With just about all the classes done, the next couple of months look pretty empty aside from
i) Job hunting
ii) Writing the thesis
iii) Learning Chinese
iv) Traveling
Most of my classmates are planning to head back home and probably stay there until they come back for thesis defense. Those that are planning to stay here have a similar plans, and of course, including getting a job in China.
But an interesting thing to note, is that there are a fair number of people who cannot simply stand being in Beijing (and perhaps China) any longer and are just dying to get out of China. Back to the states, or maybe even Hong Kong (although that's still part of China). But I think in general, the pollution, the attitude and even the facilities of Beijing have left a pretty bad impression on people.
As for myself, I still find a good deal of attraction of staying in China. Although, I have developed a love/hate relationship with winter in particular, I think I could be willing to survive that for the opportunity to be in Beijing. Perhaps coming from where I am, I'm a little bit more tolerant of Beijing's short comings and find them perhaps amusing, or I really haven't had the opportunity to experience Beijing at its worst.
I have come to realize though, that while most companies (banks/consulting/leadership programs) do start recruitment in October, quite a fair number of jobs that you would want require you to start within a month or two. So while it's good to apply for jobs in the mentioned areas, there are a lot more jobs that you can't apply for simply because of timing. Most companies would want you to start immediately because they are non-MBA specific jobs. They will value and take your MBA into consideration, but, the companies do not have MBA graduate programs. So keep this in mind when you start applying for jobs.
-----
Soon, everybody will be leaving and hopefully, getting the jobs that they want. It's been a good 1.5 years? Well, only about a year and 3 months. It's been a good ride. Make the best of your 1st year, it'll be intense but enjoyable. That's the time when you build the friendships.
Good luck and good bye friends....
-----
DJ Volume - Spirit of Yesterday (Nightcore)
I remember the days
I remember the place
'cause I wish you were mine
just a moment in time
say my name in the night
and to you it feels right
'cause into your arms I fall
You decided to leave
just as long as I breathe
it's my very last try
and you tell me "goodbye"
I remember the place
I remember the days
the best time of my life
Refrain:
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Heading towards the promised land
As I mentioned earlier before, job applications are now well on their way. I guess it's during this time when you realize who your good friends are and who are just acquintances.
China is well known for being competitive, but when you have a group of classmates graduating at the same time, looking for the same jobs, the competition really gets a bit intense. By and large, unless you're applying for something totally different, people aren't going to sit down with you and help you. After all, if you get the job, it means that they don't get the job. It's a sad occurence, but a very realistic occurence. Remember when you were applying for a place on the MBA program? It's the same thing all over again - a spot given to somebody else means there's one less spot for you to get.
So, as a result, only your good friends are the ones who are willing to lend a helping hand to you - perhaps to look at your resume or help you with a cover letter, or even, write an introduction for you to a friend in a company they know.
----
How have I fared? Pretty badly so far. I've sent out perhaps 30 applications, and only received a solid response from one company. However, by and large, I've been courting this company for a while so the people I've been speaking to are somewhat familiar with me. Hopefully, within a month or two, I'll be able to lock it down.
The consensus is if you're coming to China now, you're a little late to the party. The fat cushy expat jobs are pretty much a thing of the past. Most companies now do local hiring, because the local Chinese are pretty much as good as the foreign expats in most areas, but much cheaper. I would think though, there are a few industries/roles where you can still get that fabled expat package - but you would need to have a lot of relevant work experience, and/or be in a technical role.
But, the party is still going on....
----
China is no place for the weak, unmotivated or for those that care. It's actually a pretty cruel and harsh environment to be in. One in a while, you can take a break, but usually, it's always on the go. Why do I say it's not a place for those that care? Well, sometimes, showing that you care is a weakness and most people wouldn't hesitate to explort it for their own benefit.
When you live in Beijing or Shanghai, it's easy to think that China is progressing faster and further than any other country you've been to. But you musn't forget that China still has a huge rural class, that for a majority of the people, what you spend in a day on food and entertainment would sustain them for a week, or not a month.
It's easy to see the decadence around you, whether at a restaurant, or a road or even in a club. Perhaps, it should be said, especially in a club. When people are popping bottles at RMB1.5k a bottle like they don't care, it's easy to figure that a night out with a group of friends would probably feed and educated a family for half a year.
