I am a Canadian business bachelor student who is about to graduate in a few months. I did my exchange in Switzerland and I would love to work there after I graduate. I have been applying to internships in Switzerland since March of this year but have only gotten rejections which has been discouraging. I have had many internships in Canada through my degree and I have experience in many different fields. I was wondering if anyone else here has gone through a similar situation, or has any advice.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I completely understand why that would feel discouraging, but I wouldn’t take the rejections as a reflection of your ability. Switzerland can be a very competitive market, especially for internships, and sponsorship/work authorization can sometimes make it harder for international applicants.

Since you already studied there, I would really lean into that connection...reach out to classmates, professors, alumni, and companies you interacted with while on exchange. Sometimes networking works much better than cold applications, especially in smaller markets. I’d also tailor your resume to Swiss/European expectations and be very clear about your availability, graduation timeline, and why Switzerland specifically.

You already have strong internship experience, so don’t lose confidence. It may just take a more relationship-based approach than applying online.

Warmly,
Rochelle Koperdak
FoundHerHR

like

True

Sorry to ask, but are there any potential reasons why you think you may be getting rejected? i.e. White male, not in a putatively-protected demographic class, overtly religious, etc.

And,

Have you been primarily reaching out to DEI-leaning companies that may have a case not to consider you?

Sadly, you have to examine these factors as you approach your graduation date and where the “expectation clock” of landing a position starts ticking.

Go too long, and you become “damaged goods” if you don’t immediately land a role in your field.

Hiring agents WILL ask you why you didn’t get hired, and then begin assuming something is wrong with you.

That’s the insidious, dirty little secret in the world of talent acquisition.

I would not let the rejections convince you it is impossible. International applications are tough. I think persistence and networking will matter just as much as qualifications.

Related Posts

Hey Fishes, I feel the RTO policy in not getting enforced rather it is getting imposed it seems (in ZS across offices). Suddenly from being employee centric they have shifted their focus to ZS culture and values. Let the thoughts pour in!

like
like

Hi Fishes, I have 8 years of experience in testing. I am looking for jobs abroad. Any inputs on where I need to start like that .....

Anyone having 2-3yrs of experience recently joined Accenture as an application development senior analyst?

like

Looking for a Marketing Specialist for a full-time direct hire opportunity with a large global electronics brand. Working with loyalty/rewards team.

-3-5 years of experience in digital marketing/advertising.
-Knowledge of CMS, CRM, AEM software.
-This is a hybrid role (2-3 days a week).
-Office is located in Paramus, NJ. DM me for details. Onward Search

like

What does these bands mean in EXL? (A,A2,B,C)

like

Advice for someone having their first annual review? I have been well exceeding my role and am going to negotiate for a higher pay raise.

like

Speed master? Love it hate it? Looking for a well made chronograph as my next mid tier purchase

How much does BCG / McK / tier 1 consulting firms pay its consultants on an expert track in Dubai office ?

like

Quite a few have mentioned using whiteboards as a way of staying focused on important projects. If this method works for you, how do you lay out the info on the whiteboard? Would love to hear your methodology (or see a picture if you don’t mind sharing)!

like

Hello Fishes!
Any idea how long it takes to get a German visa appointment for an EU blue card and dependents? I am based in Chennai and have been trying for 4 weeks, with no luck. I added myself to the waiting list on the 5th of July and have not received any updates since.
Do slots really open up at certain times?
Am supposed to join work by Aug 30th. Please help!

like

How long it takes to get laptop from pune office.
I need to go on 1st sept.

I have some 400k delta skypesos and would like to go to asia next year. How should i use it well?

like

Quick poll time. How old are you and how much debt do you have? Credit cards, student loans, vehicle loans, mortgage loans, etc., etc.?

