Best open university degree for expat work?

[Bald Eagle]

I've been weighing this up over and over and have still yet to come to a decision.

Any suggestions from the learned here?

My background is police but I'm keen on any practical learning to secure a more prosperous expat life.

Thinking of engineering or accounting but still not sure.

Many thanks beforehand.

[Bald Eagle]

Sorry it showed not posted so hit it again.

[tahaan]

Sorry it showed not posted so hit it again.

Try a something in IT ...just a thought.

[tahaan]

I might have to join you 😟

[Bald Eagle]

I'll see if there's a discount for multiple sign ups

[simon43]

Are you considering an OU degree for working just in Thailand?  IMHO, the number of expats who gain employment in accountancy or IT or engineering or...... is very small when compared to the number who are seeking such employment.

 

Furthermore, those who do obtain such employment work for multinationals who send them to their Thailand office.  I guess that those employees have a long track record of successful employment and results with their employee.

 

Based on my own experiences (20 years working in ICT in Europe), I found my second career (actually third career really) in south-east Asia as a teacher.  Before you maybe laugh, I'm not referring to the 'backpacker' teachers who earn 30,000 baht a month, but working as a degree-qualified, subject teacher in international or English Programme schools.

 

With a relevant degree in Education, there is no reason why you should not be able to obtain secure employment (not only in Thailand) with a monthly salary of 2,500+ USD. 

 

Before you perhaps dismiss teaching as a second career, do some Googling about the types of jobs and employment packages.  It's not all about teaching lazy teenagers, although with your police background, I'm sure you can get them to pay attention in class :)

[GuestHouse]

If you are looking for an Open University, why not The Open University http://www.open.ac.uk

 

But, I'm not sure Thailand is the place to kick off a new career, especially a career such as engineering which relies on experience and training.

 

A better bet might be to have a look at "Project Planning", specially learning Oracle's Prima Vera (and MS Access, Excel) then have a go at getting into the Project work as a planner. 

 

The upside, there's a shortage of planners, certainly a shortage of good planners. The downside, you'll almost certainly have to work outside of Thailand in order to get a start in the business and earn a regular income. 

 

Alternatively, just do the OU course for the fun of it. 

 

 

[Bald Eagle]

Cheers guesthouse and simon43 great answers from you both.

Engineering is not on the table as after some research I just don't have the background or the hands on.

Pity the open uni in uk don't do health and safety I really fancy it.

Might give some thought to business studies with a focus on accounting. Its not exactly what I want but a wishy washy degree like sociology I know will be pointless come job hunting time.

[simon43]

What are your career interests?  Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? (sounds like a job interview...).

 

Don't dismiss teaching out of hand. For a second career, it is an enjoyable job, with a reasonable pay level and benefits.  If you hold an Education degree, then it's possible to obtain employment in countries across the globe.

 

What academic or technical qualifications (degree, HNC etc) do you hold right now, if any?

 

Update:  I forgot to ask.  how old are you and what is your nationality/home country?

 

Edited July 26, 2014 by simon43

[Soutpeel]

I cant believe I am recommending this, given my aversion to "safety advisors/safety professsionals" generally 

but considering your background why dont you look at something in the safety management field, but will stress if you do go and get a NEBOSH type qualification, please

make it a point of getting some real proper practical experience, and  be sure to understand the "engineering" side of things as well

 

Some of the best safety guys I have come across over the years where either Ex-shop floor guys, or Ex miltary, Coppers, firemen etc

and some of the worst are those who have no background in anything go and do a NEBOSH ticket, somehow manage to get a job and start storming around the place like someone from the waffen SS, and they know nothing practically and generally really start upsetting people with their hair brained approach to all things "safety"

 

By the looks of things, if you become good at it, many doors open for you in the expat game internationally

 

 

[slipperylobster]

Masters in Hubadubbery

[Bald Eagle]

My first choice was the health and safety route. A few friends are already on that path internationally but its £7k for initial courses alone.

Where as with the open university I have a fully funded degree but I need to choose which one in the next few weeks and I am worried I might make the wrong choice.

Stressed about this.

