MBoss International Challenges of the International Job Search Mary G. Boss MBOSS INTERNATIONAL Columbia November 2010

MBoss International TODAY’S AGENDA Cultural differences and the job search Universal job search strategies Cross border job search MBA job market - Europe MBA job market - Asia

MBoss International Cultural differences affect all phases of the job search career definition/change - resumes – self-marketing – networking – interviewing - salary negotiation A few notable differences: Individual versus Group Informality/Formality Perception of time

MBoss International Resume formats vary widely Cultural Differences Personal information Photos Length Tone Others?

MBoss International NETWORKING ACROSS CULTURES What do you think? What cultural differences could impact networking ?

MBoss International NETWORKING ACROSS CULTURES Differences that matter - Concept of hierarchy - Formality/Informality - Etiquette/Protocol (business cards) - Communication styles - View of relationships/friendships

MBoss International Many job search strategies are universal Self-assessment and defined targets Customized self marketing materials* Networking* Excellent market research A defined strategy and tracking system * Significant cross cultural differences!

MBoss International JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES What you will need Definition of very specific targets Job Title – Company - City Relevant market research Good use of all available tools (networking, cold contacts, “menus”, etc) A spreadsheet (to keep track – and keep you on course !)

MBoss International Consider the whole array of segments for your target employers 1.On-campus recruiters 2.Alumni employers 3.Multinationals 4.Companies doing business in your home country 5.US companies with divisions in your home country 6.Foreign firms operating in the US 7.Firms in high growth sectors 8.Companies with a policy and track record of H1-B sponsorship

MBoss International Effective Strategies for any Job Search Abroad Employment with HQ Networking Physical Presence Willingness to postpone career change Leveraging language and cultural knowledge Interim/project work Contact with local recruitment firms (if not career changer)

MBoss International MANAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH 3 most important take-always Be specific about your key job targets Job Title - Sector/Company – City Master timing by moving each job search track forward in parallel Track your progress with a customized spreadsheet

MBoss International Job Search in Europe & Asia Same sectors receptive to MBA grads Management Consulting Finance Industry - Strategy and Business Development (outside national markets) - Marketing - Finance

MBoss International Job Search in Europe & Asia Apply segmentation and design your strategy for each segment MBA ‘recruiters’ MBA ‘employers’ International market Local market

MBoss International Job Search in Europe Work Authorization Despite EU - varies country to country Company sponsored Some exceptions – ‘ UK Highly Skilled Workers’ Entrepreneurs

MBoss International Job Search in Europe Language Ability is Crucial Fluency in local language essential (some sector/function exceptions) English – besides UK, The Netherlands Scandinavia, Brussels, Geneva)

MBoss International Job Search in Europe CV FORMATS VARY GREATLY Make sure you check local conventions ! UK similar to USA France importance of language Germany detailed dossier

MBoss International Job Search in Europe Very different business practices Understand basic business conventions in your target countries ! A few examples: Germany & FranceHigh formality (e.g. family names) Southern EuropeDon’t begin business items immediately SpainFriendly & personal approach in negotiating UKRespect personal space – and no personal info ItalyDon’t appear impatient or rush Italian counterparts

MBoss International Active Recruiters in Europe AT Kearney American Express AstraZeneca Bain Bertelsmann Booz & Company Boston Consulting Company BT Deutsche Bank Eli Lilly General Electric Goldman Sachs Google L’Oreal LVMH McKinsey Novartis Philip Morris Philips Roche Roland Berger Rolls Royce Schneider Electric Siemens Syngenta Total Vodaphone Whirlpool

MBoss International Job Search in Europe Useful Web Sites EU (general info) europa.eu Company info europages.co.uk Wall Street Journal careerjournaleurope.com Hobson’s careersineurope.hobsons.com Vault europe.vault.com Top MBA topmba.com Monster monster.com Don’t forget websites of MBA programs in different countries

MBoss International Job Search in Asia A large continent that can be viewed as 4 distinct regions South Asia India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Greater China China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan North Asia Japan, North Korea SE Asia Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei

MBoss International Job Search in Asia Language abilities a definite advantage (function plays large role) English – South Asia, Singapore, Philippines, Arab Gulf

MBoss International Job Search in Asia Trends during this economic downturn Tightening market across Asia (despite shortage of management talent) Some resiliency in India, China, Singapore, Arab Gulf Most promising sectors for MBA grads: Consulting, Healthcare, Energy

MBoss International Networking in Asia - Use formal title until relationship established - Treat business cards with respect - Help others ‘save face’ with options - Explore structured networking options (groups, websites etc)

MBoss International Active Recruiters in Asia Boston Consulting Group Cargill Citibank Google HSBC Infosys Johnson & Johnson McKinsey Nomura Shell Samsung Schlumberger Siemens SingTel Standard Chartered Unilever

MBoss International Comparative Compensation Base Salaries – New MBA Grads Mean Median Range ( in Euros) North America 81,700 80,900 51, ,00 Western Europe 81,400 80,000 34, ,000 Asia Pacific 67,200 68,100 10, ,700 (Euro 1 = US $ 1.45) INSEAD Careers Report 2009

MBoss International Job Search in Asia Useful Web Sites international-job-search.com career journal.com vault.com monster.com jobasia.com foreignmba.com quintcareerscom.asia

MBoss International JOB SEARCH ACROSS CULTURES Last thoughts 1. Be culturally knowledgeable and sensitive 2.Segment the market and design appropriate strategies 3. Show your motivation with physical presence

MBoss International Questions ? My contact details: