From Dublin to Bermuda- making a dream come true!

Last year, Amy attended one of Think Global Recruitment's Worldwide Presentation & Drinks Evenings in Dublin.  Nearly a year later she is living the dream in the tropical paradise - Bermuda!

We spoke to Amy last week to find out how she is getting on...


Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

I wanted a change, I wanted to get out of Dublin and leave home - I don't think it would have happened otherwise!

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yeah, going alone and being by myself, Bermuda is so far away from home.  I originally wanted to move to London so that I could fly home easily but Bermuda is really great.  My first day was a bank holiday which I spent on a boat.  There are so many ex-pats and everyone is so welcoming and friendly!

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

It was really quick.  I was lucky enough to find my house within two weeks and I think once you have found your house, you are settled.  I managed to get my driving test done in the first month too.

Did you have any expectations and do you think the move has met them?

Well not really.  I didn't plan to go to Bermuda!  I was open to anything but yeah, it has absolutely exceeded them!

What has been the biggest benefit of moving? 

There's no commute - I live a five minute walk from my work.  The island is completely different to any city.  It's so small and laid back.  The weather too, the weather is amazing!

What are the highlights of your location?

Definitely spending a lot of time on boats!  Spending the weekends drinking and floating on boats!

Are there any cultural differences?   

There's nothing really that different...  There are so many ex-pats here that everything is kind of geared towards them.  No, I don't think there really is anything that stands out as different.

What advice would you offer to accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Just do it!  Don't think about it, just be brave and everything will fall into place.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

You have the best contacts and jobs, I had no intentions of moving to Bermuda before my consultant told me about the opportunities there. You were really helpful all the way through the recruitment process.


There are still spaces left for Wednesday so if you fancy spending your weekends floating in the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing on the beach then register by emailing emaloy@thinkgr.com 

 

From Ireland to New York, Senior to Partner!

We recently caught up with Emmet who attended a Think Global Recruitment Worldwide presentation back in 2004.  At the time he wasn't exactly sure where he wanted to go, but after the presentation realised that the USA was a location that he was really interested in.

Before Emmet knew it, he had secured a position with a Big Four firm in New York as a Senior Associate.  Just over 8 years later, he had worked his way up to became a partner and says:

"I arrived with just a bag on my back; I now have a wife, five kids and a house in the suburbs... I'm living the dream"

That's not to say it was easy, Emmet worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today.  We asked him to tell us more about his move and career so that others can have an insight into the world out there... Here is what he said:

Did you have any concerns with your move?

When I first moved to New York, I had never been to the States.  The first time I arrived in New York

was with my contract in my hand and my bag on my back so of course, I was full of concerns - as you would expect, having moved 3,500 miles away from home.

On the other hand, I knew that if there was a chance that it wouldn't work out, there would have been plenty of other options for me.  My qualifications are like a safety net, having these would have given me the opportunity / freedom to apply to other firms or move back to Ireland (in a worse case scenario).

It takes a lot of bravery to step out of your comfort zone but this is what has made me successful. 

When you arrived in New York, how long did it take you to settle in?

Given that I made the move ten years ago, it's quite hard to say!  It probably didn't take that long...  I lived in corporate housing for a month, after which, I really had no choice but to settle in and find an apartment and make a new home.

You have to have the right mental attitude or you'll never settle, you have to be all or nothing and overcome the home sickness that you'll get.

When you move to a new country, the best way to enjoy it is to embrace everything about it, enjoy the new culture and surround yourself with people who have been in the same situation as you.  It's great to go out and start new activities, keeping yourself busy so that you don't start to feel home sick.

I'm quite lucky in New York, there is an area which has a heavily Irish population.  I don't really see the point in spending my time there; I came here to experience something new.  But it's still comforting to know that if I ever do get home sick I can visit the area and the shops and pick up some home comforts.

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

What I thought and what the experience turned out to be were significantly different and it has evolved over time.  

I originally planned to pop across to New York for two years or until my first visa ran out, just to get exposure and gain some international experience and do something different with my career.

I originally expected it to be a tough environment because it's 3,500 miles away from home, and it was, I worked long days and weeks.

Now I can change my job and do different things within the firm so it's always interesting... My move has exceeded my expectations.  I would consider myself to be less Irish as the time goes on and more American because I've integrated so well into the new culture. 

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

Moving to New York gave me so many more opportunities.  I don't think I would have made partner as fast back in Dublin, or even at all...

Everything is a lot closer together in New York, I can visit three clients in one day!

There is also the reputation of working in New York, so close to Wall Street.  People know that you have worked hard to get to where you are.