[rwdrwdrwd]

Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

Edited July 27, 2014 by rwdrwdrwd

[MrJohnson]

Maybe also worth checking the qualifications recognition angle as well. The Office of the Civil Service Commission, for example, does not formally recognize online university courses. I'm not sure about other private employers.

[mrtoad]

Masters in Hubadubbery

Is that what Crustaceans study?

OP, you will be far better off taking a subject that has a vocational aspect to it. Soutpeels suggestion is a perfect example. If you are looking to use your qualifications here or within the region though, irrespective of what qualification you have, generally those types of jobs have requirements in terms of experience.

[simon43]

Let's be realistic.  If the OP chooses to go down the Safety Management or Forensics etc root, he will need to obtain the academic qualifications, then several years of experience, then be 'lucky' enough to find an international company who will station him in Thailand/south-east Asia, (or a local Thai company who is willing to employ him, as opposed to Thai nationals).

 

If all these 'ducks' fall into place, then the OP will be assured of a good salary, working conditions etc.

 

But what is his chance of getting all those ducks in a row?  Fairly low, I'd say, and therefore the likelihood is that he will not obtain that highly-paid job.  How useful are his 'niche' qualifications then???

 

On the other hand, (and not wanting to labour the point), we all know that there are always vacancies throughout the world for English language teachers.  The level of pay will depend of course, on whether one is working in an international school or a TEFL 'backpackers' language centre.

 

But that teaching qualification and teaching experience will ALWAYS enable the OP to earn a salary.

 

For me, teaching is my 'emergency plan B'.  I know that if my main employment (guesthouses) goes down the pan, I can always get a teaching job which will pay anything between $1,000 - $3,000+ per month, (not a huge salary, but a reliable salary).

 

This is not a theoretical plan.  I have worked in both Lao PDR and Myanmar in the past few years as a teacher and international school Headmaster. My plan B works!

 

My initial academic qualifications and experience was in satellite design and integration - a very lucrative profession.  But there is not a great demand for satellite design engineers, especially in Thailand.  There will always be a demand for ESL teachers.

Edited July 27, 2014 by simon43

[Bald Eagle]

This really is useful getting other perspectives on the problem and I only hope I can be of some use to you guys in the future.
Still weighing everything up and remembering:

Decide in haste, repent in leisure.

Really need to get this decision right.

[Bald Eagle]

Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.
 
This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62
then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812
 
Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

You know, I think you might have just hit the nail on the head.

I'm going to call them up tomorrow and enquire about changing the degree from engineering to this.

Thank you for taking the time to write this message.

[Soutpeel]

Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

 

This is all very good, but wouldnt the OP be in competion with half the indian sub continent, and a lot of young graduates in western countries, the world is flooded with young IT guys who are experts in various aspects of IT/ IT security etc ?.... seems to me that market is saturated ?.... with all due respect to OP given his age, which he hasnt stated, but given that he will have been a copper for X number of years,  pretty sure will not be a "spring chicken"  and may find it difficult competing with  the "youngsters" ?

 

Not trying to p*ss on his plans, but it just seems to me, that appears to be getting into business which is already saturated, so offering another perspective on this...

[rwdrwdrwd]

 

Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

 

This is all very good, but wouldnt the OP be in competion with half the indian sub continent, and a lot of young graduates in western countries, the world is flooded with young IT guys who are experts in various aspects of IT/ IT security etc ?.... seems to me that market is saturated ?.... with all due respect to OP given his age, which he hasnt stated, but given that he will have been a copper for X number of years,  pretty sure will not be a "spring chicken"  and may find it difficult competing with  the "youngsters" ?

 

Not trying to p*ss on his plans, but it just seems to me, that appears to be getting into business which is already saturated, so offering another perspective on this...

 

 

I don't think you're right about it being saturated. Despite outsourcing and new graduates entering the market, there remains huge demand and competition to hire highly skilled IT workers, especially in Development but certainly in Security as well.  This is why Silicon Valley entry salaries average 100k USD and go up to 250k and beyond and people like Zuckerberg are lobbying for immigration reform in the US. Similar salaries and competition for candidates can be observed across the western world.

It is certainly true that some types of work can be outsourced but my opinion is that it's effect is overstated, particularly for critical projects (of which security testing and analysis tends to be). You don't, for example, see Google, Facebook, Apple, eBay, Amazon or Microsoft outsourcing all of their development. Maybe a bit, but it's certainly not the majority of projects and never critical ones.

