Higher education in the Philippines is booming, boasting multiple world-recognized universities and a population that readily welcomes international students. Not only that but studying in the Philippines at one of these universities doesn’t have to mean that you break the bank since education is very affordable in the country compared to other first-world countries. Studying and living expenses in the Philippines are also manageable for international students who are learning here.
The Philippines has become a popular destination for study and work because it has a diverse population. If you’ve just graduated in the Philippines, gaining experience within the country might be the kickstart you need for your resume. This article delves into the country’s most in-demand job opportunities for international graduating students to apply.
In-demand Job Opportunities in the Philippines
1. Project Manager
- Salary Range: ₱1.8 million yearly
Project management is a role that’s in demand and one that’s high-paying across the world. The roles of a project manager may include planning out and developing projects out of ideas, creating models, solving feasibility issues, dealing with associated products and services, overseeing the project indirectly, and more.
Project manager roles are available in several industries, with more entry points for people who have majored in relevant subjects like project or business management, marketing, or other fields like engineering and IT, depending on their industry of interest. On average, project managers are paid over ₱1.5 million.
2. Social Media Specialist
- Salary Range: ₱348,000 per year
With the ever-increasing popularity of the internet and social media, businesses worldwide have shifted online, opening up multiple career opportunities. Social media marketing is one such job that requires extensive Internet marketing knowledge. This offer might be enticing if you’re good at producing content for social channels. Skills required for this job include analyzing market trends, developing and executing strategies, creating content, optimizations, and interacting with potential clients.
Freelance social media marketing is also a promising career pathway if you don’t enjoy being part of or running an agency. As a social media specialist, you might not necessarily need a college degree as long as you demonstrate the required skill set. However, having a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in business, advertising, or computer science would make your application more appealing.
3. Recruitment Specialist
- Salary Range: ₱384,000 per year
With the evolution of AI, most jobs are being replaced by technology. However, any company’s HR department would require a human touch in the foreseeable future. Pursuing career opportunities as a recruitment specialist is something worth trying your luck at, especially if you have people skills.
Recruitment specialists work under hiring managers to help potential employees with the applications, screening, and interview process. In the Philippines, with the diverse population and increasing job roles, the requirement for this role is constantly on the rise. Since an HR department is almost always a part of a recognized company, you can find opportunities in any industry of your choice.
4. Virtual Assistants
- Salary Range: ₱20,000 – ₱40,000 per month
One of a company’s most versatile job roles is that of a virtual assistant. As understood by the name of the job role, a virtual assistant deals with everything from answering phone calls and scheduling meetings to writing and designing. This responsibility shouldn’t intimidate you because working as a virtual assistant comes with its perks.
Most virtual assistants enjoy the luxury of working from home, on their own time, and as independent freelancers. This job allows you to explore further career opportunities while being an integral part of a functional company. As a virtual assistant, you might need to interact with fellow workers and clients in Filipino. Therefore, having a command of the language is a plus point.
5. Software Developer
- Salary Range: ₱501,000 yearly
Computer studies is a field of education that’s constantly evolving, with an inexhaustible supply of professionals and an increasing demand for them. Software development involves programming, which only the most patient of us could handle. This is a popular job role that international students attempt to fill, especially after graduating with a degree in computer science.
IT professionals earn an average of over ₱500,000 per year. With a degree in computer science or information technology, you can explore other in-demand job opportunities, including project management, data analytics, quality assurance, and web development.
FAQs: Employment Opportunities in the Philippines
What Type of Visa is Needed for Employment Purposes in the Philippines?
Just like in other countries, working in the Philippines requires a visa and other legal procedures. The extensive legalities of seeking employment here might be off-putting for some, but there’s a lot you could achieve during your stay in this developing nation. This Asian country has a flourishing market for skilled employees, providing multiple entry points for experts with the right skills.
Its Bureau of Immigration requires all foreign nationals entering or staying there for work to acquire a work visa. A locally licensed incorporated entity is also required to sponsor and support your application. Apart from that, depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, applicants might be required to fill out other forms and submit relevant certificates. The processing time for the work permit usually could take up to three months.
Where Can You Find a Job in the Philippines?
Some of the jobs to be discussed can be categorized as freelancing job opportunities. You can find job vacancies on popular websites like LinkedIn and Upwork. Other than those, there are websites like JobStreet Philippines, which cater to applicants from various industries.
With a suitable skill set and a strong resume, you can end the seemingly endless venture of a job hunt. As a developing country, the Philippines will indeed have enticing student opportunities, as it is for education. Working in this Southeast Asian country will surely grow your experience in your chosen field and support your financial capabilities.
We hope you have a better overview now of work opportunities in the Philippines after graduation. If you’re still an international student interested in studying in this country, feel free to check out the Philippines Page and Available Programs for more information.