Chasing the American Dream in China
College graduate Irving Steel took a chance and booked a one-way plane ticket to Shanghai to launch his career in the new land of opportunity.
As told to Varun Saxena
Why did you move to China? During college I did a summer internship there with the International Center for Democratic Governance. I was so impressed I would have done anything to go back. So I booked a one-way ticket to Shanghai in December 2008 with the goal of finding a job in China's booming green industry.
Where did you live? I lived at first with a Chinese family that I met through www.couchsurfing.com. But I could stay only two months before I had to move to an apartment. To afford my own place, I took a job as an English tutor because I still hadn't found a green job.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How did you start your green career? Through a networking event, I met an American who runs a small sustainable-design firm called Arc8X. Then through volunteer work I met a woman who told me her company, a U.S. corporation that makes environmentally friendly materials for office buildings, was hiring. The next day, she arranged for me to meet her boss, and I was eventually hired.
What do you do now? I am a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional. I teach clients about the benefits of sustainable design -- basically design that doesn't harm the environment. To earn the certification, I had to take a test sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Are there many opportunities for young American professionals in China? Yes. Before joining my current company, I received other job offers. And since joining my current firm, other firms have offered me positions, such as business development manager.
What if you don't speak Chinese? It's not as much of a problem as you might think. For example, networking with Shanghai's large population of ambitious expatriates allowed me to work around the language barrier. At first, I spoke only English at work, and I was able to get by.
You speak Chinese now? Yes, I've learned Mandarin. There are many advantages to speaking the language. For example, it gives you an edge to bargain for a lower rent on an apartment.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate-owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published