Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sophomorik]

First, let me say how much I respect those teaching abroad in South Korea, as well as Asia as a whole. It takes a brave and selfless soul to leave a positive impact on students when placed in a foreign world. As a newly recruited teacher, I hope to meet the standard of an effective teacher.

However, this question is geared towards those who have previously taught in Korea or are aware of peers who have made a successful transition from teaching ESL to a different occupation all together. Does anyone have anything to say about making a career change after ESL? Does anyone have any advice on being "dually constructive" with your time in Korea?

I stress "dually constructive" in that I'm afraid American employers don't truly understand the amount of hard work that goes into the experience--of teaching abroad--as a whole. Of course, that goes by total hearsay among regulars @ Dave's forum and not by me--I'm not even there yet!

After my experience in Korea I would hope to gradually transition into a role within International Business (Asian-American Relations). Perhaps even go back to school for an MBA. Does this story sound familiar to anyone?

My teaching hours are from 4PM - 10PM at a private hagwon. I found internship openings with the editorial staff and press team of the AMCHAM as well as a Writer's Workshop exclusively for ExPats. You can never have too many publications on your resume!

BTW I have a BA in English, but kept busy in college (i.e. Fraternity, RA, OL, Newspaper Stringer, etc.).

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to joining the ranks!

[mises]

Your time in Korea will likely not be of much value to most employers upon return. The labor market is extremely tight, and you'll need a professional qualification to separate yourself from the unemployed masses.

I've transitioned out, as has my better half. I was in Korea several years back, did a masters with quantitative content immediately after I left (it is very important to not follow a qualitative undergrad degree with a fully qualitative masters) and found work. I do not include esl on my CV any longer. If I am asked what I did before my MSc, I'm honest. But I don't bring it up. And when I was interviewing for my current job, they didn't ask. My lady opted not for a masters but instead earned a professional qualification and has had great success.

Liberal arts undergrad + esl = un/underemployed. Times are tough.

Can I talk you out of the MBA? If you want an excellent and broad exposure to the world of business, do instead a graduate degree in accounting. Upon graduation you'll likely work for 2 years as a faceless auditor (for 60-65k, give or take depending on the city) and can then move into industry. Accountants master the nuts and bolts of business and are exceedingly valuable after a few years of experience. It would be then (after 2-3 years auditing) that your foreign experience would become valuable and a role along the lines you desire possible. Good luck!

IMO.

[BS.Dos.]

Still in Korea and will remain so until my 2nd contract ends in August. I've been using my time here to work on my MSc and I should have it completed by next year. Korea was always going to be a stepping stone for me. I'll be emigrating to the US next January and am hoping to find work in the private sector as a green collar worker. Failing that, and probably more likely, the public sector. Failing that? God knows. It's hardly an ideal time for a career change atm.

To echo what mises has said, I think for those that aren't in this game for the long haul and who are thinking about some kind of post-grad study, I think you have to be extra thoughtful about what you decide to study given the global backdrop atm. A year or two ago I'd have said take the environmental/energy route. There may still be time, but the green wave will be breaking in a year or two and I'm guessing the job market will be flooded with new graduates by then in much the same way that the IT market was prior to when the dot com bubble burst in the early 00s. MBAs do seem to be a very popular choice for North American grads, so I'm guessing you may like to differentiate as I'm sure the market is saturated with them.

Regarding putting together your post Korea CV. I think you can rinse some milage out of your time here. I'd have been out here for 2-years when I finish, so I can't really leave a 2-year gap on my CV. I think drawing attention to how you adapted to the challenges of a new and alien environment and how you overcame the language barriers etc is probably the way to sell it to a prospective employer.

*Edit* One area that I would consider looking into is Risk Management/Assessment. My GF's sister works for a US agency and reckons that this is an area where there's a significant shortfall in professional expertise. Just thought I'd mention it.

[BS.Dos.]

Double.

[Robot_Teacher]

Dang, I needed a masters to get an entry level external auditor position? No wonder why no one would bring me on. I wanted to be an external auditor, estimator, or cost analyst to determine how much to charge the Chinese on goods produced, but no dice. I have a business degree from an AACSB public uni business school. AACSB is internationally known as the toughest and brightest business school alliance. B-school on the undergrad or grad level is very hard, but I did it. AACSB uses MBA books for undergrad junior and senior level classes so I already have half an MBA in my brain.

MBA would be a breeze for me as I know my math, economics, and understand what executives do in textbook theory and real life, but the money is the problem. I don't have $50,000 to $100,000 to pay for it and don't want to take on the risk of going that much more in debt as the job market offers little. Now the MBA is great to turn yourself into a CEO/business president by starting your own company or day trading stocks, but you much more money than I have to jump start those ideas. It's a tough world out in business today. Big fish eats little fish is how it works though it's possible for a little fish to grow up to be the big one.

[Fishead soup]

A Go Go bar owner in Thailand or the Philippines. I can imagine a lot of these guys worked in EFL at one point in their life.

[mises]