Building relationships around the world

Kayte Short is a Principal at Robert Walters, having joined the business in 2010, after two years working for a boutique agency, Kayte decided she needed a new challenge and was keen to join a larger company.

With the idea of finding a company that provides a wider scope to develop professionally, Kayte joined Robert Walters. With Kayte's progression knowing no bounds, her journey with Robert Walters would take her across the world to Dubai. Kayte recounts her journey below.

My first five years at Robert Walters were a fantastic learning experience. I started working as a recruitment consultant in our account management team, focusing on a relocation project for one of our large banking clients, then moved to the technology division recruiting for investment banks, financial services and commerce clients. I really enjoyed growing this area of the business and, within 12 months of joining, I was promoted to senior consultant.

In 2015, I decided that I wanted to explore a new market and, with excellent support from the management team, I moved to head up the banking and financial services division. From there, I progressed to become principal consultant and was thriving whilst growing the financial services division across the Midlands region. Having the support and opportunity to explore new markets had a huge impact on my professional development and really helped to keep my career varied and interesting.

With several years of experience heading up the banking & financial services division in the Midlands under my belt, and following my promotion to Business Director in 2022, it wasn't long before one of my long term professional goals became a reality; to relocate with Robert Walters Internationally to Dubai. 

The prospect of relocating to Dubai with Robert Walters was an exhilarating one. I had indicated that I was ready for that big challenge and worked with the UK Talent Acquisition team and my local manager and Director to help chart my path over there, making the move in September 2023. 

Settling into such a new environment might seem daunting, but it was made incredibly easy for me with the warm welcome that my new team and colleagues provided. 

The first thing that struck me about the Dubai office is it's distinctive atmosphere. With colleagues from all over the world, there is a great sense of community and support. The sense of camaraderie among the team is evident, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritized both personal growth and professional development. We truly are a family.

All of the work that had gone in to building strong & valuable relationships during my time in the UK soon became apparent when, within my first week at Robert Walters Dubai, I was invited out on two great meetings with contacts from my UK network. This really highlighted to me the importance of networking, and also that it is such a small world. 

With now 14 years at Robert Walters, my career has continued to thrive. There’s always been a strong emphasis on getting away from your desk to build great relationships with candidates and clients, and I’ve always felt supported by the management team, with options always on the table to take your career in a range of directions. The company has a very open culture so I always feel able to put my hand up to ask a question or share an idea.

Robert Walters provides unparalleled learning and career progression opportunities. Like Kayte, if you're wanting to reach new heights in your recruitment career, then we'd love to hear from you. The opportunities are endless. Click here to learn more.