Maria's Story: Isle of Man - safe, green, clean and the ideal location for me right now!

We recently spoke to Maria who has made two international moves and is now thoroughly enjoying her new life in the Isle of Man! Originally from the Philippines, Maria then moved to Malta before settling in the Isle of Man.

Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

My whole family wanted a better life and had moved to various places overseas. Financially and career wise, it made sense to me.  

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

One of my colleagues from Malta recommended Think Global Recruitment.  So quite soon after calling up you had helped me find a new position and move from Malta to the Isle of Man.

Did you have any concerns about moving overseas?

 

Leaving my family behind in the Philippines was obviously hard and also being further away from members who had moved to the US was difficult too.

However, I settled in quickly.  My firm really helped me with this and a bank account was opened and an apartment was found, everything was good.  

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

I was hoping to work with solid, professional clients within a Big Four Firm, to feel safe and secure in my new home, somewhere green and not too built up.  That is exactly what I got.

Did you feel that the move improved your standard of living?

My standard of living on the Isle of Man is much better than that in Malta.  You can make more money and I have a better apartment.  

What are the highlights of your location?

The Isle of Man is green, safe and clean.

What disappointed you about your location? 

Nothing!  It is the ideal location for me at the moment.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Although Malta is supposed to be quite British, the Isle of Man is much more so.  I love being exposed to that.

What is your current job title?

Audit Executive

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Financial reward, career progression, exposure to bigger and more interesting clients are all advantages.  Promotion is also much faster here than in the Philippines.

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

I would recommend this experience to every professional, particularly those from the Philippines or other locations that are not as economically "sophisticated".  The UK experience has been crucial for my career.

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

I am very impressed by how Think Global Recruitment treat candidates.  My consultant guided me through every step and supported me on an individual basis.  She made herself available to answer any questions - even over weekends.  I really felt that she understood my eventual goal and would work with me to get me there.

Do you believe the original move you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

Absolutely.  It has enhanced my CV, my career prospects have improved and I have gained relevant experience.

We wish Maria every success and a long and successful career with PwC!

LONDON TO SYDNEY – NOT JUST A CAREER CHANGE BUT A LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER – Samantha Frost, British CA

In 2005, Samantha moved from London to Sydney. She had a friend who wanted to travel with her originally but sadly had to pull out. This did not stop Samantha though and 10 years, a husband and 2 children later, Samantha is still in Sydney and has never looked back!

We recently caught up with Samantha to find out about her move and how her life is now.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

I had previously lived for a year in Spain, having moved there knowing no-one and not speaking a word of Spanish so it wasn’t too scary but the thought of leaving my parents as I am an only child was concerning. I knew no one in Australia but I reconciled myself to leaving with the knowledge that I would be able to come home if I was miserable.

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

I think I settled in fairly quickly. The routine of work and forming friendships via my job made it easier to settle in. The gorgeous weather and outdoor lifestyle really suited me as well. A year after my move, I met my husband through my work and meeting him and having that security quickly made Sydney feel like home. 

Did your move meet your original expectations? How?

Sydney’s lifestyle exceeded my expectations as the people were very welcoming. It also made me realise how unhealthy my lifestyle in London had become. Life in Sydney made me feel immediately healthier and better as I wasn’t spending every evening in the pub with friends. As I didn’t have friends immediately, I had much more time to do recreational sightseeing. I fell in love with the city!

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

The best thing about my move to Sydney was meeting my husband. The biggest benefit to my move now is the childhood and lifestyle my children enjoy, something they would in no way have in London. The weather is far better in Sydney, the city is beautiful and our house here is much better than the one we would have had in the UK.  I also gained enough experience during my first placement, that myself and my husband felt we could open our own management consultancy.

What were the highlights of Sydney?

The weather and city were definite highlights for me. As well as this, the work/life balance I achieved in my second job was great. The people were very welcoming.

What culture differences did you notice?

The Australian and British cultures are very similar.   I found the main difference to be in the lifestyle. Australia’s lifestyle is based on the outdoors and is a lot healthier than the UKs.

If you are in a different location to where we placed you, when and why did you leave?

After my initial role in Sydney with PwC, I moved my career on to work for Macquarie Bank. I then stayed at that job until 2013 when I left to have my second child. After this, I joined my husband at his management consultancy.   

What is your current job title?

I am a Director.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?

I would not have got my second role if I had not moved to Sydney. Because of my move, I am much more self-reliant and I am not scared to fail. I am also much braver and bolder because of my international move and having to fit in with other cultures.

What advice would you offer accountants thinking about moving overseas?

Do it! If it all goes wrong, you can go home and at least you will have tried. If it goes right however, it will massively improve your life and career.

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

They were very encouraging my consultant, had already moved from UK to Australia previously. He gave me the confidence to make the move from London and then when I was ready to move on from my first job, he helped me gain my new role, a move which I would never have imagined I could do.

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

The firm’s (Think Global Recruitment’s) market knowledge is an advantage definitely. Consultant’s commitments, client contacts and networking abilities were also positives.

We wish Sam and her husband all the best in the running of their consultancy Think Consulting.

Abigail’s Journey

It's our 15th birthday and in celebration we're looking at the journey of the lady who started it all – Abigail Stevens. Here we talk to her about the journey she's been on since Think Global Recruitment started in July, 2000.

How did you get into recruitment and how did you get to the point of setting up Think Global Recruitment?

I lived and worked in Australia for 3 years and when I came back, I visited Edinburgh for a few weeks. I fell in love with the city and haven’t left. After a while the agency I was temping with, while looking for a job in marketing, offered me a job in recruitment, when I asked what was involved they described it as ‘like running your own business’. I was sold.

Celebrating Think Global Recruitment's First Placement, 2000

After a year with that agency, I was headhunted into an international accountancy consultant role where I was quickly promoted upwards. At an assessment for management buy-out, I was identified as a good candidate to work my way up to Director and be involved. However, this highlighted my entrepreneurial strengths and after weighing up my options, I decided to set up by myself instead.

I had the passion for international accountancy, myself and my team were smashing targets and I realised I didn’t have the passion or much input into other business areas in the company. That’s how Think Global Recruitment started.

Have your offices always been on George Street? From the very start we’ve been in this building. We started on the second floor at the back then knocked through and doubled it, then moved upstairs where we had a view of Edinburgh Castle. Now we take up most of the top floor with views of the Castle on one side and down to the Fourth on the other side of the building.

How has the technology used in recruitment changed since you started? Right from the start we have tried to innovate and stay ahead of our competitors. When we set up we bought three computers (many of our competitors were still using card indexes) and created our own database of accountants and prospective employers.

TGR Stars Softball Team 2004

We used to fax CVs out, couldn’t send mail-shots with attachments. Sifting through manual directories was a big part of our job. Now we have video interviewing, Skype and social media making the world smaller for us and the accountants we place.

Which technological advancement has helped you the most? It probably isn’t what most people think! LinkedIn is great but that helps our competitors as much as it does us. We like to be innovative and use sources and methods others do not use.

Email with attachments, the death of faxes and affordable and improved mobile phones and flights have probably helped us most.

Chartered Accountant Ireland Wine Tasting 2007

Picnic on Think Global Recruitment's Balcony 2009

It’s an international business – where do you most enjoy visiting? Australia, New Zealand and the Far East… However, I really do love travelling almost anywhere.  Every location has something special going for it that will improve the accountants we work with lives.

Bollywood Charity Fund Raiser 2008

What’s been your favourite hotel over the years, has that changed? If I’m away for more than three nights I always prefer self-catering. When I was visiting London, Sydney, Wellington and Edinburgh regularly we used to book Ascot Apartments. The apartments were decorated in the same style throughout the world and they let me keep a suitcase of bulky or liquid essentials, in every one, that was good. It felt like home.

Christmas Market Carboot Sale Charity Fund Raiser 2008

Favourite cuisine and most unusual food tried? My favourite food would be Thai. I’ve tried the Aussie meats such as crocodile and kangaroo and emu but I have to admit, I am not keen to eat anything that looks like what it was before it died!

