Given the opportunity, who wouldn’t like to become a digital nomad, visiting some of the best countries in the world? It’s a lifestyle that gives you the freedom to explore new places while working. In public perception, digital nomads are young, often male, freelancers. However, the reality looks a bit different. According to an article on digital nomads statistics, 35% of people work for a company while only 28% is self-employed. Regarding gender, 70% of digital nomads are female and 30% male.

In ‘How to Become a Digital Nomad and Best Countries to Visit’ you will learn how to live this lifestyle. We have answered the most common questions such as what jobs do digital nomads do, where you should go or how to pay taxes. Keep on reading 😉

What Jobs Do Digital Nomads Do?

In the working-from-home-era, we have learned that the vast majority of jobs can be done remotely. Therefore, at least in theory, almost everyone could opt to live as a digital nomad.

However, as reported by a survey on digital nomads, they tend to come from some specific professions:

-22% software engineers 

-21% project managers, video creators, and graphic designers 

-13% writers

-9% consultants

-7% eCommerce professionals

-28% working in “other” fields

How to Get a Digital Nomad Job

Nowadays, getting a digital nomad job is easier than it was ten years ago. You can opt to run your own business or to join thousands of freelancers. If you opt for the latter, the easiest way is to register on online platforms for freelancers. One of the most used is Fiverr: it has nine broad categories spanning from programming to lifestyle.

But we know, not everybody wants to become a freelancer. Don’t be discouraged because this won’t be a problem to become a digital nomad. As we have seen at the beginning of the article, the majority of people work for companies. You will have to put an extra effort during the job hunting process and make a list of companies who hire remote workers.

If you work for a company, make sure it sits well with them your nomadic lifestyle. If you plan to work in a different time zone, communicate it clearly to your supervisors. Once they have given you the OK, it’s time to start your adventure.

Top 5 Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2021

You might decide to travel to all the countries you will now see, or you can opt to live for the rest of your life on a remote island in Italy (sounds good, right?). As a digital nomad, the choice is yours. 

Below you will find some of the top destinations fellow digital nomads have chosen in 2021. From exotic beaches to bursting cities, you will have no problem finding a place you want to visit.

Thailand

Exotic beaches, excellent cuisine and low cost of living are the three main reasons that make Thailand a top destination for living and working as a digital nomad. People tend to concentrate in remote islands like Krabi or Phuket, but it might be worthwhile to explore the capital: Bangkok.

Portugal

Over the last few years, Portugal has become a great destination for digital nomads. Non-European citizens can apply for a temporary visa that allows them to stay up to 1 year in this country. Additionally, the digital nomad community in Portugal is quite tight, making it easier for you to integrate. 

Spain

As you have seen so far, digital nomads prefer seaside locations with nice weather and excellent food culture. Who could blame them? But what makes Spain particularly attractive for remote workers from all over the world, is its co-working culture. As you might have read in our article ‘Top 5 Apps for International Students in Barcelona’ by the end of 2018, there were 1.197 start-ups just in Barcelona.

South Africa

South Africa is finally getting its well-deserved spot on the map. With 59 tech hubs in the country, South Africa represents the future of Africa. Cape Town has been voted one of the Best Places for Remote Working in 2021. Furthermore, a new proposal is trying to introduce a Remote Working Visa to attract digital nomads.

Brazil

Brazil hosts the most diversity on the whole planet. If you are a city type, you should probably live your digital nomad life in Rio de Janeiro, dubbed a cidade maravillosa (the marvellous city). People here are friendly, you will have no problem with internet connection and you will live in a vibrant city. 

Digital Nomads and the Future of Work

The possibility to work while exploring the world is increasingly attractive. Furthermore, one of the major positive aspects of 2020, is that companies have realized the benefits of employing a remote workforce.

First, organizations can hire from a bigger talent pool. Secondly, it boosts the loyalty of employees, who will be less likely to leave. Thirdly, it reduces costs associated with a physical workplace. Considering the aspects above mentioned, it shouldn’t surprise you that digital nomads are expected to increase in the next years.

Additionally, digital nomads are already shaping how the future of work will look like, with increasing flexibility becoming the norm and co-working spaces bursting in every city.

How to Become a Digital Nomad and Best Countries to Visit: Tips to Live Your Best Life 

Now that you are ready to embark on your nomadic journey, it might be useful to learn three tips that will make your digital nomad life easier. 

How to Become a Digital Nomad and Best Countries to Visit: Tips

Become a Technology Wizard

It might sound obvious but to live this lifestyle you have to be tech-savvy. We are not talking about having a master in IT, but you have to be comfortable working in a digital space. Get confident with Zoom and download Slack. Plus, make sure you have a reliable internet connection wherever you go. If you plan to travel to multiple countries, bring with you a charge adapter. Without it, you won’t be able to deliver the work in time and your digital nomad dream could end before its time. 

Connect with Your Tribe

One of the major downsides of working remotely while living abroad is the sense of isolation. According to a Nira report on remote work, “social opportunities and loneliness & isolation” were the main challenges identified by their respondents -respectively for 16% and 13% of them-. If you opt for this lifestyle, make sure you connect and interact with other digital nomads. It will help you create a sense of community and you will have the chance to ask other people how they are dealing with the specific set of challenges digital nomads face. How do you pay taxes? What are the best co-working spaces in your area? How much should you charge for a project?

Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad

It’s one of the most common questions people want to know when becoming digital nomads. There is no unique answer as it will depend on which type of contract you have. For example, if you work for a company based in Spain, you will pay taxes in Spain. In case of doubt, ask other fellow digital nomads what they are doing. They are going through the same experience and are more likely to have sorted this out already.

Start your Journey

As you have seen, becoming a digital nomad is easier now than it was a decade ago. Once you decide it is a lifestyle you want to follow, focus your energy on finding a job that allows you to work remotely.

Remember that, like everything else in life, working while travelling can have its downside. Taxes, working across different time zones and problems with technology are a few of the main challenges waiting for you. We are confident that thanks to our guide, you will overcome all the obstacles and live from everywhere in the world.

Would you like to become a digital nomad? Let us know on Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Recognized throughout Europe.
• Grants access to doctoral studies.
• Valid for public sector job applications and official exams.
• Accredited by official agencies such as ANECA (in Spain).

• Focused on employability and business needs.
• More flexible and innovative in format and content.
• Does not directly grant access to a PhD program (although some may be validated).
• Issued by the university or educational institution itself.

• Do you want to work in the public sector, pursue a PhD, or need a degree recognized throughout the EHEA? Then an official master’s degree is the right choice.
• Are you looking to enhance your professional profile, gain practical skills, or advance quickly in your career? A private master’s degree may be more suitable, especially if you value a strong connection with the job market.

• Validate their studies with the corresponding university.
• Complete three additional subjects.
• Pay an academic fee of €1,900.

In 2025, the words “green talent” are gaining importance in the corporate environment. We have moved from talking about “green companies” and “responsible organizations” to focusing on individuals with sustainable values. Before purchasing a product, we make sure that the brand adds value to society, considering its impact on sustainability and climate change.

• Did you know that companies are now looking for people with those same values? 

Not only do they get paid to have them, but they actively seek them out. Green talent refers to people who possess skills, knowledge, and values that allow them to implement sustainable practices and protect the environment. These skills are critical for companies to adapt to current environmental challenges and maintain their competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.

• What skills should a green talent have?

Competencies include capabilities to prevent, monitor, or reduce pollution, as well as to optimize the use of natural resources in the production of goods and services. The demand for professionals with these skills is constantly increasing due to the transition to a sustainable economy, which has led to a significant increase in job offers that require green skills. “A green talent is 76% more likely to be hired. (LinkedIn Green Skills 2024)”

• What are the job opportunities in sustainability?

Jobs linked to sustainability could grow by up to 40% in the coming years, especially in areas such as renewable energy, waste management and environmental consulting.  The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will encourage the recruitment of partners with studies in this sector. People with master’s degrees, MBAs and other studies will stand out in the selection processes.

• What opportunities to specialize?

