Globalization today is a reality, and no longer a mere buzzword restricted to text-books and exquisitely penned articles on cross culture management. For managers of tomorrow, there is a need to understand the realities of working in a culture other than one’s own. Because all nations are becoming more globally interdependent, it is imperative that students understand the complexities of living and working in a foreign culture, beyond the very basic of etiquettes and language. In a tête-à-tête with the Jaipuria Group, Mr. P Chandrasekhr, Group General Manager of Jawad Sultan Group of Companies, Oman gets talking about the Middle Eastern region, understanding this cultural difference and also what the region expects from MBAs and also those who wish to make their careers in this surging region. Here are a few excerpts: Jaipuria Institute(JI): Could you throw some light on Industry Expectations from MBA graduates, particularly with regards to the Middle East? 

Mr. P Chandrasekhr: 

Unlike a formal process of selection and induction that is carried out in large organizations in India and other large economies spread over different geographies, the situation in Middle East is vastly different. Middle East today is the engine of Economic growth amidst the backdrop of poorly performing economies in different parts of the world. Hence, the talent pool worldwide greatly attracted to work here given the immense potential both in terms of compensation and an enviable life style. 

JI: Many young professionals want to live and work in the Middle East, but might not be exposed to ground realities of the region. What is the real situation in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries [GCC]? 

Mr. P C: Given the uniqueness of the economic structure in most of the GCC countries, its growth is greatly fuelled by government and consumer spending. Most GCC nations have significant hydrocarbon revenues [except Oman] and the same is directed towards infrastructure and social development. Hence, every sphere of economic activity is either selling of products or solutions or services. This is reminiscent of a developed economy where the services sector plays a dominant role. Hence, talented people with appropriate skill sets and experience are always in demand. MBA’s and similar professionals should therefore have such of those attributes [with aforesaid expertise] that will eventually help them in market place. The competition is intense and severe given the fact that the talent pool is drawn worldwide and also in most GCC nations, there is a socio economic obligation of education, training and deployment of nationals in economic activity. 

JI: Interesting; so if an MBA today wants to plan his career in the Middle East say 3-4 years down the line on back of his work experience now, what would employers in the Middle East really look for? 

Mr. PC: Amidst this background, most candidates have their roles and expectations cut out from day one. Suffice to say… they have to take the “ball and run from day 1”. The GCC nations are different and no single strategy in one country will work easily in another. The employers cutting across different operating spectrum [including our group] primarily look for following attributes in a candidate i.e. pronounced multicultural fit, significant domain or similar exposure in a competitive geography either in their home country or elsewhere. Language skills preferably with Arabic proficiency, Strong IT exposure, Ability to work hard and show adaptability against all odds, Driving License [an all-important attribute] due to near absence of mass transportation in almost all the gulf countries except Dubai, which has a well-developed and evolving multi modal transport. The last one’s importance cannot be underscored enough.

 JI: So what should a candidates’ success mantra be? 

Mr. PC: Given the consumerist environment which is widely prevalent in the Gulf countries and its growth further fuelled through mass media education, internet and other forms of communication, catching the eye ball attention of the elusive customer becomes paramount and it is indeed a challenging. There is no single success mantra to succeed in your career in the Middle East but, if the candidates can show that they have more than what is expected from them then, it is easy walk for them to realize their dream. 

JI: Any special tips from your side for the management aspirants? 

Mr. PC: I always believe that every job, similar to any venture is a constant journey of evolvement on a daily basis. The only way an individual can make a difference is to “think outside the box” and see how the organizations goal can be maximized while furthering one’s own objective.