Working in Israel
Only 60 years after its establishment, Israel has become an economic and technological powerhouse. Israel has one of the fastest-growing GDP rates in the world, currently standing at US$235 billion (or US$30,900 per capita).
Much of this progress is due to Israel’s innovative abilities in the fields of applied sciences and technology. The education system in Israel has generated 15 percent of its graduates from Engineering departments, as specialists in Telecommunications, Software Development and IT. Israeli universities and research institutions, such as the Israel Institute of Technology and the Weizmann Institute of Science, are of a world-class standard.
A second reason for the booming economy is the compulsory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where all Israeli citizens must serve for a period of two years. The army offers young soldiers practical technical experience and stresses the importance of effective teamwork to those who serve in technology-related units. Moreover, many Israeli entrepreneurial partners previously served together in elite IDF development units.
Within Israel, over 25 percent of the work force are employed in technical professions. Israeli companies have staked a major claim in worldwide high-tech and telecommunications markets, due their specialisations and ability to excel in diverse technologies and applications.
Key fields of technological innovation and expat employment are communications, computer hardware and software, information systems, medicine, food processing, and solar energy. With the proper working visas, there are countless working opportunities for expats in Israel. The potential for professional growth and development is extensive.
Tel Aviv is the business capital of Israel. Generally, business attire is slightly less formal than that observed in North America and Europe, but business meetings require more formal dress. Women are expected to dress conservatively, particularly in religious areas. Business cards are common, but there is no formality involved when exchanging business cards. Socialising is an important part of business meetings, and as such, many meetings either run overtime, or else don’t begin on time. Business hours in Israel tend to be from 8.30am to 5pm. The general working week is Sunday to Thursday, and Friday mornings. Employees generally work nine hours per day, including an hour for lunch, and not exceeding 45 hours per week.
Much of this progress is due to Israel’s innovative abilities in the fields of applied sciences and technology. The education system in Israel has generated 15 percent of its graduates from Engineering departments, as specialists in Telecommunications, Software Development and IT. Israeli universities and research institutions, such as the Israel Institute of Technology and the Weizmann Institute of Science, are of a world-class standard.A second reason for the booming economy is the compulsory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where all Israeli citizens must serve for a period of two years. The army offers young soldiers practical technical experience and stresses the importance of effective teamwork to those who serve in technology-related units. Moreover, many Israeli entrepreneurial partners previously served together in elite IDF development units.
Within Israel, over 25 percent of the work force are employed in technical professions. Israeli companies have staked a major claim in worldwide high-tech and telecommunications markets, due their specialisations and ability to excel in diverse technologies and applications.
Key fields of technological innovation and expat employment are communications, computer hardware and software, information systems, medicine, food processing, and solar energy. With the proper working visas, there are countless working opportunities for expats in Israel. The potential for professional growth and development is extensive.
Business culture in Israel
Tel Aviv is the business capital of Israel. Generally, business attire is slightly less formal than that observed in North America and Europe, but business meetings require more formal dress. Women are expected to dress conservatively, particularly in religious areas. Business cards are common, but there is no formality involved when exchanging business cards. Socialising is an important part of business meetings, and as such, many meetings either run overtime, or else don’t begin on time. Business hours in Israel tend to be from 8.30am to 5pm. The general working week is Sunday to Thursday, and Friday mornings. Employees generally work nine hours per day, including an hour for lunch, and not exceeding 45 hours per week.
