Moving abroad can be a challenging career decision. Beyond that, there are many factors to consider: culture, people, convenience, quality of life, and what a new place can offer.
Every detail can make a significant difference when deciding to take such a step.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of moving to Portugal in terms of career growth and professional potential.
When You Hit a Career Plateau
It is a common experience for almost every IT professional to face the question of how to continue evolving in their career. Many of us have already been through this phase and managed to move forward by learning new tools, studying and implementing new technologies, expanding our network, building connections, and attending workshops, among other strategies.
However, there comes a point when our career hits a plateau. This often happens when you can no longer identify what to study next, how to increase your potential, or what steps to take to improve your salary.
If this sounds familiar, it may be time to look abroad and seek opportunities to grow beyond the boundaries of technology itself.
Why Moving to Portugal Is More Than a Lifestyle Choice
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, but you can hear many different languages spoken across the country. This is because Portugal is a popular tourist destination in Europe.
You can easily find people who speak English. In addition, Portuguese people are known for their strong English skills, so you are unlikely to face communication barriers—especially if your goal is to improve your own communication skills.
Beyond improving communication skills, you will be exposed to a wide range of cultures, including Portuguese culture itself—and this is an important factor to consider.
Understanding different cultures is essential, as it helps you navigate diverse environments, collaborate more effectively with people from different backgrounds, and build stronger, more meaningful connections over time.
Portugal also offers a wide variety of culinary options, with natural and healthy food easily found in any grocery store.
People are warm and welcoming, and you will find yourself busy exploring natural parks and beautiful architecture throughout the country.
Optimizing Your Social Profile to Attract International Companies
“If you’re not visible, you won’t be found.”
Preparing your social profile is the best choice when your goal is to move abroad.
If you are using LinkedIn, the first step is to create a clear and meaningful title for your profession. For example, if you are a Business Analyst specializing in AI and BI, make that explicit. If you are a Java Developer with Cloud Computing experience, a title like Cloud Java Developer might be more effective. Choosing the right title makes it easier for headhunters to find you.
The About section on LinkedIn is one of the most important parts of your profile. A strong About section should be concise, clear, and focused on your skills, achievements, and career goals. Start with a hook that grabs attention, then describe your experience, key accomplishments, and what you are passionate about.
Take a look at a good example of an About section:
“I am a Software Engineer specializing in Java and Python, with 5 years of experience building scalable web applications and cloud-based solutions. I have led teams of up to 4 developers and implemented projects that improved system performance by 30%. Currently, I am seeking opportunities abroad where I can leverage my technical expertise and leadership skills to drive impactful projects. Feel free to connect to discuss potential collaborations.”
Organize experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Use bullet points to make it easy to read. A well-written About and Experience section significantly increases your chances of being discovered by headhunters and potential employers.
Remember to write everything in English, since you are targeting the international market. Most importantly, focus on building meaningful connections: engage with people, show genuine interest in topics that matter, and make your objectives clear.
Final Thoughts
Feeling stuck in your career is a common experience for many IT professionals. It often occurs when you’re unsure of the next step, when acquiring more technical knowledge alone isn’t enough, and when it becomes necessary to seek new experiences beyond the tech bubble.
In this article, I aimed to explain why Portugal is a great option for starting your international career, the benefits of living abroad, and the real impact it can have - both in terms of career growth and personal development.
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