Someone studying Supply Chain or Operations Management and Logistics can take the opportunity to specialize in sustainable supply chain management, aligning with emerging regulations and helping companies meet social and environmental expectations. This directive represents both a challenge and a great professional opportunity for those interested in working in areas such as risk management, traceability, supply chain optimization, corporate sustainability and innovation.

• What is the trend of the future?

The trend for the coming years is to consolidate the integration of sustainability into the strategy of companies and to make progress in generating positive social and environmental impact. This is not only an obligation, but an opportunity for companies and individuals to contribute to a more sustainable future.

“Green talent” is growing significantly due to the transition towards a more sustainable economy. Companies are increasingly seeking individuals with skills and values oriented towards sustainability, and these competencies are essential to face current environmental challenges. Furthermore, job opportunities in sustainability-related areas are on the rise, and specializing in these fields, such as sustainable supply chain management or environmental consulting, represents an excellent professional opportunity. In the future, the integration of sustainability into business strategies will solidify, creating both challenges and opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable future.

With 195 countries in the world, choosing where to study abroad can feel overwhelming. To make your decision easier, we’ve created our top ten countries for international students, highlighting education quality, lifestyle, cultural opportunities, and career prospects.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is more than an academic experience; it’s a life-changing opportunity. Research consistently shows the impact:

• Maturity and independence: 95% of students reported increased maturity after studying abroad.
• Self-confidence: 96% felt more confident navigating new environments.
• Global perspective: 95% acknowledged lasting changes in worldview.

Programs like Erasmus+ (established in 1987) illustrate the personal and social benefits. A European Commission study shows that Erasmus alumni are more likely to have international relationships, with an estimated 1 million babies born to Erasmus couples since 1987.

Moreover, international experience boosts employability. Employers value multilingual candidates with cross-cultural skills and global networks essential in today’s interconnected job market.

10 Best Countries to Study Abroad

1. United Kingdom

The UK hosts some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics consistently rank at the top. London offers a truly international environment, home to over 270 nationalities and 300 languages. Smaller cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, or Brighton also provide vibrant academic communities.

Note: Brexit has slightly affected the international student environment, but UK universities remain highly attractive globally.

2. Germany

Germany offers high-quality education with little to no tuition fees, making it ideal for cost-conscious students. Cities like Berlin and Hamburg are cultural hubs, offering dynamic lifestyles. Employment rates are strong (unemployment around 4.5%), though sunny weather is limited. Germany’s central location in Europe also allows easy travel across the continent.

3. Spain

Spain combines culture, climate, and innovation. Barcelona and Madrid are innovation hubs, ranking among Europe’s top cities for startups. Spain is ideal for students who want to launch their careers while enjoying Mediterranean life. Spanish universities also emphasize internationalization, making it easier for students to integrate.

4. Canada

Canada is renowned for high-quality universities and welcoming multiculturalism. 1 in 5 residents is foreign-born. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer a mix of urban life and nature, providing an excellent environment for both study and personal growth.

5. South Korea

South Korea attracts students for its high-quality education and technology-driven environment. Seoul and Busan are cultural and academic hubs. While numbers fluctuated during the pandemic, the country remains a top destination for STEM and social science programs.

6. New Zealand

Famous for its stunning landscapes, New Zealand combines academic quality, safety, and lifestyle. Universities like the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington rank well globally. Cities like Auckland are consistently named among the world’s most liveable cities, offering a balance of study and outdoor activities.

7. Mexico

Mexico is a top choice for Latin American students and international learners seeking cultural immersion and historical richness. The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and among the top 100 universities in Latin America. Students enjoy a vibrant culture, festivals like Día de los Muertos, and renowned cuisine.

8. South Africa

South Africa combines academic opportunities, economic growth, and natural beauty. Cities like Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg host top universities. The country is developing technology and innovation hubs, attracting students interested in entrepreneurship and emerging markets.

9. Singapore

Singapore is a global innovation and smart-city hub. English is widely spoken, making it easy for international students to communicate and integrate. Singapore is also culturally diverse and technologically advanced, offering excellent career prospects in finance, STEM, and business fields.

