Jordan's Story: From a hectic life in Chicago to a happy life in the Netherlands!

 

Last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Jordan in securing a role in the Netherlands with a Big Four Firm which he says has offered him offer endless opportunities ever since.

We recently got in touch with him to tell us more about his new life.

Jordan began his career in Chicago, USA but now lives and works in the sunny Netherlands as an Audit Senior, living in the multicultural capital Amsterdam and making the daily commute to his job in Zwolle.

 

"I was driven by the opportunity for international exposure, especially with the Big 4 in Europe. I wanted a better work life/balance than I had in Chicago and wanted the challenge of working in a new continent."

At first Jordan felt concerned about how his wife would feel in their new home and how long it would take for both of them to settle in, these fears quickly dissipated by the warm welcome they received when they moved in.

 “Once my wife arrived, everything fell into place. I’m really enjoying life in Europe and I think everyone should make the move. My firm is fantastic, I am busy but feel motivated and happy in my new role. I feel like the move is all I could of hoped for.”

Life in Holland

Jordan is making use of Holland’s central location by taking advantage of the travel opportunities having spent the New Year in Italy and visiting other cities that are near to his home in Amsterdam. With a notably improved work/life balance, this has freed him up to make the most of his surroundings in central Europe, and is enjoying his new sunnier climate.

So what does Jordan think about the people in his new found continent?

 "Europe feels much more culturally diverse than the USA. People are much more tolerant and welcoming here". 

 

 

Working overseas

 

“I have advised all of my colleagues and work mates in Chicago to spend time working abroad as it improves their CVs and they can grow as people. Learning new methodologies and ways of working are just some of the advantages gained from an international move as well as exposure to different cultures and languages."

 

 

 

Our Service

“My consultant really listened to me and my wishes. He understood what I was looking for in my international move and really guided me through the process. He gave me lots of time and information so that I could make an informed decision. Think Global Recruitment gave me honest advice, helpful interview preparation and an impressive list of potential roles. Clearly you have well-connected consultants with lots of industry knowledge.

This move definitely helped to enhance my career, allowing for the opportunity for me demonstrate my adaptability and willingness to challenge myself."

We wish Jordan and his wife all the best with their new life in the Netherlands!


If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

Think Global Recruitment - Improving Lives Annual Survey

"International Experience makes me a Citizen of the World"

Each year, Think Global Recruitment conducts primary research in the form of an overseas survey to analyse the experiences of each accountant that they assist in their overseas move.  This year, over 100 participants took part in the survey and the aim of this report is to present; what is motivating international moves, the best elements of international moves and further interesting comments that participants have shared.

The survey was completed anonymously but participants were asked to state where they moved from and where they moved to.  Countries included; Africa, Americas, Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, the UK and Channel Islands.

Why move overseas?

When asked, "what is the main factor that prompted your desire to work overseas", the vast majority of participants claimed that work experience, followed closely by lifestyle was their biggest reason for the move.

Other reasons that were given included: moving to somewhere more family friendly, experience another culture, close proximity to other countries, learn a new language and improved weather.

Interestingly, only 12.93% were motivated to make the move because of money.

"Besides the work experience, visit beautiful places and increase culture"

The response to the question, "what was the best thing about the move?" indicated that lifestyle (36.54%) and work experience (25.96%) were the two most highly rated aspects of working and living overseas.  A significant drop to 14.42% brings money in as the third most populous answer. Other answers included; "a mix of lifestyle, money, culture and change" and "a better living level".

Living and working overseas gives enhanced access to travel and the opportunity to visit countries that might normally be difficult or out of reach.  One participant said, in reference to the positive aspects of their time overseas, "ability to travel to several European countries'.  Using Europe as an example, flights are reasonably priced and most countries can be visited with a short journey.  For someone who has lived in the USA all of their life, they may not get the opportunity to explore Europe because cost and travel time can make it quite difficult.

"Quicker progression overseas means that when you return, it is a higher level than you would have achieved had you stayed in your original location"

An extraordinary 85.29% of participants agreed that working overseas helps with long-term career development.  Only 1.96% of participants claimed that working overseas may not help long-term career development.

An almost even amount of participants agreed on each of the three following statements:

• International experience is increasingly sought after in management positions (32.43%)
• International experience shows that I am adaptable to change (30.81%)
• International experience makes you a more rounded person (31.89%)

When the participants were asked if they would consider taking another role in their (new) location 75.73% said yes, 4.85% said no, 13.59% said they were unsure and finally 5.83% said other answers such as, "I would love to work in a different location to gain more working experience and experience another culture" and "I am planning to make this my permanent home.".

Following on from these statistics, the participants were asked if they believe that they made the right decision to move to their new location when they did.  A phenomenal result of 87.25% of participants claimed that they did make the right decision to move.  Only, 0.98% said that they did not, 6.86% said they were unsure and 4.9% gave other answers such as; "Could have moved here many years sooner".

