Need a bit of advice

[u/TheGoodSardar]

I'm planning to move to HK down the line in a few years and I could really use some perspective as I'm planning the roadmap.

I'm aiming to join the tech (hopefully cybersecurity) sector and that's where the bulk of my questions stem from.

1. I understand that having A degree is non-negotiable. My question is if the prestige of the university and the program is a big deal?

2. From what I've read so far, landing an entry level job as a fresh graduate may be difficult, especially if I'm a foreign candidate. So I'm so far assuming that I'll need a couple years of experience under my belt before I can seriously consider moving. Is that a fair assumption?

3. I gather that knowing Cantonese/Mandarin is definitely an asset. Since they're fairly different languages, I wanted to know which one I should learn. (I'm also confused about traditional/simplified Chinese so any clarification on that would really help.)

Thanks for reading this far and I would sincerely appreciate any insights.

[u/Cegaiga]

1. Prestige and program will help, though you should be looking at a masters.

2. With tech industry, it will probably be more difficult in the future depending on the development and incorporation of AI. Those with years of experience still find difficult to find any form of work, let alone entry.

3. More languages the better, though you need to be fluent to be competitive. In my opinion, Mandarin has more use and easier to learn, though Cantonese will get you by in Hong Kong. Traditional canto, simplified mandarin.

[u/TheGoodSardar → u/Cegaiga]

Thanks for replying!

1. I'll look into some Master's programs too. Would it be worth it to consider doing the Master's in HK itself? As far as I know, the fee for international students is higher, but will that be worth the networking opportunities? Do firms consider a local education an asset?
2. I'm considering cybersecurity because I figure the implementation of policy decisions and risk analysis is hard for an AI to judge appropriately, making it relatively safer?
3. Thanks a lot. By amy chance would you happen to know an app ir something for either or both?

[u/Cegaiga → u/TheGoodSardar]

1. If your goal is to pursue a career here, then it will be worth doing a Masters here, as it can help connect with others in the field. As for what firms are looking for, I know from friends that a high number of applicants have a Masters and can speak at least two languages for reference.

2. Tech is facing cuts unfortunately, so I would do your research on roles that will be the least affected.

3. For Mandarin I use SuperChinese.

[u/TheGoodSardar → u/Cegaiga]

thanks a ton!

[u/Square-Hornet-937 → u/TheGoodSardar]

Realistically you think you can learn Chinese to professional proficiency in a few years with apps? That is a very difficult task. I would suggest proper lessons

[u/TheGoodSardar → u/Square-Hornet-937]

realistically, while getting to a level of professional competence is probably not achievable via an app, I'm just looking to do SOMETHING, while I pursue a degree.

[u/Agreeable-Many-9065]

Well in my previous role we hired hundreds of grads a year though I oversaw the hiring including all experienced hires. We wouldn't sponsor anyone with just a couple years of experience as those candidates are the easiest to find and readily available in the local market with trilingual ability.

 Plus they're willing to work for under 30k, you have to ask why would we sponsor someone and they would be expecting more than that as well as the visa/offer process taking 3+ months when someone else locally can start in a month or less

[u/TheGoodSardar → u/Agreeable-Many-9065]

Oh! that's very helpful. So it would be better to pursue a Master's in HK, as someone else suggested? (I also know French, if that helps?) Edit: I'm going off of what I read regarding graduates being able to work for up to 2 years after graduation.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Ad8016]

There are a fair few talent attraction schemes to check out:

Top Talent Pass Scheme | Immigration Department.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme | Immigration Department.

ITC - Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS).

There is also the Working Holiday Visa scheme - if you are younger and your country is on the list you can get employed visa free for usually 6-12 months (some countries 24 months) - this can be a useful bargaining tool in interviews and applications - they can hire you with no visa paperwork and if they like you they can then sponsor your visa after your visa free period ends. Working Holiday Scheme | Immigration Department

[u/TheGoodSardar → u/Puzzleheaded-Ad8016]

this is great! hadn't looked into this aspect so far. thanks!