For our second interview on career networking in the Asia-Pacific region, we turned to PR professional Candice Lever in Beijing. Lever is a Public Relations and Communications Coordinator at The China-Australia Chamber of Commerce. She shared valuable insights about adjusting to life in China as a foreigner, and why people looking to stretch their careers should attend networking events, and particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Beijing.
AsianTalks: What’s your background, and what brought you to China?
I’m originally from Melbourne, Australia — born and raised there. I went to the University of Melbourne, and spent some time studying in Canada too. When I graduated I was struggling to find a job, like many young people still now, and I needed a change! So I decided to come to China.
Originally, China was not very much on the radar. I knew that I wanted to shake things up. I knew I wanted to get out of my bubble, my comfort zone. And you don’t get much different than China from Melbourne. I’ve been here for almost a year and a half now.
But coming to China has showed me how big the world is. You know, you get so wrapped up in your own little life. Melbourne is such a great city, so for a lot of people there’s no reason to leave. It’s comfortable.
But the international scene in Beijing is so amazing. Much like online networking sites, the scene broadens your horizons even more, and connects you with people you couldn’t meet in the first place.
AsianTalks: What is the function of your organization, the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce?
Our organization aims to promote business between China and Australia, and we do that in a number of ways, whether it’s through connecting businesses with one another, or running informative seminars, from anything like marketing to the latest policy updates the government has put out.
We try to be dynamic, and do what our members would really like us to do for them. Some are established businesses in China, they’ve been here for years. Others are new to the country, so we really try to connect these Australian businesses with one another, and help each other thrive.
AsianTalks: Over the years, has China increasingly become a priority for Australia?
I think it is. We recently had Mr. Tony Abbott come up to China. And to see Australian leaders come up to China to talk about business and the relationship is very telling of how Australia sees it as a significant relationship.
I mean, Australia is part of the Asia-Pacific. It’s always been a reality, especially with China on the rise and on the move. It’s becoming ever more significant on the world stage.
Traditionally, Australia’s relationship with the US is more important. But with China coming up on the scene, I think it’s important for Australia to really keep an eye on that relationship.
AsianTalks: What advice do you have for expatriates newly arrived in China?
One of the biggest things I would say to people is — be open-minded and embrace China. I think being culturally sensitive and able to adapt is really important. Especially if you’re like me, you come from the West. I didn’t have any family connections in China, and it was completely foreign. When you dive into a foreign culture the best way to survive and thrive is to enjoy the experience, try to adapt as much as you can, and embrace the cultural differences that might seem scary. Cultural sensitivity is important, wherever you go, but particularly going to such a foreign place, rather than going against the tide, you’ll enjoy China more if you go with the flow.
AsianTalks: Does the China Australia Chamber of Commerce provide good networking opportunities in Beijing?
Absolutely. We definitely encourage people to get involved with us, whether you’re a member or non-member. Most of our events are open to members as well as non-members. We encourage everyone to get involved. In Beijing in particular, we’re probably known as one of the more inclusive chambers of commerce, mainly because of our size.
AsianTalks: Or do you just throw better parties?
(Laughs) We have a social networking event on the last Friday of every month. I would say it’s been drawing a more diverse crowd, which is great. We definitely try and bring the Ozzie spirit of fun and not take ourselves too seriously. We try to have some fun. And I think we do.
AsianTalks: How important is mastery of the Chinese language when working in China?
I would say that depends much on the type of organization you work with. When I first came to China I worked with a couple, international PR companies. It was more important to read Chinese and understand it because you are dealing with Chinese clients on a daily basis. Meanwhile, some professionals who have been here for the same time as me or at Fortune 500 companies have never heard of the term guanxi, which I found quite shocking, personally! I think it’s very dependent on the type of organization you work for.
In my role in communicating with the English-speaking community, it’s not essential that I speak Chinese, but in the organization we definitely have people within the organization who just have to be fluent in Chinese.
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