Australian expats crush stereotypes

Australian expats working in global hot spots such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia have crushed the Aussie backpacker image.

Head of LINK Recruitment Global Jason Cartwright says that todayís expats are older and move overseas to take up professional positions, often with their kids and partner in tow.

ìA stereotypical image of an Australian backpacker working behind the bar at a pub in London is no longer a true depiction of the Australian expat,î says Jason.

ìMany of todayís expats have finished university and have a few years of experience under their belt. They go overseas seeking professional positions that will advance their career in the long-run, rather than jobs that will just pay the bills.

Jason says that overseas travel is not limited to Generation Y.

ìAn increasing number of Baby Boomers and Generation Xís are choosing to make a life change by taking up a role overseas, a move that will often involved a partner and kids as well.î

He says that the introduction of the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa in the UK has opened the door for older workers to realise their dream of working overseas, with many choosing to settle in business hotspots outside of London such as Dublin and Edinburgh.

Popular occupations for those moving to the UK include positions in the financial services sector, legal, information technology and sales and marketing.

ìThe culture change means that professionals no longer have to take a ëcareer breakí in order to travel. They can now see another part of the world and in some cases fast-track their career at the same time,î says Jason.