Some concerns about switching from a state-owned enterprise to a foreign company

When working in sales for foreign companies, it’s important to have good spoken English! It’s pretty good working in a state-owned enterprise!

Thank you all. Over the past few years I have summarized my thoughts on state-owned enterprises: 1. It is difficult to get a job in a state-owned enterprise these days, as there are many graduates and also many children of employees from those factories who want to return to work there. Our company welcomes around 100 college students each year, and about 20 of them leave after one year. State-owned enterprises do offer job security, but they won’t make you rich either. The basic salary for clerical staff is 3,000 yuan after deductions (this figure is similar across the country, except in first-tier cities). 3. Depending on the specific circumstances, various organizations have already completed their restructuring processes. There is no policy regarding the allocation of housing anymore; everything is commercial property. 4. The difference between public work and collective work is that the tasks are the same, but the salary is half of that. 5. There are many leaders. This is also why state-owned enterprise employees have their salaries increased every year. The leader decides everything on a whim. 6. Before you retire, you need to act like a grandson. Big Bro Pii’s officials are all really awesome. 7. The major you study may have nothing to do with the job you will do in the future. For example, if you study automation, you might end up working as a secretary in the future. If you work shift work for more than 5 years, it’s difficult to get promoted (in terms of opportunities and connections). There’s no sense of pride either – I’m just a low-ranking employee. I listened to everyone’s opinions. I talked with HR today; technically, skills can make up for some shortcomings in sales, but sales itself represents a huge challenge. In a state-owned enterprise, it’s easy to see what my future will hold – getting promoted to section chief would be quite good already. That’s the main factor. I like things that present a challenge, but I’m a bit worried that I might not be able to handle them. I still have some confidence; I’m from the north, and my workplace is in Guangdong Province, where they also hope I’ll stay there. In terms of compensation, the basic salary is 8K.

I’d like to share with you our leader’s views on performance and promotion: The leadership hierarchy is as follows: those who can speak and do things > those who can speak but cannot do things > those who can do things but cannot speak > those who can neither do things nor speak and manage to get by :) Although my experience isn’t extensive, I’m happy to share what I know if anyone needs it. I’ve worked shifts, been a team leader, a technician, and an office clerk; I’m pretty familiar with the general procedures. :Q

These days, the compensation and benefits policies of many foreign companies are quite good

The poster’s summary regarding state-owned enterprises contains several very accurate points. I currently work for a state-owned enterprise that is neither too large nor too small; there are a lot of employees on the front line, but not many who are actually capable of doing the work, and there are quite a few people who rely on their connections to get ahead. There are also many leaders; when it comes to salary increases, it’s usually more promise than reality, or they simply say sorry – you have no chance. I also want to work in a private company recently, and I’m a bit confused about whether I can adapt to working there. (Of course, I don’t have the same extensive experience or strong abilities as the original poster; I just dislike the situation in state-owned enterprises.)

This post was last edited by sinotaco on 2011-6-29 at 22:10. Guy on floor 6, I suggest you consider working for a private company first. The reasons are as follows: 1. There is basically no chance of promotion in private companies. The current situation of private enterprises in China is generally characterized by family-owned businesses with family-style management. 2. In state-owned enterprises, if you have been working in the technical field, the longer you stay there, the more opportunities you will have. If it’s a technician or supervisor changing jobs, the value they bring is on a different level. Three years of working is a hurdle; this is also why I am now in an industry unrelated to my previous one (I work in statistics now), and it’s why I want to quit. 3. If you’re not interested in technical work, then there are relatively relaxed positions in state-owned enterprises such as the security department, the retirement affairs office, or the party committee – these could be options to consider. 4. In the second year of work, the company also approached me regarding job opportunities, but once you take on such a role, you’re no different from the new college graduates. 5. Working in one position for 3 years vs. 5 years gives a different perspective on the entire petrochemical industry. 6. The factor of your girlfriend cannot be ruled out. Please consider

The poster’s summary is quite insightful: there are too many leaders and too few people who actually do the work; state-owned enterprises are wasteful. . . . . .

I think the original poster should find out what this foreign company expects from its sales engineers. From the article, it seems that the poster is a person who is down-to-earth and honest; if the job requires strong interpersonal skills, that might not be quite suitable for them. Foreign companies may not place such high demands in this regard – it depends on the poster’s own preferences. It seems like the poster already has some initial ideas, but they’re seeking advice from someone who has experience to be sure.

Reply to the guy on floor 10: As you said, I wrote this post too in order to ask for advice from friends who do this kind of work. After changing positions, I’m not satisfied with the career prospects of my current job, and that’s why I want to leave.