Should I move to Hong Kong?

[clark315]

Hi,

I am currently in my last year at the University of Florida in the USA and will be completing my degree in Finance later in the year. My girlfriend graduated a few months back, and will be in Hong Kong by the time I graduate (She is a HK/Australian citizen). We are serious and have been dating for a couple years now. I was considering my options and one I am considering is to try to find entry level work in Hong Kong when I graduate.

1) How hard would it to get a working VISA in HK, not having any sort of job lined up? I would probably just have to go over and look for work upon my arrival if that was possible.
2) Not knowing much Cantonese and only a little bit of Mandarin, what kind of hindrances would I have in my job search? Would I still be able to find an entry level job in finance?
3) What kind of salary and hours could I expect for this type of job?

Thanks for any help you all can provide, it would be much appreciated!

[JWilliamson]

Originally Posted by clark315

Hi,

I am currently in my last year at the University of Florida in the USA and will be completing my degree in Finance later in the year. My girlfriend graduated a few months back, and will be in Hong Kong by the time I graduate (She is a HK/Australian citizen). We are serious and have been dating for a couple years now. I was considering my options and one I am considering is to try to find entry level work in Hong Kong when I graduate.

1) How hard would it to get a working VISA in HK, not having any sort of job lined up? I would probably just have to go over and look for work upon my arrival if that was possible.
2) Not knowing much Cantonese and only a little bit of Mandarin, what kind of hindrances would I have in my job search? Would I still be able to find an entry level job in finance?
3) What kind of salary and hours could I expect for this type of job?

Thanks for any help you all can provide, it would be much appreciated!

Hello there, Im from Miami and i have been in Hong Kong for about 3 years now. You dont need to know much of any other language than English but it will help if you knew the local language. Hong Kong is a lot more faster, noisier, crowded, expensive, humid and rainier than Miami. JW

[ljon246]

I agree with Jwilliamson, you definitely can survive in HK with English but knowing Cantonese or Mandarin will open more doors for you.
For salary, it would depend on what type of work you are able to get. There are many people I know who work in finance, speak no Mandarin or Cantonese and have great salaries (for their age). 25-35K a month, wont give you an extravagant lifestyle in HK, but if you stay with your GF and share some expenses would be pretty good.

If you are looking to get your foot in the door, id suggest you try starting with an internship first. Great way to get experience and make contacts and open more doors in HK. Here is a company that can help if you need it: International internship program