 Think
Global Recruitment assisted Helena McGrath to move from Galway in Ireland
to the Cayman Islands in September 2006.
What job were you doing before
you moved to the Cayman Islands?
I was working as Head of Finance
in Ireland for a charity that supported people with disabilities.
It was an interesting role but I felt I had achieved everything I could
in that position. It was time for a change.
Why did
you decide to move overseas?
I always wanted
to travel but preferred the option to work abroad. I knew accountancy
is a good profession to achieve this goal. Also for future career
development, having international experience on your CV is viewed positively
by future prospective employers. I chose the Cayman Islands for the
lifestyle and climate. As I had anticipated it’s a relaxed work and
social environment. Your work schedule is busy but the office atmosphere
is relaxed and helpful. The proximity of the Cayman Islands to the
United States and South America is ideal for additional travel.
Has your
move met your original expectations? How?
Yes and I
would say exceeded them. I thought it would take months to settle
in but I was settled in a matter of weeks. The company I now work
for was very helpful and made the transition as smooth as possible.
The organisation is very people orientated and goes to great lengths to
ensure you are happy both in work and outside of work.
I love the Cayman
Islands, it’s so beautiful. I expected George Town to be bigger and
more developed but I now like its quaint charm. The beaches are postcard
perfect and I love the outdoors activities. I am currently learning
to sail and I love it!
What has
been the biggest benefit of moving?
I have met
so many amazing people from all over the world. I sit next to a guy
from Zimbabwe and we have become the best of friends. An unlikely
pair but a friend for life. You learn and experience so many different
cultures even though the population of where you live is only 50, 000.
I feel a great sense of achievement for moving here alone and making a
success of it. It’s scary as well as exciting but more than worth
the risk.
Has your standard of living/quality
of life improved? How?
Yes. I am more active now.
I have started to play Gaelic football, sailing, volleyball etc.
I walk on the beach three times a week. My work day flies by because
I am so happy there.
Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
Yes and I’m also learning French!
What has
been the most difficult part of moving abroad?
I have met
wonderful people but I miss my family & friends terribly, nothing or
no one can replace them.
What advice
would you give to other Accountants who are considering relocating abroad?
If you are
thinking about it, stop thinking about it and just do it! You will
never look back. For me it’s been and remains to be a very positive
move and I love my new life.
What are
the main work culture differences you have noticed between your home country
and overseas?
Here you are
treated and valued so much. The company I work for never focus on
the negative and reinforce all the good things you do. The partners
are friendly with an open door policy, which is just that. They appreciate
you and regard you as their most valuable asset.
What have
been the highlights so far about life abroad?
Learning to
sail, meeting extraordinary people and soaking up the sun every chance
I get!!!
What, in
your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining
future employment?
Its shows
you are flexible and adapt well to change. Promotion possibilities
are faster abroad and you gain invaluable experience. |
