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NEED ADVICES: getting an internship/entry-level job as a foreigner

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thirdculture
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NEED ADVICES: getting an internship/entry-level job as a foreigner

Post by thirdculture » Sat, 08 Oct 2016 4:21 pm

Hi everyone,

I'm seriously thinking of relocating to Singapore to start my career in the fields of digital marketing/public relations/advertising and i need some help with career prospects in Singapore.

I'm Korean and I've studied in Australia for 7 years (year 9 to uni) and I've graduated from a well-reputed uni with a bachelor degree in Media (Comms and Journalism). The only "practical experience" relevant to my career field is an internship i had with a multinational PR agency in Korea.

And I've completed mandatory military service in a special unit/program where I was appointed as a leading position to supervise both Korean and US soldiers in Korea with high-ranking US commanders. I guess this could go in somewhere on my resume.

I've already started sending my resumes to employers online (mainly PR and Advertising-specialised MNCs) and i'm thinking of physically moving to Singapore for a job hunt.

So far i've received an email from a MNC asking if i need a visa to legally work in Singapore as a response to my application (still waiting for their feedback after my answer 'YES').

I've heard MoM is increasingly setting up higher walls for foreign workers trying to get hired in Singapore and internship/entry-level positions are especially tougher for they don't have superior experiences required for the visa approval. I totally understand where they're coming from..but i just want to know if someone in HR (preferably) could tell me if there's any chance of me getting a job in Singapore.

Would it be possible for me to get an internship/entry level position in Singapore? Would MoM grant a WP or some sorts?

I know getting some work experience here in Korea would increase my chance (if i do well, of course) but knowing the field of my interest usually requires very localised/focused business insight i just thought starting my career in Singapore and working my ways up is a better option.

if somebody could please give me some advice, that will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance! :D

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ecureilx
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Re: RE: NEED ADVICES: getting an internship/entry-level job as a foreigner

Post by ecureilx » Sat, 08 Oct 2016 9:49 pm

thirdculture wrote: if somebody could please give me some advice, that will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance! :D
In all fairness, do look up Work Holiday Program and if you qualify.

That generally reduces obstacles for work pass in Singapore

thirdculture
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Re: RE: NEED ADVICES: getting an internship/entry-level job as a foreigner

Post by thirdculture » Sat, 08 Oct 2016 10:38 pm

ecureilx wrote:
thirdculture wrote: if somebody could please give me some advice, that will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance! :D
In all fairness, do look up Work Holiday Program and if you qualify.

That generally reduces obstacles for work pass in Singapore
Hi ecureilx,

Unfortunately Working Holiday Visa is not given to Koreans :(

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taxico
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Re: NEED ADVICES: getting an internship/entry-level job as a foreigner

Post by taxico » Sun, 09 Oct 2016 1:05 am

most koreans i know have had better luck landing a job either by interviewing in person in singapore, or using a recruitment company.

as singaporeans don't generally know of KATUSA, including specific details will likely not make your resume stand out, except/unless (i think) when you are applying to a korean company (samsung, etc) and someone who understand the cachet goes through your CV.

every able bodied male in singapore has to serve in the military as well, so believe most hiring staff may not necessarily get impressed by "achievements" during national service (unless you've received a medal for saving a life, or the like).

i suspect you may fare better in your job search with a little more experience under your belt, but it really depends on your expectations, luck and the company that you're applying to.

many smaller companies operated by koreans would prefer to hire fellow koreans because it makes communication easier. if you think you're up for the job (and the tolerance required to work under a typical korean boss and the pay that comes with it)... why not give that a go?

한국촌 may get you some leads and make you some friends... good luck!
Aut viam ad caelum inveniam aut faciam

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