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5 reasons to move to another country for work

5 reasons to move to another country for work

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In this blog, we outline why moving to another country for work can benefit you and your career.

Brand new life skills

Even before you leave your home country, you are already experiencing new challenges.

First off, even before you leave to start a new life abroad, you will have to hone your organisation skills to sort out your move. From packing your belongings to finding a transportation company to sorting out any pending administrative matters.

Once you get to your new destination, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the list of things you have to do. Plus being in a new, unknown place – to settle down in, not just as a holiday – may feel daunting.

For the first few weeks, do not hesitate to ask people for help if you need it. You will soon catch on and start feeling more comfortable.

Discovering the best places for food shopping and entertainment will make you feel more at home. As will figuring out how to get around with public transport, keeping within your budget, and figuring out how to pay your bills.

Learning to cook your own meals (especially if you never did so before) will give you a huge feeling of satisfaction.

The most satisfying feelings come after a challenge. And once you’ve had some time to make a fresh start, you will also feel a tremendous sense of achievement.

Moving to another country for work can benefit your career

Moving to a new country and finding work there shows recruiters and employers that you can rise to a challenge, and are adaptable, independent, driven, and motivated.

It also shows that you are adept at soft skills such as good communication.

Many employers value international experience, especially in the tech industry. Showing that you have had experience working internationally on your CV is therefore a good idea.

All this might just give you the edge over any other candidates while giving your career a boost.

Experience a new culture

When you are on holiday in another country you only get to experience the tip of the iceberg, as it were. Once you move to another country for work, it is a completely different story.

Living in a different country for a longer period of time means that you will be able to immerse yourself in that country’s culture.

This will make you feel more at home (and less homesick, if you are missing your friends and family).

Expand your professional and personal network

Moving to another country for work can offer a number of career advancement opportunities. Working in a new environment can give you exposure to new ideas, approaches, and technologies.

All this can help you grow and develop professionally. Furthermore, when you work in a new chosen country, you are not only expanding your professional network, but your personal one as well.

The professional relationships with your new colleagues may lead to other interesting career moves, even within the same company. The new friends you make will probably remain friends forever.

A better quality of life

Moving to another country for work can often offer an improved work-life balance.

Sometimes it can also offer more vacation and better healthcare, as well as more diverse cultural amenities and more outdoor space and access to nature.

Living in a new country may also offer a more affordable cost of living.

Living abroad will broaden your mind

Meeting people who come from different cultures, trying new things, and having experiences which you would not have normally had at home will expand your mind and enrich your life.

When you live and work abroad, you are constantly learning and growing.

Interested in working with eCabs? We currently have a number of open positions in our head office in Malta.

eCabs Careers
People-related career

“My ‘people’ career makes me excited to go to work every day!”

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Tracy Vella recently joined the eCabs Technologies family as the Recruitment & Employment Branding Manager at their offices in Malta. She says that she always wanted a people-related career, even from a very young age. So, a career in HR, particularly recruitment, was a perfect fit for her.

Building a career focused around people

Tracy is originally from the United States but grew up going to Malta regularly, as her extended family lives there. She has a Master’s degree in Psychology, a BA in Psychology, and a dual minor in Human Resource Management and Sociology. Throughout her career, Tracy has worked for both for-profit and non-profit organisations across multiple industries and territories.

“I knew at a very early age that I wanted a career focused around people. And I studied all things people-related in school. So, Human Resources – especially a people-related field such as recruitment – was a natural fit. I’m very excited that all my previous experiences have led me to this new opportunity,” she says.

Why join eCabs Technologies?

The role/opportunity is what initially attracted Tracy to the organisation. However, once she interviewed with the hiring team, she realised that she would be able to grow and thrive in the environment/culture, and with the people she had met as colleagues. 

“We spend so much of our time at the office and with our colleagues. It is important that we feel comfortable and appreciated, and are given the autonomy to succeed in our own way,” she smiles. “If I have any questions, I’m encouraged to ask them. On my second day on the job, we all brought in baked goods and had them over a cup of coffee and a chat! I was also invited to a team building dinner with our Tech team at the end of week one. Everyone is just very approachable and willing to assist, up to and including the CEO.”

What does Tracy do in her day-to-day work?

It is Tracy’s responsibility to ensure that eCabs attracts, recruits, engages, and retains the most viable, talented, and appropriate people to join the eCabs Technologies team. She also works closely with the Marketing team to let the general public know what differentiates eCabs from their competitors. 