Of course for the OP, if he takes this path (as with any of the others that have been mentioned) it is critical that he builds a client base and professional experience before moving to Thailand and attempting to enter the local job market or act as a home based consultant, but I would have thought that given his current profession and contacts he may stand a better chance than an IT graduate with no professional experience of entering the field and progressing very quickly (so long as he is actually good at it, which is always going to be the crux). He's not going to struggle with obtaining security clearance, for example.

There is certainly a strong argument for ensuring capability to teach English, and to maximise potential earnings in that field via qualifications as a backup plan for the OP.

Edited July 28, 2014 by rwdrwdrwd

[chrisinth]

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Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

 

This is all very good, but wouldnt the OP be in competion with half the indian sub continent, and a lot of young graduates in western countries, the world is flooded with young IT guys who are experts in various aspects of IT/ IT security etc ?.... seems to me that market is saturated ?.... with all due respect to OP given his age, which he hasnt stated, but given that he will have been a copper for X number of years,  pretty sure will not be a "spring chicken"  and may find it difficult competing with  the "youngsters" ?

 

Not trying to p*ss on his plans, but it just seems to me, that appears to be getting into business which is already saturated, so offering another perspective on this...

 

 

If the OP is really serious about it, I would suggest him looking at TWI training here in Thailand, at least for a feel of what he would be getting himself into.

 

 TWI offers HSE in the following: IEMA, IOSH & NEBOSH International certification through O&G, General, Construction and Diploma levels.

 

The centre is located as Chonburi on the site and is actually in Banglamung next to Pattaya.

 

http://www.twitraining.com/home/course-schedule

 

See under Health, Safety and Environment. Unless you want to be certified as an NDT, welding or coating inspector.......................

 

Nor necessarily suggesting he applies for the certification, but the course descriptions are quite in depth and will outline what will be expected of him.
 

[pigeonjake]

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Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

 

This is all very good, but wouldnt the OP be in competion with half the indian sub continent, and a lot of young graduates in western countries, the world is flooded with young IT guys who are experts in various aspects of IT/ IT security etc ?.... seems to me that market is saturated ?.... with all due respect to OP given his age, which he hasnt stated, but given that he will have been a copper for X number of years,  pretty sure will not be a "spring chicken"  and may find it difficult competing with  the "youngsters" ?

 

Not trying to p*ss on his plans, but it just seems to me, that appears to be getting into business which is already saturated, so offering another perspective on this...

 

 

If the OP is really serious about it, I would suggest him looking at TWI training here in Thailand, at least for a feel of what he would be getting himself into.

 

 TWI offers HSE in the following: IEMA, IOSH & NEBOSH International certification through O&G, General, Construction and Diploma levels.

 

The centre is located as Chonburi on the site and is actually in Banglamung next to Pattaya.

 

http://www.twitraining.com/home/course-schedule

 

See under Health, Safety and Environment. Unless you want to be certified as an NDT, welding or coating inspector.......................

 

Nor necessarily suggesting he applies for the certification, but the course descriptions are quite in depth and will outline what will be expected of him.
 

there would be nothing on his CV about welding and supervision so he wouldnt be able to do the CSWIP 3.1,welding inspection not unless the criteria is different in thailand

 

i agrre with souty, go down the safety rout,

[chrisinth]

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Getting the degree is about 10% of the work you need to do for it to be useful in terms of helping finances after moving to Thailand, with either of the options you mention you're going to need >10 years professional related experience to be considered an expert, which is the only way you will enter the Thai job market in the fields you mention as a foreigner.

Given your background, I'd go for IT with a lean toward security - forensics, penetration testing (experts in this field are paid very, very well) and try to build a profile as a consultant back home before moving to Thailand. With that approach you'll be able to consult internationally at western rates from home. You'd need to excel though, not just pass.

 

This http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

then this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m811 and http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/m812

 

Then may as well do this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f66 and even this http://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81

 

This is all very good, but wouldnt the OP be in competion with half the indian sub continent, and a lot of young graduates in western countries, the world is flooded with young IT guys who are experts in various aspects of IT/ IT security etc ?.... seems to me that market is saturated ?.... with all due respect to OP given his age, which he hasnt stated, but given that he will have been a copper for X number of years,  pretty sure will not be a "spring chicken"  and may find it difficult competing with  the "youngsters" ?

