International Career

In our networked and global working world, international experience, intercultural sensitivity and openness to diversity are key competencies in personnel selection.

The MCI strengthens this international trait of its students through interaction with lecturers and students from abroad, international curricula and projects, semesters, study stays, and internships abroad, double degrees, a wide range of language courses and special seminars and workshops.

International Internships

For internships within the EU, students and graduates can also receive financial support under Erasmus+. Deadlines and details for applying for Erasmus+ can be found by contacting your MCI representative: kerstin.maier@mci.edu.

Find out more about other funding opportunities.

If you are looking for internships outside Austria, you can use the MCI Job & Internship Platform on the one hand, and access a variety of general and specialized internship exchanges on the other (see below or the Country Information folder). In addition, there are several organizations that offer internships abroad or help with the placement of interns. Make sure in advance that you are aware of the placement fees and specific services.

AIESEC for students of business studies
ELSA for law students
IAAS for students of agricultural studies
IAESTE for students of technical subjects

Mehrere Leute, die sich etwas in einem Labor ansehen.

An internship abroad offers an interesting opportunity to prepare for the global job market and to acquire skills in intercultural communication and multinational team-working.

Databases

www.europarl.europa.eu (European Parliament)
www.indeed.co.uk (UK)
www.jobted.com/worldwide (worldwide)
www.kopra.org (Japan, China, India and other Asian countries)
www.magister.co.za (South Africa)
www.studentjob.co.uk (UK)

Insurance

If you are doing an internship abroad, you should also make sure that you have sufficient insurance cover. Accident insurance, liability insurance and health insurance are all indispensable in this case. If you do an internship abroad - even if it is a compulsory internship - you are not insured against accidents by the institution with whom you are studying. However, there is insurance cover via the Austrian Student’s Union or through private insurance.

International job exchanges (selection)

Jobs abroad

When searching for jobs outside Austria, you can use the MCI Career Portal as well as a variety of international job exchanges. You will find initial links below and under the country information directory.

Europe

www.connexion-emploi.com (German-French job exchange for Europe)
www.ec.europa.eu (Jobs and training opportunities in Europe)
www.eda.admin.ch (Swiss Confederation)
www.eurobrussels.com (The European Affairs Jobsite)
www.eurograduate.com (Graduate Jobs in Europe)
www.europa.eu (Working for the EU)
www.eurosciencejobs.com (Science jobs in Europe)
www.indeed.co.uk (Student Jobs in UK)
www.jobagent.ch (internship and job exchange, CH)
www.jobboerse.gv.at (Job exchange for Europe)
www.placement-uk.com (Student Placement Opportunities)
www.staufenbiel.ch (job exchange & career tips)
www.studentjob.co.uk (Student Jobs in UK)
www.teachaway.com (Teacher jobs in Europe)
www.top-jobs-europe.de (For specialists and managers)

USA & America

www.careerbuilder.com (Jobs in the USA)
www.jobs.50statejobs.com (Jobs USA)
www.locanto.com (Job exchange Mexico and 39 other countries)
www.nytimes.com (job market of the News York Times)

International

www.anyworkanywhere.com (Jobs worldwide)
www.backdoorjobs.com (Short-Term-Job Adventures worldwide)
www.ihipo.com (International Jobs)
www.jobsearch.gov.au (National Employment Agency Australia)
www.oead.at (Austrian Exchange Service)
www.workingabroad.com (Voluntary Service and Jobs Worldwide)

Country information

If you are planning an internship or your career entry abroad, you should inform yourself in good time about country-specifics and the labor-law framework conditions. Plan not only the costs for a visa, but also the processing times for your application, which - depending on the destination country - can take several weeks, or even months.

Important note for internships in the USA: In order to do an internship there, you will definitely require a J-1 visa. Once you have searched for and found an internship, you must apply for the so-called DS-2019 form via a legitimized exchange organization (so-called designated sponsors). This service involves costs. It is essential that you compare different providers, services and prices.

The Freie Universität von Berlin has created a large collection of links to important country information:: You will find chambers of commerce, diplomatic missions, important cultural institutions, as well as business directories, professional associations, regional job and internship exchanges, daily newspapers, and tips on finding accommodation.

Applying for a job abroad

Many dream of a professional career abroad. The first hurdle for a successful start in an internship or a job is a meaningful application.

The prerequisite for a professional career abroad is not only an above-average command of the language of the target country, but also intensive preliminary research, because each country has different regulations regarding the formalities of an application.

Tips for applying in different countries

The application letter

As in Austria, the cover letter is limited to a maximum of one page. As an applicant, you should first and foremost, explain why you, as a foreigner, are particularly suitable for the internship/job.

Curriculum vitae

The curriculum vitae should include the following aspects:

Personal details: first and last name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (Personal Details)
Career objective (Job Objective)
summary profile (key skills)
School education and studies: Education
Professional experience (Career History, Career Development, Work Experience)
Career starters should headline the chapter with "Practical Experience
additional knowledge: Language and computer skills, driving licence (additional skills)

Hobbies, if relevant for the position (Interests and activities)
Conclusion (References available upon request)

The curriculum vitae should consist of one to a maximum of two pages. The exception is the Netherlands, where the curriculum vitae may be more extensive. If you have already spent some time abroad, make sure to include this information in your CV.

Application in a European country

For applications in a European country, there is the possibility of orienting oneself to the "Europass-CV". This was created by the European Commission in order to minimize the application hurdles within Europe. The "Europass-CV" however, is only a recommendation and not a requirement.

Working in Austria

According to the Austrian Business Agency, Austria ranks among the top ten target countries for highly qualified employees. Employees particularly benefit from innovative companies as well as an outstanding social security system and medical care. Moreover, Austria's strong position as a business hub is complemented by its outstanding quality of life, which is enriched by a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

Austria is one of the smaller member states of the EU. Economically, the country ranks among the most prosperous members of the community. Employment rates are also strong, with the labor market maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU.

Application

In Austria, a complete application usually includes a resume/CV, a cover letter, and relevant certificates. However, check on the advert what documents are requested by the employer and always target and tailor your application to the position!

38% of employers in Austria provide individual tips on their career websites relating to the application process - often in the form of application FAQs. Search online specifically for recommendations on application documents and preparing for the interview.

German or English? Be aware of the language of the job advert you are replying to. It is always advisable to write your application documents in the same language as the job posting, that way you can signal that you have paid attention to what the company is looking for.

Documents

Work culture in Austria

Legal framework

Austria offers a well-structured legal framework designed to protect employees' rights and ensure fair working conditions. The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with comprehensive regulations on overtime, rest periods, and paid breaks. Employees benefit from generous annual leave (25 days) and public holidays (13 days). The social insurance system provides extensive coverage, including health, accident, pension, and unemployment insurance, with contributions shared by employers and employees. Maternity protection and parental leave policies support families, offering paid leave and job security. Sector-specific minimum wages are established through collective agreements, ensuring fair pay. Additionally, clear guidelines exist for termination processes, notice periods, and sick leave entitlements, reinforcing Austria's commitment to workers' well-being.

Helpful links to details about types of employment, types of contracts, remuneration, working time etc.:

Career Center