The intrigue of international assignments: if you're prepared, career advancement, leadership opportunity and a diversified experience can be yours

Black Enterprise, May, 1996 by Cassandra Hayes

By the summer of '93, he and three other Americans began working on the process of privatizing many of Ghana's nationalized entities. Gold Coast Securities' first major project was its involvement in the $500 million privatization of the Ashanti Gold Fields.

Although Wright's eye was always on South Africa, it wasn't until President Nelson Mandela took office in 1994 that the country seemed poised for economic growth. An urge to travel and do international investments led Wright to leave Gold Securities and join Citibank. Today, he is charged with structuring transactions for South African companies courting international investors in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the U.S. Going overseas not only spurred his entrepreneurial career but it also helped him learn a new marketplace from the ground up.

LEAVING FAMILY BEHIND

International assignments hold tremendous appeal for the young and single, but they can be quite daunting for those who are married and have children. Still, an offer from New Orleans-based Doley Securities last September to become a market maker on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange proved irresistible for Ralph Wright (no relation). Consequently, Wright, 45, is now the only African American trader on the floor.

Nonetheless, taking the job was a hard decision for the Marlboro, N.J., resident and his close-knit family. With an 18-year-old son in college and another son, 24, in the workforce, the separation proved to be a painful, albeit, educational experience for all. "Initially, my sons thought life would be great with their parents away but they eventually missed having us to come to for advice." Wright and his wife Sallie, a homemaker, telephone their sons at least twice a week, and a bevy of aunts, uncles and neighbors check on them periodically.

Family obligations are the No. 1 reason that many overseas assignments are refused. Taking into consideration the toll on loved ones is crucial, particularly for young children, who may be relocating or spending long periods of time away from one or both parents.

MAKING ENDS MORE THAN MEET

While an international assignment doesn't always involve an increase in salary, it can still mean a jump up the economic ladder, depending on where you live. After allowing for taxes, Miller's salary is comparable to the $90,000 she earned while working with Swissotel in New York. Her expenses, including meals, laundry and living accommodations, are covered by her employer.

Most firms do give cost-of-living stipends, along with lucrative leaves and vacations. Miller, who works six-days a week, gets about two weeks off a year, plus an 18-day vacation. Her company foots the bill for her trips home once a year.

Individuals in the U.S. who have positions similar to Eric Wright's make upwards of $100,000 a year. Since the cost of living is so low in South Africa, Wright says that his current lifestyle is better than it was in the States. His company also provides car and housing allowances and annual trips back home.