It’s a common misconception that all foreigners in China work in the education sector. Some more occupations for foreigners in China are included in this look outside of the classroom, and I’ll give you some tips on how to discover them and what they pay, as well.
Musician
Chinese employment opportunities for foreigners in the entertainment business are on the rise. Smaller, less established cities are seeing an increase in the number of music employment for foreigners that were previously exclusive to the major metropolis. Most employment for foreigners in China need a combination of skill, experience, and chance to succeed.
Those who have already performed in their home countries should anticipate a higher salary and more prospects in China than those who are just starting out. Over the course of a weekend, a DJ with the appropriate qualifications may make tens of thousands of RMB. People who are more like “passionate amateurs” may walk away with a few hundred dollars or perhaps just a few complimentary drinks from the bar if they’re lucky.
A more “professional” area, such as the music business, would need a more methodical and planned approach to job hunting than what you’ll find in China. Musicians at the lower end of the spectrum may apply for gigs in local expat journals and websites or leave flyers and CVs in pubs and clubs. At the upper end of the range, foreign artists will be brought in to perform at hotels and clubs for a six-month period. These are the most visa-friendly positions in the music industry.
Acting and modeling
Modeling and acting jobs for foreigners in China, as in the music business, tends to be quite informal. There are a lot of “under the table” occupations that pay only a few dollars a day.
The amount of money you may make will rely on your expertise and reputation, much as in the music industry. One of the best ways to earn a better income and even the opportunity to work for an American corporation is to have an established Western reputation.
If you’re looking for a long-term or casual acting or modeling career, you may simply find one on expat websites or via word of mouth. As long as you’re a foreigner with blonde hair, you’re usually OK. There are occasions when actors are required to speak at least a basic level of Chinese in order to work in the Chinese film industry. Scouts typically search for models or performers in locations with a high concentration of foreigners, such as campuses, and these professions might lead to long-term partnerships.
Roles and Responsibilities in Management
Foreign corporations having a presence in China have traditionally relied on management from their parent company’s headquarters in the West to fill management positions in China. In the wake of Covid, many firms are looking to expatriates already residing in China for help with visas and inbound travel. Employing locally also saves money on relocation costs and the potential performance drop that might be caused by hiring someone who has to adapt to Chinese work culture.
Sales, marketing, and production are common areas of concentration for management positions like these. If you’re looking for a long-term solution to your immigration woes, these solutions are a lot better bet than the alternatives above. According to the corporation, 25,000 RMB should be approximately the lowest salary possible.
It’s not difficult to track down work in this field. They might be listed on expat and employment websites, or you may get a phone call from a recruiter who saw your CV online and wants to speak with you. However, it’s not quite that simple to get your hands on them. At this level of employment, experience, education, and maybe Mandarin language abilities are often required.
There’s a lot of work out there for those who (Other than English)
There is a rising need for language skills in China because of the increasing number of foreign businesses and students visiting China, as well as the increasing number of Chinese businesspeople and students traveling abroad. Although English dominates this sector, it’s not the only language that’s in demand as Chinese enterprises expand their global reach. Those who are fluent in a second language might be hired to instruct employees, handle international clients, or write material for a corporation.
Because the need for occupations in languages other than English is so much lower, there may be a lot of competition for such positions. Some full-time positions exist for natural speakers of Russian, Spanish, French, or German, but you’ll need other talents, such as sales or teaching, to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Recruitment websites are the best place to seek for long-term positions, while word-of-mouth referrals are the best place to discover short-term teaching gigs.
That’s all there is to it. The fact that not all foreigners in China are English instructors is shown here.