moving from boston to HK

centrino · 26-03-2006, 02:48 PM

Hi all,

I am due to graduate next year, and have accepted a job with a large investment bank in HK.

This forum is wonderful, it has many answers to questions that I've been dying to ask, but didn't dare ask the recruiters at my future company.

My biggest question I want to know is regarding my girlfriend. We are both Chinese (though we hold US citizenship), and though we go to different schools, we are both due to graduate this year.

However, she has missed the boat in recruiting and is having difficulties getting interviews in HK.

I am thinking of just asking her to come to HK with me first and look for a job.
However, some of my friends have suggested that Is it easier to get a job over in the US, and get posted to HK, while others have suggested that is it better to just go to HK and start looking.

As long as her starting pay is reasonable, she will be willing to take it. My salary is pretty good, so I will be able to support her.

Therefore,

1) What is a 'reasonable' salary in HK? (she's looking for a middle office/back office ibanking job)
2) Is the industry in HK very competitive? (she's originally from Shanghai, and speaks no or little cantonese, but very fluent English, PuTongHua and Shanghainese as well as some Spanish)
3) How are the hours in HK like? I have interned last summer as an ib analyst in ny, so i'm aware of the hours. but is HK the same?
4) Are there any young people my age (i am just 21) who are sent as expats? Most of my peers are staying on in New York.
I also have offers to work in New York, but my parents are originally from China and they want me to go back.. ( i also speak no cantonese, but NY office has assured me it is ok)

I'm from a top ten school, and she from a top twenty (both of us have strong CVs), so reputationwise, i'm sure HK HR for ibanks should be ok with us.

Thank you in advanced for the help.
We are both confused as to what to do.
(yes, she is my serious girlfriend, and that is why i am asking all these)

khbtang · 28-03-2006, 04:48 PM

Congrat first and welcome to HK. HK market in the past year and the year ahead seem to be good. There are many job openings and I'm sure it won't be too tough to find a job. However one thing is that she needs a visa and it could be a problem. My suggestion is to start contacting the recruiters (usually ibanks use recruiters) or the bank's HR directly. Do look at jobsdb.com and classifiedpost.com. Small firms may not issue visa to junior staff.

TaLL|dUdE · 30-03-2006, 03:56 PM

or you could get married and she'd be your dependent... hehehe!

i used to live in the Boston area as well. Welcome!

explorer · 31-03-2006, 08:50 AM

Just buy her a ticket and come by to HK. I am sure she will land a job in no time with her credentials. Mandarin is more important than English in the IB industry. Dont worry about the salary as well. The only worry is when she receives multiple offers.

KnowItAll · 31-03-2006, 09:51 AM

Centrino : Where abouts in Boston? I'm headed there in April and am desperately looking for a contact at the Media Labs in MIT for an interview.

cosmokat · 01-04-2006, 01:40 AM

Congrats on the move Centrino, I also moved from Boston last year!

My guess it would be easier for her to find something when she's actually out here, but as others have already noted, she would need to find a company willing to sponsor her for a work visa.

youngie · 20-04-2006, 10:30 AM

Hi there,

A little tip for you you might not know about. Being US Citizens and living in another country (I'm in the same situation), it doesn't relieve you of your US tax liability, even if you never put foot back in the States ever again or have any financial/business or property interests over there you will ALWAYS have to file a 1040 by April 15th. Sorry to break the bad news but it beats having the IRS come down on you at a later date if you don't file. You must file a 1040 on income earned anywhere in the world. You gotta love the USA. NOT! If you need any more info let me know.

Regards

John.

Originally Posted by centrino:

Hi all,

I am due to graduate next year, and have accepted a job with a large investment bank in HK.

This forum is wonderful, it has many answers to questions that I've been dying to ask, but didn't dare ask the recruiters at my future company.

My biggest question I want to know is regarding my girlfriend. We are both Chinese (though we hold US citizenship), and though we go to different schools, we are both due to graduate this year.

However, she has missed the boat in recruiting and is having difficulties getting interviews in HK.

I am thinking of just asking her to come to HK with me first and look for a job.
However, some of my friends have suggested that Is it easier to get a job over in the US, and get posted to HK, while others have suggested that is it better to just go to HK and start looking.

As long as her starting pay is reasonable, she will be willing to take it. My salary is pretty good, so I will be able to support her.

Therefore,

1) What is a 'reasonable' salary in HK? (she's looking for a middle office/back office ibanking job)
2) Is the industry in HK very competitive? (she's originally from Shanghai, and speaks no or little cantonese, but very fluent English, PuTongHua and Shanghainese as well as some Spanish)
3) How are the hours in HK like? I have interned last summer as an ib analyst in ny, so i'm aware of the hours. but is HK the same?
4) Are there any young people my age (i am just 21) who are sent as expats? Most of my peers are staying on in New York.
I also have offers to work in New York, but my parents are originally from China and they want me to go back.. ( i also speak no cantonese, but NY office has assured me it is ok)

I'm from a top ten school, and she from a top twenty (both of us have strong CVs), so reputationwise, i'm sure HK HR for ibanks should be ok with us.

Thank you in advanced for the help.
We are both confused as to what to do.
(yes, she is my serious girlfriend, and that is why i am asking all these)

applefan · 20-04-2006, 11:54 AM

I believe that US citizens residing abroad automatically get a 60-day extension so taxes are not due until June 15.

youngie · 20-04-2006, 01:29 PM

I must theck in to that, thanks very much.

Originally Posted by applefan:

I believe that US citizens residing abroad automatically get a 60-day extension so taxes are not due until June 15.

cosmokat · 20-04-2006, 08:51 PM

I'm not sure it's an automatic extension..believe you still have to file for it. But perhaps that's only if you need to extend beyond the 60 days, you should confirm. DO note that whatever extension you are allowed, that's just for the filing. Any taxes due to the IRS still needs to be paid by April 15th (or this year April 17th), otherwise they can still impose penalties and late fees. Wouldn't want that....