Where in the World to Find a Job

BMW (Germany)

Working for BMW could be called a dream job -- if for no reason other that the glam factor of being a part of the world's best-known car brand.

What they're looking for: BMW is primarily on the look out for engineers in electricity and electronics based in Munich, Germany. They're also looking for information scientists and mechanical engineers who already have experience in motors, chassis and auto bodies. The intersection of automotive engineering, information technology, and sustainability is where BMW expects to see the most growth.

Qualifications: Specific engineering knowledge as well as non-technical competencies like collaboration and time management are high on the BMW's skills list. If you're just starting out, you need college results that distinguish you from a crowd, work experience (having worked abroad is a plus), good communication skills in both German and English. Also steel yourself for the interview: you need to come off as a hard worker, someone who takes personal initiative and can engage with others.

Getting a visa: BMW is open to helping qualified Americans secure German work visas. For more information on obtaining a German work visa, visit the German section of the Embassy of the United States.

Word to the wise: While there are plenty of gourmet options, standard German fare isn't for the faint-hearted. Be prepared to hit the gym -- or become reacquainted with your freshman-15 after a month of schnitzel, sausage, potatoes, and beer.

LEGO (Denmark)

Billund, Denmark-based toy maker LEGO continues to hold universal appeal. The company expects growth this year despite the downturn and is keeping its brand fresh with new initiatives -- like the ability to create a custom design online and then order the plastic bricks and snap it to life.

What they're looking for: LEGO is recruiting across the fields of engineering, design, finance, IT and supply chain management. A list of current vacancies can be found on the LEGO careers page.

Qualifications: Although the qualifications vary substantially between jobs, the one trait the company looks for in all job candidates: a passion for the LEGO brand.

Getting a visa: The company is open to recruiting employees from outside Denmark, and helps not only with the paperwork but the adjustment process as well. They offer Danish lessons twice a week, provide expatriates with a benefits package, and even have a LEGO expatriates club. For more information on obtaining a Danish work visa, click here.

Word to the wise: Danes are known for their manners so always be punctual and on your best behavior, especially when first introduced to people. Unlike in the U.S., banter and small talk aren't the norm. For instance, people usually won't ask how you are -- the greeting is reserved for friends, relatives and those who are ill.

The Emirates Group (United Arab Emirates)

The Emirates Group, based in Dubai, is the parent company of the fastest growing airline across the globe. Emirates Airlines is positioned to soon have the world's largest long-haul fleet. Over the last eight years, the group has hired over 40,000 new employees and currently has about 155 nationalities employed.

What they're looking for: Apart from recruiting pilots, engineers and cabin crew, Emirates continues to recruit airline commercial staff (who deal with pricing, revenue optimization, sales, and yield management), HR professionals, marketers. promotions/events management staff, finance and treasury professionals, doctors, nurses, lawyers, procurement specialists, IT business analysts, airport operational and terminal staff, sales and call center personnel, and cargo staff. They are also looking for lecturers and professional trainers to work at the Group's Medical Clinic and Emirates College.

Qualifications: Due to the diverse array of jobs available, Emirates could not offer information on particular qualifications. Instead they emphasized the importance of each new hire's personality and the need for them to mesh with the overall needs of the Group. Recruiters are trained not only to interview and assess individual candidates' competency levels, but also look for each candidate’s fit with corporate values.

Getting a visa: Emirates is open to hiring candidates of different nationalities. The group's employee service team handles work visa applications for all accepted candidates. For more information on visas for the UAE, visit UAE Interact’s travel page.

Word to the wise: Although the UAE is not as conservative as it used to be, the country still has a low tolerance for homosexuality and sex before marriage, as well as a zero tolerance policy towards drugs -- users and sellers may face the death penalty. Despite the heat, women are expected to avoid skimpy attire in favor of clothing that provides more coverage. And strict cultural norms govern interaction between men and women. For instance, men do not shake hands, embrace, maintain eye contact or talk about personal matters, with a native UAE female without consent.

Samsung Electronics (South Korea)

The world's second largest mobile phone manufacturer, Samsung Electronics has a foothold in a variety of other markets -- ranging from home appliances and electronics to MP3 players and computers. Each year, Samsung Electronics in Seoul, South Korea hires anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 new employees.

What they're looking for: Samsung Electronics is actively recruiting engineers with electronic, electrical, computer science, mechanical, physics, and material engineering majors and MBA graduates to work in the Digital Media, Telecommunication Network, Semiconductor, and LCD divisions. Available positions primarily fall within the areas of research and development, marketing and sales, and administrative staffing. In the future, the company plans to expand in a variety fields, including solar battery and fuel cell, as well as robotics.

Qualifications: Apart from having expertise in their own particular fields, whether engineering, business or marketing, candidates are also expected to be highly motivated, display creativity and organizational skills, and possess the ability to handle competition.

Getting a visa: Samsung Electronics helps accepted candidates obtain work visas -- which they say are not hard to get. Visa policies require that all candidates hold a master’s degree in either engineering or business administration, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering with at least one year of related work experience. For more information about obtaining a work visa for South Korea, visit the consulate website.

Word to the wise: Take the time to learn a bit about Korean etiquette before you visit to avoid any embarrassing cultural faux pas. For instance, individuals of a lower status bow to those of a higher status, and gifts should never be wrapped in green, white, or black paper as this is considered inauspicious.

Nestle (Switzerland)

Swiss packaged foods company Nestle manufacturers everything from coffee and bottled water to infant foods and chocolate. With about one billion products being sold every day, the Nestle brand is a household name around the world.

What they're looking for: Nestle is recruiting candidates across all its business disciplines including sales, marketing, supply chain and procurement, manufacturing, R&D, finance and human resources. Learn more by checking out its careers website here.

Qualifications: Strong academic qualifications, essential language abilities and relevant internships or professional experience are expected from all graduates applying to Nestle. The company's aim is to recruit individuals with the attitudes and skills that will enable them to stay on as long-term employees. It expects employees to be dynamic, pragmatic, team players, high achievers and to possess integrity.

Getting a visa: Nestlé helps all accepted candidates apply for a Swiss work permit. That being said, candidates must meet the criteria to work in Switzerland -- while EU and EFTA member state citizens are easily admitted, requirements are more stringent for those of other nationalities. For more information about obtaining a Swiss work visa, visit the Swiss Federal Office for Migration.

Word to the wise: The Swiss are known for being reserved and discrete -- at least initially. So while you might be used to regaling the office with loud, boisterous or even lewd accounts of your drunken weekend on Monday mornings, in Switzerland you'll need to tone your humor -- and your voice -- down a notch.

Read more Top Jobs 2009