DinaOne of the questions I frequently receive by email concerns employment: What is work like in Italy? Is it easy to find a job? If I want to come to Rome and stay forever, will I find work? This article aims to address these questions and provide an updated perspective on the job market in Rome for 2024-2025.
MY STORY, HOW I ENDED UP IN ROME
Like many life-changing events, my move to Rome happened by chance. After graduating from a Greek university, I stumbled upon a Facebook announcement from an NGO seeking someone to work for a year at another NGO in Rome. The program was voluntary but EU-funded, covering flights, accommodation, Italian lessons, and a modest monthly stipend of around 300 euros. With unemployment in Athens reaching 29% in 2012, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
As an experience, I can say it was quite difficult but taught me a lot. Taking your suitcase and going alone to another country isn’t the easiest thing, finding yourself working 8 hours in an office where your colleagues speak a language you don’t understand and living with strangers is tough. However, I met many people, made friendships, traveled, and learned a lot.
I managed to ‘network’ and another similar job offer followed from another NGO for 6 months. This time I worked 6 hours and spoke a little of the language, so it went more smoothly.
Meanwhile, I started looking for something more permanent in Rome, and there again luck smiled at me when a digital marketing company was looking for someone who speaks Greek. Of course, I seized the opportunity, and after 3.5 years at this company, I managed not only to learn many things but also to advance professionally. I also did a master’s degree – because naturally, 9 hours at the office wasn’t enough torture!
So this is my story, this is how I ended up in Rome!
The Current Job Market in Rome and Italy
As of October 2024, Italy’s job market has shown significant improvement. The unemployment rate has dropped to a record low of 5.8%, the lowest since records began in 1983. This represents a substantial improvement from previous years and indicates a tightening labor market. However, it’s important to note that regional disparities persist, with southern Italy still experiencing higher unemployment rates
WHAT I LEARNED IN RECENT YEARS
Many people consider life abroad, and understandably so – Greece currently faces employment challenges. If you’re thinking about working abroad, especially in Italy, keep these points in mind:
- Expect challenges. Moving to any country – whether Germany, England, Malta, or Italy – presents difficulties. You’ll be away from family and friends, navigating an unfamiliar system, and facing unexpected situations you’ll need to handle independently.
- Language is crucial. If you don’t speak Italian or only know a few words, your challenges will increase tenfold. The language barrier affects everything from daily life to professional opportunities.
- Financial expectations. Unlike countries such as Australia or Canada, Italy (especially Rome) isn’t typically a destination for building significant savings. While you can live comfortably, expect modest financial opportunities compared to other international destinations.
WORK IN ROME, A DIFFICULT PIECE
Rome, although the capital, is behind Milan in terms of employment. It has fewer jobs and they’re lower-paying. “Good jobs” are held by those who work:
- In government and generally, professions related to politics
- In large international organizations like FAO and other UN agencies
- In the few multinational companies There are quite a few jobs in the tourism sector, but like in Greece, unfortunately, many are poorly paid and without insurance.
How to Find Work in Rome
- Define Your Purpose: Understand why you want to work in Rome. Is it for the experience, to improve your Italian, or for a permanent move?
- Prepare Your Resume: Highlight your language skills, especially English, as this can be an advantage over local candidates.
- Use Online Platforms: Besides LinkedIn, explore job posting sites like Indeed, Subito, and Monster.it.
- Network: Attend professional events and join groups like the American Business Group in Rome.
- Consider English-Speaking Positions: These can be a good entry point, especially if your Italian is limited.
- Language Skills: While English-speaking roles exist, proficiency in Italian significantly broadens opportunities.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
Hey, guess what? Italy’s finally catching up with the times! They’ve rolled out these new Digital Nomad Visas, which is pretty cool if you’re into the whole work-from-anywhere scene. It’s like they’re saying, “Come on over, bring your laptop, and work from a piazza!”
And get this – Italy’s gone all eco-friendly lately. They’re big on the green stuff now, so if you know your way around solar panels or can talk sustainability, you might just land yourself a sweet gig.
But here’s the real kicker – the tech scene is booming! We’re talking AI, cybersecurity, all that geeky goodness. As of January 2024, there were over 8,400 tech jobs up for grabs. So, if you can code or know how to keep hackers at bay, you might want to dust off that CV and give it a shot. Who knows? You could be sipping espresso and debugging code in no time!
Advice for Job Seekers
- Start Early: Begin your job search before arriving in Rome.
- Focus on in-demand skills, particularly in technology and digital fields.
- Language Learning: Invest time in learning Italian, even if applying for English-speaking roles.
- Flexibility: Be open to temporary or part-time positions as a way to enter the job market.
- Legal Requirements: Ensure you understand and comply with all visa and work permit requirements.
While finding work in Rome can still be challenging, the improving economic conditions and diversifying job market offer more opportunities than in previous years. Remember, it will be difficult, but with persistence, adaptability, and the right skills, you can build a rewarding career in the Eternal City.
Best of luck!
