Rising numbers of UK graduates want to work in Europe, new study shows.
A recent study by specialist graduate job board, graduate-jobs.com, shows the number of graduates wanting to work in Europe has gone up. Analysing data over a ten-year period, the independent graduate job site found a big increase in university-leavers looking to Europe as the place to start their careers.
The number of graduates selecting Europe as a top choice on the site increased by 16%, from 32% of registered users in 2006 to 48% in 2016.
"I would like to think this increase is evidence of young people embracing Europe," says Thomas Bayliss, a UK graduate working in Berlin.
"I also hope [the increase] is evidence of the younger generation being aware of the benefits that membership to the European Union brings in terms of mobility, and that the young are taking advantage to learn more and expand their horizons."
Thomas studied International Business and Modern Languages at Aston University and moved to Berlin in 2013. He now works as a market controller for the Scandinavian team of Europe's largest online fashion retailer. There are many reasons Thomas was eager to experience life in Berlin.
"My language background drew me to life outside of the UK," he says. "I chose Berlin in particular because travel inside the city is far easier and more affordable, general living costs (in particular, rent) are far lower, streets are not so packed with pedestrians and I prefer the general culture."
Berlin has developed a reputation as the hipster capital of Europe. Thomas says the city's off-beat culture also influences the workplace.
"Many offices do not require a formal dress code, office space tends to be more colourful and creative and the working atmosphere is very sociable, with table football, ping pong and beers shared on Friday afternoons. This is not so prevalent in most other major European cities."
Berlin has a thriving start-up economy, which Thomas says provides a range of career opportunities for young people.
"The growth in digital marketing and e-commerce as an industry, and the general 'start-up' scene here in the past ten years, means that most young people employed in relatively stable work are in a position to learn a lot about different areas of a given business."
Thomas says graduates who want to take advantage of free movement in Europe need to be aware there is more to moving than packing a suitcase and booking a flight.
"The wrong way to do it is to travel to your ideal destination before getting a job there. That makes it a whole lot more difficult to get a bank account, get health insurance, find a flat and do the tax bit. You can find yourself with little money in a difficult position."
"Apply for jobs and have interviews over programmes like Skype before physically moving abroad," he says. "In many cases, a strong command of English will suffice, though for a period of living abroad to be fully rewarding, a good grasp of the language is obligatory."
As an UK citizen working in Europe, Thomas is concerned the United Kingdom may leave the European Union after June's referendum.
"Brexit could make my everyday life more challenging," he says.
"The insular way of thinking prevents Brits from looking abroad for opportunity. They are not aware of these benefits openly offered to them, while other European nations see the clear benefit."