Ireland is the fastest-growing economy in the European Union. It has a strong knowledge-based economy with a deep focus on the service sector, with industries like finance, IT, life sciences and agri-business ruling the roost.
For international students, the job market in Ireland presents a great opportunity. In fact, more than 65 per cent of international or foreign students prefer to stay back in Ireland after graduation. With a 95 per cent employment rate, high level of social security, and an opportunity to get a stay back visa almost immediately, Ireland attracts hordes of international students every year. Here’s everything you need to know about employment in Ireland for international students.
The job market in Ireland: An overview
Like most job markets in the European Union, the Irish job market is also competitive. However, for English-speaking foreign students, Ireland is the second-most important job market outside Great Britain. Being a knowledge-based economy, Ireland offers wide-ranging opportunities for skilled international graduate students in fields of medicine, technology, big data, life sciences, pharmaceutical, finance, etc. While citizens of the European Union may find it easier to find jobs in Ireland, foreign students, nonetheless, play an important role in the labour force. In 2019, 380,000 non-Irish people found jobs in Ireland. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the country hard, it is recovering fast with vaccination under full swing.
Top industries for employment
Ireland is a leader in both tech-based and creative jobs as the country values innovation, specialized skill sets and leadership. Tech firms provide the lion’s share of jobs with leading tech firms like Google, Facebook, Linked In, and Microsoft making Ireland their home. It is the world’s second-largest exporter of software with companies like Intel, HP, IBM having their hub. Next in line, comes finance companies. 50% of the world’s finance companies are based in Ireland, including Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture and PWC. The country also hosts some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical corporations like Pfizer, GE Healthcare, P&G, Novartis, and Boston Scientific. Outside the world of corporate, Ireland is also the hub for creative writers, independent thinkers, and entrepreneurs. Those who are pursuing humanities or social sciences also have bright opportunities in areas like marketing, advertisement, corporate communications, and journalism. If you are thinking of pursuing a career in Ireland after graduation, any of these fields would provide ample opportunities.
How to apply for jobs in Ireland
If you are an international student in Ireland, these are the steps you need to follow to land a job after graduation:
- First, if you are an international student and not from the European Union, you will need to secure an employment permit. You should check the list of occupations that are ineligible for a work permit and make sure that the profession of your choice is not on the list. If you are applying from India, you need to secure your employment permit first.
- Second, prepare a fool-proof resume, which should highlight your professional skills, educational qualifications, work experience like summer internships, etc.
- For job vacancies, you can check out Irish recruitment agencies (Osborne, PE Global, Morgan McKinley, etc.) and job websites (Glassdoor, Indeed), along with professional social media sites (LinkedIn).
- The Local Employment Service Network has centres all over Ireland and aids in preparing a CV and finding a job.
- Search your local newspapers and the internet for open days, recruitment days and special events that might allow you to make connections and get a job.
- For students of immigrant communities, the Employment for People from Immigrant Communities (EPIC) can provide support.
ConclusionCareer2Life is the best career counsellor in Delhi helping students from India to find a find footing abroad. Our study abroad consultants will help you with all the information you will need to secure a visa, find a job, or pursue an academic course.
