This Pakistani Girl Chartered Accountant Moved to Dubai Alone For Better A Career

• Have you considered ‘Moving Alone to a New Country’ especially if you are a woman?
• Hi! I am Nishat Rasheed. I am a CA, CPA Canada & ACCA – UK. I was based in Dubai for the last 7 years. But recently, I shifted to Canada and am looking for opportunities here.
• I worked in various organizations across the UAE. I also worked as a Senior Manager (Finance BP&A) in a large family-owned business.
• I belong from Pakistan and grew up in a fairly liberal family who supported me to follow my dreams. Thanks to my Parents and my determination, I was able to relocate to a new country all alone. And believe me, this is a big thing – 1) being a girl; and 2) coming from a place where people are mostly conservative.
• Why am I telling this story? Because even if one individual gets inspired by my journey, it would be worth it.

Growing Up In A Progressive, Empowering Environment

I was an above-average student studying computer science. But, I never wanted to pursue it as a career. So, right after completing high school, I enrolled in the Chartered Accountancy course from ICAP (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan).

Actually, since the age of 12, I have wanted to be a Chartered Accountant. Why? Because I had heard someone at school saying that CA is a very well-respected and rewarding profession and that’s when I knew I wanted to be one.

From a young age, I have seen admirable examples of female empowerment in my life. My grandmother, aunts, and most of the women around me were strong, independent, working professionals.