Young Americans Look To China For Employment
Countries: China, United States
How far from home will you go for a job? For some people, the answer is "pretty far."
The New York Times reports a rise in the number of recent college graduates traveling from the U.S. to China in search of a decent job.
According to a recent New York Times article, "they are lured by China’s surging economy, the lower cost of living and a chance to bypass some of the dues-paying that is common to first jobs in the United States.”
In the current job market, these graduates would be lucky to and a entry-level job in the U.S., but in China they stand a shot at higher-level jobs. Some more entrepreneurial types are starting their own businesses. And Chinese businesses seem to be quite pleased they're coming. Not only do they value their English language skills, but they also appreciate their general knowledge of Western culture.
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Plan B
Some others, probably those who can't just pick up and head overseas, are turning to entrepreneurship. The New York Times is reporting that more new businesses were started in 2008 than in 2007. According to the article, the new businesses are being formed out of necessity not out of business opportunity.
It's the place to be...
My brother recently got laid off here and decided to move to Beijing after landing an internship there. He's gotten promoted pretty quickly, and his experience there has been very positive. I interviewed him for my blog, and he gave some great advice:
http://absolutelyfobulous.com/2009/08/18/jobless-in-us-find-new-life-in-...
Suzie
Great interview, Suzie!
Suzie,
Thanks for sharing. I loved reading your interview with your brother. He answers your questions well and you really get a sense of his experience in China thus far.
Best,
Chelsea
Finding Work In China
In a recent Forbes article, Shaun Rein founder and managing director of the China Market Research Group suggests that finding work in China is not so simple. While the Chinese do value the English language and those who can effectively navigate the American market, American graduates still have to compete with highly educated Chinese who have studied in the west and are familiar with both China and American practices and values.
Rein also states that salaries are low. Suggesting that If one expected to make $60k annually on Wall Street, expect $21k annually in Shanghai. Additionally, the Chinese government makes it difficult to secure work visas unless the applicant already has at least 2 years of work experience.
Rein said that while working in China during this time of "social and business evolution" can be rewarding, it is not easy to find a job.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Finding a job anywhere in the world is a great opportunity for any American, especially for college graduates. This is one of the most difficult times for college graduates in the United States, so if they can go abroad and obtain more pay, power to them.
Even thought the Chinese economy is in better shape, the world, as a whole, is still generally in a recession. Wouldn't this be hurting China's employment rate as more Americans are taking these jobs abroad?
American Architect Writes Fun Book about Doing Business in China
“The Tragic Kingdom, or; “Prisoner in a Chinese Theme Park”, (found on all bookstore websites such as amazon.com, borders, etc), is a behind-the-scenes look into the field of design and build in China. The book is a profile of the personalities, culture, and psychology of the world’s most massive looming superpower as seen through the eyes of an ex-pat American.
I have witnessed a formidable decade in which China has commanded a modern presence on the world stage and have participated in the planning, designing, and building of mega-theme parks in Beijing, world-class aquariums in Shanghai, gigantic malls in the Pearl Delta, resorts in Tibet, and panda relocation projects in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The stories and themes found in The Tragic Kingdom spring from one man’s journey. At the same time I believe they disclose truths about a globalization that eventually will impact every economy, lifestyle, and person on the planet.
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