Do you feel that it has improved your standard of living?

Significantly.

To get to where I am in my career... Being part-owner in one of the largest professional services in the world... There is now way that this would have happened back in Dublin.

I arrived in New York with only my bag; I now have a wife, five kids and a lovely house in the suburbs with a pool.  I am living the dream.

That isn't to say it was easy though, I had to put a lot of work in to get to where I am but if you do it, if you can work hard, you will get the rewards.

What are the highlights of New York?

The career acceleration in New York is second to none.  The opportunities are endless and every day is an adventure.  With my firm, I have visited the likes of; Brazil, Japan, Europe, Singapore - all over the world.

Knowing that my kids and their kids down the line will be so much better off than I was growing up is really comforting. 

New York is a very highly aggressive, tough, place to work - you have to be a stellar performer, you have to be willing to work 14/15 hour days, six days a week, if you want to advance in your career.  When you do all of that, then you can have the perks and bonuses, to get to where I am has been a solid ten years of hard work.

Does/did anything disappoint you?

The ex-pat lifestyle can be quite difficult sometimes.  If you have a problem or you need help with something, people have to do you a favour to help you, for example, if you need someone to babysit the kids - you can ask a neighbour or a friend but then you owe them.  They are doing you a favour.  Back home you can ask your family to do this and they are obligated to, family are there to help you out in times of need. 

Life is very expensive in the USA; the system is very much based on capitalism, expenses, commuting, health insurance etc.

Are there any cultural difference?

The way New Yorkers work is very unique.  The US approach is a lot more black and white, there is a right and wrong way of doing things here.  There's not really an in between, the Irish approach tends to be more grey, more ambiguous. 

There is also a social factor to take into consideration.  In Ireland on a Friday night, the new guys would all be hanging out in the local bar, getting to know each other.  In New York - it is so vast that these people live quite far away from each other, they have more things going on, different commitments.  New York is very vast compared to Ireland.

There's also things like, the US school system, the different 'grades' etc.  It's all different to back home and with things like this, it kind of gets to the point that unless you grew up in the USA, you'll never really understand.

What advice would you offer to other accountants that are thinking about making a move?

Having an accountancy qualification is like a safety net.

If you move overseas for a job and it doesn't work out, there will always be another firm that you can work at, qualifications are the key.

I would do the experience all over again and recommend it to anyone.  You learn nothing from being inside your comfort zone.  You need to get out, test your resilience and build the skills and experience you need to advance in your career.

If you work hard, there will be rewards but if you're just looking to take it easy, there's no point because it's not going to be easy.  You're going to miss births, deaths and marriages because it's too difficult to make it back home.  This is something that you will have to be at peace with or it's not going to work.  You need to embrace and recognise the ex-pat lifestyle. 

By embracing this experience you will be giving yourself huge development opportunities, you really are elevating the ceiling on your career. 

There will be huge development opportunities if you choose to take this route and work hard with your career.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

Think Global Recruitment gave me access to top tier opportunities that I might not have had if I applied on my own. 
    
I never would have thought of applying to my firm in New York if Think Global Recruitment had not presented the opportunity and persuaded me.

They checked how I was getting on in my new role a few months after I started and offered assistance at all levels.  During this time they were always interested in finding out about my new experience, about how I was settling, not just the office side of things.

There is a human connection there, Think Global Recruitment told me all the things that people who are moving overseas actually want to know.  For example, how many people work in the office, what the culture is like, the cost of living, things to do when I get there etc.  All the information they provided me with gave me a vision of what to expect on my arrival.

Is there anything you would like to add?

There are so many opportunities to connect with people.  We made a connection ten years ago and look, we're in touch again now.

You never know who you're going to meet and how you can work with each other in the future, every connection you make is vital.



Well done to Emmet who has achieved so much!  'Improving Lives' is our vision and we are delighted to have played a part in improving Emmet's. 

Well Done You Made It!! Now Collect Your Ticket...

The day is finally here, all that hard work and the long hours

waiting in anticipation are over. The FAE results have been published! A massive well done to all of those who have passed. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves - we're not accountants but we know it was hard. Once the celebrations are over (have a drink or two for us please) you will probably being thinking 'what next?'...

We have said it many times before and will continue to declare for many years to come - your CA qualification is like a ticket to the rest of the world. You can move virtually anywhere and many accountants do.

Last week we visited Dublin to present and meet with over 50 trainee and recently qualified CAs. It was just phenomenal to be around so many young professionals who are considering an international move. Some of whom, had already gone ahead and got their visas for their chosen destination and some who were open to anything but seeking guidance. It really was a fantastic atmosphere. We

carried out our Worldwide Opportunities presentation which briefly covers nearly every location across the globe (if only there was time to detail each individual place - we'd be old and grey by the time we finish!) and everyone was so enthusiastic to learn.

