Poet

Hi All and New Years Greetings.

I am posting with the intent of gaining some insight from existing expat’s in the Middle-East on seeking Employment.

I am a UK graduate with a 2:1 BA Honours in business studies with marketing as a major specialism (E-marketing/Greening business) coupled with 3.5+ years sound commercial marketing experience both in the UK and international exposure in Africa covering basic Marketing Administration to strategic Marketing responsibilities, Market research and report and strategy formulation.

I would like a new challenge in the Middle East but feel I may not be ready and would be ever so grateful if any-one could answer the following.
(1) I know Arabic is native in the Middle East but is it something that must be learnt prior to seeking employment in the Gulf or can you get away with English of which I have been told is widely used in commerce.
(2) Having looked on search-engines I get the general consensus is to apply for positions located on recruitment website both regionally and nationally, are there any particular recommended sites other than Bayt and Gulf daily news to seek Marketing and Commercial positions.
(3) Is it too early in my career to be considering relocating to the Gulf for positions that I am seeking.

Thank for your time, patience and I would be highly appreciative if anyone could assist me on my enquires.

Tiger989

Working in the Middle East as a fresh graduate has its pros and cons. If you looking for high quick cash well Middle East could be the place for you. If you looking for a solid career development plan and a slow but strong work experience then Middle East is not the place. I’ve worked in Dubai when I first graduated and my potential was much higher and stronger than the work requirements here, then I moved to Abu Dhabi where I was raised, I changed from a Mechanical Engineer to a System, Electrical Engineer. It just shows that anything can be done in UAE, and mind you both companies are quit big, first was ROSEN and the one I’m currently in is Honeywell. You don’t need to know Arabic to survive here, unless its government related.
Here things go slow, and if you looking into marketing in the middle east you will be attacked with the most ridiculous marketing audience. I personally wouldn't recommend the Middle East in the early days of your career. Go to America as a fresher, you will enjoy it there more and you can earn great marketing experience and from there you can reconsider the Middle East with a nice big fat salary.

Poet

Thanks Tiger989 for taking the time and effort to respond I appreciate it alot especially as it was quite indepth.

While I am a fresh graduate which is certainly true,I do have 3 1/2 years marketing experience, I took a year out after my A levels and worked for a marketing company for a year then at university both in my placement and in my 2/3 years till now i worked in marketing capacity roles.All roles have been very hands on ,demanding and quite senior responsibilities.

I am just looking for some good money now not to fussed with rapid progression as ultimatly i want to go into business myself so 5 years of nearer the same wage would be ideal.

What im finding is that there seems to be a lack of marketing jobs most require 5 years plus which rule me out. Other fields like Engineering and Teaching seem to be in plenty need.Oh by the way congrats you seem to be doing well which is great to hear and an inspiration to us all.

Once again a big thank-you tiger989 your response is much apreciated.

Tiger989

Poet,

No problems, I'm here to help.

Well I would advise to do any of the three options below:

Option 1:

As you did before visit some recruiting agencies online or job adverts, you've missed out www.monstergulf.com

Option 2:

I would recommend working in Abu Dhabi or Dubai as its not a big culutre shock as in Saudi or other gulf countries. Most of the world wide companies such as GE, Honeywell, Baker Atlas, Schlumberger and many more engineering companies do have vacant spots and would require to employ fresh graduates as its cheaper for them. I wouldn't worry about the salary as a first job in middle east as I said before here you can get very fast connections. And with a year in any firm in middle east with a good reputation you can be head hunted easily, and randomly people offering jobs towards you.

Option 3:

Alot of people here belive in CV swarming, you can forward your CV to every single company in UAE and see if a company replies.
I personally hate that option, I believe its unprofessional but alas thats what the majority do here. Internet was banned in alot of workplaces due to this issue, they believe that people can stop spamming there CV's and concentrate at work.


Summary:

Best of luck and although there is a recession and a bad econmey but work is still going on and there is a lot of vacant positions.

Bob

Welcome to BE...

but as a fresh grad, I wouldn't bother in your field, especially these days with the job stability, don't want to be unemployed, broke and stranded in a foreign country...

search the forum for past threads on grads though, and read the wiki for agencies if you want to check them out.

commander

National Oilwell Varco have a 'next generation' program for graduates...

admon

but he isn't a fresh grad...

and he is young, with no responsibilities.
Sure the markets not the best, and there are risks with a lot of jobs in the UAE, but if he really wants a stab at it, then why not?

Poet

Thanks again to all that has replied I really apreciate your time and effort responding.

A Fresh graduate is someone with little or no experience whereas I have over 3 1/2 years practical commercial marketing experience due to taking year out between A levels before university to work in a marketing role. Then again in my placement year and during final year i worked in marketing roles till now. Thus not being a fresh graduate.

Though I do agree with Bob,marketing in the middle east is not much in demand unlike Engineering and Teaching Jobs.

Commander you have figured me out well,I am seeking a new challenge and have no commitments and prepared to take risks and even a lower package in the short-term because I know in a years time I can build the right contacts and progress to where I want.

kelbel22

Hi Poet

How has your job search gone?

Im heading out to Abu Dhabi in the next few weeks to stay with my father and will be looking for an Events/Marketing role. I have 5 years experience and BA in Business with Marketing.

No ties either!

lionheart

Can this be moved to the relevent sub-forum, please?

kelbel22

Id also consider working in Dubai too.

Poet

As such no luck , I get the impression making application's online are not the best route to secure a job in the middle east.

Intending to take a short trip at the end of March and visit recruitment agencies personally

kelbel22 how is your search going?

kelbel22

Its going ok.. Ive got a meeting with a company for when I get out there and registered with a lot of recruitment companies.

Im going out in mid April so will be easier once im out there, good luck!