Integration into the work environment
ETH Zurich offers an outstanding environment for research and teaching for its newly recruited international professors. Additionally, we highly support the further career of the professor’s partner after their international move to our country. In order to achieve this goal, we ask for patience, openness in terms of creative solutions and, not least, the willingness to learn German.
We are not a job centre – yet, we offer you a diverse network of contacts and support you all the way during your search for employment.
ETH Zurich’s support and advice is broad-ranging and puts your requirements and needs first. We counsel you regarding your opportunities in Switzerland and the approval of your diplomas; we establish contacts with companies and people, introduce you to different (further) education programmes and show you where to find information in case you wish to go freelance. Finally, we show you how to conform to the usual Swiss work practice and offer tips for your application and a successful job interview. We highly recommend using the application guide.
ETH Zurich may also be considered as employer. Please consult the following directives concerning the employment of spouses, partners and relatives at ETH Zurich.
In order to advise you best, we require that you return the registration form together with your curriculum vitae and a short description of your former professional activities and future career intentions.
ETH Zurich advocates equal treatment as well as fair and transparent application and employment processes. Therefore, we do not tolerate any direct hierarchical subordination and dependency relationship between partners and family members and we insist on a transparent employment procedure. This practice underlines our values and has stood the test.
The directives concerning the employment of spouses, partners and relatives at ETH Zurich settle the corresponding details.
The Swiss labour market is attractive and well educated and skilled professionals are constantly in demand. Not all positions require that you master the German language; however, it is important and may be decisive that you quickly learn it. The current unemployment figures are rather high for Swiss standards; compared to other countries, however, they are relatively low and there is almost full employment. Depending on your field of expertise, experience and education, it may nevertheless require some patience before you can sign an employment contract. You have to work in order to find work: frequently check the relevant job portals.
Look for employment opportunities announced on the relevant job portals as well as the corresponding job and career websites of companies, where you can find vacancies or may send in a blind application. Networks and associations are additional relevant and highly efficient keys to the Swiss labour market. Apart from the IDCN, there is a range of functioning networks and associations in and around Zurich that provide you with information on job openings and projects and enables you to contact the corresponding companies directly. Finding a job in Switzerland means having to network. Find the networks that suits you best, become a member of useful associations and introduce yourself to the relevant people.