We told them about the accountants that we have already assisted in their move to the stunning beaches of Bermuda and the opulent countries of the Middle East. We told them about the serene temples and rich culture of Thailand and the thriving business and financial centre in Singapore. Also, Canada - home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core. And the Czech Republic, known for it's night-life and growing economy. Name a country and I bet we've assisted a CA in moving there. If we haven't... Well, we probably have.

What country takes your fancy? Many accountants that we talk to take on a two year contract so that they can experience another country and culture. This is more than travelling, it's living and working. And not only is it one of the most life changing experiences that you will probably ever have, it is incredible experience to have on your CV. It proves that you are independent and willing to do anything for your career, it makes you stand out from other people interviewing for jobs and on top of all of that, the exposure you will gain is second to none.

If you don't believe us about how you can Improve your Live by living and working overseas, here are a few quotes from Irish Chartered Accountants who took their qualifications to the other side of the world...

Emmet - NYC - Audit Associate to Partner in 10 years

'To get to where I am in my career... Being a part owner of one of the largest professional services in the world... There is no way this would have happened back in Dublin. I arrived in New York with only my bag; I now have a wife, five kids and a lovely house in the suburbs with a pool. I am living the dream. That isn't to say it was easy though, I had to put a lot of work in to get where I am but if you can work hard, you will get the rewards.'

'The career acceleration in New York is second to none. The opportunities are endless and every day is an adventure. With my firm I have visited the likes of, Brazil, Japan, Europe, Singapore, all over the world'

'I would do the experience all over again and recommend it to anyone. You learn nothing from being inside your comfort zone. You need to get out, test your resilience and build the skills and experience that you need to advance in your career.'

'By embracing this experience you will be giving yourself huge development opportunities, you really are elevating the ceiling on your career. There will be huge development opportunities if you choose to take this route and work hard with your career'.

Aisling - Hobart, Down Under - Audit Senior to Assistant Manager in 8 months

'It probably took about three months to settle in, we spent a lot of time going on trips and doing fun things, we kind of felt like we were on holiday for a while'

'The work life balance is amazing, they love Irish and British people because we work so hard. Their busy season here is just like normal busy back home. If you work until 7 you are generally the last person to leave, they all go home at 5.15pm. It's appreciated if you stay late, not expected.'

'I am getting massive exposure to larger clients over here. There's loads of different offices with a lot of different cultures.'

'My firm is heavily into investing in people. Training is really important to them. I'm doing a coaching course at the moment where I look at everyone and see how I can help them do better. I think this will look great on my CV. They are really into training and getting you involved.'

'Just do it! Your won't regret it.'

Katy - Sydney - Assistant Manager to Manager

'Yes, I love my job, my place where I live and the weather!!'

'It shows you are adaptable and makes you very independent and self-relliant.'

Helena - Cayman Islands - Audit Senior to Manager

'Having international experience on your CV is viewed positively by future prospective employers... The proximity of the Cayman Islands to the United States and South America is ideal for additional travel.'

'I love the Cayman Islands, it's so beautiful. I expected George Town to be bigger and more developed but I now like its quaint charm. The beaches are postcard perfect and I love the outdoor activities. I am currently learning to sail and I love it!'

'I have met so many amazing people from all over the world. I sit next to a guy from Zimbabwe and we have become the best of friends. An unlikely pair but a friend for life.'

'I feel a great sense of achievement for moving here alone and making a success of it, it's scary as well as exciting but more than worth the risk.'

'My work day flies because I am so happy.'

'If you are thinking about it, stop thinking about it and just do it! You will never look back. For me it's been and remains to be a very positive move and I love my new life.'

From all at Think Global Recruitment, Congratulations, you made it!!

Now collect your ticket...

Come on People! Up Your Customer Services Game - You will Love It!!

I had to put pen to paper, or at least finger tips to keyboard, on this one.   Over the last few weeks I have increasingly noticed the wide gap between those that provide a good a customer experience and those that don't - and I just dont get why anyone wouldn't!?

Smile over the Smelly Fish and Chips  
OK, so I am in the customer services industry and have been for most of life.  I still don't get why it doesn't come naturally to be polite and friendly.  Its far more fun.  One of my first jobs was working in a chip shop when at School.  Even as young School girls working in a smelly and greasy environment, my colleague Kirsty and I made the most of our job.  We had fun and quickly noticed it rubbed off on the customers.  They liked to joke and laugh with us as we had races to see which of us could wrap the chips the quickest.   They would tell us about their days and we would smile and listen and cheer them up.  That was our job.  People would queue up to have our fish and chips.  I certainly don't think they were the best in town, but we made the experience pleasurable.

