Transfer during training contract? (Big4)

EDudder

Okay, so I was lucky enough to gain a place in the 2009/10 graduate recruitment cycle in a regional office of a big 4 firm that starts this autumn. During the application process I thought I would hedge my bets by applying to different cities for different firms. My thinking was that I would be very lucky to get anywhere in the current climate, some cities might just have less applicants, and that I'd be quite happy to move anywhere in Ireland.

I had a few interviews, and as it happens the one offer I got was in a city I had never before thought I would move to. It seems I convinced them in the interview of my reasons for applying to that office. I, of course, accepted.

However now reality has hit. The fact is, I'm really not as 'quite happy' as I'd thought I was to move to this city. Its a city very far from home where i know absolutely no-one, it would mean leaving a long term partner, and there are also issues involving vulnerable family members alone etc that i'm not comfortable with.

So, basically, what I'm asking is...Do i have any options? Is there any possibility of me changing and starting in the office closer to home? Or if i do start in the office i have the offer for, is there any chance of transferring to another particular office during my 3.5 year contract?

I just honestly don't think i'll be able to last the duration of 3.5 years in the office i have accepted. I know I'm extremely lucky to have a place at all and therefore won't get much sympathy, but some insight from people who may be in the know or advice would be hugely appreciated.

J.Ryan

Never having worked in the Big 4, I don't know how valid this is, but, could you last 6 - 9 months in the city, sort of show them who you are, what you're capable of and then explain things to your HR department and try to get a transfer.

Also, it is worth noteing that Ireland is not that big a country, you and your partner could travel to each other on weekends.

You will also make you friends, don't let that put you off. The only thing I can't comment on is the vunerable family member.

Hackysack

This could be just rumours that are floating around, but i'd be wary about asking for a transfer.

I've heard this story that some person who was in EY asked for a transfer to another department because they weren't happy with the one they were assigned to. When they asked for this they were told to come in the next week to sign their termination contract.

I'm skeptical about how true this is, but you never know.

But J.Ryan also makes a good point as well.

R0N BURGUNDY

man-up!!! just get on with it. take a positive spin and go for it = would be amazing craic moving to a new city. make millions of friends, live the dream. plenty of time for parters etc. as said - irelands tiny. no excuse not to travel

BESman

I'd agree with J.Ryan on the point that Ireland isn't that big. I made the big move about 7 months ago from one city to another where I knew no one, etc.. but I commute back home every second weekend and even some weekdays, its not impossible. Also, you'll be surprised how quickly you'll form a new network of friends, especially if there are a few trainees there like yourself.

Best advice would be to stick it out for at least 6 - 12 months, see how things are then. If you're still unhappy and you've made a good impression in the office, you might be in with a decent chance of a transfer, but you would have to word your request very carefully, explain your circumstances.

I really doubt they would terminate your contract for a simple request like that, but just don't do it too early. Show them your worth and they'll be more likely to accommodate you, or at least let you down gently.

jonnybravo

I know a few people in a Big 4 company that have transferred offices so it is possible - I also know people that have moved companies - that was a few years ago though so it mightn't be as easy to do it now

defiantshrimp

I work in the Dublin office of a Big 4 and I know they were looking for a few people to move to a regional office recently enough. But I'm not sure about the other way.

You can always give the new city a go and see how you find it. If you are doing all the exams you will also have big chunks of the year off for study, so you could easily do that at home. Also, I know that we often have people from the regional offices up helping out on various jobs, etc.

EDudder

So would i be right in thinking it would be a very bad idea to phone HR now and ask if it would be possible to start in a different office? And that i'd be better to start, see how i get on, and if after 6-9 months im not happy there, see if i can get a transfer?

Also, i know Ireland isn't that big, but certain cities are up to 6-7 hours apart (ahem) which is quite far really. The commute to England in this case could be shorter given flights and stuff.

Also, does anyone know what the start date for graduates usually is approximately?

defiantshrimp

You can always fly to different cities in Ireland! Start dates range from October to Jan afaik.

EDudder

Also, to defiantshrimp and jonnybravo.... the people you know that transferred/ the office that was looking for people to transfer.... were these trainees? Or qualified people?

As far as getting sacked for enquiring about a transfer. That sounds pretty illegal. Can't see a company the size of EY being that stupid.

jonnybravo

EDudder wrote: »

Also, to defiantshrimp and jonnybravo.... the people you know that transferred/ the office that was looking for people to transfer.... were these trainees? Or qualified people?

As far as getting sacked for enquiring about a transfer. That sounds pretty illegal. Can't see a company the size of EY being that stupid.

The two I knew were trainees - think both of them were in their second year and yeah the office was looking for ppl - dont think any firm would be that generous to transfer people without having a vacancy - especially not audit firms

defiantshrimp

EDudder wrote: »

Also, to defiantshrimp and jonnybravo.... the people you know that transferred/ the office that was looking for people to transfer.... were these trainees? Or qualified people?

As far as getting sacked for enquiring about a transfer. That sounds pretty illegal. Can't see a company the size of EY being that stupid.

They were looking for trainees. Your contract will have a big fat probationary period where they can sack you at will, nothing illegal about that!

Liamo08

All the speculation in the world here will not answer your question, if this is potentially a deal breaker for you then you need to contact the HR department and ask the relevant questions. Make it clear that you intend to start in the specified city but you just want to clarify your options. I cannot see how there would be any grounds for sacking you by simply asking these questions. More importantly do not assume just because someone else was able to transfer between offices in a different company after a period of time that you will be able to, the only way to be sure in this situation is to ask the questions directly.