In the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young professionals seeking to live and work abroad. This trend is evidenced by the rise of digital nomads and international remote workers who have revolutionized the work organization. It is, therefore, worth exploring the motivations and evolving expectations of these young talents when they decide to leave their country of origin.
How do young talents benefit from the current job market?
Governments worldwide are actively competing to attract foreign talent by implementing immigration reforms, simplifying visa policies, and streamlining immigration procedures. This competitive environment benefits young people seeking employment abroad and gives them a stronger position to negotiate better employment conditions. Many countries experiencing a severe demographic crisis see young talent as a solution to their labor shortages. This demographic challenge is particularly felt in countries such as Finland, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.
Although the demographic crisis is not the primary motivation for international talent, it is an issue of paramount importance for governments looking to develop strategies to attract and retain young foreign talent. Finland, for instance, has rolled out the red carpet for young graduates to attract and retain them. These candidates meet the desired criteria of many governments seeking specific technical skills in sectors facing skilled shortages. Young talents are aware of this situation and can leverage their skills and knowledge to secure better working conditions abroad.
Broader professional opportunities
Numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, China, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Finland, South Africa, and Sweden, are actively seeking international talent in various industries due to labor shortages. There is a particularly high demand for innovative and technical roles that require minimal training, offering diverse career opportunities to international talent abroad.
The desire to live and work overseas remains a popular aspiration among young people, with international student and professional mobility resuming since the reopening of borders. While labor shortages are creating new career openings, foreign talents are seeking not only better remuneration but also opportunities for career progression and recognition of their skills and worth.
Several countries are renowned for providing excellent career prospects to young talent. Therefore, the acknowledgment of skills may serve as an added incentive for international job seekers.
Embracing new professional challenges abroad
In today's highly competitive world, having experience working abroad is a significant advantage in terms of broadening one's professional background. This opportunity has always been relevant, but it is even more so now. The ability to speak multiple languages demonstrates adaptability, the aptitude to learn quickly, and a comprehensive understanding of diverse cultures. These are highly desirable skills in the global job market.
The growth of start-ups has also contributed to this trend. Innovative companies are seeking individuals with substantial experience, a strong personality, a sharp mind, a passion for risk-taking and challenges, and technical expertise. Young talents understand these selection criteria and view working abroad as a personal challenge and an investment in their future. Since they have less commitments and more mobile than previous generations, they may have already lived abroad, making them much sought-after international profiles for companies.
Working abroad can be an enriching experience, offering opportunities to gain new perspectives and broaden one's skill set and knowledge base. It gives young professionals a chance to push their limits, develop new skills, and make valuable connections in the global job market.
Exploring new ways of working
Young people have always been curious about new experiences, and the notion of living abroad is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among those who have completed lengthy periods of study or work internationally. Working overseas is not just about finding a job but also about finding the perfect combination of an attractive work environment and modern infrastructure that is accessible to all, whether it's near their home or thousands of kilometers away.
Additionally, young talent seeks locations where they can expand their knowledge and advance their professional growth in their respective fields. Japan, for instance, is a leader in robotics, Air Liquide is a global giant in the industrial and medical gases industry, and Silicon Valley, which has had a significant impact on the tech industry, now has a presence in other regions worldwide. Canada, France, Israel, and Australia are also at the forefront of technological advancements, attracting international talent. Such global mobility promotes competition and inspires other talents to join the journey.
Moreover, young talent is interested in discovering new ways of working, such as remote work, flexible working hours, and innovative workspaces. These revolutionary ways of working provide more autonomy, freedom, and the ability to work from any location in the world, making them more appealing to the job market.
Living abroad also allows young talent to acquire new skills and experiences that can be valuable for personal and professional development. They can enhance their language proficiency, gain cultural awareness, and broaden their horizons, becoming more adaptable and open-minded individuals.
How was young talents' mobility 10 years back?
A decade ago, the world was recovering from the subprime mortgage crisis that originated in the United States in 2008 and caused a global financial crisis, leading to widespread unemployment. As a result, fresh graduates encountered a depleted job market that was lopsided and unequal. Competition was intense, and networking was often the only way to secure a job. Unfortunately, this is still a reality.
Despite the job market crisis, young talent remained eager to pursue professional opportunities overseas, motivated by the promise of better salaries, improved quality of life, greater career prospects, a stronger CV, and professional networks. The desire to enhance their living environment and achieve a better work-life balance was another significant driver.
Today, the motivations of young talents who leave their home countries are not considerably different from a decade ago. Seeking professional opportunities and a better quality of life are still the primary reasons young people consider leaving their home countries. Expanding their professional network, enhancing their CV, and improving their career prospects also remain significant.
Young talents seek meaningful international opportunities
Young talents who decide to work abroad nowadays are driven not only by career advancement and financial incentives but also by a growing desire for meaning and purpose. The Covid-19 pandemic has played a role in this trend, as lockdowns have caused traumatic experiences, making people crave freedom and a better work-life balance. This has led to a shift in perspective where young talents view work as a tool to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in an international setting.
The new generation of expatriates emphasizes the importance of aligning their careers and projects with their values. They prioritize social and environmental dimensions over purely economic ones. This increased ecological awareness and sense of urgency regarding climate change have made young people more conscious of their role and impact on the world. Consequently, international talent seeks to work in countries and for companies that share their principles. Questions about why, who, and how they work have become fundamental in motivating young talent to seek international opportunities. For them, the world is a new frontier in their quest for meaning and personal growth.
