Electricity of Vietnam - Need a job - please help me!?

Question

Hi, I am moving to HCMC in August with my girlfriend who has secured a job at the BIS School in HCMC.

My field however is Electrcity, does anyone know how I go about finding work with an electricty company in HCMC? I am also very experienced in the Insurance industry particulary Insurance Claims.

Thanks

Answer 1

god knows vn needs a good electrician !... anybody know a good plumber???

Answer 2

The most popular job listing Web site in Vietnam is: http://vietnamworks.com . You can start there to find a job suitable to your background and experience. You need to keep in mind that Vietnam is practically another planet compared to the U.S., and your job opportunities will go accordingly.  

The difference between the U.S. and Vietnam electric grid could be significant enough that you may not be as qualified as you may think you are for similar positions. Being 220 VAC and having different plugs is not the only difference. Vietnam doesn’t have OSHA to protect workers in that industry from harm. I had seen an electrician climb an electric pole without a ladder and stick a screwdriver into a junction box to find a live 220 VAC circuit. Going further, Vietnam’s electricity is state run, and state jobs pay less than working for a foreign company. Do you want to do that for less than 1/10th the salary you’re accustomed to working for in an American electric company?

On the other hand, being an expat and your experience could land you a cushy job with a consulting engineering firm or upper management position. Our power grid is easily 20 to 40 years ahead of Vietnam, and your knowledge would be valuable as Vietnam tries to upgrade and expand their power supply. Also, the good jobs and good pay are usually offered to expats over natives. Personally, I don’t think it’s fair, but it’s not our rules either.

I’m not sure how far your experience in the insurance industry will go in Vietnam, and VietnamWorks is the best place to start. Perhaps you should think about selling health and life insurance to Viets working with electricity ;-)

Good luck to you and your girlfriend!

Addendum:

Even if you are from the UK, I bet your electricians don't scramble up a five meter electric pole and stick a s***w driver into a transformer to see if it is working for a living.

Answer 3

oh wow, agree most thing with previous answer. Just want to say that you should try an agency first, like vietnamworks.com; they're one of the best online and offline for now.

My recommendation: go for your Insurance skill. It's new developed here.