[sfdude]

I recently graduated university with a business degree in Information Systems. Incidentally, I was told after graduation that I was a single class away from a degree in Management also. I do not speak any Mandarin or Cantonese. My plan is to move to Hong Kong on September 20th to start looking for work. I will be looking for any of a wide variety type of business job. I’d love to do something in marketing or sales. An IT job would be great. I would be particularly interested in a traineeship or a fast track program. Since I only have one summer of relevant work experience, I need ways of making myself more employable. Is there anything I can do to make myself more attractive to an employer? Would a CCNA certification be particularly helpful? Are there any other certifications that might help me get work? Any suggestions would be helpful. Keep in mind I do not have a work visa.

[berryplucker]

No chance. Get real.

[sfdude]

Hey, do you think you could elaborate? A one line response telling me to get real is really of no help.

[elle]

I'm afraid you don't have much of a chance. Any potential employer will have to prove to the immigration department that the job he wants to employ you for cannot be done by a local. Given the fact that there are a lot of unemployed graduates around and your lack of experience you will have great difficulties to find a job.

[JJexpat]

First off, I say pick up that one class and get the paper for both degrees--position ourself for management. Secondly, you are better off applying to a company that has offices in HK from your US location. If you can market yourself as willing to relocate, the visa problem may be solved. The other respondents are bang on, imho, in saying you'll have a tough time landing here and then searching. Thirdly, find a niche so that you can compete with the local marketplace. HK is crawling with IT types. Is there an angle you can develop/position around? Good luck!
JJ

[KnowItAll]

Absolutely second JJExpat's recommendations. Try to get yourself into an MIS role in Canada that perhaps involves helping regional subsidiaries out. I've seen plenty of clueless drones (not putting you in that category.. just my observation) sent down from the US and UK and other countries to "setup offices" and assist in things that they dont' "trust locals" with.

Once you've done that for a year or two .. you can start positioning yourself for a transfer. A transfer is MUCH easier to justify than a job here in HK.

[fly]

sfdude,
Just curious, how are things where you are - in sf? Any particular reason why you'd be looking at HK to start your career as opposed to where you already are -- and would be presumably easier?

[sfdude]

To answer fly's question. I am moving to hong kong to be with my girlfriend. I was thinking of teaching english or tutoring for the SATs to make ends meet untill I do find something. As a plus, I have heard that transferring a work visa from either of those shouldnt be too difficult.

[KnowItAll]

It is indeed easier to transfer a work visa.

[sfdude]

So you think the English or SAT tutoring is a good idea? If so, do you know anything about TEFL courses?