| Topic Name: |
Career Advice 29year old HELP! |
| Message Name: |
worked in europe |
| Date Posted: |
06/21/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
Ok here is the deal: I am an American in my (very) late 20's.
I have a MSc degree in Biology (With Comp Sci emphasis) from a very good University.
I have just over 4 years of experience as an engineer split over 3 major Medical Device / Life Science companies. I am knowledgable about all the Regulatory Requirements by the FDA and Life Science industry.
While on holiday/vacation in Europe I happened to meet someone who is a "high up" in a subsidiary company of a HUGE (Billion $+) BPO/Outsourcing company.
Currently this company only offers processing and IT consulting services.
But this person comes from a Health Care / Life Science consulting background.
This person has asked me to be a Project Manager in the development of a Life Science/ Healthcare divison for this European division. Since his background is in this type of services he will help me, but I will be in East Europe and he will be in America.
The pay is extremely low by American standards and many magnitudes less than I made in the US ($100k), but is a very good local salary. There is already an established office etc, but like I said they are all doing IT services. I like the life style here and the office, but would eventually like to return to the US (or possibly West Europe).
My question is: Is this a good career decision?
How long should I work here? I would like to return to the US with this experience to get a good job in the US.
How long would I have to stay here for the experience to be substantial?
Is "International" experience really all it is cracked up to be?
Do employers in the US really take it into consideration?
Sorry for the lengthy question. But I would like some advice /thoughts on this.
Thanks!!!!!! |
| Message: |
The only time working/studying abroad is professionally beneficial is when you can attach a name brand on it.
The managerial role is enticing, but truthfully, unless its a really known company (Exxon/McKinsey/HSBC/etc.) its likely to look like a nice holiday. Especially as you will work in E. Europe and not London or Frankfurt. Also, since you will not be paid generously, I am guessing there are times you may feel frustrated.
This is just my opinion, but I think its quite common. A friend on mine who worked briefly in China came back saying, all the Westerners there were second rate just capitializing on their English.
I went to LSE and even the Europeans are not interested in working in E. Euro or their smaller towns (Vienna/Copenhagen/Rome). London and Frankfurt pull weight as business centers.
Good luck.
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