origin will be informed, and you will be issued a visa. You can then take advantage of the available opportunities in Italy for international students.
Studying in Italy can set you apart from your peers, especially if you can learn and be fluent in the language. Learning the language will not only make you stand out among the above-mentioned professions, but it also assures you of good remuneration. Do not fret if you are not fluent in the language, you can easily become an English teacher too!
We hope this article on the job opportunities in Italy after graduation for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out our Study in Italy and Available Programs for International Students pages if you’re interested in more information on different scholarships and universities in Italy!