Of course, most of the time you'll need to suppress that feeling to get on with life here as a foreigner. Possibly, the less introspection you do, the better a time you would have. Nobody really wants to sit down to discuss about what a decadent lifestyle they're having. This probably is true of every country has its poor.
----
So what happens now? Well, hopefully I get a job that lets me stay. Maybe then again, staying isn't a question - you could easily get a local friend's company to hire you so you could get the visa. So perhaps, it's more of, getting a job that I want to do that would afford me a decent life in China. After all, that's the China dream for most of us, and the reason why we came here. Because it was the promised land, except, we're just a little late now. But the lights aren't on yet. So party on.
----
An excellent article to read that puts into perspective how hard China was/and can be for people.
I fought for 18 years to have a cup of coffee with you.
----
Flyin's & Sparky feat. Marie Louise - Take My Breath Away
China is well known for being competitive, but when you have a group of classmates graduating at the same time, looking for the same jobs, the competition really gets a bit intense. By and large, unless you're applying for something totally different, people aren't going to sit down with you and help you. After all, if you get the job, it means that they don't get the job. It's a sad occurence, but a very realistic occurence. Remember when you were applying for a place on the MBA program? It's the same thing all over again - a spot given to somebody else means there's one less spot for you to get.
So, as a result, only your good friends are the ones who are willing to lend a helping hand to you - perhaps to look at your resume or help you with a cover letter, or even, write an introduction for you to a friend in a company they know.
----
How have I fared? Pretty badly so far. I've sent out perhaps 30 applications, and only received a solid response from one company. However, by and large, I've been courting this company for a while so the people I've been speaking to are somewhat familiar with me. Hopefully, within a month or two, I'll be able to lock it down.
The consensus is if you're coming to China now, you're a little late to the party. The fat cushy expat jobs are pretty much a thing of the past. Most companies now do local hiring, because the local Chinese are pretty much as good as the foreign expats in most areas, but much cheaper. I would think though, there are a few industries/roles where you can still get that fabled expat package - but you would need to have a lot of relevant work experience, and/or be in a technical role.
But, the party is still going on....
----
China is no place for the weak, unmotivated or for those that care. It's actually a pretty cruel and harsh environment to be in. One in a while, you can take a break, but usually, it's always on the go. Why do I say it's not a place for those that care? Well, sometimes, showing that you care is a weakness and most people wouldn't hesitate to explort it for their own benefit.
When you live in Beijing or Shanghai, it's easy to think that China is progressing faster and further than any other country you've been to. But you musn't forget that China still has a huge rural class, that for a majority of the people, what you spend in a day on food and entertainment would sustain them for a week, or not a month.
It's easy to see the decadence around you, whether at a restaurant, or a road or even in a club. Perhaps, it should be said, especially in a club. When people are popping bottles at RMB1.5k a bottle like they don't care, it's easy to figure that a night out with a group of friends would probably feed and educated a family for half a year.
Of course, most of the time you'll need to suppress that feeling to get on with life here as a foreigner. Possibly, the less introspection you do, the better a time you would have. Nobody really wants to sit down to discuss about what a decadent lifestyle they're having. This probably is true of every country has its poor.
----
So what happens now? Well, hopefully I get a job that lets me stay. Maybe then again, staying isn't a question - you could easily get a local friend's company to hire you so you could get the visa. So perhaps, it's more of, getting a job that I want to do that would afford me a decent life in China. After all, that's the China dream for most of us, and the reason why we came here. Because it was the promised land, except, we're just a little late now. But the lights aren't on yet. So party on.
----
An excellent article to read that puts into perspective how hard China was/and can be for people.
I fought for 18 years to have a cup of coffee with you.
----
Flyin's & Sparky feat. Marie Louise - Take My Breath Away
Monday, September 26, 2011
Job Applications
So right now, nothing's happening except job applications. The general consensus seems to be to lock down an MBA level job by January latest or you're chopped liver...
I guess that the stress level is slowly building but got to be strong, got to believe that I'm going to cross the desert and reach the promised land. What exactly is in the promised land? Nobody really knows, maybe it's just a dream that keeps us going on - but in times of doubt, what else can you wish for if not just hope? Hope is all we've got sometimes.
