Zurich as foreigner
Another post from me. I’m also actively considering some roles I can find in Switzerland overall. My German is very beginner but I have overall a very strong profile - would be interested what it is like to work in Switzerland and whether I can get a job there without fluent language but with work experience and good education. How the visa situation is overall?
Working in Zurich can be a unique experience, especially if you're in the banking sector. The city is known for its work-life balance, with relatively civilized working hours compared to other financial hubs. Sometimes, you might even find yourself leaving the office before midnight.
As for the language, while German is widely spoken in Zurich, many workplaces are international and use English as their primary language. However, having a basic understanding of German could be beneficial in daily life and interactions outside of work.
Regarding the visa situation, it would be best to consult with an immigration expert or the Swiss embassy in your country. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Your permit to live in France might not directly help with getting a job in Switzerland, as they are different countries with their own immigration rules. However, being in the same region could potentially make the process smoother.
Remember, Zurich is a city renowned for banking, and some banks even have Swiss M&A teams. So, with your strong profile, good education, and work experience, you might find some exciting opportunities there.
Sources: Zurich is Paradise, Recruiting in Zürich/ Geneva vs London
Bump, also interested
bump
Don’t - Zurich is boring as can be, you’ll regret spending your 20s there. Comp is alright but not worth the lack of social life (especially if you speak no German, Swiss-German is a different beast and you can’t really integrate without it).
Worked 6 months there with basic German skills. Loved it, especially in the summer. Quality of life is amazing with mountains and nature very close. Compensation is unmatched in Europe especially post-tax.
What level of german is necessary for FO finance jobs? B2? C1?
Hi there, would appreciate a chance to PM. Interested in Swiss banking opportunities.
Im now full time in London but when I did internships in Zurich I always had colleagues that did not speak a word of German. Totally possible and it’s quite an international city too. Of course, if you want to stay long term it would become more necessary
how did people get to zurich with no german? like what kind of roles
ZH is a very difficult market to break in, with very few IB spots available. Since April 2023 it's been a chaotic time to recruit here, especially for a juniors (CS crash ruined the market). Unless you get a good offer, I strongly advise against moving here if you want to focus on your career.
On the other hand WLB and comp is unmatched, even in other areas than IB.
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