Going abroad for a job has its challenges. It’s always a goodidea to be prepared in advance and to get as much information as possible. Morgan Dolan, with her experience of being manager of our Zhuhai office and knowing everything a person could know about the rough path for applying abroad, is in ideal position to share some tips for anyone considering going on this path.
“Even before I went to college, I knew I wanted to work abroad. As globalization becomes the norm, this sentiment seems to be shared by more and more young people. International business seems to be a popular major for this very reason.”
However launching a career abroad is not as easy as applying to a vacancy. This is because vacancies for positions abroad, whether a large company or small, are accompanied by realities that govern the hiring considerations. These are the realities of international mobility including visa constraints, costs etc. as well as the needs of a company. Understanding the situations from a company’s perspective will help you address them yourself and overcome rejection.
Companies hire to solve problems. The smaller the company, the more a problem really needs to ache before they cast a hiring net. Companies big and small who operate internationally invest a lot into their team. The extent that they will go through bureaucracy correlates to the visible benefit a potential hire has for them. Got your sights set on a particular job in another country? Help yourself avoid initial immediate rejection.
Research positions from the company perspective.
Think about the larger company “why” that has led to looking for the role you want to fill. The more you can tailor yourself as solving their problem the more attractive you will look. When in doubt about what a company’s biggest problem is, ask. If it not one that you believe you can solve (or contribute to a solution) keep hunting until you find one.
Be responsible to know your own paperwork.
Research what your options are to immigrate and what documents are required for different visas. When you know specifically what steps a company needs to take to hire you or apply for a work visa on your behalf, you are in a better position to negotiate why you are the best choice in spite of any hurdles.
Consider doing an internship first.
It is easier for a company to yes to an internship than to taking on a full time employee. It may also be easier for you to get the visa you need and see if you would actually want to stay in that country for long term. Treat an internship like a trial period where you show the company just how valuable you would be. At best, the company will be inspired to keep you and at worst, you have a great reference and have already started building your contacts in country.
Ultimately if you would like to launch a career abroad, it will be your responsibility to make it happen. Although initial rejection from international positions can discourage fresh graduates, perseverance and embracing the realities for companies abroad will help to start not just a career abroad but one that is tailored to you.
If you want to get more information about how to start your job search abroad visit our blog section. Our creative team has always some useful tips to share!
In the mean time share us your thoughts about the article? What are the biggest challenges of going for work abroad in your opinion?
The different climate, food and general way of life in China can make it much easier for you to get ill here than in your home country. Whether you get food poisoning, a common cold or something more serious, being ill in China can be a daunting experience!
Firstly, it’s important to understand that there are no health centers in China. If you have an illness which you need treatment for you have to go straight to the hospital. However that’s no reason to panic! At the hospital you will receive the same sort of treatment you’d normally receive in a health center back home.
China is famous for its ancient medical practices. Chinese medicine has developed over thousands of years and is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism. Today it is frequently used alongside Western medicine in Chinese hospitals and clinics. It involves the use of herbs, massage and acupuncture to treat a wide range of conditions.
Many people feel that Chinese medicine is an affective form of treatment and it is becoming increasingly popular amongst Western nations. However, Western medicine is still widely available in China. It’s easy and inexpensive to buy painkillers, throat soothers, and other types of medicine in local Chinese chemists.
InternChina has simple processes for you to follow if you become unwell in China. If you become ill whilst in Zhuhai, we recommend that you first call the Zhuhai Office Manager (Morgan Dolan) and then go to the hospital. InternChina will arrange for someone to go to the hospital with you and give you advice on what the best sort of treatment would be. At the hospital you should go straight to the 5th floor where you can gain access to a VIP section. Here you’ll have English speaking doctors who’ll be able to assist you.
In Qingdao, InternChina is in good contact with a local hospital called Cham Shan Int’l Medical Center. The doctors and nurses at this hospital speak good English which means there shouldn’t be any language barriers. Before going to the hospital, interns are encouraged to phone the Qingdao Office Manager (Jack Fairhead). InternChina can then send someone to accompany you to the hospital and find the appropriate medicine and help translate any Chinese medical terms.
Chengdu has experienced rapid globalization and a sharp increase in foreign trade. Therefore it’s not surprising that there are numerous hospital’s which cater for the needs of foreigners and supply Western treatments. Much like in Zhuhai and Qingdao, if you become ill in Chengdu we advise that you first contact the Chengdu Office Manager (Jenny Hofmann) and then go to the hospital. This way InternChina can arrange for someone to meet you and help you with your problem.
Interested in an internship in China? Apply now to InternChina by sending your CV and cover letter toinfo@internchina.com.