Jobs with European languages?

[Jobhunter]

Does anybody know what kind of career opportunities there are in Singapore for a native German speaker?
I am also fluent in English and Spanish and have reasonable French, as well as extensive experience in tourism and international sales co-ordination.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am planning to move to Singapore in the New Year.
Thank you.

[Anon]

The language of business in Singapore is English.  Mandarin and Malay are secondary and used conversationally but not much professionally.

If you want to use your language skills, you might want to try the Embassy of the countries noted but the language in the Embassies/Consuls is also English.  Singapore is an English speaking country.

Try the German/Swiss/Dutch Club?  They all speak English.
You are a fish out of water here.  Sorry.

[MAG]

Please don't be discouraged by what Anon has said. As far as I'm concerned you have a better chance at any job because you speak fluent English unlike most Singaporeans who speak Singlish.

I'm a Singaporean who doesn't speak Singlish and would like more people, expats or otherwise, to speak the language like it's supposed to be spoken and not make a hash of it ;-)

If you do speak all those languages & English you would be an asset to any major MNC, European company or Embassy.

Good Luck in the job search :-)

Mary Ann

[Korporat-Slave]

Jobhunter -- there are plenty of jobs here for multilingual folks! Come and join us!

Mag -- I beg to differ. I am an expat too and it is true that you have to speak proper English, it does not mean that Singaporeans have to lose their identity in speaking Singlish and start speaking prim-and-proper Queen's English. What is proper, btw? Even some rules are different in British English and American English.

I'm proud that I can speak English well (coming from a non-English speaking country), however I find it charming to practice my -leh, -mah, -lah, -ah, -meh, -lor and exclaim "Walau!" when I'm surprised.

[London Lassie]

I have done some career counselling here and I have noticed that if you are a trailing spouse (I'm not saying you are - just giving some info)and from a country where English is not the first language (Germany, France, Spain) it is sometimes difficult to get a job - unless you have super duper hot demand skills. What I always say to them is "start at home" if you are German - spply to German companies, french - french co.s and so on and so on. It is a fact that people are more partial to like minded people and to give you another example these large companies often need people who are fluent in this language and English to assist in human resources, logistics, repatiation, expatriation.

That's my tuppence worth anyway - Good luck

[Korporat-Slave]

Jobhunter -- there are plenty of jobs here for multilingual folks! Come and join us!

Mag -- I beg to differ. I am an expat too and it is true that you have to speak proper English, it does not mean that Singaporeans have to lose their identity in speaking Singlish and start speaking prim-and-proper Queen's English. What is proper, btw? Even some rules are different in British English and American English.

I'm proud that I can speak English well (coming from a non-English speaking country), however I find it charming to practice my -leh, -mah, -lah, -ah, -meh, -lor and exclaim "Walau!" when I'm surprised.

[Jidi]

Hi ! I'm in the same situation, a marketing specialist looking for a job (beginning aug/sept 2001). I signed up with a talent search site called www.JobsDB.com  - it might be something for u too.

Good luck - and tell us how u're progressing.

/Jidi

[Angel#1]

Job hunter

I work for a French company and speak French fluently (English origin).  I use my French probably 60% of the time and it helps me get on much better with those who count, know what I mean?

Use your languages as your differentiator - I already had my profession as my door-openner, the language(s) just leveraged it open.

There are lots of Singaporean companies too who need someone to understand and interpret now and then but need people to do the 99% of the time day job.  If you can do both then you are a winner!

Flaunt your multi-lingualism - it's better than any "cooking or agility badge" from the Guides!!!

Best of luck!