“It is important that we feel comfortable and appreciated, and are given the autonomy to succeed in our own way… Everyone is just very approachable and willing to assist, up to and including the CEO.”

eCabs Recruitment & Employment Branding Manager Tracy Vella

“I let people know who we are as an employer, what employment opportunities we currently have available, and why they should join us. If successful in round one, then round two would be to onboard our new team members from a recruitment/HR perspective,” she explains. “I am currently meeting all the team members, assessing recruitment needs, working with our wonderful Marketing team to put together some amazing employer branding campaigns to show that we are an employer of choice.” 

From the USA to Malta

Tracy is from New York and has been living in Malta for just over five years.

“I think the island is amazing, especially the people and the weather! However, every location has its pros and cons. I’m accustomed to businesses being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the convenience is unmatched, but the work-life balance can be lacking,” she says. “I think the biggest challenge has been trying to rebuild my ‘community.’ When you relocate, you have to rebuild your network and rediscover your way in a new environment.”

This, of course, is something that the eCabs Technologies HR and Recruitment team can help every new eCabs recruit with.

During her free time, Tracy enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, picnicking, and BBQing. She also loves spending time with her friends and family.

“For me, work-life balance means that you have time for both your professional, as well as your personal responsibilities,” she states. “I totally feel as though I’ve achieved it. I work until I accomplish my tasks at hand. Then once I shut down for the day, I refocus my attention on other people, places, and things. That’s not to say that I am immune from sometimes continuing to try to resolve work-related issues after I leave the office!”

Are you interested in a job with us?

Check out our Careers page today
Want to relocate to Malta with eCabs for a tech career

Want to relocate to Malta? eCabs can help!

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This blog will set out why it makes sense to relocate to Malta with eCabs to further your tech career. It will also give you some useful information and links.

Helping new team members from all over the world to settle down is important to us.

The eCabs Technologies Recruitment team provides all our new team members coming from overseas with the assistance necessary to make a smooth transition. This helps them settle down as quickly and as comfortably as possible.

Relocation made easy

Starting a new job is always an adventure. And when you do it in a new country, it is even more exciting. And sometimes more than a little daunting.

Moving to Malta means new opportunities, but also some challenges. At eCabs, we have years of experience in assisting people from the four corners of the world looking to take their tech career to another level to work in Malta. We also have plenty of know-how, as well as a comprehensive on-boarding programme.

Employees, and their families, are guided step by step on how to relocate and settle down. This includes important steps such as finding somewhere to live and how to open a bank account. We also offer health insurance and on-site training (via a workplace buddy system).

The eCabs relocation package

  • Reimbursement of one way economy class flight from your location to Malta.
  • Hotel lodging at no cost to the employee for up to your first two weeks.
  • We will also pay for your initial work-permit application fees for non-EU personnel.

Except for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, all foreign nationals require a single permit to work in Malta. Additionally, our Human Resources relocation team will offer advice and guidance to ensure the process is conducted as seamlessly as possible. And within the shortest feasible time.

Why relocate to Malta?

Choosing where to live is perhaps one of the most important decisions you make when you take the plunge and relocate overseas.

One of the warmest countries in Europe, moving to Malta means having access to a diverse range of activities. It also features a remarkable history, easy access by air travel, and a distinctive culture.

How to relocate to Malta with eCabs

You may prefer living in the hustle and bustle of St Julian’s (close to the eCabs Head Office). Or perhaps you’d rather go for the more tranquil north-western areas of the island.

In any case, the Recruitment team at eCabs Technologies will guide you on the basics. These range from rent, schooling and healthcare services to accessibility and quality of life.

Why eCabs?

eCabs’ vision is to create technology that enables people to live better. We look for talented and passionate people looking to grow their tech career who want to make a positive impact on the world. If all this appeals to you, please check out our current career opportunities.

Practical help and information

  • About Malta – The official site for Malta and Gozo (and its smallest island Comino) helps you to explore the islands and learn about moving to Malta without leaving your house or desk. Find out more about this country that you soon could be calling ‘home’. Learn more about its people, its cuisine, it heritage and its identity and much more. The website also contains a section where it lists events happening each month.
  • A guide for foreigners – How do I go about obtaining a residency card? Which forms do I need to fill in? What is the best way to rent a place? This website will give you an insight into all these questions and much more.

Of course, once you come to work with eCabs, our Recruitment team will be on hand to answer your queries. But it is always good to do some ‘homework’ before.

What to do if you want to work in Malta?

  • Jobsplus – EU – If you are from an EU Member state (as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein), you are eligible to live and work in Malta. This website gives you the contact details of the Jobsplus EURES team which you can speak to find out more about obtaining information about any preparatory work that should be carried out before moving to Malta. They also organise activities such as information sessions.
  • Jobsplus – TCNs – This website has useful information for any Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who would like to apply for a Maltese work / residency permit. Jobsplus also offer guidance services.
  • Residency requirements – Here, you can find out about the paperwork you will need if you intend to move permanently to Malta. There are two types of residency that you can apply for (depending on your country of origin): Ordinary Residence or Permanent Residence. You may find more information about these types of residency, as well as the Malta Global Residency Programme, on this website. You will also find information on where to go to apply for your permit.

