Top Ten Reasons to Work Abroad

It may seem like a drastic career move or it may be something you have always dreamed of doing, but working abroad could be the best thing you ever did in terms of your career.

In 2014, 180,000 people left the UK to find better work and life prospects, in 2013, that figure was 187,000. In fact, 56% of emigrants state work-related issues as the main reason for leaving.

With these significant figures in mind, we’ve highlighted our top ten reasons to work abroad.

Top Ten reasons to work abroad

1. Improve your CV

One of the best ways to catch the eye of a prospective employer is to have a wide range of skills and experience on your CV. By demonstrating that you have worked on overseas projects you are highlighting a valuable skill-set that you have achieved making you CV more likely to be considered by employees.

2. Create new opportunities

Working overseas means that you will be exposed to new opportunities. New challenges will arise in your day-to-day role that are different to those experienced at home due to local practices, techniques, regulations, culture etc., this means that you will have the opportunity to deal with things in a different way exposing yourself to new opportunities to prove yourself.

3. Make new connections

As soon as you step off the plane, you will have the chance to make a whole new raft of connections. Building your network of skilled professionals is always going to be advantageous at each stage of your career both at home and overseas. New connections can provide expertise, insight and opportunity for the future.

4. Learn new skills

Every new job is a chance to acquire new skills and broaden your professional acumen. Take every opportunity to get involved with new types of projects and volunteer to take on new jobs that interest you.

5. Continued learning

Working overseas demonstrates that you are not afraid to try something new and are willing to learn new ways of doing things. This demonstrates adaptability which is one of the top ten qualities interviewers look for.

6. More competitive

There is no question that working abroad will make your CV stand out compared to the next man. Make sure that you can demonstrate the success of your overseas projects and apply what you have learned to any new jobs you are applying for and this will put you in a much more competitive position.

7. More profitable

Many people choose to work overseas due to the fact that there is an opportunity to make more money. Tax regulations here in Dubai for example mean that you could be paid tax-free. The opportunity to bring down the cost of living, and working, is hugely appealing to many.

8. Cultural awareness

There is nothing like working abroad to improve your understanding and knowledge of other cultures. It’s important to immerse yourself in the new environment and learn how things are done in your host country. Gaining new cultural awareness will provide you with greater knowledge and ability to build successful business relationships in the future.

9. Share expertise

Many overseas employers are looking for mid-senior level practitioners to share their management expertise, take advantage of this demand to secure your overseas job.

10. Renewed passion

After a time away from home working abroad you may find that you have a renewed passion for your career or that you have a burning desire to return back home from where things had become a little stayed. A change is always as good as a rest it is said, so a stint working abroad could be just the job for bringing you back to the top of your game at home.

If you are a construction professional looking for overseas opportunities, get in touch with PSR and we will be on hand to guide you through the process.

PSR is a leading provider of construction recruitment services in the UK. PSR has expertise in recruiting mid to senior level civil engineering, building, FM, rail, M&E and residential staff. With offices in the UK and Dubai, they unique consultative approach and proven mix of recruitment methodologies. PSR was opened by James Sanders and  Mark Palmer in 2005.

Please contact us to take your career in the Middle Eastern construction industry to the next level.