Working in China
China has the world's second largest economy which is increasingly opening to foreign investment. Expats are coming to both represent foreign companies that are diving into the Chinese economy and to international companies that have large offices there already. Expats have traditionally taken upper management and senior level jobs in the fields of IT, human resources, finances, accounting, foreign banking and foreign owned manufacturing companies. Still the largest sector of expats within China are low paid English teachers. Increasingly expats are coming to China to work in middle management positions in large companies.
Other fields, in need of skilled workers and trying to entice a larger expat workforce, are pharmaceuticals, research and development, high-tech and engineering. There is also a need for expats to train Chinese workers in the same fields. Relocation packages are smaller than they were a few years ago, but many expats can still expect help with housing costs, airfare, health insurance and some tax payments. Expats hired from within China should expect much lower salaries and fewer benefits.
Almost all expat jobs are found in the major cities which all have large expat business communities. Speaking Mandarin will be a large advantage and often a way to secure a high paying job. However, many international companies use English in everyday affairs and many expats get by without Mandarin.
It must be noted that a Chinese work permit is needed for an expat to find work in China.
It must be noted that a Chinese work permit is needed for an expat to find work in China.
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