10. Japan

Japan is a top destination for students in STEM and technology, with a strong focus on digitization and innovation. Beyond academics, Japan offers unique cultural experiences, world-class cuisine, and renowned hospitality. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto provide vibrant student life combined with safety and cutting-edge infrastructure.

Our Recommendation: Spain

While all ten countries are excellent options, Spain stands out for combining international education, career opportunities, innovation, and lifestyle. Barcelona and Madrid provide dynamic start-up environments, Mediterranean weather, and a welcoming culture for foreigners. Studying in Spain allows students to develop professionally while enjoying life to the fullest.

Ready to Study Abroad?

Choosing a country is just the first step. At BEBS Barcelona Executive Business School, we help students make the most of their international education, offering guidance on programs, visas, and career opportunities.

📧 Contact us at [email protected] and start planning your global journey today!

From Johannesburg to Barcelona, smart cities are becoming the norm all around the world. Just imagine that the smart city market is expected to reach USD 2036.10 billion by 2026. The concept behind that is that by combining innovation with technology it is possible to improve the lives of millions of people living and working in cities.

The topic appears to be of the uttermost importance as by 2050, it is estimated that 68% of the world’s population will live in cities. Such numbers require sustainable and innovative solutions to increase the livelihood of the cosmopolitan cities we are living in.

But what is a smart city?

Smart Cities: Using Technology for Sustainable Development

BBVA defines smart cities as “a complex and interconnected system that applies new technologies to manage everything, from the proper running of public and private transport systems, and the efficient use of power or water resources, civil protection plans, to socio-economic aspects, such as the vitality of public spaces and the commercial fabric, or the notification of incidences to visitors and citizens.”

In other words, smart cities integrate technology to make our lives easier. For example, Dublin has a dedicated Smart City team that runs projects spanning from transforming public services to a Smart Tourism work program. Furthermore, in 2018, Dublin City Council launched a unique initiative called “Smart Docklands” in which innovators and entrepreneurs provide solutions to real local challenges. This ambitious program relies on partnerships with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, and IBM.

Even more crucially, during the pandemic, several cities in the world have used technology to enable smarter approaches to COVID-19. Seoul adopted a clever solution to communicate transparently with its citizen. The city used technology and data to create dashboards providing the same information as the mayor. 

Smart Cities for Sustainable Development

As we have seen at the beginning of ‘Smart Cities: Using Technology for Sustainable Development’, nowadays the focus is on building cities that can rely on technology to become more sustainable. It is understandable as saving our planet has become one of the major concerns of citizens. 

According to the biggest ever opinion poll on climate change, two-thirds of people think climate change is a “global emergency”. The poll was conducted by the UN Development Programme and surveyed 1.2 million people from 50 countries in the world. What appears clear from the poll is that people -and younger generations especially- want concrete actions to tackle one of the biggest issues of our century.

Some cities are already setting the example, showing how a more sustainable future can be a reality. Helsinki has set up a project called Helsinki Metropolitan Smart & Clean Foundation in which 29 public-private partners are joining forces to develop green solutions that encompass transport, energy, construction and the waste and water sector.

On the other side of the world, Singapore is planning one of the most ambitious projects ever seen. The “Tengah Project” is a forest town where technology and green spaces will live in harmony. As reported by the World Economic Forum: “Tengah will feature a 100-metre-wide ‘forest corridor’ that runs through the centre of the town. This will connect a nature reserve and a water catchment area, as well as providing safe passage for wildlife, and a recreational space for residents.” Additionally, Tengah will deploy technology to reduce energy consumption at its maximum.

The benefits of going green go beyond its ethical implications, as being sustainable has a positive impact on the economy. In Barcelona, the government has managed to save around 49 million on water costs through smart IoT deployment strategies. 

Inclusive Smart Cities

Smart cities will play a major role in helping us create a better world where sustainable development is a reality. However, sustainability means very little if it doesn’t include everyone. With this concept in mind, cities all around the world are developing projects to make cities more accessible to everyone.

Medellín provides an outstanding example. Once associated with poverty and drug-related violence, it has seen a dramatic change in the last decades. Technology was crucial to achieve these results and in 2021, Medellín was awarded the title of “Innovative City of the Year.” 

