British IT professionals looking to further their career would do well to consider a spell overseas, according to new research from global IT and telecoms recruiter Networkers International. Working abroad not only helps develop new skills it also boosts career prospects and can open the door to the highest ranks of the tech profession.
In the survey of 500 IT professionals, well over half of UK nationals (61%) reported that their career prospects had improved as a result of working abroad. In addition, three quarters (71%) of top technology pros polled (including board level directors responsible for IT, IT directors and CIOs) have chalked up experience overseas – further proof that a stint abroad can give IT professionals a foot up the career ladder.
The survey also shows, however, that the advantages of working abroad are not only professional. While career-boosting benefits such as learning new skills (48%) and achieving a better salary (41%) scored highly with respondents, the main advantage cited was a better lifestyle (63%).
Commenting on the results Spencer Manuel, CEO of Networkers International says, “This new research confirms our experience that working abroad can work wonders for your career and can also improve your way of life. It’s a fantastic opportunity for IT professionals to acquire new skills while broadening their horizons and experiencing new cultures. In a fiercely competitive jobs market I think it can really help give candidates the edge.”
He continues, “In our survey, three quarters of respondents who had worked abroad found it easy to get a job on their return to the UK. I think this shows that IT pros have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking the plunge and experiencing work and life overseas.”
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Note to Editors:
Research Methodology
Fieldwork was conducted online by Fusion Research in December 2009 and January 2010 using specialist research tool Confirmit. A total of 500 respondents were included in our analysis. These were predominantly from UK nationals working in IT (92%), with 8% of responses from non UK nationals.
About Networkers International
Networkers International is an AIM-listed award-winning global recruitment consultancy specialising in IT & Telecommunications, Energy & Engineering, Finance & Capital Markets, Procurement & Supply Chain, FMCG and Executive Search. During its 10 years of operation the company has won a number of accolades including:
- One Star Best Companies Accreditation, 2009 and 2010
- "Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2007",
- "Best IT Recruitment Firm" in the Recruiter Awards for Excellence,
- Finalist in the "Best Managed Service Provider" category in the Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2006.
The company’s mission is to be the provider of choice for technical resources to the global Telecommunications and Information Technology industries with a philosophy built on:
- Commitment to clients, by delivering the best resource solutions available
- Commitment to candidates, by representing their interests both professionally and honestly
- Commitment to employees, by providing them with an environment in which they can excel
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