Important services to help you relocate to Malta

  • Identity Malta – The Identity Malta Agency offers its services in the matters relating to acts of civil status, eID cards, e-passports, visas, expatriates’ affairs and more. Its Expatriates Unit takes care of the processing and issuing of residence documentation for EU and third-country nationals. 
  • Foreign Affairs – This website is a veritable treasure trove of information. This includes visa and travel advice for foreign nationals, information about business in Malta, and FAQs. There is also a Press Release section where you can keep up to date with what is happening in the Maltese Islands.

Other useful websites

Convinced that moving to Malta to work with us and further your tech career is the right decision?

Learn about what we stand for
eCabs technology Kerstin Rizzo

Women in technology spotlight | Kerstin Rizzo

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Head of Programmes at eCabs Technology Division

Technology has been a seed in the eCabs culture since the day it moved its first passenger from point to point. That seed today became a thriving branch. A fully-fledged transport technology division, composed of an exceptional team of technologists who are driving the engines for the internationalisation vision of eCabs. Kerstin Rizzo joined eCabs’ technology team as Head of Programmes a year and a half ago. She explains how fundamental technology has been in the growth achieved by eCabs in the past years. She also describes her role as a professional in a tech company.

“I wanted to become a chemist and had focused most of my studies on research. However, tech always interested me. I recall myself patiently typing code from various games’ magazines onto our ZX Spectrum a few moons ago”, she smiles.

“Eventually I read Chemistry and Computer Studies at University only to realise there were many tech opportunities available. By then, my choice was an obvious one which I never regretted.”

After 15 years as a systems’ analyst and a software developer, Kerstin spent another 10 years in management, leading several high-profile projects.  She then joined eCabs to realise she had just walked into an immensely disruptive and innovative culture.

“I must admit that I had my reservations. I wondered what my interactions would be like in a company which I thought would have a relatively heavier male presence. Only to find out that the workplace is also highly populated by fellow ladies. I had joined a company whose priorities are focused on innovation and a relentless pursuit for excellence. The vision is an ambitious one and it’s what makes the environment so inspiring to work in. ”

A robust technology infrastructure

Technology remains fundamental in eCabs’ growth journey. As the organisation keeps investing heavily in this area, it bids to consistently improve its efficiencies in operations. Thus it ensures a seamless service delivery to its clients. It also brings about the ability to quickly adapt to unpredictable scenarios such Covid-19.

“Our technology also takes into consideration our growing driver base. Coordination of all the trips, tracking and timely pick-ups all depend on a robust technology infrastructure. This also enables us to lay out our long-term vision for the organisation. eCabs’ primary strategic goal is to internationalise its product portfolio. It is in the process of transforming its current technology to a cloud-based solution.

“One of the aspects that makes working at eCabs a unique proposition is the fact that we are a company intent on bringing a drastic shift in the country’s mobility patterns. Mobility remains a big challenge for Malta with a very particular and complex infrastructure. I am thrilled to be working on such challenges at a company with a vision of bringing a positive change in this aspect.

Being the only mobility company in Malta adopting an all-inclusive multi-booking channel model through the app, phone, web, social media and email, eCabs has made its service accessible to all to ensure mobility for everyone.”  

eCabs technology

New exciting challenges for eCabs technology

In a world driven by data, new exciting challenges emerge to harness that power and make good use of it. “As our service grows, our models are increasingly helping us predict traffic patterns and trends. This allows us to keep offering a reliable service within the shortest time possible and at competitive prices. With aspirations of product development into the ‘Last Mile’ delivery segment my role becomes more fun and challenging as I help to translate these innovative business requirements into IT deliverables, which will essentially see customers and their parcels reaching their destinations in a quicker, smoother and more efficient manner.”

Agility in adapting is also an essential attribute as external factors can very quickly change the priorities. Covid-19 is a perfect case in point as Kerstin points out: “The surreal scenario that hit us in March 2020 had instantly shifted the priorities. But we are an amazing team and we managed to pull this through together, matching the speed and change in direction”.

The future is female

Turning back to the topic of women and IT, Kerstin is proud as a woman not only in an IT environment but also at a tech mobility company. But she also quickly admits that STEM subjects remain male dominated, and augurs that the future will see more women choosing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

“The fact that I made it means that change is indeed possible,” she quips enthusiastically. “But this change needs to start from the very bottom, tackled from as early as kindergarten. There are plenty of innovative educational programs and science challenges that school children should be introduced and exposed to. It would help encourage a larger cohort of young women to take up tech-related jobs by also promoting women in these fields to serve as role models”. 

