Expat Advice: Working in Shanghai, China

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Shanghai

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The position covered 11 countries, 17 manufacturing plants and about 10,000 employees. For overseas professional jobs, if that is the objective, land a position with a global corporation with the intent of transferring somewhere globally.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I was transferred by a USA based global corporation to the position -- VP of HR for the Asia Pacific Region.

Traveling Mailbox
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Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

Obtained by the corporation.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

Yes, of some help understanding customs, traditions, political issues and so on. But a huge part of the learning proposition happens on assignment in the country.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

There are usually no guarantees,, but top performance and reaching documented objectives while on assignment usually is as good as a guarantee. Additionally, successfully completing an international assignment is hugely valuable to the business upon return as most do not have that experience or perspective.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

For overseas professional jobs, if that is the objective, land a professional/management/leadership position with a global corporation with the intent of transferring somewhere globally.