are you all 40yr+ General Managers and Partners?

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mje519

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Joined: June 27, 2007
Posts: 2

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Posted: June 27, 2007 - 06:40 AM
Post subject: are you all 40yr+ General Managers and Partners?

I am a US citizen with an undergraduate engineering degree from a top US school, with 4+ years experience in manufacturing operations. I want to have an international career including multi-year assignments in China. If I stay on track with my current employer that will probably happen but only after another decade of project level and mid-level management in the US. Is there any demand for US expatriates who are still early in their careers? Would speaking mandarin be a must?

Michael

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Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5274

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Posted: June 27, 2007 - 09:25 AM

There are several ways to go about it. Its not easy but its doable. In general, people that are being hired and sent on expat packages are for mid to senior level mgmt. Also, certain technical specialties are getting assignments. The demand for early stage expats is not that high in multinationals. Language skills are almost always required, as you will be competing with a large number of returning overseas chinese, or people with chinese language skills developed on their own.

Getting a relocation assignment is the best way.. both in terms of money and add on incentives. Next is to show up, learn the language, and network ceaselessly for a year or two. You might come up with a good job at local plus or almost expat pay - less than you would make in the US, but easily enough to live well here. Third way would be entrepreneurial - come and look around, pick up a good idea, and go for it. There are still lots of good ideas that no one has the time to do.

mje519

Newbie

Joined: June 27, 2007
Posts: 2

Status: Offline

Posted: June 27, 2007 - 06:07 PM

Your response includes a good indication of the challenges as well as some encouragement - both are much appreciated!

Thanks.

p1atl10

Board Royalty

Joined: Mar 18, 2005
Posts: 6089
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: June 27, 2007 - 08:08 PM

I also am an engineer...now in middle management in Shanghai.
But did my first ex-pat assignment years ago as an individual contributor.

Technical depth, expertise, and a set of skills they can not find anywhere locally is the key to an early career expat assignment as an engineer.

PM me if you want to talk some more.

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