The city council built a metro cable car system to connect poor hillside neighborhoods to commercial and industrial centers. This has reduced commutation times, enhanced mobility, promoted social equity as well as environmental sustainability and spurred private investment. The scheme, considered as a best practice, has been replicated in other cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

And how not to mention the advancement made in Kolkata, India? A pioneering project has used geocoding technology to provide addresses to more than 120,000 slum residents. As a result, they were able to access government services and open bank accounts.

Inclusion involves way more than socio-economic factors and encompasses people from all walks of life. For example, In London, Google awarded a $1m grant to the Royal London Society for Blind People to help vision-impaired people navigate the public transport system. 

What Can Go Wrong with Smart Cities

As we have seen in ‘Smart Cities: Using Technology for Sustainable Development’ technology can be used to do extreme good. It can help us fighting a global pandemic or living more connected with nature. It can also be an enormous asset in creating more inclusive cities, where inequalities can be leveled up. 

However, smart cities are not a perfect solution and can hide some challenges.  “Inclusive Smart Cities” by Deloitte reveals that, during the design, implementation and reflection phases, there are some common missteps that can mine the final results. In particular, failing to engage community members or a lack of transparency can inadvertently obtain the opposite results. The study cites cases in which smart cities initiatives deepened existing inequalities instead of resolving them.

Another major concern regards data privacy. Smart cities can be a reality only with the use of data collection, but citizens are rightly concerned. Brad Smith suggests that governments and companies should work together to ensure the privacy of citizens.

Will Technology Help us Create Smart Cities in Line with Sustainable Development Goals?

In the not-so-distant future, we will see an increase of smart cities projects. Technology is the means to achieve more liveable and sustainable cities. It is also a golden opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs and companies to develop actions with a strong social impact. As we have seen in the case of London or Dublin, tech giants are establishing partnerships with governments, city councils and NGOs to achieve a better future while propelling economic growth.

But cities are not the only actors responsible for the wellbeing of the planet and society. Private citizens can play a fundamental role too. If you are interested in understanding how, you can read more about the entrepreneurial project of Yara Lopes, one of our students of the Master in International Business Innovation. Since 2019, she is using business innovation to achieve sustainable development. In particular, her goal is to reduce consumption of single-use products by adhering to sustainable options to reduce plastic pollution.

At BEBS Barcelona Executive Business School, we often talk about the importance of innovation in business. The key is to understand how companies can adapt and thrive in modern times. 

Pakito Angola: Business Innovation for Sustainable Development

Yara Lopes, one of our students of the Master in International Business Innovation, is already on the right path. In 2019, she founded Pakito Angola to transform the tourism and service industry. Her goal is to reduce consumption of single-use products by adhering to sustainable options to reduce plastic pollution.

When asked about her motivation to run a green business, she says: “When I started Pakito Angola back in 2019, I was furious by the amount of plastic waste that was growing on the coastline. That was not only disgusting and ugly, but extremely endangering to the environment and our food source. I wanted to do something about it, in a way that could be impactful today and for the future.”

Indeed she was right. With an estimated 9 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year, saving our planet should be the major concern of companies. Additionally, the demand for businesses with a social impact has soared in the last years, as Millennials and Gen Z put particular emphasis on purchasing and working in organizations with ethical principles.

For Yara Lopes, sustainability goes beyond being eco-friendly and aims at having a long-lasting positive impact on society. As she pointed out: “At Pakito Angola, we have a program to support women entrepreneurs. We are also proud to have a set of principles that determine the way we do business. We are committed to adhering to the UN #12 Goal Responsible consumption: this goal aims to foster eco-friendly production, reduce waste and boost recycling.”

Business Innovation in Africa

Sustainability and attention to social impact are per se what consumers want, but Yara Lopes went even further with her entrepreneurial project. She clearly thought about the main challenges and opportunities of running an entrepreneurial project in Africa. As she said:

“Africa depends largely on the importation of finished goods and, although more than half of the Earth’s arable land – roughly 600 million hectares – is located in Africa, we rely largely on importation of food. I realized that there was an opportunity that could offer a solution to two problems:

1. Supply the local market with sustainable packaging thus ensuring that the ultimate impact to the environment is minimum;

2. Support and promote small entrepreneurs, by helping them place their products to consumers using eco-friendly packaging, making their product more attractive and differentiated.”