Hotels - where do I start!
Part of my role involves a lot of travel.  The best thing that happened to the hotel and leisure industry is TripAdvisor.   This site puts them on the radar.  Every customer that walks through their doors could make or break them.   Hang on though, why do so many hotels not think about that.  I recently stayed at one of Dublin's grandest and oldest hotels.  It used to be the place to go.  The building is still grand.  Communal areas such as the reception and coffee lounge ooze money of long gone days, decadence and somewhere special to be.  Although some bedrooms are still a little 'tired', many rooms have been recently renovated to a good standard.  This hotel is just a few tweaks from being as grand as it once was.  Then why can you book a room there for as little as EUR55?  I believe it has to be down to customer services.  OK, yes they need a good gym or spa and have opted to inconvenience customers by telling them to go across the road to one that you have to pay EUR10 per day for, that is annoying. However, the worst thing any hotel can do is ignore its customers.  I was working there and so on several occasions over the 4 days I was there I ventured in the bar or coffee lounge for a break.  On all occasions I sat their waiting and trying patiently to gain staff attention.  Sometimes I just go up and walked away after 45 minutes of no service.  On the couple of times I did get served, the staff seemed to be in hurry to get away.  If there was more than one in my group, they would take an order from one and rush off without checking if anyone else needed anything.   Rubbish with a capital 'R'.   The staff did not look happy to be there and to be quite frank, it did not make me want to be there, or go back.

In reverse to that, I was in South Africa on business and stayed at the lovely Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban.  Nothing was too much for the staff.  Even though it is a large hotel, from check in to check out, they took time to ask me about my stay, what I needed and delivered.  They remembered who I was and would great me by name and always a smile.  I had guests turn up and they would show them to where I was meeting them in person.  If I asked directions to go somewhere they would take me.  Nothing was too much.   Would I be back?  Like a shot and as you can see from Trip Advisor I might be fighting for a room, people love them so much.

Great Customer Services Debenhams - I will be back!   
Today I visited Debenhams - the staff were friendly, in each department they would ask if I need assistance, without being pushy.  They showed me around the shop, telling me they have other sizes- even in the sales shoes.  I walked out with 5 pairs having gone in for 1.  On returning to the office I found out I had left my smart phone (i.e. my life) somewhere and quickly retraced my steps.  First 2 two places said they didn't have it, but didn't make much of an effort to help, offer to take my number should it turn up or give me the impression they cared.  Debenhams were amazing.  The lady in the shoe department dropped what she was doing to take me to another lady who could radio to lost property.  Lost property had already had a call and could tell me immediately which department it was in.  The care they showed was amazing.  I would not hesitate to go back and have already told several people, including writing this blog.

Last week alone 8675 people in Britain have decided to start a new business
Look at Start up Britain's web site, at time of writing they have said that in the last week alone 8675 people in Britain have decided to start a new business.  That's just Britain, we are competing in a worldwide market now.  With so many new businesses starting up every day we have to stand out to survive.   My recent experience of web development companies has really highlighted just how bad it can get.  I mean, how many web development companies are there out there?  I get at least 5 approaches a day and they are just those that get past the gatekeeper or spam.  I can not believe how many have fired a quote to me before I have even told them what I am looking for.  Before they have worked out what issues I have had in the past so they can sell back a solution.   Who seem to have the attitude of take it or leave it.   I have received quotes ranging from £300 to £30,000, but not even given anyone a brief yet!   I might just start a wager on which will still be here in a year..

It takes around 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 muscles to smile...
Customers have a choice of where they go and will vote with their feet.... Make sure they choose you and do not become a failed business statistic!  Honestly, you will have move fun being nice.  As a good friend always says 'Its Nice To be Nice!'....

Written By Abigail Stevens, Managing Director, Think Global Recruitment

Irish CA, Aisling, on Life Down Under in Hobart...

In 2013 Aisling moved from Dublin to Tasmania in Australia, where she now lives in a central apartment in the convivial city of Hobart with her partner. We caught up with her for a quick chat and thought it would be nice to share her story…

 I ended up getting a job in a Big 4 Firm where I have worked for 8 months and been promoted to Assistant Manager, I feel like I’ve taken a big step forward

I never really had a work life balance in Dublin and I had always wanted to move to Australia and travel around the country. I went for a two year contract which has given me so much flexibility – I’ve already seen loads of Australia!

