The job market in Rome
Rome is a trendy city for expatriates, with most looking to move there permanently and build a career. As the Eternal City is not the economic capital of Italy, the job market is less strong than in Milan. However, by knowing the right sectors of activity with many job opportunities, you should be able to find a role that fits your profile.
Keep in mind that to find a job in Rome, the number one requirement is to have a good command of Italian, both spoken and written. Even if you work in an international company, you will need Italian for your professional relationships and for all your administrative tasks. Speaking several languages is a plus, so you stand more chances of being hired if you speak English or French.
Italy's economic context
Currently, 8.3% of the population in Italy is unemployed, and 24.5% are young people. In Rome, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average, equivalent to 10%. Economic activity in the Lazio region has grown 5.8% (November 2022 compared to 2021), bringing the Bank of Italy, brings the region back to the pre-Covid level. The tourism, construction, and export sectors lead this development.
Promising sectors in Rome
Tourism is one of the first sectors to consider in Rome, the fourth most visited city in Europe and 12th in the world. Thus, it is easy to find a job in the restaurant and hotel industry, but also in the various tourist sites and museums. Many agencies are also looking for tour guides. Today, it is also common to see independent travel planners offering personalized solutions to tourists. However, you must have a thorough knowledge of the city and its history, as well as a tourist guide's license. Leading travel companies such as Booking.com and Expedia are also based in Rome and are frequently looking for staff.
The luxury sector is also open to employment, with prestigious boutiques located in the Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti areas. English is essential, and many companies require languages such as Arabic, Russian and Chinese. French and Spanish are also popular.
Teaching English as a foreign language is particularly popular in Rome. If you have a teaching or language degree, you will find teaching positions available at private and public language schools. Many families also seek home teachers for their children, not to mention adults who want evening classes.
Rome is one of the largest financial and commercial centers in Italy, after Milan, and there are jobs available in sectors such as:
- Finance
- Banking
- Real estate
- Business consultancy.
Working for an international institution or company
There are multinational institutions in Rome, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more commonly known as FAO, the World Food Programme, or the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD. You will also find many embassies and consulates in Rome or commercial detachments linked to these institutions.
The headquarters of Enel, the country's main electricity producer, is also based in Rome. Large companies such as Deloitte, Accenture, BNL and Unilever are located in the Eternal City and recruit Italians as well as expatriates.
In recent years, agencies and companies specializing in digital marketing have sprung up and are frequently looking for staff who speak foreign languages and have knowledge of this sector, as are call centers, some of which are based in and around Rome.
Where are the jobs in Rome?
When looking for a job in Rome, you can consider the city's different areas. For everything related to tourism and luxury, of course, you should look especially at the historical center, as everything is concentrated there.
For the other sectors, you will find companies in the EUR district, in the southern part of the city as far as Fiumicino, or in the Tecnopolo in the east. Many companies are also located in the Ostiense, Prati and Parioli districts.
It's worth noting that some areas in Rome are not easily accessible and are poorly served by public transport, such as certain parts of the EUR. Tecnopolo is accessible via metro line B (blue). It is advisable to find accommodation in Rome according to your workplace or to bring a car.
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