When asked about her decision to run an entrepreneurial project in Angola, she told BEBS: “Angola has the third-fastest population growth in the continent, it is a place with great potential and opportunities in every sector. With Pakito Angola, I aim to become the largest distributor of eco packaging products to enable businesses placing their products and brands into the market.”

Main Challenges of Running a Business

Running these kinds of projects is rewarding behind imagination. However, as every entrepreneur knows, it is not always easy to run a business. In particular, her main problem is finding the right balance between the demand of the business and her personal life. She also stressed the importance of adapting to constant changes and remain relevant in today’s competitive environment. Finally, she does her best to managing employees, identifying gaps in their skills through open communication and address performance problems.

Once again, Yara Lopes has proved she doesn’t fear challenges, but she embraces them. She is currently pursuing an online Master in International Business Innovation at BEBS to help her become a better entrepreneur.

She is particularly appreciating learning more about design thinking, knowledge management and business model design, as it help her to be prepared to effectively articulate, implement and manage innovative processes and initiatives.

Moreover, she enjoys being part of an international network of students and learning from professors with practical experience. In her words “I am exposed to other perspectives. We are a pool of students with different backgrounds, professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world. It’s quite suggestive and really transformative, as we learn from each other’s experiences. I also love that the professors have practical experience as they are or were involved in business themselves.”

We know, you are thinking about honing your skills in Human Resources (HR), but you don’t know which career path you should follow. Don’t worry! We have all been there. That’s why we have written 10 career opportunities from Human Resources (HR) to help you expand your career horizons. Ready to start?

But first, you might be wondering if a career in HR offers enough job opportunities. The short answer is… Yes! You have picked the right path! Employment for HR specialists is growing faster than average for most occupations and is expected to increase by 7% by 2026. At the same time, the number of Human Resources Managers will increase by 9% over the same time period. 

Last but not least, a career in HR has many benefits. You will be in touch with people, helping them to thrive during their professional life. Moreover, from small companies to multinational organizations, you will have thousands of opportunities to launch your career.

As you will see, there are so many career options to choose from the Human Resources (HR) field. You just have to find the path that is more in line with your natural talent and interests. To help you with that, we have included tips and trends to kick-start your career in HR (you’re welcome 😉). 

10 career opportunities from Human Resources (HR)

HR Generalist

As the title suggests, HR generalists have a broader comprehension of Human Resources, ranging from recruitment to training. It is a rewarding career path for individuals who deeply enjoy passing from one task to another. Moreover, it is a good option for people who want to work in small or medium-sized companies. These companies are more likely to hire someone with a broad knowledge and capacity to handle different situations. According to Glassdoor, the average salary in Spain is of 30.221 € per year. 

Payroll Manager

If you are interested in specializing yourself in a topic, there are different categories to choose from. A payroll specialist is just one option available, or as people say “there are plenty of fish in the sea”. As a payroll specialist, you will take care of and oversee all aspects of timesheet and payroll processing. If you manage to climb the career ladder, you could become a Payroll Manager. In this position, you will enjoy a higher than average salary, as salaries range from 1,740 € per month EUR to 5,550 EUR € per month.

HR Administrator

Among the different career opportunities from Human Resources (HR) it is definitely a good starting point for your career. Usually, the role of an HR Administrators is an entry-level position, reporting to an HR analyst. However, don’t think it will be an easy job, as you will be the first point of contact for employees and external partners for all HR-related queries. Additionally, you will handle employment contracts, recruiting, and set up interviews for open positions in the company. As you might imagine, the salary cannot be compared with other career opportunities present in this list, but do not be discouraged. You will gain approximately €22,616 per year. 

Training and Development Manager

You love to assist employees in finding and nurturing their talent. Don’t you? Well, in this case, you might want to specialize in training and development. You will be in charge of preparing material for employees’ training and you will conduct them. Furthermore, you will find creative ways to assist employees during their development process. Why is that so crucial? Because if you give employees opportunities for career growth, they will become loyal to the company. Another good reason (but not the most important one) for choosing this career path is the salary. A Training & Development Manager gains around €50,000 per year. Not bad, right?