Overall, it is clear that the biggest motivating factors for moving overseas are work experience and lifestyle.  This strongly reflects Think Global Recruitment's vision of Improving Lives.  Living and working overseas not only enhances world, cultural and personal experience but it is hugely recognised as a desirable feature when going through a recruitment process.  Working overseas gives massive exposure to different working environments and proves to employers that their candidates are independent and willing to go the extra mile.  It is fantastic to be able to report that so many people believe that they made the right decision in moving overseas.

Further Information:

The participants were asked if there was anything else they would like to add.  Here are just a few of the comments that were made:

"Just do it!"

"If you are given the opportunity to relocate, take it. It is rewarding and character building."

"It's always a plus to gain international experience"

"Move forward always"

"The decision to move was to gain the work experience, very happy that I did"

"Move to Australia has been very positive for the following reasons:

• Financially much better off
• Necessity to work overtime is an irregular occurrence more often than not
• If you have a strong educational background, chances are your job prospects should be superior 
• Quality of life is much better, great weather, cost of living much lower "

"It's really great to live and work here in the UK because of the working lifestyle, hospitable people and healthy environment to live in. I must say I am delighted to have worked with Think Global Recruitment during the employment process."

"Relocation definitely helped my career progression. The international experience gained is invaluable. In addition, I was able to identify best practice and applied it on my engagements subsequently. On a personal level, the work-life balance and the financial part was way above my expectations."

"It has been a great learning experience for many aspects, well recommended."

"The greatest part about working in a new place is seeing how others work, approach problems and develop solutions."

"The world is so big that you find opportunities almost everywhere, if you are really keen to make it. The important this is that you must be ready to design your life and then you can start to look after the new location. So basically, the first question is 'What do I want?', then the second one is: 'Where can I find it?' That's it."

"Cultural diversity is really a gain / enrichment in personal development."

"Think Global Recruitment are the best people in helping professionals relocate and start new careers internationally"

"It's great to have exposure to other cultures and diversity is an awesome experience" 

"It is an incredible experience. The time zones and distance to travel home were one of the downsides. But travel opportunities were in abundance, it was awesome making friends from across the globe and I certainly expanded my work experience and skills."  

ACCOUNTANCY WORLDWIDE ONLINE WEBINAR

Dear Reader...

OK, so, some blatant advertising below...However, I just didn't want anyone to miss out on this.  

Everyone know's they have a strength at something and interview preparation is most certainly an area I receives excellent feedback on.  I thought I should share the extensive experience I have in this area.   If you sign up and do not feel you received value for money from this Webinar, please do let me know and I will refund your registration.

Happy to receive feedback after on this blog.

Kind regards,   Abigail 

ACCOUNTANCY WORLDWIDE ONLINE WEBINAR

 Interview Preparation for Career Progression(Video/Phone/Face to Face) 

Thursday 6 June 20137pm UK time 8pm Central European/South African time 

Presenter:  Abigail Stevens, Managing Director,Think Global Recruitment

Fellow Recruitment and Employment Confederation

Interviewing can be nerve racking enough, but sometimes the thought of doing it by phone or video conference can be even harder to get your mind around. This valuable, not to be missed webinar will not only cover the various types of interview techniques for face to face interviews, but also tips on getting through a telephone or video interview.

The topic of discussion will be ‘Interview Preparation for Career Progression – Video/Phone/Face-to-Face’ and will be delivered by Abigail Stevens who has around 20 years’ experience assisting professionals secure roles throughout the globe.

This amazing opportunity will give professionals who are interested in advancing their career, now or in the future, the opportunity to find out what it is required of them during the interview process, providing hints, tips and advise on potential stumbling blocks.

This webinar that could improve your life costs just £10 (c. 11.70 €) to attend. To register and pay please follow this link:

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/6797789371

To allow us to tailor the presentation for the audience or if you have any questions please contact Gordon Barclay via email – gbarclay@thinkgr.com or telephone +44 131 260 5850.

We look forward to registering you for this special event.  Please feel free to share this with others that would be interested in attending.

EVENT INFORMATION

Presenter

Abigail Stevens FRIP

Program Title

Interview Preparation for Career Progression (Video/Phone/Face to Face)

Presenter Biography

Abigail Stevens is professionally, exam and time qualified as a full member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Having spent 8 years working in marketing, Abigail moved into the recruitment industry in 1996 and founded Think Global Recruitment in 2000. In the 18 years since Abigail has placed accountants at all levels, all over the world and has experience of living and working in Australia,England and Scotland. Throughout her career Abigail has traveled extensively conducting presentations and networking with global organizations and institutes and has presented to ICAS and ICAEW members as well as MBA University students, she has visited; UK, Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Holland, Spain, Prague, Poland, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Grenada, Australia (lived 3 years), Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, New Zealand, Egypt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Canada.

Program Summary

Together we will explore the full interview process and how to successfully secure that opportunity of your dreams.  

We will cover not only generic tips, but specific techniques for the international interview process including telephone and video interviewing.  Interviewing can be nerve-wracking enough, but sometimes the thought of doing it by phone or video conference can be even harder to get your mind around.   This Webinar will leave you feeling confident and capable of carrying out the very best interview you can and allow you to put your questions to an expert in the field.