Sital Ruparelia

Over the next month, I am due to attend 3 sets of ‘leaving drinks’ and parties for friends in London’s financial district.

Nothing uncommon there you think.

But they are not just celebrating a job change – but celebrating a move abroad.

All 3 individuals (and families where appropriate) are in fact leaving London to take up roles in the Middle East or Asia. One is relocating to Hong Kong, one to Singapore and the other to Dubai.

(View of Hong Kong Skyline)

10 years back some of these centres were often seen as outposts where you went to see out the latter stages of your career.

But not any more.

With more and more banks looking east for growth and profitability over the next 2-3 years, the more opportunities will arise for progressive individuals with experience in locations such as London, New York and Zurich.

As this article in last Friday’s evening standard points out (with particular reference to Mumbai in India), whilst the employment markets in the UK and US are struggling, the job markets in the Middle East, India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore are very strong.

Strong growth coupled with a shortage of talent across Asia and the Middle East mean that there are and will continue to be some exciting opportunities opening up for 6 figure professionals. So it could be an opportunity for anyone looking a fresh challenge, exposure to the emerging markets and the opportunity to accelerate their careers whilst the job market in the west recover over the next couple of years.

What Do You Think? I would love to hear your thoughts on the career opportunities in the Middle East and Asia along with the potential benfits and pitfalls of such a move.

Let’s have a conversation. I encourage you to enter your thoughts in the comments box below.