Masters International Business+experience

[Lukus]

Hello Gentleman,

I have had a close look at the post here and I must say there seems to be many wise pieces of advice posted. I have found myself just short of what would be considered premium preparation to move to BKK. I would appreciate opinions from those of you with good working knowledge of the BKK business environment or related sectors. I am debating if I am ready to move to BKK and what I may reasonably expect. Please have a look at my current status and kindly opinionate:

5 yr Business Degree (Magna Cum Laude), 2 Majors. Acct and Finc.

While earning degree worked successfully in the following:

---E-5 in the Military-Honorable Discharge

---3 yrs Property Management

---Started Vending Business w/ 24 Machines, profitable

---Co-Owner BBQ restaurant, sold portion at profit, still offer general consulting

---BOD Member and Secretary of Vietnamese Social Service, Downtown Seattle. 1.5 yrs

After Earning Degree

---Worked 1 Yr as National and Agent Account Manager for International Freight Forwarder.

--Continued: Arranged and tracked all services from origin to destination, imports, exports, ocean, air, international customs, trucking, insurance, accruals, the whole 9 yards etc + more. Tested, passed and earned Registered International Mover Certification.

I am now considering moving to Bangkok and using my Montgomery GI Bill to complete the Evening Master of International Business or MBA w/ focus on International Business at Webster University (of St. Louis Missouri) Bangkok branch and attempting to work or intern part time in the day with an American or Multinational and possibly earn a reasonably lucrative offer upon graduation. I have also considered studying full time and finishing in 1-1.5 yrs and then trying to find a solid company to enter at a comfortable salary, at least higher than a standard Thai Salary.

Your many insights and advice as to what is possible or likely would be most appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Lukus

Edited July 25, 2007 by Lukus

[Captain Chaos]

For work: Guess you need to ask yourself (i) what can you offer that a well educated, English speaking Thai can't and (ii) why should an employer be prepared to meet your (likely higher) salary expectations and go through the hassle of getting you a "b" visa and work permit. I don't know anything about the freight forwarding business but guess it may be quite substantial around BKK and down the Eastern Seaboard industrial area ... you need to find yourself an edge and focus your 'sales pitch' on it...

However, the best option for those wanting employment in Thailand at above the norm pay scales remains to get a company in your home country to assign you there on an expat contract - this is my personal observation and opinion - others may disagree.

For your degree: There is a visa available for those in full time education, don't know about part time. You can research it more on this forum.

You didn't say why you've specifically picked BKK as your destination of choice ... may pay to be a little flexible as other locations may offer more opportunities to start with. Once you're in the region you can always work your way toward BKK if that remains your objective.

Hope this helps.

CC

[samran]

with your expereince, you should look at the international moving companies who work here.

The other thing that you have to remember, there are now plenty of Thai's with similar qualifications or better.

[jbaldwin]

You have not stated your Thai language skills. As previous posters have said there are many Thai graduates with good English skills. If you cannot speak good Thai will will be at a serious disadvantage to these with most employers

[Lukus]

with your expereince, you should look at the international moving companies who work here.

The other thing that you have to remember, there are now plenty of Thai's with similar qualifications or better.

Thanks for the input so far.

Right now, I currently move household effects internationally with only a rare commodity or 2. I don't speak Thai much. My Thai is broken at best. I think I can get the Thai language down in about another year and 1/2 or so. If i spoke Thai fluently, would this be enough to still be considerable for reasonable paying employment? I am not sure how much of an edge or how needed I would be even at this point.

Also, I have considered transferring my education & skills and applying to Lockheed or Boeing as a supply chain specialist, an international freight forwarder or a program manager since I am well trained in aviation from the U.S. Navy with 40+ credits of Structures, Hydraulics and Programs education and supervised a number of personnel and programs for 3 yrs. I was E-5, junior management and earned the Air Warfare Specialist designation that covers a variety of Aviation facets and programs and have great recommendations and know a few people in the companies.

[LPCustom69]

with your expereince, you should look at the international moving companies who work here.

The other thing that you have to remember, there are now plenty of Thai's with similar qualifications or better.

Thanks for the input so far.

Right now, I currently move household effects internationally with only a rare commodity or 2. I don't speak Thai much. My Thai is broken at best. I think I can get the Thai language down in about another year and 1/2 or so. If i spoke Thai fluently, would this be enough to still be considerable for reasonable paying employment? I am not sure how much of an edge or how needed I would be even at this point.

Also, I have considered transferring my education & skills and applying to Lockheed or Boeing as a supply chain specialist, an international freight forwarder or a program manager since I am well trained in aviation from the U.S. Navy with 40+ credits of Structures, Hydraulics and Programs education and supervised a number of personnel and programs for 3 yrs. I was E-5, junior management and earned the Air Warfare Specialist designation that covers a variety of Aviation facets and programs and have great recommendations and know a few people in the companies.

I would try using your contacts in the companies mentioned, or that you have worked with before, and seeing if they have any openings available in Thailand. Perhaps have other openings worldwide that may interest you, and help you further your career. Good Luck.