Job Discussion Forums

bryanjspen · Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 30 Location: Suzhou, China

I graduate end of July - but have to wait to get my diploma (between 1-5 weeks) - so I am assuming I can't get a job until I get my diploma in hand (August-September). Is it still possible to get a job then?? (I want to work in Suzhou/that area)

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

It's always possible. Private school is your best option. University or college, less so.

AliceB · Joined: 13 Apr 2011 Posts: 11

I'm in the same position as you. I have been applying for jobs anyway: I tell the schools that I'll send them the diploma as soon as I can, and none of the employers have had a problem with it. As far as I can gather, you'll need a copy of the diploma to get your Z-visa, but there's no reason you can't sign a work contract before the diploma comes through - you have to have signed a contract before you can apply for a Z visa anyway, because you need a sponsorship letter from your employer. (Note: you might want to double-check the things I'm telling you, the system is pretty complicated!). The Chinese school year starts September 1st, so if you're job-hunting in mid-September you might end up stuck with a job which nobody else would take.

Salvatore · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 119

Keep in mind that most Freshmen in a Chinese university are required to do military exercises in September. Their classes begin in October after the National Day holiday.

Of course, a university may want you to "teach" Sophomores or Juniors. Ideally, the school wants you to teach only Freshmen. My current school was like that last September = 1 month paid vacation! In the past though, I had some classes in September and then a full load in October.