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How do I get a job as a native English speaking Environmental Mgmt fresh graduate?

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  1. #11

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    It's actually not uncommon for locally born kids in Hong Kong who grew up in non-Chinese speaking households to not be able to speak very much Cantonese. It's not good but that's just what happens. As RMDNC, for some it is because they go to international schools but for some, it's just hard to learn or they don't like the language etc.

    I definitely would rather not move out of HK just for a job as I have many commitments here but thanks for the advice.

    z754103 and jonastainine like this.

  2. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by drumbrake:
    Quite normal for those who go through the international school system. Not saying its right, but it's a bit harsh to blame a fresh graduate who has had little control over his or her education.
    Cantonese/Mandarin learning centers
    gigglinggal likes this.

  3. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by HK119:
    It's actually not uncommon for locally born kids in Hong Kong who grew up in non-Chinese speaking households to not be able to speak very much Cantonese. It's not good but that's just what happens. As RMDNC, for some it is because they go to international schools but for some, it's just hard to learn or they don't like the language etc.

    I definitely would rather not move out of HK just for a job as I have many commitments here but thanks for the advice.
    Plenty of local kids in international schools with parents who speak English/Mandarin only and the kids also speak Canto.

    Jobs write they want tri/quad lingual but it's a bunch of BS most of the time. Best way is to check LinkedIn to find profiles of similar people to you and see which type of companies they are working work. Definitely the job requirements are not set in stone and you'd be surprised at the applicants who apply to jobs postings. Employers also don't have many choices nor time to deal with hiring. Make it easy and know what you can provide/solve for the company and you'll be getting an interview. From there it's solely based if the hiring manager likes you or not.

    One complaint I have about the younger generation is they are so negative on their abilities and their spelling sucks. Wtf. Keep those comments to yourself. Positive it up and be optimistic. Plenty of opportunities in HK.
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  4. #14

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    Thailand has several good NGOs (e.g UN related) on environmental issues. Are you wedded to staying in HK right now or would you consider working in the region, getting more exposure, and then transfering back?

    Other ideas
    - consider research/academic career, look for RA position. Consider a PhD if you really fancy academia.
    - consider similar/related career like town planning. Will need further qualification.
    -Check out the Civic Exchange. Considering volunteering there if they have no paid positions open
    - secondary school teaching - range of subjects possible, ranging from ecology or geography, to general knowledge
    - consider going into something that builds on your masters but better tapped into the dominant industries in HK. E.g. would you consider joining finance, as an ESG analyst, green bond specialist, equity analyst specialising in sectors relating to the environment, private equity fund targeting similar themes etc etc. You'd have to do further training, and you may hate the idea of finance, just throwing broader ideas out there for you to consider.

    Good luck - it's an exciting time, and you can afford to explore different careers and take risk, at this early stage!

    Last edited by z754103; 24-04-2018 at 01:27 AM.
    Golem, HK_Katherine, HK119 and 2 others like this.

  5. #15

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    Well pre-97 it may have been OK. But its now 2018. Not harsh. Rather its pointing out the arrogance -- not necessarily of the kid -- but of his parents. The freaking audacity of even the last remnants of colonial HK society.

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  6. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by HK_Katherine:
    I assume you have applied to companies like ERM already? I know a number of managers from there who speak no other languages than English so I cannot believe they REQUIRE chinese.
    I checked out some of their job ads, they require English and Chinese. As Golem said after you, I'm in a pickle xD. It really will be hard for me to get entry level jobs without Chinese. Ah well, I'll try asking a person I know who is already in the industry but in the end, I may simply become an English teacher.

  7. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by RMDNC:
    Well pre-97 it may have been OK. But its now 2018. Not harsh. Rather its pointing out the arrogance -- not necessarily of the kid -- but of his parents. The freaking audacity of even the last remnants of colonial HK society.
    Nice try .. but at some point, you do know you're just ranting and not adding anything to the solution. But then may be that is your desired outcome.
    TheBrit likes this.

  8. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by HK119:
    It's actually not uncommon for locally born kids in Hong Kong who grew up in non-Chinese speaking households to not be able to speak very much Cantonese. It's not good but that's just what happens. As RMDNC, for some it is because they go to international schools but for some, it's just hard to learn or they don't like the language etc.

    I definitely would rather not move out of HK just for a job as I have many commitments here but thanks for the advice.
    I really feel bad for the OP. Neither of my two HK born kids can speak a word of Cantonese. They speak unaccented American English. I had always expected or even insisted they go to the US for university and then stay there. All according to plan fortunately. I don't see how anyone native can have a career here without any Mandarin. All white expat guys I work with are Mandarin fluent by the way.
    HK_Katherine and gigglinggal like this.

  9. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by HK119:
    I checked out some of their job ads, they require English and Chinese. As Golem said after you, I'm in a pickle xD. It really will be hard for me to get entry level jobs without Chinese. Ah well, I'll try asking a person I know who is already in the industry but in the end, I may simply become an English teacher.
    If you need money, you can start with teaching English and general tutoring but I would advise you to either get a PGDE either full or part time or pursue graduate studies. It would allow you to teach either in universities or international schools which would likely be better financially and in terms of working conditions than just teaching English. Read the messages carefully, there were some excellent suggestions, you could also go into finance and trading and specialize in your area of expertise as was suggested earlier. I remember in my days, I had friends who struggled to start their careers, one engineer was selling outdoor goods in a camping store, another one had to learn programming, a math PhD friend had to teach High School. None of them gave up on their choices and all are very successful in their fields today because they never gave up, continued their search while doing other things and improving their qualifications, started low and took small steps to eventually get to where they are today. Never expect that things will be given to you easily, work your ass off to get what you want and it will make you a better person and build your confidence and self esteem in the process. The greatest glory is always attained in the face of adversity.
    gigglinggal likes this.

  10. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by HK119:
    I checked out some of their job ads, they require English and Chinese. As Golem said after you, I'm in a pickle xD. It really will be hard for me to get entry level jobs without Chinese. Ah well, I'll try asking a person I know who is already in the industry but in the end, I may simply become an English teacher.
    English teacher! I know plenty of young people who went down that road just to waste 5 years of their lives. Don't you f..King do it. I assume you are young. Here is my suggestion. Spend the next year to get fluent in putonghua anyway you can. I did it and so can you and I am probably not that smart.
    gigglinggal likes this.