Korean Job Discussion Forums

[northway]

Dear Embittered Comrades,

I just wanted to throw out NYU's School of Professional Studies as a possibility for those who are looking to bulk up their resume prior to returning to their respective homelands. Most certificates can be had for $2,000 or less, and while that won't get you a job, it will certainly help make it look like you have a bit more focus. I wish I'd been aware of this when I was in Korea, as it likely would have made my landing a bit softer and more directed. Here's a link: http://www.scps.nyu.edu.

[Died By Bear]

Thread derail: Did you get the job?

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I got an editing certificate from them before I started my MA. It got me a promotion, so it does help. It helped when I applied for uni here, as well.

[northway]

I just think that if you're planning on transitioning back to the States at any time, you would do well to either do something that moves you towards doing what you want to do or at the very least moves you towards figuring out what it is that you might want to do. Too many of us realize that we don't want to teach EFL in Asia forever, or we aren't yet ready to make that jump, yet have zero idea what the hell we would do if we were to return home, meaning we get back here and are directionless. Considering that this very same lack of direction is what causes people to end up in Korea to begin with, the more you can do to show potential employers that you're at least engaged in finding a career, the better off you will be.

[misher]

I started my CFA level 1 when I was in Korea and passed it 1 month after I returned to my home country. While it didn't get me a job in corporate banking right away it certainly helped get my foot in the door on the admin side. I'm writing my level 2 and am now working for a solid employer in corporate asset-backed lending.

I think Northway's advice is solid and I would even take it a step further. Use Korea as a 2-3 year learning experience, kill the GRE and start to apply to professional grad schools back home. Once you're in, start lining up internships. You shouldn't be in debt at this point as your stint in Korea was to pay off that debt right?

Coming back to the States and looking to reintegrate with any old job with nothing but hagwon teaching experience is risky in my honest opinion.

[northway]