The Hydrogen Group, a London-based recruitment company, released its fifth “Global Professionals On the Move” report May 27. Among other findings, the report found that the U.S. is the top destination for the oil and natural gas industry, and that Houston is the top city for professionals in that industry.

The report found that the U.S. was the top destination for financial and technology professionals, as well. The number of people willing to work abroad has nearly doubled in the last five years, the report found.

The Hydrogen Group compiled the report alongside a business school called ESCP Europe, according to a press release.

A total of 2,444 people from various industries in almost 100 countries were surveyed, the press release said. More than 35% of those surveyed were willing to work abroad, compared to 16% five years ago, and 40% said they “believe they face no barriers to moving abroad.” The group is one of “global citizens, who expect to work abroad as part of their career progression and are willing to relocate to find the right opportunity.”

Out of the oil and natural gas/finance/technology grouping, 22%, 15% and 11% of people had worked in the U.S., the press release said. Out of respondents working in the U.S., 74% said their experience in the country “improved their career prospects,” while 63% saw positive salary impacts.

Of the respondents working in the U.S., 98% “said they would recommend the experience to others,” while 37% had either applied for, or were considering applying for, permanent residency.

Australia and the U.K. ranked ahead of Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa for corporate relocations, the press release said. The U.K. trailed second, behind the U.S., the press release noted. Among U.S. cities, New York and San Francisco ranked as the second- and third-best cities for finance professionals.

“The findings of this report, which track five years of global workforce patterns, show that we now have a worldwide talent pool to draw candidates from,” said Denise McAnulty, the COO of Hydrogen Group’s divisions for the U.S. and Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

“Geographic and cultural boundaries as an impediment to hiring have dropped away during the recession as candidates and companies alike have come to understand that they need to consider a global market talent management strategy. As we emerge from the recession, the competition for global talent will only intensify. Clients will need to think clearly about how they will attract the best talent,” she said.

Source: The Hydrogen Group