Accepting graduate job in Dubai from UK - advice needed
I have been offered a graduate job at a boutique investment house in Dubai for once I complete my Masters degree in UK but swaying on whether to take up the offer. Had been aiming for IBD at EB/MM level in London, and got to a few assessment centres but as yet no offers/still waiting to hear back. Only prior experience is a year in industry in accounting, and a summer PE/VC internship. Really stuck on whether to take this or not - generous tax free salary is appealing, but would this put me out of the running for IB in the future, maybe in 2/3 years time on a return to London? Or should I reject, and keep looking in London? Appreciate any advice, particularly from people who have moved to the Middle East for Finance roles, or even lateralled from an investment fund or PE to IB
Stay in London if that's your ultimate goal. Going from Dubai to London is not impossible, but definitely an uphill battle
Thanks. Even an uphill battle if I'm originally from the UK?
That makes it easier; however, relocating is more of a function of your deal experience rather than your nationality at that point, especially if you're going for associate/associate+ level roles.
I would say it depends on the brand/experience you'd be gathering.
Recruitment in the UK is a bit slower than usual, although grad programs are going ahead. Are there any reasons you weren't hired in the UK, except the economic challenges?
Are you a UK citizen? You'd always come back then and you are not risking your visa or anything.
Lastly, life in a Muslim country is not the same as living/working in London. Have you been to Dubai before and are you comfortable living there?
There are many expats now, but there are a few things that are different.
Thanks for this.
I studied at a top 10 UK university for my BSc, and now at a top 5 for my MSc (although I wouldn't say they are targets as such), but decided very late that I would try and get into IB, although I appreciate it is difficult, hence studying for the MSc. I turned down an offer from a boutique valuations practice in London but from the other application processes where I have reached final stage and been unsuccessful there has been plenty of positive feedback with no major changes suggested when I have asked for feedback. I believe it is lack of experience, as I only have a summer internship that is really relevant to the jobs I am looking for. I am still in the running for numerous roles in London. The job offered in Dubai is an excellent role, especially as a grad, and if an identical role was offered in London I would already have signed. I think it is just the fact that it is abroad that is why I am hesitant.
I am a UK citizen, so appreciate it would be very easy to come back.
I am also fully aware of the culture out there, having done plenty of research, and having a long conversation with the CFO of the investment house. Not been before, but I believe I would feel comfortable living out there.
I have lived in multiple countries and enjoyed the experience.
If this employer has an office in London, I would ask if they can relocate you after an agreed time frame abroad. Not as a requirement, but as an option.
Other than that, if you are comfortable living in a non-Christian country, I would do it. Dubai has many expats and it's not like they have never seen a Westerner.
Appreciate this. No office in London unfortunately as the firm is only small c. 20 employees. It would never be a permanent thing, 3/4 years max, get CFA which they fund then move back to London. Just don’t want to be disadvantaged upon returning to UK.
Depends a lot on the fund name, previous track record etc.
Pm me the name if you aren't comfortable sharing it here
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