[Wes]

My soon-to-be wife is going to accept a position with her "big 4" accounting firm in HK this fall, and I'm coming along despite being apprehensive about quitting my job here in the US. I'm an electrical engineer with about 4 years experience in power and instrumentation in the oil & gas biz.

She has told me that she's willing to support me if I can't find a job, but I think this could be a great opportunity to get on with a firm that is doing business in the rapidly expanding economy in that part of the world.

I've searched the big HK job sites and have come across a couple listings that would be a good match for my skills. The big problem for me is that most want someone fluent in Chinese.

So, I have a few questions:

1) How easy would it be for me to move there and get work in my industry (without the language skills)?
2) Is there anything I can do in the five months before we move to improve my chances of getting a job (possible to learn enough Chinese that fast?)?
3) Would it be better to try to find a US firm that would hire me and send me to HK?
4) Is it going to be difficult to get a work visa?

Thanks in advance for any advice or leads!

[KnowItAll]

Shell, China Light and Power and a number of others (including large consumers of oil and gas like the local Airlines) employ a fair number of expatriates. Keep in mind that there are several companies in the regional business based out of Hong Kong.

I'd not be too worried about the work visa. If your employer is legit, few if any have problems sponsoring a work visa in Hong Kong.

[KnowItAll]

I should add that your time might be spent more productively with digging up references and contacts (ex employers etc) who have a presence in this region.

[JAherbert]

hi,

The code and regs over here are completely different (including voltage and hz) to the NEC, IEC, etc. The HK code is based on UK standards, and BSS EN standards, however at least they are written in English.

Chinese codes (mainland china) are entirely written in chinese. Even working for Shell, etc. will need to know the local code.

Not much oil and gas biz around Hong Kong, although having said that several LNG terminals are planned along the chinese coast & RE in china will be a growth biz in the next few years.

cheers,
John

[hariy chest]

Times are hard for new non chinese looking for fresh jobs in HK. All the best!

[Onyx]

Time a big career change to accompany the big lifestyle change methinks.

Wes, I would suggest at least starting to learn conversational/intro cantonese and/or mandarin.

[GOODMAN]

My cousin’s husband (who happens to be Cantonese) graduated from Canada and returned to HK to work about 12 years ago and soon found an opportunity with a position as CPA for Morgan Stanley. He was excited. But this job was consuming his social as well as marital life. When I went back to visit, I visited him and we had dinner at 10:00 pm. He said that’s when he normally goes home!. A word of caution to those who are about to come to HK with a fiancé or a girl friend, it’s more than just relocation you have to consider. HK is expensive to live in if you are not hired with a rich expat. Package with housing allowance. A large majority of the new college grats in HK make about 12k a month on the high side which can barely sustain oneself if he is not living with the family. A decent rental with 500 sf can run between 5k- 8-k a month depending on location. There are districts that are catering to foreigners and expats with better than local expectation of living standard but that costs much more.
You can rent a flat in Happy Valley (where many ABC and ABC; as well as foreigner live) with around 500 sf, nicely maintained for about 8-9K a month. How do I know you may ask. My cousin owns a real estate company in Happy Valley. Good luck to you all on your adventure and challenges in HK.

[Wes]

Thanks for the advice. Since the posting, we got married, moved to HK, and all is well so far. I haven't found a job just yet but am still on the lookout. Luckily finances are not so critical that I have to draw a salary immediately.

[GOODMAN]

Good luck with your jon serach. I am in the semiconductor field as an equipment Eng responsible for maintaining the manufacturing equipment. I once did think about finding a job in HK but the field is small and pay scale is not as good as here if you are hired as a local. But in China, my field is very much in demand. I know colleagues working in China on a term / contract basis making salary close to 6 figures. Electrical Eng degree can get in electronic fields in the US. May be something to consider....