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Need a job? Got a job but looking for a new one? We've done the leg work for you and have found five hot, growing fields that are within your Shanghai networking reach as well as the best networking events in the city to help get you there.
By Ai Hai Lun

Industry: Food & Beverage

The Field: This city is crammed with bars and restaurants, and as everyone knows, new venues close as fast as they open. So getting a job shouldn't be too tough, but keeping it may be ...

The Game Plan: To get into the field and score a successful gig, you need to go where the insiders are, so go to as many openings and parties as you can score invites to–all in the name of research, of course. "Qualifications are also important but not necessary depending on the position," says Jackie Yun, owning partner of Wagas. If you need to start from the bottom, then there are lots of opportunities, but be prepared to put in long hours. Most people in the F&B industry work up to 60 hours a week. If you're setting up your own operation, take a hands on approach. "You must know how to do all the jobs that you require others to do. Get your hands dirty and work side by side with employees, it sets an important example," recommends Yun. "Don't be a finger-pointing, nagging laoban that can't operate the espresso machine or be willing to take the garbage out." Generally, to succeed in the industry, Yun says you should be a "humble, responsible team player who loves learning and teaching, and has a genuine interest in the industry. And no attitude, please."

Industry: Hospitality

The Field: High-end hotels are what Shanghai is all about, but recently there has been a change in direction from traditional glitzy luxury to smaller, more intimate boutique hotels and personalized services.

The Game Plan: Mars Rivera works for one of Shanghai's most successful new boutique hotels. "The hospitality scene in Shanghai is very competitive and challenging," she says. Hospitality demands very long and anti-social hours no matter where you are in the chain of command, and if you aren't passionate about the job, you'll find it hard to pay attention to the details that bring guests back. "You need to be sincere, work hard, strive to do your best and have passion and dedication in every single thing you do ... no matter how simple," says Rivera. If you need to start from scratch, try Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College which offers English-language certificates in hospitality management (www.lrjj.cn). China Hospitality News (www.chinahospitalitynews.com) allows members to post their profiles with the kind of work they are looking for and will keep you up to date with news of what's going on and who's who in the industry. HR departments for hotels across the city swear by 9djob.com, a website where hotels which are members of the International Branded Hotels of Shanghai (IBHS) reguarly post their vacancies.

Industry: Fine Arts

The field: With so many people looking to blend business (a job) and pleasure (art), the fine art's field, "is a competitive one," Victoria Lu, creative director at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) explains. While there are a number of well-known museums in Shanghai and galleries popping up every day, it doesn't mean it's easier to break in, but at least there's more out there.

The strategy: Lu says finding a gallery can be a challenge in Shanghai, especially for women as the field is "highly competitive and male-dominated," although with the right preparation, anyone has a shot. Lu suggest that "knowledge and devotion" to the field win out here, and those looking to get a leg up should read up on art history and grab any "art critics publications [and] art magazines, especially the big international magazines." This will help at networking events, but as Lu warns networking is not necessarily the key to this field. "Networking is difficult for the newcomers," explains Lu, therefore "finding ways to develop a [relationship with a] key person in the art world" is perferable to a shallow broad network of contacts. And Lu's final advice to aspiring curators and creative directors reflects the passion she herself has for the industry: "Work hard, study hard [and] travel hard."

Industry: Communications

The Field: Sometimes it seems like everyone is promoting themselves in this city. Brand management and company image are key–if you don't keep telling people how hot a business is, how will they ever find out?

The Game Plan: Of all the schmoozy expat jobs in Shanghai, PR is the schmooziest. Deisys Blanco who runs her own PR and events company stresses how important it is to get to know the right people. "Make sure you are at events where your target audience is, like new outlets, news events, networking events, gallery openings and fashion shows," says Blanco. "I like Lounge 18, Mesa & Manifesto, Jade on 36 and Laris for mingling and socializing–that is the work. Connections are the most important aspect of the job." This is the kind of job where personality–as well as experience–trumps qualifications any day. So, if you think your contact book is suitably stuffed, visit http://jobs.brandrepublic.asia where you'll find truly enviable jobs on offer based in Shanghai and elsewhere in China. Contacting companies you are interested in working for, even if they are not advertising, will always be well-received–employers want to know you are enthusiastic and interested in working for them since this is the attitude you will need to convey to clients.

Industry: Fitness

The Field: This is a tough industry to crack as competition is stiff. The scene is becoming localized while international chains struggle; however, if you can find your niche, it's a rewarding and social job.

The Game Plan: Derrick Cope, program director of Synapse Studio, says finding a gym to work for can be a challenge here as the scene is "highly competitive and a bit insular," although there are a few great jobs available at some of the top international hotels for guests who want an expat personal trainer. "Get in touch with the local clubhouses," recommends Cope. "Vizcaya, Megafit and Tennis Center are all on the lookout for good expat trainers." As for where to get certified, "There is a lot of garbage out there, so best to do some research," Cope advises, and be careful since not all certifications in Shanghai are recognized internationally. Synapse Studio and Y+ Yoga respectively offer internationally recognized Polestar USA Pilates and Inspya International Teacher's Training certifications. The Asian Academy for Sports and Fitness Professionals (AASFP, aasfp@aasfp.com) also holds courses for those interested in personal training.