To talk about something depressing, here's a post I came across on ChinaHush.com. Makes you think and wonder and hope that it never happens to you.
Letter to Dad
In case you can't read it, here it is.
-----
Sarina Paris - Look at Us (Beam & Yanou remix)
I guess that the stress level is slowly building but got to be strong, got to believe that I'm going to cross the desert and reach the promised land. What exactly is in the promised land? Nobody really knows, maybe it's just a dream that keeps us going on - but in times of doubt, what else can you wish for if not just hope? Hope is all we've got sometimes.
To talk about something depressing, here's a post I came across on ChinaHush.com. Makes you think and wonder and hope that it never happens to you.
Letter to Dad
In case you can't read it, here it is.
-----
A college graduate drifter’s confession letter to his peasant worker father
Dad, Yesterday you asked me how much money I have saved. I said I have saved a little over eight thousand. You seemed a little unhappy, said I already worked almost a year, three thousand and two hundred each month, I should have saved at lease fifteen hundred. I did not dare to make a sound. Dad, I really was afraid to tell you, actually there are not even five hundred in my bank card, and I have to pay the rent – three hundred in couple of days. There are several bags of ramen on the table, and the only money I spent was the comic book “I am Bai Gu Jin” (我是白骨精) I bought the day before yesterday. Dad, for sure you are going to yell at me for spending too much money, but you know, I love to draw since when I was little, I really could not help but to buy this comic book.
Dad, I am sorry, I should not have lied. Last time mom asked me on the phone how much money I make a month. I told her three thousand and two hundred, out of thin air, but I actually only make one thousand. And I don’t work for a law firm; I am just helping out, doing odd jobs at a company. Then mom told me that you felt monthly salary of three thousand and two hundred is too low, said your construction job pays over one hundred a day. A college graduate like me should make five to six thousand. Dad, I am really sorry, for disappointing you, after so much schooling, spending so much money on school and still not better than you working at construction. Dad, I will work harder.
Some time ago you always asked me if I am going home for Chinese new year, I always said that I don’t know yet, if I have to work over time during the Spring Festival. Actually, Dad, my company does not have work during the Spring Festival, I really just do not dare to go home. I calculated, when I get my pay at the end of the year and after my rent, the ticket for going home is over four hundred, then I probably don’t even have enough money to buy mom a sweater. Dad, your son does not have the face to go home!
Mom called me and said you are stingier as you get older, always blaming me for not calling you at home. My mom and I lied to you, said your cell phone has problems, always not getting through. Couple days ago you suddenly called me with your cell phone, and told me that you spent three hundred yuan and switched to a new cell phone, the call will go through from now on. Dad, I am sorry, son lied to you, I never called you, it’s not that I don’t miss you, and not that your son is not filial, but your son is afraid that you ask about my income, afraid that you talk about money. Dad, is it snowing at home? You have to wear more cloths. It is getting cold at the south also, your son really wants to go home, really wants to sit by the fire as a family, talk and laugh.
Last month you called and said the next door neighbor Dake which is one year younger than me is getting married this winter. He is building a new house in the village, and will move in soon. I held the phone and did not know how to answer, just laughed stupidly. You asked me to bring my girlfriend home to let you meet her, I agreed and also told you that I will send some money home when I am not so busy. You were happy when you heard that, said home is not short of money and told me not to spend money where I shouldn’t, and to save my money. Dad actually I have been lying to you, my girl friend was long gone, we broke up right after I graduated. And the money, I still have not sent, not that your son doesn’t want to, it’s that your son really doesn’t have money.
Dad, really sorry, almost worked for a year still haven’t bought you some good cigarettes.
Dad, I wrote so much, but still do not dare to show you, posting in online but you will not see it. But your son really did not lie on purpose.
It’s already 2010, I really hope to make these lies come true in front of you by the end of this year, and say it to you righteously: Dad, I am sending the money home tomorrow!
-----
Sarina Paris - Look at Us (Beam & Yanou remix)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Nothing much happening, except some work. Classes seem interesting and boring at the same time. I am a firm believer (even more so now) that the classes are what you make of them. During this time, is probably the best time to get a part time job or an internship - not so much for the money, but for the experience of working in China. Things are very much different in some aspects.
In general, while working part time while studying you're unlikely to be paid much - if anything at all. If I'm not wrong, the cap per hour is RMB20 max. It might most probably fall between RMB10 to RMB20 though.
Is there anything remarkable to blog about? Well, not really. Except that I have learnt that even consulting companies do not follow their own advice in-house. Maybe the top 2 or top 3 firms may listen to themselves, but it seems that they are very much experts in telling others what to do vs. doing it themselves.
-----
Pro tip of the day #1 - don't play poker with somebody who is a professional.
Pro tip of the day #2 - don't play poker when you're feeling sad, or happy, or any emotions.
Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand (Archefluxx Quack remix)
In general, while working part time while studying you're unlikely to be paid much - if anything at all. If I'm not wrong, the cap per hour is RMB20 max. It might most probably fall between RMB10 to RMB20 though.
Is there anything remarkable to blog about? Well, not really. Except that I have learnt that even consulting companies do not follow their own advice in-house. Maybe the top 2 or top 3 firms may listen to themselves, but it seems that they are very much experts in telling others what to do vs. doing it themselves.
-----
Pro tip of the day #1 - don't play poker with somebody who is a professional.
Pro tip of the day #2 - don't play poker when you're feeling sad, or happy, or any emotions.
Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand (Archefluxx Quack remix)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Back in Beijing baby!
So, since coming back to Beijing, my computer crashed - but thankfully I was able to salvage the valuable stuff like... eBooks, MSN chats and.. oh yeah, my school work too. Come to think about it, the MP3s, that was definitely important.
What's been happening lately? Not much. I've moved house, and found a new housemate. A pretty cool guy, who will definitely be a hit with the single ladies of Beijing. A few things about moving house, the rent in Wudaokou trends upwards fast in August, like reaaaally fast. Add on RMB500 per week that you haven't rented a place yet. I had to move out away from the main Tsinghua area because rent was just somewhat exhorbitant.
Aside from that, job hunting for a full time job starts ... about now. I have until December to finalize the people I'm contacting and deciding on what role I want. Once I'm done with that, I have several months to secure a full time offer that hopefull pays me a bit more than just subsistence and housing.
The new class is pretty cool. You guys should definitely check out some of the ladies that have been accepted, including the local students. As for the guys.... some are pretty ok, but nothing spectacular that I've met so far. Also, unfortunately, they don't really know how to party that hard.
-----
So Jaime asked
Hi, I am going at the end of the month to study at tsinghua, and I'm thinking about doing a MBA after finishing. Could you tell us something about job expectations after graduating (inside and outside China, sallary range once finished, or what kind of companies are interested in foreign Tsingha graduates?
Thanks and hope you find this topic interesting.
Hi Jaime
Job expectations inside or outside China largely depend on you - regardless of what you're doing. Having said that, I've mentioned previously that the top tier organizations for consulting and finance - McKinsey, Goldman etc. hardly, if ever, hire Tsinghua MBAs. But then we all know that the real money isn't exactly in doing consulting or finance. What you get really depends on how much legwork and ass kissing you do. I do know that a substantial number of students in my year received full time offers after their internships - so what might be pretty good new for you.
Salary range differs from individual to individual. If you're coming in with 1 year of experience, chances are that you're going to earn a lot less than somebody with 5 years of experience. Having said that, I think you would be able to earn upwards of RMB22,000 at least, well, hopefully that's the plan.
As for companies that are interested in Tsinghua MBA graduates, you may be able to look at manufacturing, niche consulting, second tier finance, some PE, some VC - though I don't think you get the holy trifecta of PE/VC/HF, again, depending on the role that you want. I think, possibly less on service organizations.... then again, I'm not 100% sure and I'll let you know in a few months time again.
-----
Don Omar ft. Lucenzo - Danza Kuduro
What's been happening lately? Not much. I've moved house, and found a new housemate. A pretty cool guy, who will definitely be a hit with the single ladies of Beijing. A few things about moving house, the rent in Wudaokou trends upwards fast in August, like reaaaally fast. Add on RMB500 per week that you haven't rented a place yet. I had to move out away from the main Tsinghua area because rent was just somewhat exhorbitant.
