To find work in Singapore, expat partner Josu Etxebarria took an extremely proactive and detail-oriented approach to making new connections: “I called it hardcore networking!”
A leap abroad
When his wife was offered a role in Singapore, Josu was happily employed in the renewable energy sector in Bilbao. “Naturally, there was some hesitation on my part,” he recalls. “But it was also an exciting opportunity for us to live in a new country together.” From the very beginning, Josu was aware that the transition might not be straightforward in terms of his career. “Everyone told me it would be hard to find work in Singapore – some said it could take up to a year.”
Strict labour laws
Indeed, Singapore’s labour laws and employment pass requirements can limit opportunities for expat partners, making the process more complex. In practice, if a Singaporean candidate has a similar skill set and experience, they are likely to be prioritised. “We had six months to prepare, so from Bilbao, I researched companies and started building connections through LinkedIn.” Still, Josu recognised that he would likely not secure a role from afar, so once he arrived in the Lion City, he immediately began meeting people face to face.
Networking mindset
“I met a lot of people for coffee in a short space of time!” he says. “The nice thing is that in Singapore, many expats have been in the same position and they want to help.” He approached networking with discipline, creating an Excel spreadsheet with company names and contacts. With the support of a career coach, he kept building his network and maintaining momentum. “It was quite intense – almost like a full-time job!” He also attended networking events hosted by chambers of commerce and stayed socially active through sport, playing padel – a fun way to meet new people.
A rewarding outcome
Josu managed to secure a role within two months of arriving, although the process didn’t end there. “It then took another two months before I could start,” he explains. “There’s a rigorous process to obtain an employment pass, with a lot of paperwork.” Looking back, he believes persistence and chance each played a part. “On one hand, you sometimes need to be lucky – but you also need to search for your luck. If I hadn’t had coffee with that one particular guy, who encouraged me to apply for a job with his company, I might still be looking. You just have to keep pushing on doors until one opens.”
Photo: Josu Etxebarria
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