Kerstin is interested and fascinated by astronomy. Her first inspiration as a young girl was Katherine Johnson, the famed mathematician who was instrumental in Nasa’s first manned space flights. Famed by the recent Hollywood movie Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson carved her place in the history books. Kerstin says that there is no reason not to dream big and go for the achievement. “We’re only scratching the surface of possibilities here and that is what I love about this subject and this company. The future is bright – even in the face of the battles we face today.”

In the press:

Business Today

People are the most important element at eCabs

‘People are the most important element at eCabs’

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“People are the most important element at eCabs. In everything we do we seek a professional attitude and a consistent passion for the job to keep us at the forefront,” says Marvin Cuschieri, chief officer human capital and corporate services at eCabs.

Few might know that 20 percent of the 500 plus drivers employed by eCabs are women. That the company employs over 25 nationalities. That it has a team of in-house technologists. And a fully-fledged contact centre handling hundreds of customer interactions on a 24/7 basis.

Mr Cuschieri is a senior figure in the field of human resources, having occupied the role of CEO of the Foundation for Human Resources Development for six years. Now, as a member of eCabs’ top management team, Mr Cuschieri’s role is that of leading the human capital and corporate relations functions, covering the full spectrum of duties from manpower planning, administration, capacity building, systems implementation, business processes reengineering and facilities management.

“I say ‘recently appointed’ but really and truly, ‘recent’ is now already almost a year. I must admit, it took a bit of thinking to join eCabs. Transport and logistics was at the other end of the spectrum in my career and development pathway. But once I was exposed to the dynamic and technologically disruptive nature of the company and learned how the founders were devising to internationalise the business, I decided to embark on this journey and be part of this success in the making.”

Far from just a conventional cab operator

He explains that eCabs is far from just a conventional cab operator. The company is considered as Malta’s largest and leading private transportation company. Since its inception, it has sought to revolutionise passenger mobility and how people commute on this highly congested island.

Over the last few months eCabs has ventured into events, expanded its corporate accounts portfolio and is now offering the full spectrum of people transport. It has also set up its own captive logistics software company, Cuorium. Adopting cutting-edge geo-spatial technologies, flirting with the application of AI in its operations and venturing into the uncharted territory of consuming big data to enhance its trip optimisation capabilities.

People are the most important element at eCabs

“HR is the only function that touches every single part of the organisation in all its aspects. From the drivers whom I consider as the front line of our organisation, to the contact centre agents. From the logistics controllers to the back office team, support service providers and the fully dedicated team of developers building and developing our unique ICT systems and infrastructure.”

Over the past 12 months, a lot has already happened within the company’s human capital structures.

“And so many more changes are coming up,” he adds. “Currently we are taking the company through a meticulous restructuring process at all levels. Perhaps one very important change is the way we are running our human capital. Being a strong believer in delegation, one of the very first steps was to build a stronger middle management structure that can bridge the gap between the vision and the front-line, while putting a stronger spotlight on the important aspects of the HR support services so vital for such a company employing such a large workforce.”

A more holistic way of training

He says the company is also developing a more holistic way of training its drivers and contact centre agents with better induction processes and feedback channels. Their logistic coordinators have been given the opportunity to follow academic diplomas in management, while the developers get the space they need to keep abreast with the dynamics of their specialisations.

“For instance, one of our developers was recently at the DevFest Berlin, an annual community-driven developer event organised by the 3 GDGs where he had the opportunity to attend a number of sessions across multiple product areas, all-day hack-a-thons, code labs, and more. The holistic and most unifying value that we are trying to instil is that all employees belong to a common vision and hence why they understand the importance of being professional in everything that they do and not to just meet customers’ expectations, but constantly exceed them. Quality is key for us, while passenger safety is paramount.”

Nourishing a positive work culture for people at eCabs

He points out that the company managed to build a strong recruitment pipeline by taking an innovative approach towards recruitment and striving to build models which can fit with those of the workforce.  “We have made efforts to reduce turnover by for instance allowing more flexibility, rewarding positive actions, creating a stronger team engagement, and instilling a strong sense of belonging.”

“The fact that the company operates on a 24/7 basis means it is in a position to give employees the flexibility they need, something other companies cannot offer,” he adds.

“What I love about HR? Seeing people grow within their roles at eCabs, teams of people pulling the same rope and coming up with their own initiatives, nourishing a positive work culture, having a diverse company not only in gender and age but also in terms of nationality.”

In the press:

The Times of Malta