Job Discussion Forums

[cormac]

I'm curious about the value of experience within China regarding University job applications.

I've worked in Xi'an for 7 years, starting with Kinder, then to IELTS/Corporate training with New Oriental, and lastly 5-6 years of college and University positions. I know Xi'an very well, and my contacts usually arranged my positions, since it was easy for them to check within the city as to my reputation.

However, I'm planning on moving to another city for a university position, and I'm unsure as to whether my experience counts for much. (aiming at a Sept start so no job applications made yet)

I just have a Higher bachelor in Business, along with the usual TEFL certification.

I guess I'm nervous applying for jobs in a new city when most of them have these requirements for Masters or PHDs/Publications, which I don't have.

Am I essentially a newbie again?

[Simon in Suzhou]

Warm. Bodies.

If you have a degree and 2 years work experience (i.e. you're not 22), you're probably qualified for most university jobs. Not all, but most. There is a shortage of teachers.

MOST universities want MA's and PHD's, but that doesn't mean they're getting them. Especially if they're paying under 10,000/month. It's worth applying, even if they say they want higher credentials.

There are legit programs that will only accept higher credentials, but they are usually paying higher salaries for them.

[cormac]

Thanks. I expected as much but it's good to get the confirmation from outside my own head.

[Non Sequitur]

I think your biggest advantage is being able to be interviewed in person.

[boangako]

[boangako]

PS-

Maybe this is the simplest answer.

Experience matters more than qualifications until you have 2-3 years of experience, then it flips.

That has been my experience anyway.

[Modernist]

I think a lot has to do with the location of the schools. Schools in good cities will be harder to enter. Hangzhou, Haikou, Xiamen, Qingdao, Chengdu etc. Schools in backwater holes, of which China has unfortunately many, will take anyone who breathes and can qualify for a Z visa.

Sometimes, in terms of money, foolish people will see a higher salary for a place like Zhengzhou, or basically anywhere in Henan, and think 'how bad can it be?' and then after they arrive, they learn! Location matters a lot for happiness, in China more than many places. Taobao can only do so much for you.

[cormac]

[Elicit]

[Spatula City]