This document provides advice from HKUST graduates on pursuing a career in mainland China. It discusses differences in the job market and work culture compared to Hong Kong. Pros of working in China include greater opportunities and exposure to different cultures, while cons can include lower salaries initially and being away from family and friends. The graduates recommend having strong communication and language skills, doing research on companies and sectors, and tailoring applications by showcasing relevant qualifications and interest in the role and organization. Students interested in China are advised to prepare by improving their Mandarin, understanding business culture and norms, and gaining experience interacting with others from mainland China.

1. III: Steps to Career Success
Special Focus:
Eyes on the Mainland
HKUST graduates working in mainland China share their personal impressions.
M any HKUST graduates have found opportunities in mainland
China that they couldn’t find in Hong Kong. The Career
Center got in touch with some of them to find out what advice
CHEUNG Pak-Ming (CPM)
they have for students considering a career in the Mainland.
MPhil in Computer Science and Engineering, 2006
EMPLOYER Microsoft (China) Corporation
POSITION Software Development Engineer II
Huey LAM (HL)
BBA in Marketing and Finance, 2005
EMPLOYER Experian FootFall China
POSITION Business Development Manager – China
Michael LEE (ML)
MPhil in Engineering, 2005
EMPLOYER ECO Environmental Investment Company
(a member of the Hong Kong & China Gas Group)
POSITION Assistant Project Manager
TONG Kwok Wai (TKW)
BEng in Electronic Engineering (Information and
Communication Engineering), 2005
EMPLOYER Spectra Technologies (HK)
POSITION Product Design Engineer
How is finding a job in the Mainland different from Hong Kong? TKW: Mainland jobs mostly recruit managerial level staff. The
HL: Working in mainland China very much depends on high-tech field is one of the fast growth industries. The financial
connections. That also applies to job hunting. industry would also be good as Hong Kong is very strong in this
ML: The major requirement for working here is Putonghua-related area and is contributing more to the Mainland companies in the
communication skills. beginning stage. Also, the salaries of local people are growing
TKW: I searched that job from a major regional job website, so for very fast. That gives companies incentives to hire more
me it’s just like looking for a job elsewhere. But note that if you try Hong Kong people.
to apply for Mainland jobs through local websites or agents, the
How is the work environment and work culture different in
salary and package will be worse as they don’t expect to recruit
Hong Kong people there. the Mainland?
HL: People from different parts of China think very differently. We
Please share any insights you have on the current job market in need to consider other people’s opinions and ideas, and speak in a
mainland China. way that they can all understand.
HL: China is boosting domestic demand, so I think retail would ML: Personal skills and communication skills are the two major
be a good choice. Besides, as long as you are from Hong Kong, differences in the work culture here. People in China like to develop
you’ll be regarded as a retail expert, whether you have actual a good relationship prior to working together.
retail experience or not!
28 THE HKUST CAREER GUIDE 2010 www.ust.hk

2. III: Steps to Career Success
How will students/graduates know if they Making Winning
Applications
are suitable to work in the Mainland?
HL: Working in the Mainland requires
resilience and stamina.
ML: They should be quick learners and
adaptive to new environments.
TKW: They need to be highly adaptable,
flexible, adventurous, independent and
You found the job that you wanted to apply for. Now
open-minded. it’s time to market yourself.
Please list some pros and cons of working
in mainland China.
HL: China’s market is huge and developing
very rapidly. As long as we truly care for
our customers, explore their needs and
A curriculum vitae or CV (also known
as a résumé, pronounced rez-zoo-may)
introduced by a cover letter (a formal
However, if the job ad states that cover
letters are not required, then do not include
one – it shows that you paid attention and
solve their problems, this is a land that’s letter that highlights your strengths and can follow basic instructions.
full of limitless opportunities. relevant background) is a widely used
CPM: Pros – more opportunities and means of application for jobs. This is your A second pair of eyes – or third, or fourth,
exposure to different cultures, which could personal marketing tool presenting your or...
be a good selling point should you decide qualifications, skills and attributes in a way It is important to have someone else check
to return to Hong Kong a few years later. that demonstrates how suitable you are your cover letter and CV for potential
Cons – leaving your family and friends; for the job. As well as providing an insight spelling and grammar mistakes, and
salary may be a little bit lower than in into your qualifications and experience, it to give comments on the content. The
Hong Kong (but the price of goods here is should show the employers the skills and Communication Tutors of your school
also lower). qualities you have that will match the role and the Career Advisors are there to give
TKW: The downside is life may be boring you are applying for. you assistance on this.
compared to Hong Kong. But there’s also Remember, your cover letter and CV
the upside: Mainland exposure, better Tailor your application must catch the employer’s attention so
chances of promotion and business trips; Carefully targeting the organizations that that they will want to call you in for an
lower expenses; better understanding about you are applying to is far more likely interview. Mistakes might give them a
China and improvement in Putonghua. to be successful than firing off many bad impression of you right off the bat.
As China continues to rise in the global near-identical applications. Analyze the You only get one chance to make a first
market, that is definitely an advantage. information in the vacancy, as well as the impression, so use it well!
employer literature, to discover the skills,
How should students who are interested competencies and experience for the job. Points for presentation
in working in the Mainland prepare Make sure your application contains • Avoid fancy, colored or patterned papers
themselves? evidence that you have these qualities for your CV and cover letter. White,
HL: You need to have excellent skills (or at least the interest and potential to cream or off-white are acceptable.
in communication, negotiation and acquire them!). • A typed address on the envelope looks
management. You should know how to more professional than a handwritten
Research the organization and sector one, no matter how nice your
delegate and motivate others to perform
tasks for you. Also, read the newspaper Research each organization thoroughly handwriting is.
and be aware of what’s going on around and use the information that you gain • If you’re sending multiple applications
you. Learn pinyin. Know how to use the to prepare your cover letter and CV. to different employers at the same time,
local language to understand local culture, Demonstrate your knowledge and check and double-check to make sure
norms and etiquettes. Know how to drink. understanding of the job’s requirements, you put the right letters in the right
If you can’t drink, know how to say no the employer and the sector in which they envelopes. Some employers may not be
politely! operate, and allow your motivation and amused to note that you’re asking them
ML: Be humble. However, confidence is a interest to shine through. Make it easy for for a job at their main rival’s company.
must in front of colleagues as well as guests the employer to see what a perfect fit you
or contractors. Also, become familiar with are for the job.
Chinese technical terms.
Follow instructions
CPM: Practice your Putonghua with
your fellow students from the Mainland. Some employers prefer receiving CVs only.
Putonghua is still the only official language Some employers ask for a cover letter along
in most companies, even if the interview with the CV.
was conducted in English. If the employer does not specify that
TKW: One thing to bear in mind is the tax a cover letter is not required, include one
issue. You must first understand how to do anyway. Employers may receive a lot of
the tax payment before accepting the job applications at the same time while having
offer – whether it is paid by the company little time to process each of them.
or other special arrangement – as the tax is
much higher in the Mainland.
www.ust.hk THE HKUST CAREER GUIDE 2010 29