by Kerry James Hines-Randle

I had often considered working in Switzerland, as I could speak some German from previous contracts in Düsseldorf, however nothing ever seemed to materialise. When I met Contracters AG, and after some negotiations, we agreed a deal for me to work on a project with IBM at Credit Suisse in Zürich.

Working in another country, it is very important for me to have a good relationship with my agency, and I have found Contracters particularly helpful. Before I came, they made all the arrangements for a work permit, so all I had to do, was to visit the local Kreiss office, to confirm I had arrived. Of special help was that they also took the time to view apartments for me, and email pictures and descriptions of them before I arrived. Not only was I able to arrange an apartment before I arrived, but one of Contracters team picked me up at the airport, and took me directly to it. I saved several days hotel expenses minimum, and the time I would have wasted looking. Apartments can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. Contracters keep in touch with me on a regular, but informal basis, and indeed we have lunch together occasionally.

The work at Credit Suisse is IBM mainframe with PL1, IMS (DB/DC), and DB2. The project is to replace an existing Investment Performance process for Private banking customers. Credit Suisse also operate a very good on-line banking system using Java. I speak both as a customer and an employee. I have not found my limited German skills to be a problem. 95% of my colleagues speak English, but we have a smattering of Hungarian, Danish, German, and British colleagues too.

Zürich itself is a particularly good city for a contractor, male or female. It is very cosmopolitan and you will meet people from many countries here.
There are some very elegant shops, and the head offices of Credit Suisse and UBS, in Bahnhof Strasse, and plenty of nightlife, pubs, clubs, restaurants across the river Limmat in the old town at Niederdorf. Indeed throughout the rest of the city. You can get virtually any type of food, in no order of preference Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Indian, French, and of course Swiss. You must not leave until you have eaten a Rösti, and taken a Fondue. There is a strong German influence , indeed this part of Switzerland is predominently German speaking. However ZüriDeutsch and SchweizerDeutsch, and the dialect can take a little understanding.

It is very easy to get to from most European capitals. The airport at Kloten is 10 minutes from the Hauptbahnhof in central Zürich. The public transport system in the city is very good with Buses, Trams, and S-bahn, and tickets are not too expensive. From the Hauptbahnhof there are direct trains to Stuttgart, Munich, Innsbruck and Milan, and many other international destinations. Also hourly departures to most Swiss towns and cities.

Some costs

Monthly ticket for central Zürich, valid on buses, trams and S-Bahn
70,00 CHF
Half tax card for 1 year (all subsequent rail travel is half price)
150,00 CHF
Registration with the Police (paid in advance by Contracters)
52,00 CHF
Registration with the City council (paid in advance by Contracters)
200,00 CHF (a further 70,00 CHF when you personally register, within 8 days
of arrival, at the Kreissebüro)

Agency fee for apartment rental 80% of 1
months rent
Expect to pay a 2 month deposit (maximum is 3 months)

Useful links

www.contracters.com
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/zurich/index.htm Lonely Planet guide to Zürich
www.sbb.ch/pv/index_d.htm Train times
www.citymap.cityblick.ch/ Map of Zürich, with street and house number finder
www.e-businessnomads.com/asp/index.asp Informal group that meet in different bars/restaurants every Thursday evening. English, American, Australian, New Zealand, and of course Swiss. Useful for networking, and an opportunity to try new places out

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