Finance Opportunities Overseas
Global financial hubs have shifted with the rapid development of several overseas economies. London and New York are no longer the power house destinations for finance career opportunities. Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai, Vienna and Mumbai are earning reputations burgeoning financial hubs thanks to the rapid economic growth of Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Finance opportunities arise in these areas due to the massive accumulation of wealth that is occurring. As economies grow (thanks to exports of goods and services), companies and individuals earn more money. With money around, the finance industry grows to accommodate needs in banking, investment, insurance and equities. Skilled and specialist finance jobs become available in these financial hubs.
So do you want to find a finance job in one of these overseas destinations? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to use your finance skills in an exotic overseas location? Well here are the three major ways to grasp a finance opportunity at a foreign destination.
- 1. Find a willing local employer
This local employer will have an office or connection overseas or might be looking to expand into a foreign market. The employer will have to be willing to relocate you overseas and typically will have a specific role for the right candidate(s). - 2. Find an employer overseas that is recruiting
The employer at the overseas destination will be willing to sponsor you to work in the country for a specific position. - 3. Use a recruitment agency or online database
Numerous international recruitment agencies specialize in the finance industry so speak to a reputable one in the specific area that you are looking to work in (eg. Insurance) Online databases like JobSearchDigest.com have specific finance job categories which advertise finance jobs.
Many people work overseas due to the desire to experience another culture and also the opportunity to be very well compensated for specific finance skills they can bring to international employers. If you are looking to take advantage of finance opportunities overseas, take these 5 things into consideration:
- 1. Entry level or specific role
Are you new to the finance industry? Or have you had specific experience in certain finance niches? These are important questions as it will determine the finance opportunities you can seek out. - 2. Working visas and sponsorship
Will you be allowed to work in the country you had in mind? Are employers in that country readily willing to sponsor foreign recruits? What limits are there to working visas? - 3. Cultural barriers
Have you considered language and cultural differences in employment? These issues can influence your enjoyment and acceptance into the foreign work environment. - 4. Compensation
Have you thought about living standards, exchange rates, taxation issues and relocation costs? If you are looking for a well compensated finance opportunity, all these factors can influence your ultimate ‘take home’ pay packet. Your dream finance job may not be so good if it sets you back. - 5. Your career progression
Is moving overseas for a finance opportunity going to benefit you professionally? If career progression is important, you should be looking a role that take you to the next step (more senior) and roles which compliment/add to your skill set in a particular niche.
Professional financial recruitment agencies can often deal with these factors thoroughly. Moving overseas for a finance job is a very significant step. Do you research and be focused on what you want to get out of the finance opportunities. It never hurts to seek out people who have been there and done that. Social networking and job forums are good places to start, as well as blogs of other financial professionals who have taken the same path.