In the past few months, the CDO has collaborated with alumni from three global chapters (Canada, Dubai, London) to host sessions for students interested in living, working and recruiting in these regions. While there are plans for more, already three key themes have emerged:
- Relationship building/ networking is key to finding your first job and future jobs
The stories varied by the personal circumstances of the alums, but the theme was consistent. Some alumni reached out to each other while others continued to stay in touch with former colleagues. But alumni across these varied regions acknowledged that such relationships were key to their recruiting success.
This is in part because relationships are built on shared interests and trust. Relationships also take time – sometimes a few conversations and sometimes long stints of working together. But the outcomes are the same – those in trusted relationships will support each other and share information – unpublicized roles, contacts, references, etc. – because they want to help each other succeed.
- Work visa/ immigration considerations are real
While each region has its own story, it is in students’ best interests to understand early on the opportunities for securing work visas in the country. This will help focus relationship building and recruiting efforts in the short-term and for the long-term.
Notably, alumni shared that UAE is hungry for foreign nationals to move to the region and there is a huge expat community. That said, there are some restrictions for nationals of some countries that can result in different salaries and/ or exclusions from recruiting for some roles.
- Alumni are proud of where they live and work and happy to connect
If you have questions about living or working in the region, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to alumni. Whether discussing joining the tight-knit alumni chapter in Vancouver, understanding career-building in UK likely means living and working in London, or learning about the high levels of personal safety alumni feel in tax-free Dubai/ UAE, alumni are happy to connect, share their personal experiences, and share what makes their hometowns special. Students can join the Alumni Chapters of their choice now to start those connections and join in virtual sessions.
