Advice for college student on finding job in China post graduation (not teaching english)
- Joined: Feb 10th, 2012
- Posts: 1
First post on the Beijinger but I have lurked here for a while. Got a couple questions about finding a job in Beijing.
I am a 22 year old American. This semester I am graduating from a accredited state school in the US with a degree in Supply Chain management and a minor in Chinese. I lived in Beijing for 3 years as a kid (92-95) which is not to applicable. But studied abroad in Beijing for 6 months last year, in the spring, and 2 months in Shanghai in the summer. I did an intensive language program in Beijing where I raised my Mandarin level to what I call conversational level. I can talk with cab drivers, explain most things I need to by using a variety of my still basic vocabulary, and can have basic conversations regarding politics, relationships, appointments whatever a decent level. Far from fluent and not able to operate at a business level in Chinese, but able to live in China easily without a hassle. I made many friends who spoke no english at all, so I can make friends and hang out with them no problem in Chinese only.
In the summer I interned at a large US based consulting firm in Shanghai for 6 weeks for job experience. I returned home and am finishing up my degree from August last year to May this year. I have not gotten a job in the US but am looking. This is where I wanted to ask for advice.
I would love to get a job in China, preferably Beijing or Shanghai, but I Would really be willing to go anywhere as long as it is not teaching English but an actual business related job that I could potentially improve my career EVENTUALLY rather than delay it. I realistically would hope to get paid similar to an entry level job in the US so that I could still afford to live a decent live in China, and pay off my college loans.
I am wondering if anyone could provide me with suggestions on how to go about pursuing and finding jobs that may meet these requirements, or simply avenues I should follow to have a chance for these jobs in the future. I really would like to return to China and work in a business setting.
Also what type of salary in RMB or USD could I expect at a potential entry level job like this. I will be a college grad, educated etc so just a ballpark figure would be great. IF you have any questions for me to answer this question I Will reply as soon as I can, I would greatly appreciate any help anyone could provide.
Fionathebird
Re: Advice for college student on finding job in China post ...
Try some local Recruiting Websites such as 智联招聘，前程无忧，中华英才网，etc.
But in China native English teachers make more money than managers,actuaries and even doctors monthly as I see.
My fairy boyfriend told me that love is not something for me to get or own, but something to give or share with others, and only in this way, could happiness be permanently around...
Mr.Zero
Re: Advice for college student on finding job in China post ...
If i don't mistake, your speciality is "supply chain management".
I don't heared of it, maybe it has different name in China.
Could you tell us what your speciality can do?
And the most important thing, of course just my private opinion, maybe your lack of job experience is a big trouble.
Good luck.
MissE
Re: Advice for college student on finding job in China post ...
I recommend signing up for LinkedIn and joining the Asian job groups:
China JObs
Asia jobs, careers
Expat jobs
Just do a search. There are constantly postings on openings in China.
I also work for a recruiting company and we do have an internship program as well as head hunting services, if you want just send me a message and I can give you more information if you are interested.
Ellen
TranquilLight
Re: Advice for college student on finding job in China post ...
Whatever you do don't work at ANY English schools, if you can help it. If you need any reasons, please ask. I'll just say in general right now, English schools in China like to screw foreigners over hardcore.
Do not go to China before finding a job to avoid most of the problems below. If you find yourself already in China, keep these things in mind...
On Contracts:
If the company doesn't let you keep a contract over night to think about it, or doesn't let you keep a copy of the contract that you signed right after having signed it, sigh, shred signed copies of the contract, and walk away. If they don't let you adjust the contract in slight and reasonable ways, walk away. If they have you sign a Chinese version, run away. That last sentence will limit your options, big time, however.
Keep yourself in the clear:
When you get to China, if you're not staying in a hotel, make sure you register with the local police station (as required in China for all foreigners) and that they know that you're there for working at the job you're there to be working at. If there are any discrepencies, make sure you tell them that you're just doing exactly what you were told to do by 1) foremost, the authorities and 2) by the company to the best of your ability.
Numbers:
If they give you any less than 9,000 yuan/month, run. Less than 11,000 yuan/month, walk away politely. If they don't provide you with a working visa AT THEIR COMPANY (it is common however to make you pay for it yourself, though it shouldn't be more than about 2000 yuan for one year, which is okay compared to other options), walk away. If they advise you to seek a visa company, you could also report them to the authorities, especially if you have RECORD of such!
Truck Driver! Arr!