Hey dudes, I'm about to enter business school soon and will be starting my career most possibly in the business industry.

Due to the uprising of globalization these days, I have listed a few possible cities in which I may be interested to work in:

1. Tokyo
2. Shanghai
3. New York City
4. London
5. Kuala Lumpur

I'm from Kuala Lumpur myself, so I'd like to know how it is like to work in a foreign city, with highly varying cultures and languages.

Maybe Tokyo is a good choice?

Thanks.
Go TL!

ParasitJonte

Sweden1768 Posts

February 01 2011 11:33 GMT

I'm pretty sure Tokyo is hard just because you'll need to learn Japanese and they tend to focus on their own market.

Shanghai or London sounds more reasonable.

Jayme

United States5866 Posts

February 01 2011 11:37 GMT

Tokyo is a good place to go if you have absolutely no desire to have a life and enjoy working 6 days a week.

I think that's how it works there, correct me if im wrong.

Souma

2nd Worst City in CA8938 Posts

February 01 2011 11:38 GMT

I major in Japanese and all I know is, I do not want to live and work in Japan. Their work ethic is insane.

As a TLer (and assuming you're a SC fan as well), you aren't interested in Seoul?

chukahleong

Malaysia19 Posts

February 01 2011 11:43 GMT

As a TLer (and assuming you're a SC fan as well), you aren't interested in Seoul?

I've been to Seoul. The place there, to me, doesn't really fit, especially the food. And yeah, I'm a SC2 fan.

I've been to Tokyo like five times? The people there are great, and the city life there is equally awesome. But yeah, like you said, the work ethic is a little out of the ordinary.

But hey, Tokyo does have a great supply of beautiful girls. :D

aka_star

United Kingdom1546 Posts

February 01 2011 11:44 GMT

dude shanghai by a long shot!

[image loading]

It has so much more potential than the others given. China's predicted role in the world in the next 10-20 years is set to be top, Tokyo has been in a recession for decades, great place to visit but working there doesn't seem like much fun with expensive houses and extra long work hours. The pound is tumbling with clueless politics and greedy banks still paying themselves bonuses despite negative growth.

nepeta

1872 Posts

February 01 2011 11:47 GMT

I'd go for a Chinese city, China is booming. Shanghai you already mentioned, it's bigger than my entire country, I'd love to be able to work there ^^

exog

Norway279 Posts

February 01 2011 11:50 GMT

Haha nice photos of shanghai, when i was there 2-3 years ago it was impossible to look anywhere because of all the smog. I think the photos are heavily shopped.

kazansky

Germany931 Posts

February 01 2011 11:57 GMT

On February 01 2011 20:50 exog wrote:
Haha nice photos of shanghai, when i was there 2-3 years ago it was impossible to look anywhere because of all the smog. I think the photos are heavily shopped.

Or just twenty years old. Back then, it wasnt that bad.

morninglightmountain

United Kingdom23 Posts

February 01 2011 12:09 GMT

#10

I prefer London over NY and Tokyo, seems a bit more friendly. Plus you'll be there for the Olympics!

+ Show Spoiler +

But being a brit i would say that

LaustinSpayce

United Kingdom58 Posts

February 01 2011 12:15 GMT

#11

London's my hometown and it's a rocking place. Can be expensive and chaotic, but whatever you want, you can find it there.

I'm currently living in Dubai and loving the look of China/Korean/Japan for the next stage in my career, whenever I get there.

samuraibael

Australia294 Posts

February 01 2011 12:17 GMT

#12

What is "the business industry"?
I strongly recommend you choose a different degree. Perhaps one with value and/or meaning.

User was warned for this post

jpak

United States5045 Posts

February 01 2011 12:19 GMT

#13

Singapore should also be considered.

gchan

United States654 Posts

February 01 2011 12:21 GMT

#14

Depends on:

1) What career in business you want to go into
2) What are your longer term goals
3) What are you looking for by working in a foreign city
4) What are your expectations out of your job

Edit: Don't work in Tokyo. Adding to what other people have said, Japanese corporate culture is very passive aggressive and nationalistic (there will be very clear Japanese and non-Japanese lines drawn in companies).

lofung

Hong Kong298 Posts

February 01 2011 12:31 GMT

#15

Do not work in Japan. It is well known that japanese men are 'married' to the companies and they have no life.

CooDu

Australia899 Posts

February 01 2011 12:43 GMT

#16

I've always had a fascination with visiting NYC, which I plan to do when I've got some more money/work time off

But I don't think I'd live there. I'm going to say Shanghai or London.

dinmsab

Malaysia2246 Posts

February 01 2011 12:51 GMT

#17

It doesn't matter where you are, what is important is to be good at what you are doing. If you know where to look, jobs in KL are as global and competitive as it gets.

chukahleong

Malaysia19 Posts

February 01 2011 12:54 GMT

#18

jobs in KL are as global and competitive as it gets.

Both of us are Malaysians, so I guess we both know how the situation is right here now.

In addition, I was hoping to get a Japanese girlfriend by working in Tokyo. :S

Hot_Bid

Braavos36400 Posts

February 01 2011 13:08 GMT

#19

Moved to blogs.

sharky246

1197 Posts

February 01 2011 13:10 GMT

#20

Working in Japan is kinda hard imo, but dont be fooled about korea, they are just as hard. I'm sure you are in it for the money in regards to where you want to work, so i suggest australia. Well balanced economy, did better than most other countries during the GFC (avoided recession) also it has probably the highest living quality in the world, along with canada and new zealand. Or if you are only concerned about the five that you listed above, then definitely London.