Recruiter

We all would like to have a recruiter as one of our best friends, to tell us how we should write cover letters or how many pages are right for a CV. Are they 2 or 1? And better with or without the photo? Apart from free beers from your friends, if you opt to become a recruiter, you will be able to choose from thousands of companies. Every business needs someone specialized in finding the best candidates for their vacancies. We are not yet in the tips section, but here it goes a spoiler for you: enhance your digital skills! The future of HR is going digital. Regarding the salary, usually recruiters working in Spain gain around €21,786 per year.

Executive Recruiter and Coach 

You have seen how much money recruiters make and you are already thinking about changing specialization. Why don’t you focus on recruiting and coaching executives? The average salary is of €2,980 per month, but if you play your cards well, it could go up to €4,670 per month. Money factor aside, you will be in charge of a very stimulating task: finding the best candidates for filling executive positions within companies in different industries. Furthermore, you might also be in charge of coaching executives, assisting them in working on their soft spots. 

Nonprofit Human Resources Expert

You have read so far and just kept thinking “what if I don’t want to work for a business?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You might not know it, but there are HR professionals specialized in managing the Human Resources department for Nonprofits. You will handle all the tasks of an HR generalist, ranging from training to recruitment. Plus, you will apply your skills to work for an organization entirely dedicated to having an impact on society. We couldn’t find reliable data on the average salary for a Nonprofit Human Resources Expert here in Spain, but in the USA is around $33,438 per year. Time to book your next flight! 

Employee Relations Manager

We wish the workplace was a happy place all the time, but from time to time conflicts might arise. If not managed in time, they could escalate and become real problems for the company and the well-being of employees. It’s in this scenario that you will come into action. You will use your skills to resolve conflicts in the best way. You might want to anticipate problems by conducting surveys to understand employment issues. Based on the feedback, you should make recommendations to the company. As an Employee Relations Manager, you might earn around €3,080 per month.

Change Manager

If you are in love with technology and you want to guide people through changes, this might be the perfect career path for you. You will be in charge of accompanying all members of a company through substantial changes. Think of yourself as a sort of “Yoda of Human Resources”. When choosing this career path, remind that under the “Change Manager” umbrella, there are several other names. Despite the title change, they work for the same goal: helping people moving towards an agile and modern workplace. In 2018, the average salary in Spain for this in-demanded profession was of €47,932 per year.

Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

As you will see in a bit, nowadays companies pay more attention to diversity and inclusion in the workplace (Hurray!). As a result, there is a growing need for people specialized in ensuring organizations are as much diverse and inclusive as they would like to be. It’s in these new needs that people like you can thrive. From hiring to internal policies and training, you will be in charge of everything that could help businesses be more in line with our modern times. Another benefit of this career path is that you will have a clear positive impact on society. Additionally, your salary will definitely be more generous than for Nonprofit Human Resources Experts. You will gain around 66.094 € per year, ranging from 45.372 € per year for an entry-level salary to a peak of 82.354 € per year for senior roles.

Tips for starting a career in HR:

There are no special secrets to start a career in HR, just a few tips. They are important for everyone, especially for future HR professionals. They might seem obvious but trust us, they are often underestimated.

– Develop your Soft Skills

As an HR professional, you will work with people all the time. Therefore you have to develop strong interpersonal skills. If you have to focus on one area, start with Emotional Intelligence (EI). The key to developing EI is to be aware of your emotions. Once you will master that, start to give more attention to the people around you. What do they need? What are they telling you through non-verbal communication? You can find many more suggestions on how to increase emotional intelligence on your team in this article published on Forbes.

– Get an Education

Yes, it might be obvious, but getting an education is the easiest way to start a career in this field. At BEBS, we have exactly what you need. We are offering a Master in Human Resources Management to teach you all the details of human resources management. You will have the opportunity to try first-hand which career path is the most rewarding for you.

