Working in China - prepare for rich opportunities

At some point almost any student of culture or language considers how best to put that knowledge to use after graduation – whether by working abroad or for a company in their home country with ties abroad. For those who study China, the lure is even more intense. With the rapid growth of the Chinese economy and China’s increasing global openness, career opportunities are exploding for those who prepare.

In addition to looking at an applicant's work experience, employers here and in China consider a candidate's study abroad as a true employment advantage. However, international study experience does not always guarantee career opportunities.

“These benefits do not happen simply by a person getting on a plane and landing in a different country. Students have to work for them,” says Sheila Curran of Duke University in a recent article for The International Educator.

Maximizing the experience for career value, academic learning and fun takes planning.

Where are the opportunities?

For those with 2 years of Mandarin, the question becomes, “Where aren’t they?”

• The major business disciplines of marketing, operations, finance, and management continue to be in great demand, although Chinese employees are gaining skills and experience in these domains.
• Opportunities in the hospitality and health care industries are growing rapidly. As China devotes more resources to cleaning up the environment, positions in this field are increasing as well.
• The increased number of NGOs (non-governmental agencies) in China also provides opportunities to volunteer in China, although salaried employment opportunities are rare in this field.

While starting salaries are generally lower in China than in the U.S., and candidates at the entry level should plan to finance their own relocation, the lower cost of living and the accelerated career track make the trade-offs reasonable for many.

Key Skills

The opportunities for those seeking work in China are often based as much on skills that are in short supply as on particular industries. A recent report from the Conference Board, Bridging China's Talent Gap , states that while China is attempting to close the talent gap with investments in education, continuing deficiencies present major opportunities for foreigners. Here are the Board’s findings:

• Companies need people with skills in creative writing and speaking, teamwork and leadership, which are not yet taught effectively in most of China's universities and graduate programs.
• Employers in China and the U.S. seek candidates with initiative, problem-solving abilities, communication skills and willingness to take risks. Students who enroll in study- abroad programs and who successfully navigate another culture show valuable initiative and “self-starter” qualities.
• Those who thrive in a foreign culture develop resilience and flexibility and demonstrate the ability to learn rapidly, qualities often cited as good predictors of future job success.
• Mastering a foreign language as complex as Mandarin requires learners to put themselves in the mindset of another: one of the key skills in negotiating and communicating with others.

How to Prepare

1) Focus on Mandarin

• Consciously construct your academic program and work experience to develop desirable skills. A strong background in Mandarin is a prerequisite for most work in China and is the “difference that makes the difference” to being hired for work in many multi-national organizations.
• If you want to work in the U.S. but use your Mandarin, the language is emerging as a key skill in medicine, social work, engineering and nonprofit management in areas of the country with large Chinese populations.

2) Know China

• Studying in China gives a grounding in culture and business that is just not possible to develop outside the country.
• Contacts made while studying abroad are important, particularly since relationships are very important in the Chinese culture. Tracking those you meet, and remaining in contact with your network after you return to the U.S. will help you greatly.
• The more courses you take in Chinese culture, history and business practices, the better.

3) Develop Leadership and Communication Skills

• Taking courses in leadership and communications, then volunteering in student or community organizations where these skills can be applied, can give you an employment edge.
• Leading activities or project teams, writing for your university paper or a student magazine, or organizing an excursion or volunteer activity in addition to touring China, will give you an employment edge.
• If, after graduation, you accept an initial assignment in your home country that helps you develop depth in vital skills, you will have an even bigger advantage later when you apply for a position in China.

4) Get an Edge in Your Discipline

• Strengthening your coursework in your discipline (engineering mastery, teaching, marketing, etc.) will make you more competitive.
• Employers prefer applicants who have some relevant experience already, so the value of internships and other work experience is high.

It is often said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity. What better time than now to take advantage of China’s rise to advance your career?

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