HoW
to
find
an IT
JOB
Abroad
7
questions career switchers usually have
Not only graduates of tech universities work in the IT industry, but also career switchers — adult people who have learnt a new profession. These people chose the IT sector because the world of technology is constantly evolving. Jobs in the industry are well-paid, and there is a wide range of opportunities, from engineering through analytics and design to project management.
In a joint project with GoIT, the IT school that launched the Neoversity online master’s program, we have collected answers to frequently asked questions from career switchers who are seeking jobs in the world’s most aspirational IT professions and who want to get a job in the best companies in Europe or the USA. Based on the experience of 1,000 graduates of GoIT who were employed in 2023, we will figure out what to consider when choosing a specialization, where to study, and how to become an in-demand specialist in the international labor market.
GoIT has been helping people to study for IT professions for nine years already. Its graduates have obtained their first jobs in over 850 IT companies in 15 countries. Since 2022, the school has opened representative offices in Poland, Romania, Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.
9
years
of teaching
experience
15
countries
in which
graduates work
850
IT companies
in which
graduates work
However, taking only professional IT classes is not enough for successful employment abroad, so in 2023, GoIT partnered with the European Collegiate Higher-Education Institution Woolf to found GoIT Neoversity. There, students can obtain the European Master of Computer Science degree, recognized in over 50 countries, enabling them to apply for the best positions in the world’s leading IT companies.
How to choose
a profession in the IT sector
Switching to IT is a good choice for anyone who likes technology, modern devices, and the dynamic development of this industry. The rest depends on your preferences and inclinations.
“If you have an analytical mind and are good at math and science, you can be a Developer or Data Analyst. QA is ideal for highly attentive and meticulous people and those who can persevere. There are also jobs in the IT industry for humanitarian mindset: UX/UI Design, Project Management, or IT Recruiting. Out of 1,000 graduates employed in 2023, 43% of them got their first job in IT in non-technical specialties: Designer, Project Manager, etc.”
“If you have an analytical mind and are good at math and science, you can be a Developer or Data Analyst. QA is ideal for highly attentive and meticulous people and those who can persevere. There are also jobs in the IT industry for humanitarian mindset: UX/UI Design, Project Management, or IT Recruiting. Out of 1,000 graduates employed in 2023, 43% of them got their first job in IT in non-technical specialties: Designer, Project Manager, etc.”
says Maryna Lytvynova, Academic Director at GoIT.
says Maryna Lytvynova, Academic Director at GoIT.
According to her, the engineering career is a bit more challenging to master than, for example, becoming a QA or a manager. However, if you are genuinely interested in tech, are not afraid of writing code, and have a desire to create software products—it is worth it. You will have excellent job prospects.
It is helpful to analyze your previous experience. If you have already managed teams and liked it, becoming an IT project manager would be an obvious continuation of your career. It is an excellent background before learning UX/UI design if you have worked with visualizations.
“A classical mistake: A guy knows a neighbor who is a PHP developer and signs up for a PHP course. But it would be best if you chose a programming language more consciously. Some languages, such as C++ or Java, are quite complicated for beginners, and it is advisable to have a relevant background to master them,” warns Maryna Lytvynova.
She recommends starting with JavaScript or Python. JavaScript is the way to full-stack development, i.e., creating websites and applications from scratch. Python is used for back-end development—software for servers, computing, data processing, and machine learning.
“If you’re unsure where to start, sign up for free marathons. There, you can try yourself in different roles—a Developer of a particular area, a QA, a Project Manager, etc. This will help you understand what you like best,”
“If you’re unsure where to start, sign up for free marathons. There, you can try yourself in different roles—a Developer of a particular area, a QA, a Project Manager, etc. This will help you understand what you like best,”
adds Ivan Melnichuk, a lecturer and CTO at GoIT.
adds Ivan Melnichuk, a lecturer and CTO at GoIT.
