How mobility programmes can boost your employability

Ostatnia aktualizacja wtorek, 09/07/2024

In today's world, the skills you develop can make a real difference in your future career. Participating in a European learning mobility programme, such as Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), offers a golden opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience while exploring Europe! You will get a chance to learn by doing, meet new people from different cultures, and boost your employability.

First, what’s a skill? A skill is the ability to do something well. Quite general, isn't it? Let's go deeper by applying this concept to the job market: a skill is what allows us to complete a task, handle a particular situation, or solve a problem as quickly and as efficiently as possible. There are two types of skills: soft skills and hard skills. 

• Soft skills are essential for any job. They're helping you communicate effectively, work well with others, and adapt to new situations.
• Hard skills are the job-specific tools. They demonstrate your technical knowledge and proficiency in areas like software development, data analysis, or foreign languages.

But why is everyone talking about skills? Managing soft and hard skills makes you more competitive in the job market and allows you to build an attractive CV for employers!

Sounds intimidating? Don’t worry! EU Youth programmes offer unique ways to gain valuable experience that will impress future employers. Plus, you'll gain the added benefits of exploring new places, meeting incredible people, and making lifelong memories – all while building a resume that stands out!

Let’s discover these opportunities and how they can boost your skills!

• Volunteering abroad throws you right into the mix. You'll work alongside locals on projects that make a real difference. Whether you're helping to build a school in a remote village or organising cultural events, you'll learn to adapt to new environments, navigate cultural differences, and develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively. The European Solidarity Corps offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months, in various countries within and beyond Europe.
• Learning abroad with Erasmus+: Imagine yourself living and learning alongside students from all over the world. You'll navigate new teaching styles, adapt to different campus cultures, and refine your communication skills to thrive in a diverse environment. This not only deepens your academic knowledge but also hones your ability to collaborate effectively across cultures. If you’re not a student yet, why not opt for an Erasmus+ youth exchange? These immersive programmes focus on project-based learning and teamwork. You'll naturally improve your language skills through daily interactions and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, enhancing your adaptability and global citizenship.
• Interning abroad: Get ready to put your skills to the test in a global setting. Internships abroad with Erasmus+ expose you to new work practices, communication styles, and professional expectations. You'll learn to adapt to these differences, build your intercultural competence, and develop strong networking skills – all of which make you a more attractive candidate to future employers.

Whether it's at a local, national, or international level, these international experiences encourage and promote active participation and boost your employability. You can also check out Eurodesk's Opportunity Finder to find more information. Every month new opportunities are shared!

Don't wait! Explore the European Union's mobility programmes and take your skills to the next level.

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link