An international degree and fluent English increase global success chances and salaries in dollars,” highlights Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College.
For young people seeking high salaries, the Information Technology (IT) field is very promising, as it is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally and creates numerous job openings. There is a shortage of qualified workers.
In the Distrito Federal, for example, the Industrial Work Map from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) predicts the need for more than 20,000 qualified professionals by 2025. Nationally, the Brazilian Association of Information and Communication Technology Companies (Brasscom) estimates the creation of 800,000 jobs by the same year.
Brazilian IT Professionals in the U.S.
If you are fluent in English and have an international academic background, your chances of standing out increase, especially in markets like the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 377,500 new IT jobs per year until 2032, opening countless global opportunities, including for qualified Brazilians.
One example is Diego Di Giacomo Toledo, who moved to the U.S. in 2006, earned a degree in Computer Science from Winthrop University in South Carolina, and now works at Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Diego emphasizes that his technical skills and international experience were crucial in securing the job. “Knowing how to code, having excellent communication skills, and increasing the visibility of your projects are some of the essential skills to stand out in the U.S. IT market. In addition to building a strong portfolio, you need to learn how to promote it,” says Diego, noting that the IT market is always looking for global talent.
Digital Nomads: Countries Attract Brazilian IT Professionals
The growing popularity of remote work has also allowed Brazilian professionals to access international markets without leaving the country. These are the digital nomads, a trend that gained momentum during the pandemic and now includes over 35 million people worldwide. With the dollar appreciating against the Brazilian real, foreign companies see Brazil as an excellent opportunity to recruit talent, like Igor Lima. With a degree in IT and a master's in mathematics, he works for an international company directly from his home. “This isn’t the first time I’ve done this. I’ve worked with companies that found me on LinkedIn, one of the main platforms for those seeking international jobs, but there are also companies specializing in bridging this gap,” he explains.
Among the strategies to land a job, Igor advises that it’s essential to include the skills recruiters are looking for in your resume. “The market demands various skills, especially in IT. Among them, having experience with the platforms companies use. Today, I work with PHP and have experience in teamwork. So those were some of the skills they considered on my resume. Another essential requirement is knowing English. I work with people from different countries, from Spain to the Philippines, and English is the language everyone uses.”
While dealing with different time zones is a major challenge for those working for international companies from Brazil, earning in dollars is one of the key benefits Igor highlights. “Another advantage is the value they place on their employees,” he adds.
Developing People with This Competitive Edge
Aware of this promising scenario, Hayek Global College, an international business school based in Brasília, is launching the American College, a groundbreaking dual-degree program between Brazil and the U.S. In this 2+2 model, students will study in Brazil for two years and then continue their studies at a partner university in the U.S., where they will complete their bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and various Business fields.
Courses are offered at partner universities such as Kentucky State University (KSU) in Frankfort, Kentucky; Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Hays, Kansas; Cumberland University, one of Tennessee’s most traditional universities; and Alfred State University, located near Buffalo, New York, and a reference in technology in the country.
“Even for those wanting to become entrepreneurs in the IT field, it’s more important than ever to internationalize your business and attract clients who pay in dollars. At Hayek, our students earn a dual degree and develop a strategic portfolio to build their careers with a global focus, enabling them to work anywhere in the world,” says Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College. The institution will also run several Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, connecting students with professionals and professors from various parts of the world.
Hayek Global College’s application process is open until October 16th. To apply, students must have completed high school and be fluent in English.
Check out 5 tips on how to build an IT career abroad
- Invest in an international education
Courses and degrees from internationally recognized universities are major differentiators. Opting for a dual-degree program can open doors to global companies.
- Master English
Fluency in English is essential for working in international markets. Additionally, learning other languages can expand your chances with companies in different regions of the world.
- Create a strategic portfolio
Develop an online portfolio that showcases your projects and skills. Platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn are ideal for increasing your visibility to international recruiters.
- Adapt your resume to international standards
Each market has its own expectations. When applying for jobs abroad, tailor your resume to include technical skills and experiences valued globally.
- Seek recognized certifications
International certifications like AWS, Microsoft, and Google Cloud are highly valued. They prove your expertise in technical areas and increase your competitiveness in the global market.