Well.. a couple of my friends moved from US/Canada to Pakistan and Middle East in last 2-3 years to work in the banking sector. With the current economic situation in mind, I am seriously considering moving back as well. I would greatly appreciate if any of you guys could give me some feedback on the working environment, growth opportunities, and perhaps the payscale too. Just to get you a better picture, I have worked in North America for a couple of years, have a bachelors from a good school, and am currently pursuing my masters in finance from another decent school.
If you have right pawns at all the right places you can start as high as Assistant Vice President.
But if you have no connections and would count on your US degree in finance then you might get a second officer position and will have to fight your way up on the ladder.
initiator… what do your friends have to say… the ones you said moved a couple of years back? Their outlook would be more realistic than ours who’re only going to provide you with second hand opinions on this.
From what I’ve heard, the areas of consumer credit policy, controls and administration and corporate credit risk assessments are pretty hot in Pakistan these days.
That being said, you might wanna do some first hand research on the types of opportunities listed by banks themselves.
The links you posted were helpful, but I get this idea that those banks are either looking for entry-level ppl or professionals with 10+ years of experience. I don't fall in either category. Applying for entry level positions may not be a good idea considering the relatively low wage, and the waste of precious time I have already invested in career advancement.
My friends have mixed opinions about the place. They usually complain abt the unprofessional attitudes, lack of training facilities and long working hours etc. They do, however, like the exposure they're getting on the corporate banking side as they personally get to know the big shots in the business arena.
I am still debating whether I should go or not, but I need a lot more information before I make up my mind.