Jobs OTHER than Teaching English

[Hypiereon]

If you have experience or qualifications in a profession that does not include teaching English, or you'd like to find a job OTHER than teaching English, there is hope for you yet. While most jobs in China seem to revolve around teaching English, there is the possibility of finding a job doing something professionally other than teaching English.

The information comes via this article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12634786/site/newsweek/
by MSNBC Newsweek called "The Drifters"

Let me give you the highlights and you can go read the article for yourself. First of all, unless you have some good Manadarin Chinese language skills, the probability of finding a job other than teaching English sinks dramatically. Bascially, western/foreign companies are sending their own personel to China at great expense, paying them a housing allowance, and giving them extra hardship pay. To cut down on this expense, these same companies are also looking for qualified westerners who already have the skills and are going to be in China long-term. These companies are mostly headquartered in Beijing and Shanghai, so you're not likely to find much beyond these two places, but it is still possible.

If you have good Manadarin Chinese language skills and are interested in another field other than teaching English, there are two approaches I could suggest. First, come to China, get yourself set up doing something like teaching English, and then strike out on a career job search in a field you want to be working in - again, your Manadarin Chinese skills have to be good though. Second option is to kind of put yourself "out there" and offer yourself up to foreign companies who are wanting representation in China. Either by working for the company directly, or asking for the rights to market a product in China (via the waterproof MP3 players cited in the article).

The key to the whole deal is your Mandarin Chinese skills. There is a warning at the end of the article though - such opportunities may not last for long. Chinese University students with English skills may be on the rise in the future, and if they have the skills, then what will a company in China need you for? How you answer that question will determine your career longevity in a field OTHER than teaching English.

[Margy]

Interesting comments.

I think knowing the language still wont be enough to get non-teaching work in China. Companies are looking for more than just bilingual applicants. You also need to bring to the table some technical or other skill that is in demand.

Yep, there is a rise in the number of Chinese knowing English. And amongst these Chinese, they are all very eager and have some great technical skills. So for an English teacher who has taught a few years, they will find that they don't really have any other skills to offer.

Just my 2 cents.