Navigating the Spanish Job Market as a Student Resident: Beyond the “Work Permit”

We all somehow believe that the words “work permit” on our student residence will magically give us endless possibilities of well-paid jobs. In reality, everything is a little more complicated. 

Competitive landscape

The modern job market is much more competitive than it used to be. Here are some reasons for it

Online education and Longlife learning

Nowadays, with the availability of online education and no age limits, the labor market is extremely saturated. 

Increased competition

We see recently graduated people competing with experienced workers but also with those who have educated themselves. 

Companies are more conscious than ever

Unfortunately for the companies, not everyone in the labour market is a great professional. There is no strong evidence that hiring a well-educated and experienced person will get what they need for their team. That is why companies prefer to play it safe.

Internship – a perfect solution

Before a company is ready to commit to you, they need to know you. Your skills and knowledge, your teamwork and stress management, your level of responsibility and ambitions. And it is impossible to see all of this just during the job interview. So, they found the solution – internship.

Benefits for both the student and the company

It is completely normal to start as an intern in the company. Even more, it is beneficial for everyone, since during the internship you also have a choice whether to stay with them or to leave without reason.

Building a foundation for long-term contracts

Internship in itself is a perfect way to test the waters, to get to know each othe,r and to build the base for future long-term job contracts. Those who started small are usually more appreciated and more likely to get promoted

Embrace your internship opportunity

So, do not look at an internship as a chance for the company to use and abuse you. Open yourself to this experience and start your journey in the business world!