LNoblet

Hi everyone, I am a masters graduate that has just moved to Portugal (just outside of Lisbon). I have been struggling to search for or find jobs online?! How on earth am I supposed to find anything? Also I am quite worried about getting a job as an English speaker with only a basic spoken level of Portuguese. Any tips? Thanks!

EMR

You are right to be worried about getting a decent job.
Portuguese with your level of qualifications are in the same position and look outside of Portugal for work.
A friend's son is in the 3rd year of his degree and is already looking outside of Portugal.

The property market that serves the non Portuguese might be somewhere worth trying..

LNoblet

Any advice on finding and getting an actual job? I don't need to feel more worried than I already am!

EMR

Try the property market or the leisure hotel sector which will soon be recruiting for this summer.

mfesharne

You have my sympathy but unfortunately it's not easy as you're finding out.

You don't say what field your qualification(s) are in but you obviously need to look at businesses/education cetres in that field but you also need to appreciate (as you probably do) that if you don't speak Portuguese you're not going to find it easy to find gainful employment in Portugal.

Just as an example of how hard it is to find work here, there's a Portuguese lady who works as a shelf stacker in my local supermarket, speaks fluent English & is a fully qualified Pharmacist........... because it's the only work she can find in the area.

Portugal is a great place to live but not to find work in.

LNoblet

Thank you for your honesty. Sounds like it's going to be difficult but I am not a quitter!

mfesharne

Without meaning to be rude, you really should have either researched the work situation etc before making the move but I truly wish you luck in finding something.

LNoblet

Oh I have been aware of the situation for a few years now! Just wanted tips on where and how to apply for jobs there. To be honest the UK is no better. Dead-end jobs for graduates who just want to be given a chance in their field.

mfesharne

That's always been a problem often made worse by the modern habit of so many 'soft degrees'

Many years ago I had a letter from some fidiot almost demanding I give him a job in a game capture unit in Africa because he had a Masters in medieval history........ and then another that was almost 'offended' because I turned him down flat!

One of those WTF moments. lol!

Midgo

The only advice I can give is related to your post; be more specific about your question and give more info about yourself.
It will be harder here than in the UK for you, but that doesn't mean its not worth a try.
Good luck

Moses2013

Dead end jobs? The problem these days is that many graduates have unrealistic expectations and just because you have a degree doesn't mean you are guaranteed a high paying job. You have to start at the bottom like everyone else and get some work experience, no matter what kind of work it is.

chislenko

The best advice I can give is don't waste your time going to uni, start earning at 16, the university of life will teach you much more than a few years concentrating on one subject which more often than not is not relevant to today's life.

GeniB

I must say I am quite surprised that someone who has reached a Masters degree hasn't researched the possibility of suitable jobs in Portugal before coming here.
You are obviously in the top 2% of highly qualified ,not to say specialised candidates... Was there therefore another reason for you being here at this stage in your career path ?
In my experience it is more usual for a student to network within his /her University to come across job opportunities at your level. You don't say what you have specialised in? Would it be worthwhile approaching the university in Lisbon? If your not proficient in Portuguese yet ,you might start there by taking a course. Good Luck

bejaboz

I'd agree with your advice if the degree is what is considered "soft" ones. But for law, accountancy and science etc. the opportunities for higher salaries are much better.


My two granddaughters three years age difference, one started her own business after a sports science two year college course and three years on is thriving. The other opted for uni and a sports science degree and is just completing her third year, and hoping to become a sports educationalist. It will be interesting to see how they compare in a few years if I'm still around to see it.

Ingles

While searching for some info , I came across this, may be off use ??

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and...rk-in-portugal