I'm 31
$8k in debt (All credit card. No mortgage currently, but looking to buy. Car and student loans are paid off.)

like

Which HCL office is better to go out of Magarpatta office and Quadra office in Pune.
Have a choice to join any of these two. Please suggest.

like

To those starting the year on the beach: office or home office ...or actual beach?

like

Project just wrapped (early) and now I’m on the bench between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just exactly how screwed am I trying to find a new gig before Xmas? Same approach as normal? Any tips?

like

What can I do outside the office to boost my resume and be a substantially more attractive candidate for top consulting firms in ~12 months time. Working in disputes and valuation role but want to go into management consulting next year (post MBA role). I feel like my job isn’t enough because skills aren’t considered as transferable outside this field.

like

Any vacancies in Ericsson Kolkata for RF engineer?

like

Looking to get a management job with Apple and would like to see what the pay scale is for a store manager Apple

like

Additional Posts in Human Resources

Does anyone have a recommendation for an HRIS that includes time tracking, will integrate with QuickBooks and is reasonably priced or has a nonprofit discount?

likehelpful

Does your company offer Volunteer Hours? If so, how many per year?

like

Any thoughts on the best certifications to get in order to help move forward? I have considered the CCP from World at Work, but it’s fairly pricey to get by the time you wrap up everything. I was looking at both SHRM-CP and SPHR. Everyone that I have spoken to has the SHRM, but that’s also only looking at individuals in a small geographic footprint and within 3-4 different companies. I was hoping to get some thoughts on this from others? Thanks

Bilingual Talent Sourcer in Canada (French and English) seeking remote work. Please message with available opportunities 😁😁

like

Hello fishes,
What kind of unique onboarding practices your organisations have?

likehelpful

Does anyone have recommendations on recruitment firms that specialize in Product Management roles specifically in e-commerce?

like

As a 1 person HR show, what would your first hire be?

like

Hi all!
Would love some insight on how you went from an HR assistant/coordinator to an HR Generalist. I’ve been in the HR world for 8 years, and only in the last 2-3 have I really done real HR work. The first company I was at didn’t have a solid HR team so I don’t really count that. I feel like I’m ready to take on more responsibility and learn more. And of course make more money.

I have looked into getting SHRM certification. But should I go back to school and get my masters in Hr?

like

Recently obtained my aPHR and I’m considering next steps in advancing my career. I am eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP presently and will not be able to sit for a PHR until 09/2023. Any pros/cons with either certification? Should I wait to sit for PHR or go for SHRM-CP now?

like

I am a career changer on mo 4 of a 6 mo sourcer/researcher contract that I’m not sure will be renewed due to team re-organizing. I have 5 YOE basically in an HR generalist role at a company that didn’t have an official HR function, building systems from the ground up. I also have my SHRM-CP. I am looking for a perm, remote HR generalist or program manager position and getting no traction despite a well-reviewed resume. What do I do? Should I go to grad school?

like

First time posting here! I have been tasked with creating a military leave differential pay policy and was curious if anyone would be willing to provide any resources. Thanks!

I’ve been at my company (pharma) for 9 years this summer. Came out of my company’s HR development program and responsibilities have increased over time. I’m happy but I’m not sure if it will look bad in a few years to have only been at 1 company and whether it’ll affect my progression and marketability later. Thoughts?

like

Does anyone need a hr coordinator, or entry level talent acquisitions coordinator that is 100 remote? Remote jobs are extremely competitive and when I find job posts on LinkedIn there are already over 100 applicants. Very competitive!I am open minded about salary,I have so much interest in expanding my skills. I have about a year of recruiting in the staffing industry and 6 months as an hr assistant for a corporate/manufacturing company. MA in Hr and will be testing for phr in July. Thank you

like

Hi community, humbly seeking professional HR advice. I recently joined my company’s HR team. In an informal conversation, a senior HRBP, considered a peer, called 2 of our fellow HR colleagues “worthless.” I should have rebuked her then & there but was so caught off guard. This person is 20 years my senior. In the same conversation this person advocated for me on a separate matter & complimented my performance. I am not sure what course of action to take at this time. Distraught & unsure.

like

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to hire a couple of technical sources who have a keen interest in diversity. I am building out a diversity sourcing team to support AWS AI/ML practice. Great opportunity with lots of visibility. Let me know if you are interested in learning more.

like

Looking to finally go get my SPHR having the PHR for the past 6 years. Still value and pursuing and obtaining?

like

Can I keep my ex-spouse in my insurance plan after our divorce?

like

Hi everyone! In this field, when choosing a masters degree program is it more beneficial to get a degree in Human Resources to further my knowledge in HR (my undergraduate degree is in Economics) , an MBA, or Data Science Degree due to the fact that HR is becoming more data driven as well as get a PHR / SHRM-CP certification?

like

PwC EY Deloitte KPMG I've just landed a Senior Associate role with PwC as a recruiter.

How much are recruiters making across the Big4 to use in my negotiations?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal