In the current age of globalisation, South Africans have an array of international career avenues tailor-made to their qualifications and ambitions. Diverse countries welcome your skills, offering a blend of career growth, culture, and adventure. 

Below, we delve into countries keen on South African expertise and how you can navigate the international job market. 

What International Career Opportunities Do South Africans Have? 

• Canada: At the forefront of embracing South African talent, Canada aims to lure 500,000 immigrants yearly by 2025 through its Express Entry system and PNPs. Especially for professions like medicine, engineering, IT, and academia, Canada presents opportunities to assimilate into their flourishing economy. Moreover, Canada’s hospitality sector, encompassing lavish resorts and urban hotels, invites adept South Africans for varied roles. 
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• Australia: Through its precise point-based immigration framework, Australia invites South Africans based on age, work experience, and education, among other factors. Several sectors including healthcare, engineering, and trades are especially attractive. 
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• New Zealand: The nation's Green List spotlights in-demand jobs, making it easier for South Africans to assess work visa eligibility. With sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction in focus, New Zealand is a hotspot for skilled individuals. 
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• Europe: 
• Germany: The 2020 Skilled Workers' Act of Germany calls upon non-EU talent, including South Africans, particularly in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare. 
• Czech Republic: Offering myriad job roles and a straightforward visa procedure, this European nation serves as a gateway for South Africans. 
• Other European Nations: UK, France, and Italy, among others, particularly value South African expertise in the hospitality sector, from boutique hotels to upscale dining establishments. 
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• Asia: The burgeoning hospitality realm in countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Japan seeks South African professionals, presenting roles from resort management to culinary artistry. 
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• Middle East: Renowned for luxurious properties, nations like UAE and Qatar offer South Africans roles in their elite hospitality industry.
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How do South Africans Get International Careers? 

Here are the seven steps that are key to getting an international career as a South African. 

Step 0ne: Self-Assessment 

Initiate your journey by evaluating your skills, aspirations, and target sectors. Before you embark on your international career journey, take time to assess your skills, qualifications, and aspirations. Consider the industries that align with your expertise and interests. 

Define your career goals and the type of international experience you're seeking. This groundwork will help you make informed decisions about your path forward.  

Step Two: Research 

Identify countries aligning with your profile, factoring in living costs, cultural compatibility, and language requisites. Research is important in determining the best-fit countries for your international career. Identify nations with demand for your skills and favourable work environments. 

Consider factors like quality of life, cost of living, cultural compatibility, and language requirements. Popular choices for South Africans include Canada, Australia, and countries within Europe. 

Step Three: Skill Enhancement 

Elevate your global employability via globally recognised certifications. Boost your employability by acquiring additional qualifications or certifications that are globally recognised. 

Step Four: Effective CV Design 

Highlight pertinent skills, experiences, and attributes. Have an Impressive CV to highlight your skills, achievements, and experiences relevant to your target industry and job roles. Showcase your adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to embrace challenges. 

Step Five: Job Search 

Use international job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies to find job openings that match your skillset. 

Step Six: Visa Insights 

Understand visa requisites and identify pathways made for in-demand skills. Familiarise yourself with visa requirements for your chosen country. Determine if your skills are in high demand, potentially making you eligible for specialized work visas or programs.   

Step Seven: Document Compilation 

Accumulate vital documents from passports to professional references. Gather essential documents like your passport, educational certificates, professional references, and any required qualifications. Some countries may also require medical exams and police clearance certificates. 

Next on the list is to navigate the visa application process, adhering to all requirements and providing accurate information. Be prepared for interviews or additional documentation requests.

Why is International Exposure Important for Your Career? 

Before diving into the unique offerings of IIE HSM, it's crucial to understand why international exposure is a paramount advantage for budding professionals. 

• Global Networking: Working internationally helps create an international network, this network can help with future job opportunities and staying in contact with them can help you learn on international job developments and trends in your industry. 

• Enhanced Adaptability: International experience requires you to be flexible and adaptable to new situations. By working abroad, you might become more comfortable when situations change quickly or unexpectedly and can react calmly and effectively. 

• Future-Proofing Your Career: You’ll be thinking globally, this grants you the ability to look beyond your local business community, find out about your sector in other territories, and open your mind to new attitudes and techniques. Businesses operate more globally – and are more culturally diverse – than ever before, and chances are that your co-workers, clients and stakeholders work throughout the world. The more experience you can get of working with them, the more confident you'll be. This will make you more attractive to employers of the future. You could develop your ability to work globally by learning about working with diverse cultures, by asking for assignments that require international exposure or connections, and by learning another language. 