 

Not trying to p*ss on his plans, but it just seems to me, that appears to be getting into business which is already saturated, so offering another perspective on this...

 

 

If the OP is really serious about it, I would suggest him looking at TWI training here in Thailand, at least for a feel of what he would be getting himself into.

 

 TWI offers HSE in the following: IEMA, IOSH & NEBOSH International certification through O&G, General, Construction and Diploma levels.

 

The centre is located as Chonburi on the site and is actually in Banglamung next to Pattaya.

 

http://www.twitraining.com/home/course-schedule

 

See under Health, Safety and Environment. Unless you want to be certified as an NDT, welding or coating inspector....................... alt=rolleyes.gif>

 

Nor necessarily suggesting he applies for the certification, but the course descriptions are quite in depth and will outline what will be expected of him.
 

there would be nothing on his CV about welding and supervision so he wouldnt be able to do the CSWIP 3.1,welding inspection not unless the criteria is different in thailand

 

i agrre with souty, go down the safety rout,

 

 

Jake, the reference to welding and coating was tongue in cheek, I did say see under Health Safety and Environment.

 

Correct about CSWIP 3.1, but for CSWIP 3.0, visual weld inspector (level 1), no previous experience is required.

 

3.1 is for weld inspector level 2 and the entry level requires that you have been a welding inspector under supervision for 3 years, been a level 1 visual inspector for 2 years or a welding instructor or welding foreman/supervisor for a minimum of 5 years.

 

Unless that has changed over the last couple of years.........................

[pigeonjake]

no it hasnt changed,,lol

[Bald Eagle]

After policing I worked offshore for a bit and have my stcw95, Huet, Norwegian medical and a few others to boot.
I just need to get into something with a future that let's me live in Asia. Happy working away and coming back to Asia.
Asking a lot I know but digging out blind to make it all happen. Edited July 28, 2014 by Bald Eagle

[sdanielmcev]

Safety and security. I doubt if Thailand is a very good place to launch a second career. I did a lot of research about employment/business before I came here. Maybe Singapore or Hong Kong would be good for IT or engineering.

[Bald Eagle]

Yeah the more I think of it the more it will be much the same as now.

Work elsewhere, reside Thailand.

[Eneukman]

Where do you intend to live whilst studying? The Open University has a very restricted list of subjects that can be studied if you live in Thailand and it may not even be possible to obtain sufficient credits to obtain a degree if living here.

 

Alan

 

 

[scorecard]

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I cant believe I am recommending this, given my aversion to "safety advisors/safety professsionals" generally 

but considering your background why dont you look at something in the safety management field, but will stress if you do go and get a NEBOSH type qualification, please

make it a point of getting some real proper practical experience, and  be sure to understand the "engineering" side of things as well

 

Some of the best safety guys I have come across over the years where either Ex-shop floor guys, or Ex miltary, Coppers, firemen etc

and some of the worst are those who have no background in anything go and do a NEBOSH ticket, somehow manage to get a job and start storming around the place like someone from the waffen SS, and they know nothing practically and generally really start upsetting people with their hair brained approach to all things "safety"

 

By the looks of things, if you become good at it, many doors open for you in the expat game internationally

 

 

 

Agree, however here's some relevant points:

 

- Employment within Thailand not very likely with Thai companies.

 

- Employment within Thailand with a multinational much more likely, but only if you have proper qualifications and valuable experience.

 

- When your ready to approach some multinationals don't call the company and ask the switch board girl "does your company have any vacancies". 

 

- Do the leg work / play detective and find the name of the department manager and find a way to get face to face with that person with your CV in hand. Or if that's not possible get the e-mail address and send your CV. But in the actual e-mail write a very quick key words bullet point summary of your key strengths and key experience. Keep it short. Wait 24 /48 hours and call  'can I just confirm you received my e-mail...........'.

 

 

[Thaiberius]

NEBOSH Diploma, jobs all over the world with good rotations. I'd been offshore 25 years and decided to do the diploma, doubled my money and actually have some choice about where I work