stephen1999

I was wondering what opportunities there are in financial services.

After reading various posts in this forum, it seems suitable employment is difficult to come by, for newly landed residents.

I have ten years experience in banking (risk management and systems development) and would be looking for a salary in the region of $100k.

What are the chances of being able to find suitable work after landing?

Would getting a job first be an easier option?

The Wizzard

where are you planning on relocating to in Canada? Toronto is the
financial capital and there are *tonnes* of financial companies there.
You will need possibily to try and get some local knwoledge to show them
you understand banking in Canada. The most common qualification for
mobility in the banking industry there I understand is the Canadian
Securities and Exchange Commissions one which many schools do courses
in. I'd imagine you'd be able to find something, the hard part is
getting your foot in teh door, once you are in there and your experience
and ability proven it is fairly easy to move around within the
institution. Try making contacts who may be able to find you a way in or
let you know of internal vacancies before they are advertised.
I wouldn't be so hung up on the $100K salary when you first go, just get
the job in the bank first and then worry about moving up to higher
salaries. As a new person from a different country most places will want
to see the abilities and skills you claim proven before you will be
completey accepted for what you do. It's an extra challange but I'd say
just get the job first. When earning in C$ and spending in C$ $100K is a
big salary and you can establish yourself on a lot less.

stephen1999 wrote:

    > I was wondering what opportunities there are in financial services.
    >
    >
    > After reading various posts in this forum, it seems suitable
    > employment is difficult to come by, for newly landed residents.
    >
    > I have
    > ten years experience in banking (risk management and systems
    > development) and would be looking for a salary in the region of $100k.
    >
    >
    > What are the chances of being able to find suitable work after
    > landing?
    >
    > Would getting a job first be an easier option?
    >
    >

iaink

Stephen, you are being unrealistic.

You will have to take a lower level position if you can even find one, before progressing up the ladder to this salary level, very few canadains make anywhere near this much. Average annual houshold income (two jobs in most cases) in canada is ~$68k.

Find out what qualifications you will need to do this type of job here before assuming you will be qualified. Oversees experience is not rated by most canadian employers.

Do not emmigrate for Financial or Career advancement reasons. Emmigrate because you identify with the values and lifestyle of your adopted country.

I should make that last bit my sig, I seem to be typing it a lot!

Good Luck

Iain

Cykotronic

I would agree with what the other two said. You’re not going to get $100K, especially if you’re coming from overseas.

I work in financial services in the US and am thinking of moving to Toronto for family concerns. I am a Canadian citizen, have a Canadian degree, have some Canadian experience -- even US experience, which is actually looked favorably in Canada -- and I’ve been having trouble getting any feedback. I do pretty well in the US, but I know I’ll take a substantial pay cut.

I also have contacts in financial services in Canada and they tell me the market is not so good right now and it’s difficult to land something. Some are worried about getting laid-off.

Unless you’re running your own business, you won’t strike it rich in Canada. And it’s going to be more difficult to make it big with a salaried position. If you’re interested in making that $100K figure, then move to the US, Asia or stay in the UK.

stephen1999

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cykotronic

Thanks for the responses. I didn't realise $100k was so unrealistic. The reasons for wanting to move to Canada are not financially related (although I woudln't be prepared to flip burgers or drive taxis as others have done), so I was setting my expectations at $100k as this would be a reduction compared to my UK salary.


Thanks for the advice though.

Observer

Sure, not a problem. All five major banks needs your type of experience and
skill set pronto.

You could get CTO or CFO position without any difficulty. Only $100,000? How
about $250,000 with bonuses? Stock option?


"stephen1999" <member20508@british_expats.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > I was wondering what opportunities there are in financial services.
    > After reading various posts in this forum, it seems suitable
    > employment is difficult to come by, for newly landed residents.
    > I have
    > ten years experience in banking (risk management and systems
    > development) and would be looking for a salary in the region of $100k.
    > What are the chances of being able to find suitable work after
    > landing?
    > Would getting a job first be an easier option?
    > --
    > Posted via http://britishexpats.com

iaink

That one was more obviously sarchastic, or else I am just expecting it from you now.

Iain