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 

 

The life of Brain in London!

We recently caught up with Brian, a Canadian qualified Chartered Accountant, whom Think Global Recruitment had assisted to make his latest international move.  Brian had already moved from Canada to Bermuda and built up excellent experience of auditing and working with US, UK, International Standards and Canadian GAAP.  He had been working with Top Ten firms in both countries and he was now waiting to utilise this experience working for a larger, well known international firm and make a move to London.

After a number of interviews, Brian was offered an Assistant Manager position with Big Four Firm, EY, in London and could not be happier.  Now, having settled in an apartment in London with his wife, Vera, Brian tells us how he is getting on:

"I knew a move overseas would be excellent for my career, my CV and I was interested to see how different tasks were carried out internationally.  Originally from Canada, I first moved to Bermuda.  After a year and a half, I was ready to move again, I had grown tired of island life.  I wanted a base from which I could travel and spend weekends away.  I sought after more 'civilisation' and to experience a further, diverse team of colleagues. 

I wanted to work for a Big Four company in London as I felt this would give me the best big market exposure and so I started working with Think Global Recruitment again.  At first, I was worried that Big Four would expect me to work from 8am to 12am but having already made the move, I was prepared for a challenge.  I felt that Think Global Recruitment was my best partner to assist and support me throughout the move.

Think Global Recruitment has been specialising in international recruitment for such a long time, they know the potential pitfalls and advantages and have the professionalism along with industry knowledge to know what works best for the individual.  Their contacts are wide-spread which allows them to know about roles that the average recruitment company would not.  I feel that Think Global Recruitment guided me through every step, answered all of my questions, maintained regular phone contact and had a range of contacts and knowledge to share with me, the interview preparation was brilliant. 

I love that there are so many different cultures in my office: South African, Asian, European, it's a very socially mixed team.  I like the fact that my company are so open to suggestions and to hearing from employees, and how there are so many different ways of working.  I joined at a slow time which gave me plenty of time to settle in.

On a personal level, I felt it took a month or two for me to feel settled, my wife took a while.  I miss having a car but I know it is useless in London, it just feels strange because I come from a car culture.  People have welcomed us both and I don't feel there is a huge cultural difference between the UK and Canada.  We feel really good in London now, I feel very safe and secure here and it does not feel foreign because English is spoken and there are similarities.  Now, it feels like home.  I like the cultural mix in the office and in London in general and I enjoy the ease with which my wife and I can travel throughout Europe with a base in London.  This move has achieved everything that I had hoped for. 

My advice to anyone thinking about working overseas is very simple - do it!  And if you decide to take that big step, do so through Think Global Recruitment.  It's great for your CV, career development and it demonstrates adaptability and risk taking.  It is also excellent for self-development and allows you to learn different ways of working and living.  I absolutely believe this move has enhanced my career and it will also provide the ideal stepping stone for the next move."

Please get in touch if you would like to share your story!

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...

When in Rome...

I am off to one of my favourite European cities today.. Rome. What a lovely city. The buildings, the history, the people, the food, the drink... I can not think of anywhere better to spend the weekend. There is also the weather. As its been getting colder and colder here in the UK, going into minus figures in Scotland, I am looking forward to 18 degrees in lovely Rome.

As you may tell from lack of blog updates, its been a busy few weeks leading up to this break. The international accountancy job market has gone mad. Heaps of new vacancies coming through from all corners of the world. Australia, New Zealand, Far East, Middle East, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe... you name it we have roles there! Now all we need is to find qualified accountants with the right experience to fit each role.

Post recession companies are still being very choosey regarding the experience, qualifications and personalities they are recruiting. There is certainly competition for the Hot Roles. However, I am told by the accountants we work with that we give the very best interview preparation they have ever received, thus giving them an edge over other applicants. The statistics seem to back this up, showing our applicants are more likely to secure a role than any other. We truly believe time invested in this area pays off. After all, all we want to do is Improve Lives....

Here's a question... How long do you spend preparing for
an interview?