Working Overseas in IT and Game Design
The industries of IT and video games have taken the world by storm, creating jobs for knowledgeable and experienced professionals all over the globe. If you are looking for a career in IT or game design, then you are not lacking opportunities — especially if you want to work overseas. While it’s quite easy to move into these industries these days, searching for and landing work overseas comes with its own set of difficulties. The following are some tips to get you started.
Decide where you want to work
Deciding early on which country you want to end up working in is the best way to ensure you get the right education and experience that will be required. Since every country has its own set of prerequisites and required qualifications, it’s best to know what they are before you even begin your training. This will make it far easier for you to get your foot in the door in your chosen country when you’re ready to start working.
Get the right education
Once you have decided on a preferred country and you understand the requirements, you can begin getting the necessary education. For IT and game design there are plenty of ways you can do this, as many colleges and universities in Australia offer credible IT and game design courses. Of course, if your end goal is to work overseas, you may want to look into an exchange program so that you become educated in your preferred country instead. This will ensure you have taken all of the required IT and game programming courses that are required, and will all but guarantee you a job there following graduation.
Do your cultural homework
If your country of choice has an entirely different language and culture than yours, then you need to prepare for that in addition to your technical qualifications. Being able to communicate effectively with your co-workers is an important aspect of both IT and game design work, so you’ll have a difficult time getting that entry-level job if you don’t understand the language. Similarly, learning about the culture is particularly important because you can’t do your job effectively unless you understand the needs and wants of the local people.
Look for work
Looking for work is always challenging, but searching for work in an overseas location is even more difficult. Start networking in your home country by talking to your professors, industry professionals and mentors to see if they have any tips or connections in your country of choice. You can also search online for available positions and apply via the Internet. When it comes down to it, however, doing an internship program or simply travelling to the country to knock on doors may be the best way to land that first position overseas.
Fitting in
Once you begin living and working overseas, you will want to continually become more proficient in the local language and familiar with the culture. Not only that, but getting out and enjoying your time abroad is also an important aspect of doing your job well, because becoming part of the community is a great way to develop your career and ensure your work stays relevant to the local people.
Working overseas provides a fantastic opportunity for people to learn confidence, hone their technical skills and have an amazing life experience, and there are plenty of opportunities for IT and game design professionals all over the globe.
