Wanting to move overseas - possibly aussie or s'pore (job market, transfer)

[Rei]

Hey guys,

I've been wanting to see the world and move out of the US for a while. I really would love to expand my horizon, and considering to move to Aussie or Singapore (since seems like lots of people put out good words for these two places).

Unfortunately I feel like I majored the wrong thing in college, and don't know if my education would help me to find work in Aussie or S'pore. I studied civil engineering and went to a state school here in cali.

So... does anyone know what are the likelihood of finding work in my field over there? and anyone know where I should searching...?
Should I even go back to school and study something more general like business before trying to look?

What are you inputs please....

[harahap]

I've lived in both for relatively long periods of time, and I don't think you could've picked two more different options!

Honestly, I think you can use civil engineering anywhere you want to move that has a decent economy. The problem with Singapore is that it's a highly competitive job market. Big population, tiny island. The easiest way to move there for a job is if you transfer from a Singapore company's branch in your country, or from a company in your country that has a branch in Singapore. While they are quite friendly towards foreign tourists, they are more like Canada in terms of prioritizing jobs for their citizens--although this is becoming more inclusive of other workers from nations belonging to ASEAN. So in terms of job market, I'd say Oz.

As for quality of living, it really depends where in Oz. I'm rather spoiled in having lived in big cities, so I may have a bias here. I would say Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane/Gold Coast are overall still nicer than Singapore. But beyond those three, I'd say stick to Singapore. Many people would add Perth to the list, and yes, it is growing, but I still find it dull and boring.

If you have the time and resources, I'd suggest to lightly backpack through those places I've mentioned to get a feel of each one (if you haven't already).

Originally Posted by Rei

Should I even go back to school and study something more general like business before trying to look?

As an academic, my instinct is to smack you upside the head and tell you... follow your passion!! For practical reasons, sure, having a business degree would make it easier to relocate. But if you can't stand the work, what's the point?

[Mach50]

I also lived in both while working for IBM, Australia for a year and Singapore for a 2 short periods of time. Yes they are totally different, first Singapore is pretty strict, clean and they keep things in order and is mostly Asian culture, although do like western culture as well. The people are more reserved.

It will be somewhat of a culture shock, especially the squatting toilets where I lived...difficult to get used to.



Australia was awesome it honestly is the closest thing I think there is to United States but just enough difference. I lived in Sydney and Gold Coast. Both amazing places, great culture, good beer (VB - Victoria beer mm).

Civil Engineering is GREAT! I know back in the mid 90's Australia was hurting really bad for Engineers they may have caught up by now, but they were recruiting like crazy. But you might want to get experience here first!

Civil Engineer's Job in NSW,Australia Jobs,Search Job Opportunities,Civil Engineer's Positions in USA & Abroad

You could also email (or call) a recruiter in Australia and see kind of information they have about the Engineer job scene, here is one:
http://www.arsrecruitment.com/



I went there with a company, but you could easily go to Australia on vacation meet some people (that will be easy) and then start looking around for jobs to see if someone will take you in and do the paperwork for you.

[Rei]

While they are quite friendly towards foreign tourists, they are more like Canada in terms of prioritizing jobs for their citizens--although this is becoming more inclusive of other workers from nations belonging to ASEAN.

Does this mean they are more open towards workers from asean nations?

How is the living cost for a single living modestly in s'pore and australia, compared to LA?

Regarding following my passion, I have no specific one.
I just love trying new things... That is why I don't mind going back to school for mba, ms, or something, as long as it's more acceptable and can open up opportunities for me to move to other countries...

More inputs would be appreciated please...

[harahap]

Originally Posted by Rei

Does this mean they are more open towards workers from asean nations?

Yeah. Just to clarify... not Asians, citizens of ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations), so Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.

How is the living cost for a single living modestly in s'pore and australia, compared to LA?

I'd say both are pretty comparable to LA. Rent's not too cheap, but certainly doable. A lot of good cheap food to be had in both places. The difference with LA would be these places actually have good public transport, so if you feel like saving on gas, you have options.

[RangerDuke08]

I have lived in both as well, Singapore was an experience but rather a culture shock, Australia did not shock me at all, besides the accent, it was much like the United States. In fact I often reminisce about Australia and if I had the opportunity I probably would have became a permanent resident of perhaps Perth, Australia. I don't know if you can but look into a Masters program or something overseas, I might suggest Melbourne or Brisbane for a Masters in engineering you can possibly finish it in a year and meet a few good friends along the way. Good luck!