Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lastat06513]

I knew some people who used their background to network while teaching in Korea- for some it worked, but for others, well......

It is all in who you know, what you know and when you know them and how you know them that gets you some of the non-ESL teaching jobs in Korea.

Another angle, as some mentioned above, might be to start your own firm or business. You can use the contacts you make as an ESL teacher that can help you with your start-up and you can use your Korea-made savings as your capital for your own business.

"Breaking into" business here or trying to get a non-teaching job is a big gamble, believe it or not. There are many people trying for the same position- Foreign born Koreans, and people from places like India, Pakistan, etc. who might be more skilled and are willing to work for less pay.

You might ask, what might these people have that you don't? Well, first many of them have special certification or qualifications that some westerners don't have. Another is that many Indians and so forth have taken the time to learn the language, unlike many westerners. And above all, many of them are willing to put in long hours for about two-thirds of what Koreans earn (especially the Pakistani IT experts I saw running around), which make them more attractive employees than a westerner who would whine and complain if things don't go their way (which is what is seen on this board alot).

I am not comparing them to you because I personally don't know you or your qualifications nor do I know your circumstance and situation.

But I think you can't knock a job where people are paid considerably more for less work and if you put in alittle more effort than most, you can be seen as an exceptional teacher, thus can get better positions.

But if you want to go the business route, try it
I did and I hated it....


NTM- Alot of the foreign companies that work in Korea usually hire local staff and there are labor laws here that state a company must have a certain amount of locals in the company to be able to be established here. I know it is not the case for all foreign companies. But, I might want to add, that alot of the foreign companies tend to hire their foreign staff outside the country as it would be easier to get them the necessary visas to work.

So, if you want to work for a foreign company, the best time to look for a company to work for would be now since you are home and you can search the individual company's website for positions.

[koon_taung_daeng]

if i were you i would first start searching monsterjobs.com and all of those types of websites, humanresorces in korea might be posting on those things, othere then that adult conversation like one of the other posters metioned might be good

[Wangta01]

Seems like many people are interested in non-esl teaching. I've actually met many foreigners who work here for corporations - never thought to ask them how they found their way here and why.

[PeteJB]

Usually it's:

A. Working for a Foreign Company (e.g industry)
B. Having Business Connections (Get me a job will ya?)
C. Married folks (finally stuck with the endless hours, but love keeps one sailing)

[postfundie]

with a higer level Deloitte dudette. She works in professional services and said there's not much opportunity there, but she does see lot's of foreigners in auditing and tax accounting so you could look there...Did you work for one of the big four in Australia...?? Networking is always best or just turning over your CV to a head-hunter/recruiter should provide some leads.....