International Dual Career Network event at Philip Morris International

Summary

The video highlights the importance of supporting international employees by addressing the challenge of helping their spouses or partners find employment. IDCN (International Dual Career Network) is a collaboration of organizations aimed at facilitating the job search for spouses of expatriates. The initiative helps individuals build networks, gain confidence, and develop professional skills, with a focus on creating a strong talent pool for companies. With locations in multiple cities globally, IDCN provides a valuable resource for businesses to access a well-trained workforce, while supporting the personal and professional growth of employees' families.

Takeaways

• 😀 Retaining top talent is a priority for companies, and addressing challenges like partner employment is crucial to success.
• 😀 One common reason for international assignment failures is the partner's dissatisfaction due to job search difficulties.
• 😀 IDCN (International Spouse and Partner Career Network) helps spouses of international employees find jobs by connecting them with companies and institutions.
• 😀 For many expatriates, navigating the job market in a new country (like Switzerland) can be difficult without proper guidance and support.
• 😀 IDCN provides opportunities for partners to build skills, expand their networks, and gain confidence while searching for jobs.
• 😀 The network helps spouses and partners find jobs, volunteer roles, and develop professionally.
• 😀 Every six weeks, IDCN organizes events that help spouses and partners improve their job search skills and professional/social networks.
• 😀 IDCN events allow members to meet corporate representatives, HR professionals, and service providers, aiding them in understanding businesses and job opportunities.
• 😀 The impact of helping a partner find a job extends beyond the individual, benefiting the entire family and the employee’s work success.
• 😀 IDCN started in 2011 and has expanded to multiple locations worldwide, including Lake Geneva, Basel, Los Angeles, New York, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Dubai.
• 😀 Companies partnering with IDCN gain access to a well-trained, talent-rich pool that is valuable for both current and future recruitment needs.

Q & A

What is one of the main reasons why international assignments fail?

One of the main reasons international assignments fail is because the spouses or partners of the employees are not happy or do not find a job.

What is IDCN, and how does it assist international employees?

IDCN (International Dual Career Network) is a collaboration of different companies and institutions designed to help the partners of international employees find jobs by facilitating their job search.

What challenges did the speaker face when coming to Switzerland for the first time?

The speaker, coming from the United States, found it challenging to navigate the Swiss job market, not knowing where to go, who to talk to, or how to find a job in Switzerland.

How does IDCN help international partners build their skills and network?

IDCN helps partners by giving them opportunities to meet corporate members, HR representatives, and service providers, allowing them to build skills, networks, and confidence.

How long has the speaker been involved with IDCN, and what has been the outcome?

The speaker has been involved with IDCN for two years, and during that time, spouses have either found jobs or volunteered through the network.

What role do IDCN events play for spouses and partners of relocated employees?

IDCN events are designed to help spouses and partners create their professional and social networks, improve job searching skills, and meet people with similar experiences.

What impact does helping spouses find jobs have on the whole family?

Helping spouses find jobs positively impacts not only the partner but the entire family, as it can provide greater stability and satisfaction during the relocation process.

When was IDCN established, and where did it begin?

IDCN was started in 2011, initially as a pilot program in Lake Geneva.

Which companies were involved in the founding of IDCN?

Philip Morris was one of the founding members of IDCN.

How does IDCN benefit companies looking to recruit talent?

IDCN provides companies with access to a pool of well-trained and readily available talent, which is a significant advantage for any company seeking skilled employees.