[amygal]

I am a foreigner, soon to marry my fiancé (HK), I am aggressively looking for job. I have a degree in Business IT but no work experience. I used to work in retail (Management Trainee/Supervisor) in London. But my ideal job would be in an office. The only problem is, I can speak Cantonese but I can’t read. Recently, I went to a job interview with AIA.

As you all know, AIA/AIG is aggressively recruiting Management trainees (Financial Planners). I heard the staff turnover is pretty high. Is it due to corporate culture or high sales quota? What is the average sales quota achieve monthly during the training period to be on a save side? Which AIA branch best to work for? Is it Quarry Bay, North Point, Central, Wanchai or TST etc.

I know during the training period is a crucial year to perform, would it be save after the one year period? Do I need to approach people? As a foreigner, my network is limited. But I really want to work in a big corporation with wide career opportunities. Does anyone know what other company, would like to take an ambitious, hard working with interpersonal skills as trainees?

[KnowItAll]

Most of their financial planner jobs are commission based with low or no base salaries. Also, you have to look at their product ranges and see if they're suitable for expatriates who leave town, have multi-national, multi-currency requirements. Also, the product / service range is restricted to their own products.

Try looking at one of the more expat centric financial groups, specially the independant ones, who give you the ability to work on multiple products from multiple providers.

[freeier]

why wld working in AIA as a financial planner be considered working for a big organization ? u are literally on your own and trying to peddle their product as an individual. i doubt they even pay u anything in addition to what you are entitled to as commission.

[wai_j]

I went to one of these interviews, and after hearing what they had to offer, i just had to ... reject them! As a UK grad who has just moved to HK, there is no way I could be successful in this job. (I'm not a fan of selling too.. ) But hey, if u think you've got the selling ability and have a good network of people to sell to, why not try it out?

[KnowItAll]

>> why not try it out?

Why not? You might not have the right product to sell to your network.

[paulmears]

and its a great way to lose friends....

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by paulmears

and its a great way to lose friends....

And Family!

[amygal]

Thanks everyone for advise, I will bear this in mind and keep myself busy looking for other work options.

[jaykay]

AIA/AIG are trying to recruit Financial Planners but, - and it is a BIG but, the job is actually an Insurance Agent. You will find that they have do perform investment portfolios, etc but always as a linked product to their insurances. Be aware, and be careful!

[jayinhongkong]

I sold insurance at 19 and it's a real pain in the ass until you get your name out. I wouldn't do it again...there's just too much competition out there and I hate bothering people!