Working in China
China has the world's second largest economy, which is increasingly open to foreign investment. Expats working in China are coming to represent foreign companies that are looking to become more involved in the East, and also to fill positions in international companies that have large offices based in the country 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 sector with the largest number of expats working in China is teaching English as a foreign language; a fairly low-paying job.
Increasingly expats are coming to China to work in middle management positions in large companies.
Fields that could possibly appeal to a larger expat workforce due to the demand for skilled workers include pharmaceuticals, research and development, and engineering. There is also a need for expats to train Chinese workers in the same fields.
Relocation packages are less lucrative than they were a few years ago, but many expats can still expect to have companies subsidise 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 with large expat business communities. Speaking Mandarin will be a large advantage and is 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.
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 sector with the largest number of expats working in China is teaching English as a foreign language; a fairly low-paying job.
Increasingly expats are coming to China to work in middle management positions in large companies.
Fields that could possibly appeal to a larger expat workforce due to the demand for skilled workers include pharmaceuticals, research and development, and engineering. There is also a need for expats to train Chinese workers in the same fields.
Relocation packages are less lucrative than they were a few years ago, but many expats can still expect to have companies subsidise 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 with large expat business communities. Speaking Mandarin will be a large advantage and is 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.
