Gaining employment with an advanced degree within Switzerland is no less than a milestone for a foreign-qualified individual. Nestled between the majestic Alps, Switzerland offers cultural richness and economic prosperity. The country’s multilingual culture provides a wider opportunity for international individuals to find rewarding jobs here.
The country has been providing a fertile ground for financial institutions, medical organizations, and several multinational firms. Switzerland’s central European position makes it an ideal venue for international bodies. Geneva serves as the home base for several international organizations, including the United Nations, WHO, and the World Trade Organization.
This opens doors for many job-seeking candidates to apply for befitting positions here. Its financial and medical heritage dates back centuries, establishing its place as a credible employment area. We are focusing in this article on the many gratifying job posts in Switzerland and how to apply for them in detail.
In-Demand Job Opportunities in Switzerland
Competent workers are in great demand in Switzerland. The following are some examples of the most advantageous possible careers for overseas students.
1. Banker / Wealth Manager
Switzerland is home to some of the largest banking institutions worldwide such as USB, Credit Suisse, and Julius Baer. Relating, these offer extensive banking jobs for internationally qualified students as they step into the sector of finance and investment.
The country has a powerful financial system with a high level of security. This provides a high level of growth in terms of employment and exposure. Graduates from the ETH Zurich and the University of St. Gallen along with others can gain an advantage from these job opportunities.
The annual salary of a fresh graduate depends on the Swiss bank they applied to, their job role, and degree recognition. However, in Switzerland, a Bank officer can expect a median yearly gross salary of CHF 90,000.
Being a banker at a Swiss bank is a ladder to working with high-net-worth individuals and offers additional certifications for career advancement. It opens doors to further posts such as financial analyst, credit analyst, or asset manager, hence a great opportunity for international students seeking jobs after graduation.
2. Doctor / Surgeon
The next highest-paying job worth mentioning in Switzerland is a doctor/surgeon due to the nation’s premium quality and WHO-recognized healthcare system. It is a top performer in healthcare management and teaching in all of Europe.
Not only this, it is regulated by the Swiss Federal Law offering high-paying and progress-oriented employment options. Contributing to this are its state-of-the-art medical teaching hospitals and universities such as the University of Bern, the University of Basel, and the University of Zurich.
It contains world-class hospitals like Clinique Générale-Beaulieu, Genève, Hôpital de La Tour, Meyrin, Bethesda Spital in Basel. Fresh foreign medical graduates can apply for jobs in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne Basel, and Bern. The annual salary of a medical professional in Switzerland is around CHF 100,000 – CHF 120,000. There are many specializations offered at these hospitals during practice that can lead to expansive career options such as surgery.
3. Software Engineer
An innovative and sustainable approach towards its engineering sector has garnered global acclaim for Switzerland. Its engineering sector contributes a considerable percentage to the country’s GDP. Being one of the largest employers in computer engineering, the country offers several opportunities for international students after graduation from Swiss universities.
Graduates who have recently cleared their software engineering bachelor’s degrees can apply to firms such as Google, EPAM systems, Swisscom CERN, etc. It also has a high demand for engineers, offering an average annual salary of CHF 97,500 for entry-level positions. It all depends on the company the candidate applies to and his capability level.
Speaking about growth within this field, these jobs available in Zurich and Bern ideally offer career advancement. Posts such as lead software engineer, chief technology officer, and product manager can be achieved.
4. ITS Technician
Switzerland’s IT sector is vibrant and fast-evolving, being a global business hub. Its tech industry is ranked 10th within Europe, which proves even its entry-level jobs are high-paying. More than 300 Fintech companies operate in the country, offering a spectrum of employment possibilities.
A freshly graduated ITS technician has job roles in which he is responsible for technical support and maintenance. Universita della Svizzera Italiana, University of Zurich, and University of Geneva are ideal for software engineering degrees with practical training and research. ETH Zurich has the highest-quality software engineering and development program.
Firms such as Google, NTT Data Services, DIA, and Altogen AG readily hire fresh graduates. The annual salary offered as an ITS technician is 70,000 CHF.
5. Business Manager
Lastly, we want to highlight the business management potential of Switzerland, which has attracted a multitude of multinational corporations to manage operations from here. Their administration of businesses is a center of activities within cities like Geneva, Zurich, Basel, and Bern. These propelled innovation and economic growth to new heights.
The average annual salary of a business manager within Switzerland is generally CHF 121,713 /yr. Keyteo, Piaget, UBS, Johnson & Johnson, and Credit Suisse are premium companies that regularly hire foreign graduate business managers with credible degrees.
They benefit from the candidate’s experience and research of their modern education and give constant promotions and benefits with their career progression. This makes it an excellent opportunity for international students in Switzerland post-graduation.
FAQs: Employment Opportunities in Switzerland
Do You Need a Visa to Work in Switzerland?
Individuals from over 90 countries are eligible for a visa-free stay within Switzerland that comes under the Schengen Passport Exempt Agreement. Switzerland allows their stay for 90 days for many purposes, including employment. Apart from the Schengen countries, a Visa is a compulsory requirement to get a work permit within the country. This is for 12–24 months.
To apply for a Switzerland Work Visa, requirements such as a passport, copy of the employment contract, accommodation documents, and proof of financial stability are required. An online visa application form is available. By following the instructions and attaching the required documents, it can easily be applied.
Where Can You Find a Job in Switzerland?
Recruitment agencies are an ideal option for candidates who are on the lookout for international exposure through jobs in Switzerland. They conduct are-oriented job searches for the individual and provide the most optimum jobs available within the market.
Furthermore, there are websites and job portals that cater to job openings regularly for interested candidates. We are listing some of the best ones in this area, for your convenience, below.
- Addecco
- ManPower Group
- Robert Walters
- Jobs.ch
- CareerBuilder
Lucrative jobs are a possible benefit of modern degree holders in this proliferating landscape, and Switzerland is seen as a premium destination for this. Having an advanced qualification leads the way to a rewarding career in the respective field. Having high salaries, generous benefits, and promotional packages makes this country one of the leading places for employment-focused candidates. Its strong and diversified economy provides a dynamic work environment for international students looking for post-graduation work opportunities.
We hope that this article on the work opportunities in Switzerland after graduation for international students was helpful. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
