TC&MN #19 Unlock Your Global Potential: Discover Tech Careers Abroad

The Ultimate Tech Career Move: Going International

Embrace the Adventure: Going Global Can Revolutionize Your Tech Career!

In 2008, when I was returning from a vacation in Argentina, I got a call from my manager at Accenture.

“I need you to go to Tokyo on Monday.” He said.

I was all in. At this point in my career, I wanted to travel and be exposed to other cultures. This was the start of an 8-month assignment that saw me living in Tokyo and traveling to many places in Asia for work and fun.

In my framework, “ From Equity to Exit,” your exit may not be from your career but from your immediate circumstances.

You may need to unlock some geographic freedom by living and working abroad. Adjusting your work location can provide new experiences that fill you with energy and excitement while keeping the paycheck and equity in place to fill your Evergreen Portfolio.

Working remotely abroad is one solution; however, getting a job abroad may be more fulfilling as you integrate into the office culture.

A Leap Across Borders

The world of tech is no longer confined to local markets. It's global, vibrant, and full of opportunities that span continents. Picture this: you're not just working in your home country but collaborating across time zones, cultures, and languages.

Check out this list of the 10 European Cities for Tech Jobs.

This is about being part of a global community of tech professionals, shaping an interconnected and groundbreaking future.

It is exciting to have a front-row seat in the future.

Many tech professionals miss these opportunities due to lack of awareness or fear of stepping out of their comfort zone.

3 Strategies for Tech Professionals Seeking International Opportunities

Welcome to a journey that transcends boundaries and redefines your career in tech.

Ever wondered how to navigate the path to international career opportunities successfully?

Let's explore the roadmap that will lead you to global tech success.

1. Leverage internal company transfers: This is the easiest way to do it.

   • Many friends and peers have transferred to unique locations (Tokyo, Stockholm, London) to help their companies launch offices, products, and practices.

   • Being an existing employee for the company makes this transfer easier to obtain visas etc.

   • Check with your HR team to see if there are opportunities. Stay in touch and let them know you are open to these roles.

2. Utilize executive recruiters for global tech opportunities: This is a very viable option for mid-career executives.

   • Many do not know this trick. However, there is a need for tech talent abroad, and working with executive recruiters can help you find these opportunities.

   • As the companies are hiring from abroad, the recruiters will have deep insights into relocation, visas and international compensation packages

   • Little-known story: I was interviewing for a role in Oslo, and while I did not get it, my wife had an entire week in Oslo paid for during the recruiting process.

3. Navigate job boards and apply directly for overseas positions: While this path can be more challenging, tech talent is needed overseas.

   • Taking the plunge and hitting non-US job boards can be a challenge, but it is now done more frequently.

   • Verify the packages and seek expert help (lawyers, tax advisors) to ensure the viability of the role, etc.

   • Here is a great resource to start looking yourself on Relocate.me

Beyond the Career Leap

Opting for an international role isn't just about job advancement; it's about enriching your professional journey with diverse experiences and acquiring a unique perspective that only global exposure can offer.

This move significantly boosts your value in the tech sector, giving you an edge in a globalized market. Contrary to common assumptions, these opportunities are achievable and immensely enriching.

Conclusion

We’ve traversed the path to international tech career opportunities together.

Here's what we've uncovered:

• An international tech career is an enriching adventure that extends far beyond conventional career growth.

• Key strategies include leveraging internal transfers, engaging with recruiters, and applying directly to overseas positions.

• Stepping into the global tech world is not just about a job change; it's a transformative life experience.

Remember, the world of technology offers boundless opportunities.

By stepping out of your comfort zone, you can redefine not just your career, but your entire life's trajectory.

In the realm of technology and global opportunities, the only limits are those we set for ourselves.

Here’s to your adventure in the vast, exciting world of international tech. 🌏💻✈️

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047 🎙️ Exploring Tech Careers in Europe: Amin Neeme's Perspective

.In this episode of Tech Careers and Money Talk, we had the pleasure of speaking with Amin Neeme, an employee at Google who works in the partnership team for EMEA.

Dive into his personal experience of living and working in Dublin, Switzerland and Paris.

Find out if working for Tech in Europe is for you!

3 game-changing tools created by tech insiders that help you work for tech equity. (made for tech professionals, by tech professionals)

Working for and managing equity is difficult, but there are new tools being build by other tech employees that can help you out.

After searching through the Google Labarynth, I wanted to give you my top 3 tools for working for equity. This is an exciting space that I am keeping my eye on and will start to report regularly on what is working. While you may say, Christopher, I thought you were out of the 9-5 world. That is true.

However I have been using some of these tools with people I have been coaching through compensation negotiations and job searches, and they have proved incredibly useful.

Here is the list in no particular order:

1.) Total Compensation Calculator

• Total Compensation Calculator: This slick little tool is a quick way to view a total compensation package over a 4 year vesting period.

  • Easy to put in all your numbers and see the data broken out by type of compensation.

  • Great for comparing current vs future compensation

  • Supports RSU and Stock Options

  • Note: Need to fill in all fields for it to work.

2.) RSU Ranking

• RSU Ranking is created by Candor.co that specializes in helping RSU holders diversify more effectively, this tool provides a way to evaluate public company equity.

  • Not perfect however I like getting visibility into how the three categories of trading limits, tax flexibility and volatility vs S&P 500.

  • I don’t consider this the final decider of the quality of the RSU, however it is a solid data point.

  • Feature Update I would love them to add: Vesting Schedule

3.) Start-Up Evaluator (Think Companies to Work for List)

• Wealthfront used to publish a “career-launching startups” list every year. Unfortunately, they stopped in 2021. However, Prospect has come out with its list that lives on in perpetuity.

  • To be transparent, I have not used this tool yet with a client, but I am ready to. It has an excellent rating feature and a risk of exiting.

  • It also provides partners and funding details.

  • All of these data points, while not there to make a final decision for you, will lead you in the right direction.

  • One of the features it has that is amazing is that if you click on a company, you get a LinkedIn Connections button to see who you may know or who your network may know who is working there. Magic!!

All of these are powerful tools in your arsenal as you are thinking like an investor with your time and talent.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.