help me move to HK! :)

[fulla]

Hi, I'm about to graduate from uni in Australia with degrees in Law and Journalism. I've had some experience in a law firm, but am not qualified as a solicitor. Similarly, I've had a bit of editing/writing experience, but not heaps.

Simply, I want to work in HK for 6-12 months starting in September. I don't care what I do as long as it pays the rent. Something related to writing/media/editing would be preferable.

What can I do? How easy is it to find work? Where should I be looking? Anyone got any hints?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated

[haba]

Have just moved to Hong Kong myself, and am job-hunting at the moment. The problem you will probably find (which I am finding) is that at a more junior level, companies will prefer to hire someone who can speak cantonese, with mandarin also valued. If you can't speak either of these languages, I would advise trying to find a paid internship or trainee program through a big multi-national company before you arrive.

Perhaps try calling one of the big recruitment consultancies out here like Michael Page to try to get some more specific advice. If you were willing to work more in the finance area you would probably have an easier time of it... Good luck!

[fulla]

cheers mate, some good pointers.

I'm particularly interested in writing/editing positions....anyone know where to start looking for work in this field?

[PDLM]

If you are an Australian (or NZ or Ireland) passport holder under 30 then get a Working Holiday Visa so that employers don't have to justify employing you to the Immigration Department. Then you might be able to get some journalistic or editing work at one of the English publications (some of them desperately need decent editors).

[emmie]

Hi, I'm about to graduate from uni in Australia with degrees in Law and Journalism. I've had some experience in a law firm, but am not qualified as a solicitor. Similarly, I've had a bit of editing/writing experience, but not heaps.

Simply, I want to work in HK for 6-12 months starting in September. I don't care what I do as long as it pays the rent. Something related to writing/media/editing would be preferable.

What can I do? How easy is it to find work? Where should I be looking? Anyone got any hints?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated

Years ago, I served time as a lowly ELT (English Language Teaching) editor with a publishing co.; then while teaching (changed back after almost 2yrs coz much preferred "interacting" with/yabbing to... people rather than the DRAB cubicle life!) I also freelanced proofreading BORING inches-thick manuscripts for money or as favours to "friends". Thank goodyness those days are gone

Search google.com.hk for the usual big-name Eng. language publishers in HK. Hint? Location: Taikoo Shing, around Quarry Bay - at least 3 biggies there.

Caution: Educational book publishing can be a HALF-LIFE existence... BUT you'll meet a few fun-loving, chatty expats doing their HK stint (even holidayed with a coupla gals with trips to Bali & Penang... to punctuate long periods of YAWN).

BTW, forgot to mention: these publishers prefer some previous editing/writing OR classroom teaching experience, depends on the particular dept/division. Best of luck.

[fulla]

Thank you Emmie, sounds like good advice.

I don't mind a half-life existance for a couple of months, the main thing is just to get to HK, get enough money to rent a place and have a couple of beers.