URBAN ENTERPRISING

Our handy dandy unauthorized guide to where to hobnob with the best of them across Shanghai

Home Away from Home: National Unity

Join one of your homeland's expat groups and try bonding over the "countrymen" card since talking about familiar topics helps break the ice–you already have something in common. Spanish speakers should try Conexion Latina, Russians try Russian Tasty Nights and Germans the Deutscher Praktikantenstammtish, while English speakers are always welcome at BritCham's Sundowner (see pg. 50), Canuck Connection (see pg. 50) and the weekly Aussie drinks events (see pg. 51).

Show You're a Team Player: Sports Teams

There's no better way to demonstrate your team spirit, determination and general employability than by rugby tackling a future colleague into the mud. Many an important business connection has been built on sportsman camaraderie, followed by a few post-match pints. Try joining the Guinness Hairy Crabs Rugby Club (www.rugbyshanghai.com), Shanghai Football Club (www.shanghaifootballclub.com) or one of the ASAS leagues (www.asas.com.cn).

A Communal Space: The Yard on Taikang Lu

The Yard outside Kommune on Taikang Lu is the ideal venue to sit back, relax, munch and network. Their weekly Great Ozzie Barbecue (see pg. 42) draws fun, barbecue-loving professionals from across the city. Don't ruin the moment by pushing the name cards too hard, but there are few better ways to bond than over barbecue and beer. Other popular gathering points on Taikang Lu are the growing number of happy hours on Lane 248–Ginger, Bohemia Restaurant & Café or Bell Bar to name a few.

The Suit Makes the Man: Tailors

Every man or woman needs a sharp suit. Even if you're not in a position to drop big bucks, we're sure you'll meet those who are at Dave's Custom Tailoring (www.tailordave.com) and Eleganza Uomo (www.eleganzauomo.com). Hang around in one of the city's top tailor shops and who knows who you might rub elbows with.

Drink Your Way to the Top: Bars

You can drink anywhere, but drinking to network is a different task. Start picking your drinking haunts and drinking companions carefully. Villa ORO is ideal for meeting financiers, try Cotton's for media professionals and LOgO and Caesura Café for musicians and other creative types. Check out the monthly Oriented Happy Hour or join young professional's social networking groups like BEAN, NextStep (see pg. 50) and FC Club who hold regular events around Shanghai.

Cultural Congregations: Incidental Weekends

Hosting regular literary talks and indie movie screenings, The Glamour Bar's events are frequented by Shanghai elites looking for mental stimulation in classy digs that only the Bund can provide. Use the presentation as a conversation starter to chat up fellow attendees. Just make sure you keep the proverb, "Do not speak unless you can improve the silence" in mind–few people there are experts on the presentation topic, so don't pretend to be one either.

Sniff, Swirl and Network: Wine Tastings

There are infinite opportunities for conversation openers at wine tastings, "Ah! Have you tried the Malbec? Wonderfully oaky finish ... allow me to top up your glass ..." Plinkplinkplonk. If you can avoid those other networkers hell-bent on finding a soul mate, this could be the perfect opportunity to show a potential employer your worldly sophistication. A consistently good event is Napa Reserve's weekly Friday tasting (see pg. 40). See Wine & Dine events online and on pg. 40 for more wine tasting events.

ASK SHANGHAI NETWORKING

Alex Cureton-Griffiths, founder and networking trainer

Because Shanghai is run by those with the biggest Rolodexes, Shanghai Networking (http://shanghainn.com) kicked into gear to present all the advice, expertise and events Shanghai newbies need on one site. They're the experts and are here to answer your deepest, darkest networking questions.

How do I start networking in Shanghai?
If you're new to the networking scene, you'll do best in places you feel comfortable, like your chamber's events or Oriented Happy Hours. The latter always has a fresh crowd, eager to talk to new faces. Also, whether you're a CEO or a toilet cleaner, in China you'll need a bilingual card that you're proud of. You can get them done at most stationary stores, but one good one to check out is the store on the corner of 797 Dongchangzhi Lu (Add: 东长治路797号, Tel: 136-3630-1182) where their English-speaking staff can walk you through the process.

What do I do once I'm at an event?
If you're nervous, take a buddy, preferably someone with networking experience. Just don't fall into the trap of only talking to the people you came with, it defeats the purpose of networking–meeting new people. Also, keep an eye out for groups containing three people. While the pair is chatting, it's often easier to engage the third person in conversation.

Which is the right networking event for me?
If you're on the lookout for gainful employment, swing by FC Club's Career Development Mixer which is full of headhunters and HR people. If your goal is to meet entrepreneurs, NextStep Tuesdays, held every other Tuesday (see pg. 49) hosts entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Try out Shanghai Entrepreneurs' Group too.

How can I network better with locals?
Start things off on the right foot with the two-hand transfer: give and receive cards with two hands and present your card with the Chinese side up. If you take a little time to study the card you receive, you'll appear more respectful. Then, try and relax. Some newcomers are worried about saying something that will offend. Don't worry, many locals are in the same boat.

What are your top tips?
Don't just stick to your own chamber, branch out. Remember that networking is about building relationships and can happen anywhere–at a mixer, at a seminar or even chatting with other parents as you pick your kid up from school. Next, plan ahead. Just getting to the event is only the beginning. Decide beforehand who it is you want to meet, how best you think it is to meet them and how you want to present yourself. Set goals and have a plan to achieve them. Finally, after all of that work, don't rely on running into people again, follow up. That's why you have their card, right?