Cross-border recruitment

Hi all,

Background: Semi-target school in Asia, EB IB experience in Asia (2.5 years), and currently a 2nd year (pre-MBA) associate at a US MF (KKR / Bx / Apollo) in one of their Asia shops. Presently in a standard 2 and out kind of a pre-MBA role, but not super keen to pursue an MBA at the moment. I am looking to move to London (to move closer to girlfriend), and do not require visa sponsorship.


What do you think is the best way forward:

  1. Direct lateral move while still working in Asia: Networking has been tough, with most headhunters not responding, function of both lack of European / UK experience and tough hiring markets

2. Leave full-time job and move to UK and search for new opportunities - received this feedback from headhunters and people working at funds given they are most likely to entertain when I am on ground and meeting in person, but highly risky given large downside in case nothing works out for 6 months

  1. Internal mobility: Fund has very strong presence in UK, but highly unlikely that internal transfer will be possible given expectation is to leave after 2 years to pursue an MBA

  2. Pursue an MBA in UK / Europe: Not inclined to pursue an MBA given high upfront spend and no real jump in role title (from UK market perspective); but highest chances of getting local market experience via internships.


Open to hearing thoughts on the above / other options I may not have considered yet. Appreciate your time!


Thanks

 

I am guessing you have a network already due to work, you could ask existing contacts whether they would be interested.
But none of the above options sound optimal or easy.

The market isn't great, and we also don't know of any focus areas. Guessing you don't speak any EU languages? Fluent in French? German? Then, in some circles in the UK there are certain cultural, behavioral and linguistic traits which are relevant.

Simply applying for jobs isn't often going to work out in the current market.

 

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