Think Global Recruitment Taxi 2001

How many miles do you cover in a year? I get on a plane more often that I do a car. It varies but by the end of the year it will be over 40 journeys.

What’s your favourite airline? Emirates at the moment. Their staff have been known to frequently approach as I take my seat and say “Hello Miss Stevens you are our most frequent flyer on board today”. Even on an A380.

Worst moments? The attack on 9/11 the human impact of it all and then the impact upon the business that came after that. The recent Worldwide Recession, having opened offices in Sydney, Glasgow and London and the requirement to restructure was very sad at the time, but the one thing that kept the business going and to emerge again and become the largest, longest running specialist international accountancy recruitment consultancy.

'Abigail' Herald Newspaper 2001

Think Global Recruitment famous for its parties over the years!

And best moments? There are many. Our first placement – Edgar went into the Channel Islands. Getting pictures from people in their new destinations; that's when you can really see that you’ve improved their life. Sell out conferences, my number two, Ali returning to the business six months after he left. When clients say that we're the best supplier for both quality and quantity and that they really appreciate your service. This happens very often, but still makes me feel great, it’s all worthwhile!

Recently uncovering people who we helped find jobs as juniors who are now at the most senior level in the same company we placed them in more than ten years ago is really nice.

Over the years there have been so many highs; year ends, watching people develop in their careers, everyone’s first placement, when they’ve improved their first life.

And our staff day in August will probably be one of them too! We are taking the entire company away to a surprise location to celebrate our 15th Birthday. All they know right now is to have their passport up to date!

15th Birthday Cake! 2015

Our Top 10 Things to do in the Channel Islands!

As you may know, our Managing Director has been touring the globe this, so far with stops across the UK, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Germany to name but a few!  The other week, she packed her bags again and headed down to the beautiful islands of Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel Islands and returned with a ton of jobs!  We thought that we would share with you, our top 10 things to do in these less-well-known accountancy hubs!

1. Explore the surrounding islands

There are a number of small islands that make up the Channel Islands.  Full of breathtaking landscapes, a mixture of British and French culture and the best seafood you'll find in the UK, the Channel Islands are the perfect destination for a spot of island hoping!  Ferries are regular between the islands and there is so much to explore.  From Herm - the island with no cars, to Jersey and Guernsey - the two most populated islands, steeped in history and vibrant bars.

2. Soak up the history of WW2 in Jersey's War Tunnels

Learn about the dark history of the German Occupation of Jersey during World War 2.  The deep tunnels have been converted into an underground collection of galleries and information about the truly horrifying events that took place in the 1940s.

http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/

3. Don your wetsuit and take to the sea! 

Test your resilience at Jersey Seasport Centre where you can choose from a range of activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana rides and many more!  The Channel Islands are infamous for their range of water sports.  Book your spot here: http://www.jerseyseasport.com/ 

4. Splurge at the shops!

There are many well-known high-street shops in Saint Heilier and a handful of local shops.  There are two main markets in Jersey so there really is something for everyone!  You will find souvenir and gift shops on just about every beach with lots of homemade treasure for you to take away.

5. Relax on one of the Channel Islands' many sandy beaches

Guernsey beaches are said to be the nicest within the British Isles.  Vazon Bay has won the title of 'Britain's Cleanest Beach' so is definitely worth a visit.  With warm temperatures in the summer, these beautiful landscapes are the perfect locations for building sandcastles and enjoying an ice cream! 

6. Indulge in a scrumptious meal in Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled city, ideally located in the north western corner of France and has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in Europe!  Being a seaport city, the food is mostly-as expected- locally sourced seafood!  There are frequent ferries from both Jersey and Guernsey over to this fantastic city in France.