I was trained in a small practice and then went straight into a top 5 firm in Dublin, when I was looking to move overseas I ended up getting a job in a Big 4 firm where I have worked for 8 months and been promoted to Assistant Manager, I feel like taken a big step forward.

All I had to do was pack my bags and that was it!

Think Global Recruitment have a really good reputation in Hobart. All I really had to do was pack my bags and that was it! My consultant was so good at getting back to me, my visa was running late so he was chasing it up and making sure I was kept in the loop. He also put me in touch with an English girl who he assisted in moving to Hobart previously, she was so helpful, she helped me out with loads of stuff.

It was such a big move just for a job.

Obviously moving a few thousand miles away from home was a little bit of a concern! I guess I was worried about settling, it was such a big move just for a job, it was a huge jump so I was really just worrying that it would work out. My partner came with me so we were both hoping that he would be able to get work. We wondered what it would be like; would it be that much different from home?

 

I don’t regret moving, it’s been a massive improvement

My move met my expectations, definitely, I don’t regret moving, it’s been a massive improvement, I didn't know what to expect in my move to be honest, I guess you never do. I’m not really sure; I was just hoping that it would work out. I didn't know so I just hoped. It was quite a rush as well, we both kind of decided we wanted to leave in October, I got offered the job in November and then we moved at the end of January. It was so quick. But it was just too good an offer to turn down.

We call each other the ‘internationals’

 

It’s good in the office because there is a Scottish and English girl and when I first started there were two American girls so there was a good group of people who were in the same boat. We call each other the ‘internationals’. It’s quite easy to settle in when they have the same culture.

It probably took about three months to settle in, we spent a lot of time going on trips and doing fun things, we kind of felt like we were on holiday for a while.

We've only been here for eight months but I would say we’re pretty comfortable.

I’m getting massive exposure to larger clients over here.

The work life balance is amazing; they love Irish and British people because we work so hard. Their busy season here is just like normal busy back home. If you work until 7 you are generally the last person to leave, they all go home at 5.15pm. It’s appreciated if you stay late, not expected.

My firm is heavily into investing in people. Training is really important to them, I’m doing a coaching course at the moment where I look at everyone and see how I can help them do better. I think it’ll look great on my CV. They are really into training and getting everyone involved. The partners really make an effort to know everyone, they even know my boyfriends name! They sit down with you and talk about everything, even family etc. It is amazing.

I am getting massive exposure to larger clients over here. There are loads of different offices with a lot of different clients.

Cultural differences… Everything is quite similar though, sometimes they don’t understand me or know how to say my name but that’s about it!

My partner and I have done so much here, every weekend we do something, we go on day trips or away for the day, the kind of stuff you wouldn't do at home. We’re only 50 minutes away from Melbourne.

The relationship that Think Global Recruitment have with my firm, they have a massive trust in the company

They have assisted accountants getting jobs there before so the firm knows that they can be trusted to bring in good candidates. I think this made my application a bit smoother. It was great having someone there to help you out with everything through the process. There is always someone there to hold your hand!

Just do it! You won’t regret it!

If I had to give advice to another accountant it would be to just do it! And I guess, my mum always said to me that you can be home to visit in two days, you’re only a flight away!

Think Global Recruitment on Tour, Next Stop… Dublin!

Abigail is excited to be spending her November birthday in Dublin!

Wow, how the past year at Think Global Recruitment has flown!  We have yet again been putting the ‘Global’ into Think Global Recruitment! With meetings and events all over the world! So far this year, we have visited: London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Chester, St Albans, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Our next stop in this Global Challenge will be the charming city of Dublin!

I can’t wait to be saying ‘top of the morning to ye’ in the Irish capital next month when we come over to host our Worldwide presentation and one to one meetings, which are aimed at Chartered Accountants, who are considering an overseas move. We intend to share everything there is to know about living and working overseas and the recruitment process involved.

What are the benefits of living overseas to my career?

What can I expect when I get there?

Where can I go?

How long does it take?

What are the salaries like?

How does the process work?

What are the offices like?

Where can I get the best work-life balance?

My colleagues and I aim to answer all of these questions and more!

Last time we were in Dublin we received fantastic feedback, one accountant said: ‘There was detailed information about all of the locations’ liked the overall synopsis of each area, it was very important.  It went beyond my expectations and I was very impressed overall’

I loved my last visit to Dublin so much, I have chosen to make this trip back on my birthday!

Abigail Stevens

Managing Director

Think Global Recruiment

We will be visiting on the 13^th to 16^th November 2014, in one of the city’s swankiest hotels. Spaces are limited so register ASAP. To do so, please send a copy of your CV to Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com