(From Page 1)

    Kristaps Ronis, a Latvian finance major, is planning to live in Hong Kong and work for a bank in the city. She says she chose not to work in Shenzhen largely due to language issues. “Banking, especially investment banking, in China requires fluent mandarin as well as local connections. If local companies decide to penetrate international markets, international students would probably have more job opportunities here [in Shenzhen],” says Ronis. “We have a lot to offer Chinese companies, but they are currently focused on the local market.”

    However, Ronis said Shenzhen is a vibrant city with entrepreneurial spirit, thus any individual with strong drive and good skills can pursue his or her career goals here.

    For Arvy Harahap, an Indian management major, Shenzhen is a viable alternative. “I’m planning to work in Shenzhen, Beijing or Hong Kong,” said Harahap.

    Harahap is keen to enter the entertainment industry, hoping to work for companies such as CAA and IMG in Beijing and Hong Kong. Harahap is now waiting to hear back from a Shenzhen firm, a provider of services for expats, including assisting in housing and relocation.

    “The business culture here [in Shenzhen] still looks at the color of skin. [The city should] give all foreign jobseekers the same treatment and opportunities,” said Harahap.

    Mehmet Akif Tutuncu, a Turkish student at Shenzhen University, said Shenzhen’s proximity to Guangzhou and Hong Kong makes it an international city. “I’ll stay in Shenzhen and work in the battery trade by taking advantage of my Chinese-language ability,” said Tutuncu.