4 HR Trends for 2021:

We couldn’t end 10 career opportunities from Human Resources (HR) without helping you identifying future trends in the field. You will have to stay abreast with the latest development in HR to start and have a successful career in HR. It will help you with your decision, as you will understand what future employers might require from you. 

– Technology is Here to Stay

In the not-so-distant future, technology will be your new best friend, like it or not. There are thousands of online tools that can assist you with administrative functions like payroll or managing leave days of employees. Furthermore, we live in the data-driven decision era. Therefore, you might want to prepare yourself and start seeing data and analytics as your best ally. In our Master in HR Management, you will learn about that in our module called “HR Analytics, Technology & Innovation”. In case you are wondering, no, we didn’t invent this trend to promote the master. You are really going to need it.

– Towards a Healthy Workplace

Forget about bosses who yell at employees to assert their power, this is so 1990s. As a future HR professional, you should foster a positive working culture. New generations want to work in organizations where respect, diversity, and flexibility are the norm. And if it’s not like that, they will change company. As shown by a study conducted by global staffing firm Robert Half, younger employees are less likely to keep up with a bad leader. 

-Regulating Working From Home 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of people working from home has skyrocketed. In Europe, working from the sofa or the kitchen is the new reality for 40% of employees. This drastic change has happened overnight and with that also the rules of the office. HR professionals will be required to help companies and employees to adjust to these extraordinary times. 

– Money is not the Only Benefit

“Money can’t buy happiness.” New generations have internalized this concept so well that a salary increase is not the only thing employees value. To make new generations happy, HR will have to think of different benefits, focusing more on the concept of happiness and quality of life. In practical terms, it will mean give to employees more free time and greater flexibility to choose from where or when they can start their working day. 

A Stellar Career in HR

You have read all the different career opportunities from Human Resources (HR), but we know you are thinking “I don’t know if I prefer to train and develop people or if I want to work in employee relations”. We hear you! You might have more than one interest and maybe you don’t know which one is the best to pursue. In this case, the best option for you is our Master in HR Management. With our practical and multidisciplinary approach, you will discover which area you might want to pursue in your stellar career.

Get in touch with us via e-mail at [email protected] and take the first step to pursue one of the most demanded professions of the future. We are waiting for you!

A great School is made by its students, staff and obviously, professors. Apart from their technical expertise, what distinguishes professors at BEBS Barcelona is their ability to motivate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

We have asked some of them to share their expertise and advice with our international community. Today we are presenting you Gilberto Palmerín, professor of our MBA in Leadership and Talent Management.  

Keep reading to see what he has told us.

Meet the Professors of BEBS Barcelona – Gilberto Palmerín

What is the experience that has formed you the most as a professional?

Over the last 30 years, I have evolved professionally in the field of international public affairs developing strategic projects for governments, companies, non-profit organizations and schools from different countries, mainly Mexico, the United States, Canada, France and Spain.

This international and intersectoral experience has allowed me to value the importance of diversity in organizations, understanding it not as a problem -and not even as a challenge- but as a real opportunity to empower people, teams and organizations.

This permanent contact with diversity has been at the origin of one of my biggest passions: studying, designing, developing, and evaluating intercultural communication, negotiation and management strategies.

What is a must-have skill for people starting a career in talent management?

I sincerely believe that the main challenge for talent management professionals in the 21st-century knowledge society is to deal with complexity in an optimistic, flexible and determined manner. To achieve this goal they should develop advanced problem-solving, and conflict and dilemma resolution skills. 

In other words, they should make use of multiple intelligences -rational, emotional, and social- to find comprehensive solutions -technical, human and social- in order to align the goals and interests of people, teams and organizations in a coherent way, generating synergies and multiplying positive effects between them.

In this sense, the profile of a talent manager professional must therefore correspond more to that of a humanist with a holistic and comprehensive vision of people and not to that of a technical “humanologist” who lives solely obsessed with aligning people to business strategies without considering the importance of culture and values. 

If business strategy can be understood as the “Guiding Path” of a business, corporate culture is the “Driving Path”. And you need both of them to achieve a significant and sustainable competitive advantage in the long term.

More interviews coming up!

In the next weeks, we will update this post by including other interviews with our professors, stay tuned!