Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rbos]

Hi,

I just graduated from college with a B.A. in Political Science. I really want to work in South Korea but I'm an English speaker and have never learned Korean yet. Also, I don't want to teach, but it seems like the only jobs I can find for people in my situation are teaching jobs. Does anyone know of any companies or organizations in South Korea (preferably Seoul) that might consider me if I'm fluent only in English?? If so, what types of positions would these companies be hiring for that would not require me to know Korean?

Thank you so much for your suggestions!

[air76]

You never know dude...but probably not.

Are you a gyopo? If you've got an F-4 there would certainly be a better chance, but otherwise you are most likely out of luck.

[kbit]

Do you have a security clearance? Could look into working for a government contractor working in SK. What is your skillset and what are you looking to do?

[rbos]

I don't have a security clearance. I have a background primarily in sales. It would be nice to do something related to either Political Science or work in the non-profit sector, but I'm very open to different ideas and I am for the most part willing to try things I've never done before.

I hope I can brainstorm some companies and/or types of positions (even at the entry-level) that are available in South Korea for non-Korean speakers like myself.

[furtakk]

No offense, but you have absolutely nothing to offer. Why would a foreign company hire a recent graduate with no skills and a BA in poli sci? With your CV you're not competitive for positions in your home country, let alone in a country where you do not speak the language. Sorry for the harsh words, but you need to be realistic. If you really want to live in Korea and not teach, consider studying Korean full time on a student visa. If you enjoy it here and complete the language program you may be able to find work outside of teaching when you finish.

[daeguowl]

I think you'd find t extremely tought to find a position with your current background. You probably have three options:

1. Come and learn the language and become fluent and get a job (possible)

2. Come and teach english for a year and network to find a job opportunity (extremely difficult but not impossible)

3. Get a job in your home country with a company that has extensive operations in Korea and angle to transfer out in 3-5 years. (possible but more likely the later you leave it.)

[dharma bum]

i agree with daeguowl about your options but would add that, if your interest in korea is long-term and substantial in nature, you might want to consider pursuing an ma/ms here. this would pose less financial risk than language study (assuming that you could get a scholarship) and would probably open up more opportunities for you than knowing the language would. i'm not saying go to graduate school in whatever just because you don't know what else to do and want to be in-country - but it might be a possible route if you're passionate about korean studies or international relations from a korean perspective or something similar.

[sigmundsmith]

[Yaya]

[sigmundsmith]

[quote="Yaya"][quote="sigmundsmith"]

[jomiro]

your talents are primarily in sales and you dont speak korean, yet you wanna work here?

i would say your chances are slim to none. yes, koreans speak english. however, sales require the native language of the country as you will be dealing with native speakers all day long.
for a job in sales you arent nearly qualified enough (judging from what ive read so far).

so, im sorry to say.. no korean, no job (at least in sales).
the only way for you to get something is, to find a company in america and have them transfer you to korea.

plus. you arent even here. no company will hire you when you are still in america (home country). that only works with english teachers. 'normal' work force has to be present at the location.

however, with a degreen i pol sci you could try your luck getting a job with the american embassy. but thats about the only idea i have....

[edwardcatflap]

Not only does the guy have no experience or qualifications in teaching, but he doesn't even want to do the job either. Yet three of you are still encouraging him to come over and teach English to adults paying good money or impressionable kids. No wonder there are so many problems with NETS here.

[ttompatz]

Just slightly off-topic in terms of finding a job but certainly just as relevant and in the vein of answering the question posed by the OP:

Based on your Original Post; UNLESS you are of Korean ancestry AND can get an F4 there is NO VISA that you qualify for other than E2 (teacher of other languages) and that is ASSUMING you are a native speaker and a passport holder from one of the official "7" countries (not a given based on your posts).

.

[Yaya]

[quote="sigmundsmith"][quote="Yaya"]

[Yaya]