International job search?

[SSSnail]

Let's say you want to look for job in another country, where's the best place to do that? Has anyone has experience in this arena?

I'm thinking of moving to another country, or wanting to and would like to get in with a company before doing so. What I want is a company that would relocate me, I'll give them a contract if necessary.

Best way to go about this?

 

[AreaCode707]

International transfers are tricky, even within a company. I'd start by making a list of international companies you want to work for, pinpoint some positions that have a chance of being transferred, and check to see if your skill set and experience level match any of them.

The very best thing to do would be to move, get a work permit in the country, and apply when there, but that is usually difficult in many countries.

 

[Farang]

I don't know if you're the career-oriented type, or the work-to-fund-travel type, but my advice is more for the latter.

I think the best place to start would be to decide which region of the world you'd like to move. The idea of working in a foreign country is intriguing and exotic, but there are drastic differences in where you can end up going so it is best to choose early.

After you've chosen a region, find out what it takes to get a work permit there. Check out more regions if you're interested. Check out every little detail and find which countries are possible, difficult, or virtually impossible to work in.

Next find how your skillset may match the labor force in the countries that seem easier to enter. For example, English teachers are in high demand in Asia while any specific skill can get you into Austrialia, New Zealand, or Canada. Africa may need engineers. Actually every place may need engineers.

If you have a degree, there are countless programs open to you that will send your overseas with a paycheck. Mostly these include teaching english but if you've got a major that is in high demand you may find other options. Search and search for every option open to you. From small development projects in Africa, to the massive JET program in Japan, you'd be surprised who is willing to feed and shelter you while you get to travel.

I could go on but the most important thing is that you learn to love searching for opportunities. Sadly, it is a hobby of mine to find out what options I have available to send me overseas. But that is why I'm moving to Bangkok next month, because I found an obscure opportunity that is going to let me screw around in Southeast Asia for a year.

 

[SSSnail]

Thanks for the advice, a little bit about me so you guys can better help. I know currently with my qualifications and experience, I can get into the big 4 consulting firms easily (sr. position). My problem is that I can't publicly advertise my availability, because my current employer will be the first to get wind of it. I'm in good terms with my current employer and would like for it to remain that way. It's not that I don't like working here, it's just that I want to relocate to another country, and perhaps a bit of change in lifestyle before I'm old.

I've done quite a bit of traveling, and have settled on a location where I'd like to be for at least the next 5 years, Singapore. To me, it's the new Hong Kong, and there are a ton of opportunities there for me. I can use that as a base or a stepping stone if you will. I do not like the idea of moving to a place and then look for a job, hopefully I will never have to do that in my lifetime.

My current employer *may* eventually create a base and develop a business entity there in Singapore. But that's a big maybe and I don't even know if that would include me, even though I made my intentions known.

If I work for a consulting firm, then traveling within the region is inevitable, which is fine by me. Frankly, I'm just tired of Southern California, if you can fathom that. Thanks for reading.

 

[Farang]

You seem to have a specific line or work and a specific place in mind. To be honest I don't know what kind of help you're looking for here. I'd just have to give you the obvious advice of looking into Singapore work permits and companies that may be interested in hiring you, and go from there.

 

[kumanchu]

i'm sort of wondering how a sr. management level consultant with a big 4 firm doesn't have the connections necessary to make this happen on his/her own.
in addition i kind of wonder how such an individual also lacks the resources how to find out how to do so within his/her own industry.

in anycase, good luck finding a job.

 

[SSSnail]

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i'm sort of wondering how a sr. management level consultant with a big 4 firm doesn't have the connections necessary to make this happen on his/her own.
in addition i kind of wonder how such an individual also lacks the resources how to find out how to do so within his/her own industry.

in anycase, good luck finding a job.

I never said sr. management, perhaps you misread. What I meant is that I won't be starting at the bottom, sr. position at the very least, possibly manager. I do have some connections, actually one of a guy that used to work in my same department is now a Sr. Manager for PWC in UK. Another is working towards his management for D&T. There are a few distant former colleagues that are also working for D&T.

I guess part of me is still too passive about making a move, I'm in my water testing phase. Don't want to make the splash yet, or do I. I'm so confused

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: SSSnail

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i'm sort of wondering how a sr. management level consultant with a big 4 firm doesn't have the connections necessary to make this happen on his/her own.
in addition i kind of wonder how such an individual also lacks the resources how to find out how to do so within his/her own industry.

in anycase, good luck finding a job.

I never said sr. management, perhaps you misread. What I meant is that I won't be starting at the bottom, sr. position at the very least, possibly manager. I do have some connections, actually one of a guy that used to work in my same department is now a Sr. Manager for PWC in UK. Another is working towards his management for D&T. There are a few distant former colleagues that are also working for D&T.

I guess part of me is still too passive about making a move, I'm in my water testing phase. Don't want to make the splash yet, or do I. I'm so confused

Can you contact him? Send him an email that says your life's passion is to live and work in Singapore - what do I need to do to make it happen?

 

[SSSnail]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
Can you contact him? Send him an email that says your life's passion is to live and work in Singapore - what do I need to do to make it happen?

I guess, haven't contacted him for a few years now. He used to be somewhat my mentor.