As we enter the second half of 2021 and with Covid-19 seemingly coming under control in Ireland, you might consider revisiting your original plans to travel and work abroad as a newly qualifying ACA.
Here are some tips and thoughts to help you plan the adventure:
- Select your location carefully: how did it perform in the lockdown? Is it likely to suffer economically in the year ahead? What are the local trends in that market? Start your research and reading early. Connect and speak with ACAs in that location about their experience in the last year. One thing is certain…no matter what location you are going to no one has a crystal ball and change in circumstance is very possible whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Toronto or Melbourne. So bear in mind your plan B for a return home should it be needed
- Get your jabs, boosters, vaccines in time and know what is involved with these
- Do some remote interviews via zoom with Recruiters in the location to get a feel for things
- If the Institute has a presence there connect with it and get key contacts from us in Chartered Accountants Ireland
- Link in with members abroad in that city
- Do you know someone there that you can live with initially while you find accommodation?
- Follow your target companies in that city on LinkedIn and create a top 20 target hitlist of organisations you want to work for there
- Start your travel project now, plan ahead and allow plenty of time to assess accommodation and cost of living
- Assess the market for ACA’s getting short term contracts versus permanent roles as a series of contracts is likely to be your initial six or nine months
- Speak to your peers in Ireland about your plans and get their advice
- Are there new locations emerging globally or are Toronto, Sydney, London, NYC and Dubai still the main locations? Are there exciting new sectors and companies emerging and booming in these locations that are amenable to taking on Irish ACAs on contract. Construction? Nursing homes? Healthcare? Technology? Green sector etc.
- If sponsorship by a company is required make sure you have the correct admin detail on hand such as copies of your college results and your ACA qualification
- Check out the local tax and typical salary market rates - it may not be all about the base salary in some locations and the overall package may be the key, so find out what is typical in terms of benefits and bonuses in the region
- Is there an Irish community you can link in with - is there a group on LinkedIn, social scene / network to tap in to such as the GAA or other sporting organisations?
- Be aware of local laws such as alcohol and clothing if you are going to the Middle east for example
- How to stay on top of your CPD? Logging in remotely to the Chartered Accountants website is a good idea and no matter how far away you are you can still stay very close to your CA home as a newly qualified ACA and meet your CPD requirements via our online learning options
- Why not have a quick google of the demographics for where you are going – is it an ageing city or a young city?
- Will the move support your past-times or help you try new ones?
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