4 qualities healthcare professionals need to prep for overseas work

So you feel it’s time to take your healthcare career a step further by working overseas. Making such a life-changing move requires some preparation, and the team at TrueProfile.io understands that. As the go-to platform for Filipino health professionals interested in building their careers abroad, they have shared the qualities you need to be well-equipped to start this exciting new journey.

Here are some core qualities you must have to get ready for overseas work:

Patience and perseverance

Starting a new job overseas isn't always easy, and there's some work involved to get everything ready. Managing all the paperwork from visa applications, and medical tests through to sorting your local Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG can be overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be. Be patient with yourself – plus take care of your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing as you navigate the process. Take one step at a time and remember when it's done, you get to start your dream job overseas.

Diligence

This is your future at stake so make sure to exercise due diligence in checking the background of prospective employers and the country you want to work in. When applying for jobs, check if they are approved by the Department of Migrant Workers to make sure you are not dealing with illegal agencies. Learn about the culture and traditions of the country you want to work in so you're familiar with their way of life before flying into the country. The time and effort you will spend researching potential employers and the country you will be working in will ease common anxieties applicants usually go through when moving overseas and starting a new job, and help boost your confidence during the application process.

Be a certified English communicator

While English may come second nature to you, some hospitals overseas may still require an English proficiency certificate. For healthcare professionals, especially doctors and nurses, this is very critical as good communication allows them to properly interact with patients and understand their concerns and experiences. To get certified, enrolling in online learning modules for the Occupational English Test (OET) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be very helpful. Not only will you have a better understanding of the test, but these courses also give you a chance to take practice exams and get an insight into what markers actually want so you can get the best score.

Build your network

Building networks in the healthcare industry, be it online or personally, can be of great help when you move overseas. Some of these connections you’ve built may have similar experiences as you in terms of moving to a new country and working in a new hospital. Through them, you can get tips or be updated on the latest trends and global developments within the healthcare industry. Various networks are available on social media including TrueProfile.io’s Philippine Healthcare Professionals Facebook page.

By becoming a Member of TrueProfile.io, you can have access to a vast network of employers in countries like the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and many more. Not only that, thousands of Filipino healthcare professionals have already utilised TrueProfile.io’s career toolkit which supports applicants from the first job application to overseas relocation and professional development. To register for free, visit https://sso.trueprofile.io/register.