Career Advice

Thank you for any replies in advance!


Currently I work for a British bank in Manchester, UK in cash management. I have only been performing the role for about 3 month since returning from travelling. I enjoy the role but am concerned that most roles within retail banking require proficient ability in Cantonese (and some cases Putongwa). Since my background and qualifications are not in financial services I would struggle for a high up position or expat post.


Prior to this I was a personal trainer with around 5 years experience, a degree in Exercise Science and a post graduate certificate in Weight Management. I have worked within the health service offering high end specialist training. Within this period I also taught on a university degree program.


Before the questions I will answer some of those on your mind. The change was based on the leisure and healthcare market when I returned to the UK. I was lucky to find the job with the bank so fast and don't want to bail on the job as I do enjoy it and would not want to let them down.


Ok... sorry for the story.


1. What is the outlook for personal training and specialist trainer (i.e. cardiac rehab, chronic disease) in HK?


2. Next, in terms of working in support functions in banking would I be required to write and speak Cantonese?


In all I would be happy to work in either role but based on the competitiveness in HK job market I would rather focus on fitness due to my background in this.

Re: #2


You are correct in that to work in retail banking you would need some Chinese language abilities. However, if you were to work in the back office of an investment bank (US or European) you wouldn't need this but with no relative qualifications and only 3 months of experience I would say your chances are pretty much slim to none.


What is your reason for wanting to move to HK?

Yes I thought that may be the case. Hopefully by the time we get over there I should have 12-18m experience and some formal qualifications. Yet I still know there will be people with much more so will be a challenge.


With regard to moving to HK my wife to be has resident status and her parents moved back around 3 years ago; since this she has missed them a lot. In short family but also we both like the lifestyle out there. Spend around 3 months there last year to get a feel for the place other than just for a holiday.

Hi


Have you had any luck finding any opportunity ?