If you’re interested in working in China, you may want to consider Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.
In just several decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a small border city into one of China’s most important innovation and economic centers. As the birthplace of China’s tech hardware ecosystem and a hub for both startups and global R&D centres, it attracts professionals from around the world seeking dynamic, high-growth opportunities.
While it is now harder for foreigners to find jobs in China, I believe there are still many opportunities for those willing to put in the work, adapt to the local market, and work in locations outside expat-heavy first-tier cities like Shanghai. This is especially true in cities like Shenzhen, where speed, execution, and local market fit can matter more than credentials alone.
I first moved to Shenzhen in 2014 to work with Huawei, one of China’s most well-known (and infamous) tech companies. Since then, I have gained a lot of experience working and managing teams inside Chinese companies. Based on this, I’ve prepared some key advice for foreigners looking to succeed and prosper in China’s tech capital.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about these tips for working in Shenzhen:
- You don’t “need” to know Chinese before you come, provided you have the right skills
- Learning Chinese will increase your effectiveness, especially in roles requiring management or cross-departmental alignment
- You need to understand the specific pain points of Chinese companies and why they hire foreigners
- Position yourself based on what Chinese companies want, not how you view your own “value”
- Don’t just apply to jobs, be strategic and locate key decision makers
- Build relationships with recruiters in your target industries
- Put in the work yourself – Don’t just ask others for shortcuts
- Read the “Five O’Clock Club” books for a full job search system
- Decide if “China tech” is the right fit for you
If you’d like to learn more about Shenzhen, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn via the link below. I post regularly about work and life in the city, China Speed, and Chinese innovation.
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I also share related ideas and longer-form video commentary on LinkedIn and YouTube, and post updates across the channels linked above.
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