7. Come face to face with Orangutans at Durrell Wildlife Park

This zoological park is a must visit to anyone on the island of Jersey!  The park does tremendous work to protect endangered species and is an excellent day out!  The zoo is home to a gorilla, lemurs, meerkats, frogs, iguanas, snakes and many more!  Find out more here: http://www.durrell.org/wildlife-park/

8. Watch the sunset at Corbiere Lighthouse

Take in the stunning views from Jersey's most south west coast.  At certain times of the year you can experience a guided tour around the inside of the lighthouse which is iconic to Jersey's landscape.  Or, if you're not feeling brave enough to cross the causeway before the tide comes back in, there is a nearby car park which the locals say is the best place to watch the sunset and get a bag of chips!

9. Party the night away in Jersey

For quite a compact island, Jersey has a surprisingly vibrant array of nightlife,  There are plenty of local bars and nightclubs in the island's capital Saint Helier.  Big name DJ's have been known to visit the islands.  One of the most popular hang outs is said to be Chambers Bar which is known for having live music, good food and plenty of wine!  http://www.everyoneschambers.com/

10. Pray at the Little Chapel

Guernsey's Little Chapel is said to be "the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world".  It was created by Brother Deodat in 1914 and based on the Grotto and Basillica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basillica.  This beautiful chapel is decorated with seashells and small pieces of broken china.  It's so small that there is only room for around eight people, it's perfect for a photo opportunity while exploring the island!  http://www.thelittlechapel.org/

Have you heard about our Workshop?

Want to know what can go wrong in the interview process or even at the beginning when you first apply?  Here is a short video that may explain more.

By request, we already have a workshop organised in Southampton for Monday 15th June.  If you think this is of interest for Southampton or any other location (we like to go on tour), then please contact us.

Filming and editing was carried out by one of our fantastically, multi-talented consultants - Roger Edwardson, see more of his work here: redwardson.tumblr.com 

If you would like to register, please contact Emma Maloy on emaloy@thinkgr.com or 0131 260 5850

We can't wait to see you there!

The Outcome of Living and Working in Thailand

Following on from our previous post from Daniel who lived in Vienna, we've asked another one of our team to get involved and tell us about his year-long adventure living and working in Thailand!  From the locals walking their pet elephants to the enhanced career opportunities, Kevin had a fantastic time and now that he's back, he wants to encourage others to go overseas.  Talking about his experience he said:

"Gaining that information from each country on how their cultures and how their businesses work, and how people interact with each other...  It definitely grew me as a person and the experience that I gained was incredible"

See what else he had to say here:

Don't forget, you can submit your own video for the opportunity to win the prize of £1,000 (or equivalent in your currency)!

See the below post for guidelines on how to enter the competition or alternatively email Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com for further details!

What is a move, to live and work in Vienna like?

Think Global Recruitment does Videos!

We don't know if you've heard but we are very excited to be launching a brand new website in the summer!  While the designers are working hard on pulling ideas together and doing all of the technical stuff, we have opened our first video competition!  Video is the next big thing and we'd love to share your overseas stories through this medium on our new site.  By doing this short video, you will be inspiring other accountants to improve their lives by making a move too!  So if you want to scream and shout about what a fantastic time that you've had, living and working overseas, please do enter our competition (did we mention that you'll also be in with a chance of winning £1,000?)!

Maybe you're a bit shy or don't know what to say?  We've listed questions and guidelines below and asked one of our very own international experts to record a video about his time overseas.  Here's Daniel, telling us about his time in Vienna:

How do I enter? 

Simple, just set aside ten minutes to answer the following questions (in 3 minutes or less please - we know that there is so much to say!):

1. Where did you move to and from, and what made you make this international move?
2. What are the best things about your new location?
3. How has the move assisted your career?

Then what?

• We will be using the best videos to inspire other accountants who are thinking of making an overseas move
• Once you have recorded your video (can be done on a webcam, tablet, smartphone) use Dropbox to send the compressed video to emaloy@thinkgr.com and we will send a receipt once we have received it!
• The winning video will be judged on how innovative, inspiring and informative it is

We can't wait to see your videos!

If you have any questions, feel free to email, Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com 

*By entering this competition you are consenting to the use of your video on our soon to launch website and social media.  Normal competition rules apply.