Aside from that, job hunting for a full time job starts ... about now. I have until December to finalize the people I'm contacting and deciding on what role I want. Once I'm done with that, I have several months to secure a full time offer that hopefull pays me a bit more than just subsistence and housing.
The new class is pretty cool. You guys should definitely check out some of the ladies that have been accepted, including the local students. As for the guys.... some are pretty ok, but nothing spectacular that I've met so far. Also, unfortunately, they don't really know how to party that hard.
-----
So Jaime asked
Hi, I am going at the end of the month to study at tsinghua, and I'm thinking about doing a MBA after finishing. Could you tell us something about job expectations after graduating (inside and outside China, sallary range once finished, or what kind of companies are interested in foreign Tsingha graduates?
Thanks and hope you find this topic interesting.
Hi Jaime
Job expectations inside or outside China largely depend on you - regardless of what you're doing. Having said that, I've mentioned previously that the top tier organizations for consulting and finance - McKinsey, Goldman etc. hardly, if ever, hire Tsinghua MBAs. But then we all know that the real money isn't exactly in doing consulting or finance. What you get really depends on how much legwork and ass kissing you do. I do know that a substantial number of students in my year received full time offers after their internships - so what might be pretty good new for you.
Salary range differs from individual to individual. If you're coming in with 1 year of experience, chances are that you're going to earn a lot less than somebody with 5 years of experience. Having said that, I think you would be able to earn upwards of RMB22,000 at least, well, hopefully that's the plan.
As for companies that are interested in Tsinghua MBA graduates, you may be able to look at manufacturing, niche consulting, second tier finance, some PE, some VC - though I don't think you get the holy trifecta of PE/VC/HF, again, depending on the role that you want. I think, possibly less on service organizations.... then again, I'm not 100% sure and I'll let you know in a few months time again.
-----
Don Omar ft. Lucenzo - Danza Kuduro
Friday, August 19, 2011
Last few minutes
Time to go back to Beijing. About time too. See you soon.
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
I don't want to be alone
Not much going on, except considering buying an iPad 2. It's actually pretty fun to use but I doubt that I would be using it for any school work immediately. Building a ppt and excel modeling would probably be much easier on the laptop.
Spent the weekend in Singapore, not a very interesting place to be in if you don't have money and are on a student budget. Comparatively to Beijing, it's also less fun though there's a casino around that you can hit when you're bored.
Actually, there wasn't anything to post about. I don't do much nowadays nor have I had any new thoughts.
Except, that when you're dealing with housing for the second year - if you can carry over your contract from the first year, it might be worthwhile to keep the house you're renting for convenience. It's much harder to get a new place that suits your requirements. It is also unavoidable to miss the increase in house rental, I've heard that it's going up 20% for the Wudaokou area :( But if you find something good, just keep it for the second year.
It seems to be the trend to move down to the Chaoyang/Sanlitun/Guomao area if possible (as long as you have money). But I think it's a bit inconvenient in terms of attending classes and group discussions, though I really don't know how much of that will happen during the second year. But a fair number of second year students from the previous class continued to stay in the Wudaokou area.
-----
You said no, you said no,
and I'm losing my mind...
I don't want to be alone..
Cat Like Thief - New Heights (Nu Foundation remix)
Download
Spent the weekend in Singapore, not a very interesting place to be in if you don't have money and are on a student budget. Comparatively to Beijing, it's also less fun though there's a casino around that you can hit when you're bored.
Actually, there wasn't anything to post about. I don't do much nowadays nor have I had any new thoughts.
Except, that when you're dealing with housing for the second year - if you can carry over your contract from the first year, it might be worthwhile to keep the house you're renting for convenience. It's much harder to get a new place that suits your requirements. It is also unavoidable to miss the increase in house rental, I've heard that it's going up 20% for the Wudaokou area :( But if you find something good, just keep it for the second year.
It seems to be the trend to move down to the Chaoyang/Sanlitun/Guomao area if possible (as long as you have money). But I think it's a bit inconvenient in terms of attending classes and group discussions, though I really don't know how much of that will happen during the second year. But a fair number of second year students from the previous class continued to stay in the Wudaokou area.
-----
You said no, you said no,
and I'm losing my mind...
I don't want to be alone..
Cat Like Thief - New Heights (Nu Foundation remix)
Download
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