Work in China
Work in China
(OP)
Can anyone tell me their recent work experiences in mainland China?
I'm a civil/structural PE with nearly 20 years experience in heavy industry (metals, petrochem & power). I've done design, site construct, PM and department management, but have been looking to round out my career.
A friend suggested I look to the East.
Any help appreciated.
(FYI - married with young children, all willing to travel)
jjf
I'm a civil/structural PE with nearly 20 years experience in heavy industry (metals, petrochem & power). I've done design, site construct, PM and department management, but have been looking to round out my career.
A friend suggested I look to the East.
Any help appreciated.
(FYI - married with young children, all willing to travel)
jjf





RE: Work in China
Given that it contains 1 billion people, stretches from the tropics to the arctic circle (practically) and includes some of the biggest cities in the world and some of the most isolated communities, I think you might have to be slightly more specific about the help you want.
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Work in China
Ciao.
RE: Work in China
Be ready for a great adventure - with high and lows sometimes on the same day, but it is an experience and life I wouldn't give up. But, be sure it is really what you want to do and that you and family are ready to do it.
Good luck.
RE: Work in China
As BigH puts it, working here is not a walk in the park and the culture is very different. I assume that you are in US so consider the following:
-Chinese don't like individual responsibility so if you are expecting that the average chinese takes a decision when you are around, forget it. They will not do it;
-Empowerment and modern management techniques are very beatiful in paper in countries where person's development is higher. Here there is still many of that tought:"Boss tells, we do". So, patience is the key. With time you will be able to get results.
-Very rarely they will tell you what they think. So, you have to follow your gut and be very attentive to non verbal signs;
Finally, the most important:
Your family has to support you always and you have to support them. Once I saw a report on the causes why European expatriates faile their abroad missions and the top cause was the unnability of the wife/kids to adapt to teh new place. I cannot imagine how it would be if my wife didn't like to be here.
Good luck.
RE: Work in China
RE: Work in China
I've spent time in Europe and South America, but that was usually just weeks or months. And of course, culturally, they were not that different from home.
I appreciate the input on Asia.
jjf
RE: Work in China
RE: Work in China
What is the governing body of professional engineering in China, say in the big modern cities? Any tranferability in terms of professional qualification for those holding a professional licence in North America?