The Best International Job
Ron and Caryl Krannich own Impact Publications: the career and travel resource center. In an interview with Sherry Schwarz, editor of Transitionsabroad.com, Ron shared a priceless observation: "One of the major changes I've seen over the past 10 years is the increased number of international opportunities for entrepreneurs. In fact, the best international job you can have is the one you create yourself."
Did you catch that?
"the best international job you can have is the one you create yourself."
All too true.
China as a Case in Point
The same point was reinforced last week by Larry Wang of Wang & Li Asia Resources. Larry is Chinese American. He was born, raised and educated in the States and never visited China until he traveled to Shanghai 14 years ago after completing his MBA at Wharton.
Once there, on the ground, he built an executive recruitment firm, Wang & Li, from scratch using a skill set he had that he saw lacking in the domestic Chinese market [i.e., his management and leadership skills]. So it was a great honor and distinction that Wang & Li was recognized as China's 2008 Recruitment Firm of the Year, a firm owned and run by expats.
This is just one example of how important serendipity is in finding one's fit in the international arena. In this case, Larry immersed himself in the Chinese culture and did not over emphasize his American education and training or being a bridge between China and the U.S. He recognized that his value to clients was at a more tangible level of what he could do on the ground.
Are there any opportunities in China for you?
The Chinese business market is still a very unstructured environment - but that is changing fast. Opportunities abound for expats who are:
- well-rounded
- nimble
- flexible
- sincere in their commitment to the Chinese market.
Some growth industries which can add value in this market would be:
- training companies,
- organization development services companies,
- emotional intelligence companies/services,
- executive coaching, and
- leadership development companies.
These are all soft skills. In the States, we acquire soft skill through corporate culture and environment in American business. However, these same skills are sorely lacking in Chinese businesses. Chinese companies want help from individuals and businesses that can instill world-class standards and best practices into their organizations -to make them more viable and competitive in the global marketplace.
Also in demand in China are:
- front-end management consulting services,
- consulting/professional services,
- global sourcing and supply chain services,
- digital media - how to add Chinese branding to digital media, etc., and
- any service that helps them compete in the arena of fast moving
consumer goods.
Ron Krannich also offered some very specific suggestions. He said:
"Today's global economy offers numerous opportunities for individuals who want to sell their products and services abroad as well as start their own import-export businesses.
You may discover your best route would be to start your own international or travel business rather than rely on what is often an unpredictable and uncertain international job market."
Compared to the job market today in the States or abroad, expat entrepreneurship offers a more certain path to pursue your passion and prosperity. And you get to set up shop in your dream destination.