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Hi everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and staying safe during the holiday season. I wanted to take a moment to highlight a role that I’m hiring for - Sr. Learning & Talent Development Partner. If you’re interested, I’ve added to the Fishbowl jobs board - https://joinfishbowl.com/job_rpc2p5vsvq. Feel free to reach out directly if you’d like to chat. :)
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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
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.
Rising Star
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.