Which IT professions are the most promising in Europe and the US
Trends differ from country to country. For example, the most popular IT positions in the United States are Software Developer, Information Security Analyst, and ІТ Manager. In Germany, the top positions are Data Analyst, Software Engineer, Cloud Architect, and Mobile Application Developer.
Maryna Lytvynova highlights the main areas that are currently increasingly popular in the international market:
Data Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Engineer
They create models using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, process data, and develop smart solutions.
Software Developer, Software Architect
They develop various apps, from mobile applications and websites to large corporate systems. The more companies go online, the more they must create new software and support current IT services.
Information Security Analyst, Security Specialist
They help protect systems and networks from cyberattacks and intruders.
Salaries vary by profession, experience, and country. Here are examples of average annual wages according to the Glassdoor platform:
Is a diploma required
to work in a tech company abroad
Indeed, large IT companies in Europe and the United States pay attention to internationally recognized diplomas.
“In Ukraine, we are used to the fact that having a university degree is more of a formality. Higher education in Europe and the US is less affordable, and a diploma is an advantage in the labor market. In particular, master’s degree holders receive 18% higher salaries. Our graduates employed in 15 different countries also confirmed this,”
“In Ukraine, we are used to the fact that having a university degree is more of a formality. Higher education in Europe and the US is less affordable, and a diploma is an advantage in the labor market. In particular, master’s degree holders receive 18% higher salaries. Our graduates employed in 15 different countries also confirmed this,”
explains Ivan Melnychuk.
explains Ivan Melnychuk.
Neoversity Master’s program
To help career switchers become more competitive in the global IT market, GoIT has launched two Neoversity Master’s programs: Master of Science in Computer Science: Software Engineering and Master of Science in Computer Science: Data Science and Data Analytics. They last two years and are equivalent to a master’s degree in the US. Graduates receive a European diploma recognized in more than 50 countries in Europe and America. The partner here was Woolf University.
2
years
of study
50
countries
recognize the diploma
10
projects
to fill the CVs
The master’s program is based on the requirements of international IT companies for specialists. Students acquire not just knowledge but also learn how engineers think. The Master of Science in Computer Science: Software Engineering program can be focused on one of four following IT fields: Front-end, Front-end & Python, UI/UX Design, Python & QA. That kind of approach ensures an immersive feeling of your future IT profession.
“In any Western country, a European diploma is required for successful employment and further career,” says Oleksandra Tkachuk, Middle Software Engineer at SoftServe Germany, pursuing her third degree at GoIT Neoversity. “You will get a higher salary and be more cherished as an employee. And some positions are impossible to obtain without a university degree: vacancies have a must—higher education in Computer Science or related fields. Also, if you work in a large company and know several technologies, moving between projects and growing your career is easier.”
Karine Morozova, a Front-end Developer at TIOmarkets who lives and works in Cyprus, has a similar experience:
“If you want to have a labor contract abroad, there are two conditions: either a relevant higher education or two years of relevant work experience. Otherwise, the list of employers becomes much shorter. You don’t choose the company you want to work for but the company willing to hire you. I want to choose my own job, not just pick up what’s available, so I’m getting a university degree.”
“I was embarrassed about only working and not learning at all. So I went to GoIT Neoversity to get a diploma. It is recognized even in Canada: I can show it to my employer and apply for a higher salary,” adds Nikita Zeleniak, Web Developer UX/UI at Chartwell, Canada.
The main advantages of GoIT’s master’s program compared to traditional European or American universities are affordable price, online format, and project-based learning. During the study, students implement over ten projects to fill their CVs, and instead of defending a classic diploma, they present a startup to investors and experienced professionals.
What level of English is needed to work in the IT industry
An IT employee should master English at least at Strong Intermediate or Upper Intermediate level. You need to know professional and general terminology to be part of the team’s social life and maintain a conversation with colleagues or clients, the so-called small talk.
“You will feel more confident with a rich vocabulary and the skills to build language structures. I recommend using mobile apps available now, where you can learn a certain base of words for everyday use for 10-15 minutes a day when you have time,”
“You will feel more confident with a rich vocabulary and the skills to build language structures. I recommend using mobile apps available now, where you can learn a certain base of words for everyday use for 10-15 minutes a day when you have time,”
says Yuliia Hruschynska, Global HR Business Partner at Ciklum.
says Yuliia Hruschynska, Global HR Business Partner at Ciklum.
English is the core language
GoIT Neoversity student Nikita Zeleniak recalls, “As soon as I decided to go into IT, I realized I needed English.
I lived in Taiwan then, but I was considering returning to Ukraine. But in the end, I moved to Canada. The first two weeks at the Canadian company were difficult: I didn’t understand what was happening on the project and tried hard to understand it, especially in English. But in a few days, all the barriers disappeared, and I began to understand,” he adds.
Since English is the core language in most European IT companies, knowledge of local languages, however, will also come in handy. Yuliia Hruschynska explains that people usually speak the local language at the coffee machine and during meetings and team building. Also, all local documents and labor standards require knowledge of the official language. It is helpful to master it at a level sufficient for everyday communication. It will be a plus for your future employer and career growth.
At the same time, there are exceptions. Olena Nahorna, a Front-end Developer at Woopee.io who lives and works in the Czech Republic, notes that her Czech is elementary:
“I speak English, and my interviews were also in English. I was fortunate in this regard: The small startup where I work is focused on working all over Europe. So to train, because of me only, they all communicate with each other in English.”
How to choose
IT courses
Switching is about more than just mastering the skills required for a new IT profession. The task is to understand all aspects of the IT industry, research the labor market and requirements for specialists, and create a portfolio. Since the ultimate goal is to get a job in an IT company, creating a proper CV and preparing for a tech-related interview is essential.
It’s perfect when an IT school helps you at every stage. This way, you’ll have an advantage over other beginners and startups without such support.
When choosing IT courses, pay attention to the following:
Students should have direct feedback from teachers, mentors, and supervisors. Live communication with mentors is 20% of success.
Classes should have a significant practical part. It is the only way to develop skills you can demonstrate in tests and work.
An ideal training is based on actual projects where you can immediately see how your efforts turn into a product, a website, a design, a database, etc.
The IT school must provide support in finding a job, including freelancing. Ignore what the school director says, but note the students’ results.
“At GoIT, we provide a full cycle of switching. First, we conduct career guidance and choose a course together. During the study, we focused on professional knowledge, soft skills, and improving English. Then, we prepare the student for the labor market, including CV writing and role-playing interviews. We even guarantee employment in case of GoIT’s flagship courses, such as full-stack, provided the student has completed all their homework,”
“At GoIT, we provide a full cycle of switching. First, we conduct career guidance and choose a course together. During the study, we focused on professional knowledge, soft skills, and improving English. Then, we prepare the student for the labor market, including CV writing and role-playing interviews. We even guarantee employment in case of GoIT’s flagship courses, such as full-stack, provided the student has completed all their homework,”
explains Ivan Melnichuk.
explains Ivan Melnichuk.
All GoIT and Neoversity educational programs are based on the job skill set—the skills an employer expects a candidate to have. Often, homework during a GoIT online course is a test one can face during employment. And the final assignments are projects that can be put in your professional portfolio.
Students devote 70% of their time to individual and group practical tasks. Another 20% is spent on social interaction, as IT professionals are team players who need to communicate and solve complex issues, including online.
The remaining 10% is formal training, such as webinars that are available live or recorded. The platform also has structured material on each topic with 24/7 access. The students read a book and have the opportunity to test their knowledge via quizzes and auto-checks immediately.
70
practical tasks
20
social interaction
10
formal training
“Feedback is an important component that helps to understand and consolidate a topic. Our teachers spend a lot of time checking and analyzing homework. In addition, students communicate with mentors, classmates, and career counselors—we don’t leave them alone with their studies,”
“Feedback is an important component that helps to understand and consolidate a topic. Our teachers spend a lot of time checking and analyzing homework. In addition, students communicate with mentors, classmates, and career counselors—we don’t leave them alone with their studies,”
says Maryna Lytvynova.
says Maryna Lytvynova.
How do you create a CV and look for a job?
Your Curriculum Vitae should be clearly structured and easy to read. For this, you can use one of the free online services, advises Anna Khalimon, Head of Recruitment at Ciklum. In addition, online services will help check your resume for errors before sending it to an employer. The document should be in English, the leading IT communication language.
“Don’t overload your CV with details: It should end on the 2nd page. Instead of describing all your previous experience, focus only on the details relevant to the desired job. If there is a lack of such details, describe theoretical knowledge you have—specific skills, technologies, languages, etc.”
“Don’t overload your CV with details: It should end on the 2nd page. Instead of describing all your previous experience, focus only on the details relevant to the desired job. If there is a lack of such details, describe theoretical knowledge you have—specific skills, technologies, languages, etc.”
Anna explains.
Anna explains.
According to her, a CV should be followed by a concise 2-3 paragraph motivation letter. It should answer the question: “Why should a recruiter contact you?” Adding a photo is up to you. You can, for example, put a link to your LinkedIn with a profile picture.
Creating a resume is only the first step. Then, you need to take a proactive approach to your job search: post your status and relevant posts on social media and systematically monitor job offers on LinkedIn, job sites, and the corporate websites on your priority list.
worldwide
USA
Bulgaria
United Kingdom
Germany
Slovakia
Poland
Canada
Latvia
“Join online communities of Ukrainians in the country where you are staying. Information about your dream job or at least useful tips from those with relevant experience may appear there,” notes Anna Khalimon. “At the same time, expand your network, especially among recruiters. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and ask for recommendations—it will help you find a job abroad.”
How to get selected for an international IT company
A good CV, a solid professional background, and confident practical skills to complete a test task are the conditions to get an offer from an international IT company. But this may not be enough.
“Acquiring a new IT profession should be combined with developing career and communication skills. Often, career switchers underestimate this factor. Your task is to be able to ‘pack’ and present yourself,”
“Acquiring a new IT profession should be combined with developing career and communication skills. Often, career switchers underestimate this factor. Your task is to be able to ‘pack’ and present yourself,”
says Maryna Lytvynova.
says Maryna Lytvynova.
Usually, a successful self-presentation plays a crucial role. “I was confident at the interview. But in fact, I was sure I was not suitable, so I was not nervous, and I passed,” smiles Olena Nahorna, recalling her interview with a Czech IT company.
In addition, to be visible, you should have a portfolio of completed projects—this will set you apart from other candidates. This way, you will demonstrate that you have theoretical knowledge and some experience, albeit not business.
“There is a lot of competition among beginners. Therefore, the only way out is to become better than others. For example, if a candidate has two projects in their portfolio and you have five, you have the advantage. But these projects mustn’t be trivial: No one will be surprised by ToDo lists. They will pay attention to trends—for example, it could be integration with ChatGPT. Or a project related to Ukrainian realities, such as a website for volunteers,”
“There is a lot of competition among beginners. Therefore, the only way out is to become better than others. For example, if a candidate has two projects in their portfolio and you have five, you have the advantage. But these projects mustn’t be trivial: No one will be surprised by ToDo lists. They will pay attention to trends—for example, it could be integration with ChatGPT. Or a project related to Ukrainian realities, such as a website for volunteers,”
explains Ivan Melnichuk.
explains Ivan Melnichuk.
During the interview, keep in mind your strengths as an IT switcher. Talk about situations during your studies and internships that prove them. But you shouldn’t refer too much to experience irrelevant to your new profession. A single example may be appropriate as an exception, but it is generally better to focus on what you already know about the new IT profession.
“At the same time, you shouldn’t underestimate your IT awareness and constantly emphasize that you lack experience. After all, the interviewer understands that they are talking to a switcher. First of all, they expect such a candidate to be highly motivated, ready to work hard, and develop quickly,” emphasizes Anna Khalimon.
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