Move from Singapore to Dubai

Dear candidate, 

generally the higher the profile of your firm, the better the exit options afterwards. Of course that is a bit generic, so in case you get to work on MedTech or pharma in your consulting role, this also helps. I would advice though, if you have specific positions in mind, call up the recruiters from these firms and discuss with them openly what profile or qualifications you should be able to demonstrate. I know this may sound a bit overactive, but it is really effective. For example some firms might help you enter their strategy teams directly, while others will tell you to get 5 years in consulting first instead of 2-3. It really helps to know exactly what would be needed to have great application changes. Also you will then know how long to stay in consulting before making your next move.

Best regards,

Charlotte

Hello,

First of all congratulations. I have a candidate currently working in one of the most renowned pharma companies in the world, interested in consulting in the Middle East. Would be kind enough to send me a message about the firms that do consulting in pharma in Dubai? I could also share with you what I know regarding corporate strategy. 

 Best,

Hi there,

At a high level, this sounds reasonable. Considering that you want to end up in the same industry you're currently in and don’t want to become a career consultant, the question becomes whether there's a more direct path. Personally, I'd consider the following:

• What is your current role and projected career path and what has networking (internally and/or externally) revealed about the possibility of changing tracks from technical (I am assuming) to strategy?
• What is the career path of those people holding the positions you're interested in e.g. Head of Corporate Strategy, and can they offer any advice on what it takes (again, try to network internally and/or externally)?
• Once you know what it takes to get your dream job, how does the role in Dubai rank compared to alternative paths e.g. MBA, track change, switching to competitors, etc.?

In general, consulting is a great adventure to learn and explore. In your specific case, however, I would assess this option alongside alternatives that may be cheaper, quicker, easier, in your home country, etc.

Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!

Hi there,

It truly depends on the tier of that consulting company.

Be careful with any decision where you're taking a roundabout approach to getting where you truly want to me.

If consulting is temporary, why do it? If you want to go back into corp strategy in medtech companies why not strive for those roles now?

It is tough to make a career switch AND a geography switch at the same time, so this feels like a risky proposition to me…just my two cents! (Not saying don't take the offer, just consider this aspect)

Hey, please be aware that the main hubs for pharma companies are US, UK, EU, India and Japan.

Do a good job during you consulting stint, learn as much as you can, network well and I dont see any issues in you navigating to Medtech or other firms.

I know someone from Singapore who recently moved to UK to work in lifesciences :). 

Hello!

I think it depends on where you want to move in terms of industry, roles (even within strategy there is a huge variety of roles, location…)

Overall, I would say Dubai and consulting could for sure open doors. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara