u/Renato2911

Hi everyone,

I’m Italian currently organizing my definitive relocation to the Lausanne area by the end of the year to join my partner. I’m super excited, but I also want to be realistic about the transition.

For the first few months, I will likely be commuting back and forth between Italy and Switzerland while I settle everything. During this transition, I want to hit the ground running on three main fronts: finding a job, building my own social network, and evaluating educational upgrades.

Here is my situation, and I would love some brutally honest advice from locals or expats who have been through this:

1. The Job Hunt (IT / SAP / Project Management) I already hold a Master's in Management Engineering and currently work as a Senior SAP Supply Chain Consultant for a Big 4 firm.

• How tough is the local market right now for non-fluent French speakers? (I speak native Italian, fluent C1 English, and I am actively taking intensive French classes).
• Do international recruiters actually work well here, or is it all about local networking and direct applications?

2. The EPFL Question Since I want to establish myself in the Swiss market long-term, I am wondering if applying for a Master’s degree (or an Executive program/certificate) at EPFL would be a strategic move.

• Would having EPFL on my CV significantly boost my employability in the region, even if I already have a Master's from Italy and Big 4 experience?
• Is it an effective way to build a high-quality local network, or would it be redundant at this stage of my career?

3. Building a Social Life Since my partner already has her own circle, I really want to build my own network so I don't rely entirely on hers.

• Since I’ll be working remotely for a bit, I was planning to rent a desk in a co-working space. Are co-working spaces in Lausanne actually social, or does everyone just put their headphones on and ignore each other?
• I’m also planning to join a local gym or sports club. Is this a realistic way to meet people?

Basically, I want to know what actually works to break the ice here and what is just a myth. Any advice, tips, or hard truths about making this move successful would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m Italian currently organizing my definitive relocation to the Lausanne area by the end of the year to join my partner. I’m super excited, but I also want to be realistic about the transition.

For the first few months, I will likely be commuting back and forth between Italy and Switzerland while I settle everything. During this transition, I want to hit the ground running on two main fronts: finding a job and building my own social network.

Here is my situation, and I would love some brutally honest advice from locals or expats who have been through this:

1. The Job Hunt (IT / SAP / Project Management) I have a Master's in Management Engineering and also I completed the course in PM, currently work as a Senior SAP Supply Chain Consultant for a Big 4 firm.

• How tough is the local market right now for non-fluent French speakers? (I speak native Italian, fluent C1 English, and I am actively taking intensive French classes).
• Do international recruiters actually work well here, or is it all about local networking and direct applications?
• Are fully remote cross-border contracts common while transitioning?

1. Building a Social Life Since my partner already has her own circle, I really want to build my own network so I don't rely entirely on hers.

• Since I’ll be working remotely for a bit, I was planning to rent a desk in a co-working space. Are co-working spaces in Lausanne actually social, or does everyone just put their headphones on and ignore each other?
• I’m also planning to join a local gym or sports club. Is this a realistic way to meet people?

Basically, I want to know what actually works to break the ice here and what is just a myth. Any advice, tips, or hard truths about making this move successful would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance!