How to work abroad as an Architect? Working abroad is a great way to grow your architecture career. Experience with design in other countries has many positives. From improving empathy skills and broadening your mind to diversifying your portfolio and expanding your professional network, working abroad can be a bold choice for an architecture or design career.
But how do you work abroad? In this post I want to share some of the most effective ways DBI has witnessed and helped, design candidates find satisfying jobs abroad.
Where do you want to be?
The world is big. Where do you want to be? This is the first question you must answer in your search to work abroad as an architect. But of course, it is more complex than “Where do I want to be”.
The first thing to think about is do they need the services of an architect. Second, do I know the language or can I get by without knowing the language? And the questions get more complex from here. Below are a few key things to think about when contemplating architecture abroad.
- What is the healthcare like?
- Can I easily get back to the US if there is a family emergency?
- Is the country geopolitically safe?
- Can I earn enough to live and pay my debts?
- Can I get a visa? Would I become a citizen?
- What is my career path in the next 1-3-5 years? Can I achieve those in my chosen country?
- What am I willing to give up?
Finding a job abroad:
In today’s connected world, there are many ways to find exciting opportunities across the globe. Below are a few suggestions to find your international dream job.
International Job Boards-
This is straightforward. Search job boards for architecture jobs posted in the part of the world where you want to work and live. A few of the bigger sites are:
- Experteer This is a great site for those more senior in their career.
- Flexjobs This site is dedicated to remote work. Firms that will let you live anywhere you like. More junior, and often contract, this can be a great way to work abroad for a short time.
- GoAbroad Great for those at the start of their career
It is important to treat these job boards like any other job board you might use. Get an idea of the jobs and who is hiring but it is still up to you to research the firm and the viability of the job posted. Research, research, research.
Using a recruiter-
Not to seem too self-serving, but using a recruiter to find an architecture job abroad can be very successful.
First, the connections and relationships a recruiter has developed can be leveraged to make introductions, schedule meetings, arrange travel, negotiate pay and relocation, and even support navigation through the complex visa process. Recruiters can truly be a strong partner in finding, getting, and starting a new job abroad.
Reaching out to a target firm-
Reaching out to a firm you would like to work with is another way to identify and connect with jobs abroad you are interested in.
Be aware that there is a strategy to this as well. DBI has seen reaching out to a few targeted people be the most successful. But who should you reach out to?
First, if the firm has a human resources or recruiter, make sure you connect with them. You will interact with them at some point, and it is best to build a relationship from the start.
It is also a good idea to connect with a potential boss. To do this, use the firm’s website or LinkedIn and find the director of your project-type studio. They will be titled “Managing Director, Studio Director, Market Lead, and so on. Connect with this person as well.
Now the trick is to develop a relationship first. Do not just send a resume! Send them a message, follow and comment. Reach out and tell them about your plan to move abroad and ask for their advice. Once you have a budding relationship, you have earned the credit to ask about a job in their firm.
Getting abroad:
Getting abroad is easier with a network in your target city or country. It is a good idea to start reaching out to other architects and designers, even clubs and organizations, in your target city while you are searching for your job.
If you already work for a firm with international offices, reach out to your fellow employees. Get to know them and through that relationship, gain an understanding of working in their city or country.
Google/TikTok/Insta can also be helpful. Search for phrases like “expat architects in London” or “American working in Tokyo”. Once you have some idea of who they are, reach out to learn about the industry. A few good questions to ask are:
- How did you find your job?
- Are there any well-known recruiters you know of?
- What is the job market and work environment like there?
- What are reasonable salaries and the cost of living?
Working and living abroad:
Visa, visa, visa. This must be your first thought and must be researched fully. Every country has different work visa rules. In some countries, it is easier to get a visa than in others. Some have various processes for industry. Do your research. A great place to start is your target country’s website. Most first and second-world countries have their visa requirements and processes clearly outlined on their website.
It is important to note that if you find the visa requirements too arduous, don’t force it, move on to your second choice. Always keep in mind the cost/benefit of working internationally.
As with anything, working and living abroad as an architect can be rewarding and successful personally and professionally. It just takes some forethought and planning.
