Page 16 - Business Insights 2012-2013
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Summing up his advice to others wanting to pursue
an international career, Cyril commented: “We all
need to be adaptable in order to be successful when
living abroad. My advice is to immerse yourself in
the local culture and embrace diversity.” On a more
personal note Cyril found the main challenge of living
abroad for so long has been missing the local fare
back home. “To deal with this, I have become more
adept in the kitchen over the years!”
CityDeal was bought out by Groupon later the same year, and led to Rajen packing
his bags to take up the position of Vice President of Global Sales for Groupon
in Chicago, USA. Rajen’s advice to others is: “Don’t be afraid to move where
opportunity exists and don’t think too much about it. The world is so easy to travel
that, if things don’t work, you can always go home – don’t let bureaucracy weigh
you down. Build a network quickly, because the more help you have the faster you
will accelerate.
“An investor once told me that if you follow a conventional path, you will end up
a conventional person. If an opportunity arises, don’t be afraid to take it even if it
leads you from the path of comfort.”
Despite his success, Rajen admits that cultural differences have been a “challenge”.
“Little nuances, such as understanding TV shows, sports, and the way people live
day-to-day, take years to learn. Integrating into different cultural environments
is definitely a challenge, and there have been many times where I am lost at the
dinner table. Google Translate has been a saviour!”
Another high-flying international alum is
Cyril Yip,
currently a Director at Credit
Suisse, whose international career has seen him move from Singapore to Australia
then to the UK, to study and work in London. He completed an MSc in Risk
Management and Financial Engineering in 2009.
“Imperial College Business School is renowned worldwide for its reputation
as a centre of excellence in finance, whilst having a commercial and practical
edge. It is a mark of achievement that companies and recruiters all recognise
internationally,” commented Cyril on his decision to study in London. “The global
reach of Imperial College’s branding attracts students from all over the world
which helps to enhance the diversity of the alumni. I was able to network and
exchange perspectives with so many interesting people, many of whom I still
maintain links with not only in London, but also those working in international
financial markets in Asia and Latin America.”
Cyril has a host of global finance and banking names behind him having previously
worked for Barclays in London and Deloitte and ING in Singapore. This breadth of
experience has helped him achieve his success today. “It is important to have an
international perspective and develop a diversity of experience. Equally, it is key
to be able to adapt to new and uncertain situations, build successful relationships
and embrace cultural differences when dealing with people of all backgrounds. The
value of good communication is very important to be effective in the workplace and
also facilitate communication with international counterparts – I speak English,
Mandarin and Cantonese.”
The global reach of Imperial College’s branding
attracts students from all over the world, which
helps to enhance the diversity of the alumni. I
was able to network and exchange perspectives
with so many interesting people, many of whom
I still maintain links with not only in London, but
also those working in international financial
markets in Asia and Latin America.
The Career and Professional Development Service
at the Business School offers life-long support to
our alumni throughout their career, whether you
are interested in moving abroad or are looking for
a career change or just the next step up. Get in
touch for more information:
W:
alumni/careers
T:
+44 (0)20 7594 1510
E:
BUSINESS
INSIGHTS
2012 – 2013
16
