Transport and logistics : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Many of the larger civil engineering consultancies have offices or work on large projects overseas. There is clearly an opportunity for employees to be based, at least in the short-term, in other countries.

It is possible to work for a passenger transport organisation, such as an airline, ferry or coach company for example, and work, at least some of the time, in one or several countries.

It will be easier to find work in the European Union where there are no restrictions but roles in other countries are possible, especially if you work for a company with a worldwide presence.

British transport planners are valued across the globe, as other increasingly congested countries try to grapple with burdens on their travel networks and devise integrated transport solutions or improve their basic infrastructure.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

The European Higher Education Area (EHEA)  aids the transferability of qualifications across the 46 countries which are involved in it. The Bologna Process aims to standardise qualifications so that any UK qualification can be easily compared to others from participating countries.

You can also contact ENIC-NARIC  for information on the recognition of your qualifications in other countries.

Many of the professional qualifications, such as charterships, will be recognised overseas. 

Where are the opportunities?

An increasing number of manufacturing, retail and 3PL organisations are expanding into other parts of the world with large distribution centres or stores. This is most significant in Europe (particularly the newer member states in Eastern Europe), the Middle and the Far East but also includes other global regions.

Not surprisingly, the areas with most activity tend to be those experiencing the fastest economic development.

The transport sector in Europe plays a significant role in its economic development. It currently employs over ten million people across the EU. There are increasing moves to make Europe’s freight and passenger movements more integrated both in terms of modes and country.

Over the last 20 years, air transport has been the biggest area of growth in Europe, and freight is increasing rapidly on the roads. The Icelandic ashes that stopped worldwide flights during April 2010 have highlighted the need for centralised responses from all countries, rather than individual ones, especially in situations of emergency. In any case, organisers of international freight transport face a complex and difficult task. They must master a range of legal, technical and commercial issues in order to arrange shipments.

Around the world, transport is seen with varying degrees of importance. Small, densely populated countries such as Singapore invest heavily in public transport systems, whereas the private car is seen as a right in the US and investment in public transport is low.