• Optimise Your CV:  The skills and experience you gain working internationally can be valuable additions to your resume. Your cultural awareness, language and communication skills and international work experience can give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs. When you return from working abroad, update your resume to include the new skills and experience you gained. You might add skills such as flexibility, adaptability, and independence. 

How Can studying at IIE HSM help South Africans Get International Opportunities?  

IIE HSM's quality education empowers you with skills and knowledge that are highly sought after not only in South Africa but also on the international stage, because Service is The Language of Business.

Let's dive into the exciting international career opportunities that await you:   

Multinational Corporations:   

The strong business acumen and service management skills gained from IIE HSM will make you a valuable asset to multinational companies. Major corporations across the globe seek professionals who can contribute effectively to various departments, from marketing and finance to operations and human resources.   

Global Marketing and Brand Management:  

Your customer service expertise from IIE HSM can lead you to exciting international roles in marketing and brand management. Companies aiming to expand their presence beyond borders require professionals who understand diverse markets and consumer behaviors.   

Global Entrepreneurship:

Armed with business management and customers service skills, you could explore entrepreneurship opportunities internationally. Launching your startup or franchise in a different country can be a rewarding venture, leveraging your expertise and creativity. 

International Nonprofit Organisations:

If you're passionate about making a difference globally, your skills can be used in international nonprofit organisations. These organisations work on diverse projects, such as sustainable development, education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. 

Foreign Diplomacy and International Relations:

With a deep understanding of service management and communication, you could explore opportunities in foreign diplomacy and international relations. Representing your country abroad or working for international organisations can be a meaningful career path.   

Hospitality and Tourism Worldwide: The thriving hospitality industry worldwide welcomes graduates from the IIE HSM. Your expertise in hotel and tourism management can lead to careers in renowned hotels, resorts, and travel agencies across the globe.

How Does IIE HSM prepare South Africans for international careers? 

We prepare South Africans for international careers by offering the following: 

• Renowned Excellence: Globally recognised, IIE HSM’s educational standards enhance your appeal to worldwide employers. 
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• Global Curriculum: Crafted in sync with international industry standards, it ensures global work readiness. 
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• Practical Learning: Emphasis on real-world experiences via internships and projects refines job-ready skills. 
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• Holistic Skills: IIE HSM instils critical thinking, adaptability, leadership, and more, making you a global asset. 
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• Industry Affiliation: Collaborations with global entities facilitate international exchanges, internships, and insights into world-class practices. 
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• By choosing IIE HSM, you’re investing in a global career filled with promise and diversity. Begin your journey of international success with us. 
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South Africans Who Have Made It Overseas

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa:

The CEO of Business Tourism Council. Tshifhiwa plays a crucial role in advocating and lobbying for the hospitality industry. With 16 years of experience, he started out as a travel consultant, then specialized in travel marketing overseas, including working for South African Tourism in New York. Passionate about hospitality and tourism, he now leads FEDHASA. Tshivhengwa addresses industry issues, including regulatory changes and disruptive technologies. Read more.

Gary Koetser:

A highly regarded professional in the hotel and service industry, with extensive experience in both South Africa and abroad. Gary’s career began in South Africa, but his skills led him to work in countries like Switzerland, the USA, and the Middle East. His understanding of the industry and managerial prowess earned him leadership roles in several prestigious establishments. Though he eventually returned to South Africa to hold pivotal roles in the hospitality sector, his international experience significantly shaped his expertise and leadership style. Read more.

Alan Winde:

Before entering politics, Alan Winde worked extensively in the tourism and hospitality industry. Alan’s hospitality journey saw him working in various countries, including Germany, where he gained invaluable international experience. This exposure to the international hospitality and service sector played a significant role when he later became involved in politics, ultimately serving as the Western Cape's Minister of Economic Opportunities. In this role, he was responsible for agriculture, tourism, and economic development, allowing him to further leverage his international experience to benefit South African tourism. Read more.

The Bottom Line: How To Build Your International Career As A South African

In this era of global connectivity, the world offers South Africans myriad career prospects tailored to their talents and dreams.

Whether it’s the advanced economies of Canada, Australia, and Europe or the thriving sectors in Asia and the Middle East, opportunities are vast and varied.

To effectively tap into these global possibilities, the right preparations are vital, which include evaluating one's strengths, skilling up, and ensuring effective outreach.

 One significant cornerstone for international career success is world-class education and practical exposure, which is precisely where IIE HSM shines.

With its globally recognised curriculum, emphasis on real-world experiences, and industry affiliations, IIE HSM moulds students into professionals that the international market actively seeks.

If you're a South African aspiring for international laurels, aligning with IIE HSM can be the catalyst, guiding you from local achievements to global triumphs.

Embrace the international possibilities, let your career soar, and make your mark on the world stage.

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