The benefits to leave abroad and how to take the leap

I’m currently writing this article from a coffee shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. where the delicate smell of fine coffee and books envelops me. This marks my 4th move since I left my island in 2008 after graduating from university. The purpose of this article is to bring to your attention the benefits of living abroad and to provide practical guidance for those contemplating a similar journey.

First, let's be clear about the why behind leaving your country. In my case, exploring the world was appealing. As a child, I was always fascinated by the idea of exploring the world. When I first saw a world map, I was amazed by the vastness of our planet. It was challenging to understand that the world extended far beyond Guadeloupe, French West Indies.

After completing my Master’s degree in Mathematics, I made a hard decision to leave my island and move to Paris. I wanted to apply my learning in my day-to-day work. Positions were limited in Guadeloupe; Paris was appealing and full of opportunities. Securing a position in an insurance company marked the beginning of my apprenticeship journey.

My desire to move abroad was still there. However, I knew I needed to build a set of skills that would make me desirable abroad. At this time, only 0.5% of the company workforce was able to move internationally. However, I was not discouraged by such statistics and started to acquire different types of skills: financial market knowledge, actuarial science, statistics, risk management, and data analytics. After eight years of diligent effort, I was able to convince my senior management to send me to Hong Kong as a risk manager.

It was a fantastic opportunity, and I spent three years immersing myself in different Asian markets and gaining insights into solvency regulation, product review, and knowing about the financial landscape. Subsequently, I transitioned to Switzerland, facing distinct challenges in a low-interest rates environment. Three years later, I was able to move back to Asia in a leadership position overlooking pricing, reserving, and reinsurance. This new chapter presents continuous learning opportunities as I navigate the realms of leadership.

Living abroad for the past seven years enabled me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace diverse cultures, and adapt my communication style. It was a transformative experience that enriched my understanding of markets, consumer behaviors, and organizational dynamics. While the journey was rewarding, it also presented challenges such as building new relationships with a new circle of friends. In addition, keeping your habits and hobbies even in a different environment is essential for your mental health and it is a great source of energy. You will spend a lot of time alone (for those who are not with their family), so plan your evenings and weekends carefully, keeping yourself busy and making the most of this experience.

If you feel inspired after reading this, I will invite you to read the second part where I will share some tips that have worked for me on how to make it happen:

1. Motivation and vision: It is important, and I will never say it enough, to make sure that this is what you want and you are not moving abroad for the wrong reason. Trying to escape the reality of your country or forget about someone are a few examples of wrong reasons. You will face new challenges, meet new people or start new relationships, and new problems will come, because this is what life is about: having problems that you are happy to solve.
2. Industry selection: It was clear that I was looking to contribute to an industry where I can use my Mathematics skills and my love for science. At the same time, I wanted to help people solve financial problems and give them a sense of security. Working in the Insurance industry is allowing me to contribute to my mission.
3. Country selection: Consider countries with a thriving economy and opportunities that align with your interests and preferences. It is better to target a country where economic growth is positive and where the population's lifestyle is improving. Those create more opportunities for companies and also for talent needs. The regulatory aspect relative to your targeted position is important to consider as well.
4. Master the skills: It is important to have a solid foundation in your field. You need to be seen as the expert in your country to convince people abroad to hire you. I started from the basics and focused my learning on the new regulation in the insurance industry. At this time, it was Solvency II. This framework has been developed to improve the risk quantification of Insurance companies, especially after the financial crisis of 2008. Learning about this framework helps me to have a strong understanding of any future framework.
5. Build your network and reputation: It is important to build a great reputation and be the go to person. Important as well to come to the workplace with a positive attitude which can contribute to motivating people around you. Take the habit to do more than what is expected from you. You need to set your priority right and identify the wins of your area. It is also important to organize lunch with people that you appreciate and can contribute to your development. This is where the selection of a mentor is crucial and can accelerate your goals achievement. Start to provide value and extra work for your direct manager and director. Get noticed and have visibility. It is important to work for the right person. The one that can see your value.
6. Communicate your goals: After building trust in the company and equipped with the right skills, it is important to communicate your goals to move abroad. You should highlight the benefits for you and for your company.

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