Post: #1

So, I'm getting ready to graduate pretty soon, and this summer in Berlin has given me the thirst for more travel. I'm looking into branching into a career in another country, and I'm more than confident it will be possible with my credentials and some good strategy.

My issue is, I can't seem to find much reliable information on WHERE a good emerging market to hop into would be. I'm graduating with a degree in Computer Engineering, so I could work as a Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Software Engineer, (yes I have relevant work experience in each).

The location I'm looking for has:
1. High Startup Potential
2. Favorable balance of exchange rate (to USD/Euro) to low cost of living
3. Huge growth potential in computers, infrastructure, etc.

Basically I'm trying to break into an emerging market to eventually make it huge, while sating a tad of wanderlust at the same time. I'm willing to learn a language. I have 2 years to plot the move (fucking useless master's, but whatever it's free).

So, how do YOU research "emerging markets?" Any stock suggestions for someone in my position/field? Thumbs up for helping another rat escape the hamster race

Post: #2

What are your present skills? You may want to consider what you already have a comparative advantage in and look for place where that be in the most demand.

Post: #3

(08-07-2013 11:07 AM)j r Wrote:  What are your present skills? You may want to consider what you already have a comparative advantage in and look for place where that be in the most demand.

My skills particularly lie in Embedded Systems design/programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence. There is real, hard, expansive industry in these areas (AI less so) but the default channel seems to be funneling me towards academic opportunities- NOT interested.

It looks like Asia is almost definitely the move, now that I've done a little research- the EU is just too damn hard to move into, high ass taxes, high cost of living. Africa may be a strong choice later in life (the availability of resources and central distribution location and cost of land/labor make starting a chip foundry in Africa incredibly attractive, once skilled labor and stability concerns are met).

North America is what I'm trying to escape, although certain cities may provide benefits that make it worth it to stay (namely insane salary).

I'm dreaming of Brazil...


What I may do is undertake one of these "Teach English in Asia" oppurtunities to try and make contacts, test out the living, pick up a little language, and probably write some books. I'm not sure I'm into asians, but that would probably improve my game/life in other areas, to be less... enfranchised with the ladies.

Post: #4

I have often contemplated doing something like this. I cant decide whether it's brave and visionary or boyhood dreaming. See, you could end up spending 2-3 years in xyz country, learn the language and then have nothing to show for it. Most countries have plenty of bright locals to capitalize on opportunities and xenophobia is not to be underestimated. The U.S pays tech guys more than anyone. Why exactly do want to go overseas for less pay and more risk?

Post: #5

(08-07-2013 12:03 PM)RussianSoul Wrote:  I have often contemplated doing something like this. I cant decide whether it's brave and visionary or boyhood dreaming. See, you could end up spending 2-3 years in xyz country, learn the language and then have nothing to show for it. Most countries have plenty of bright locals to capitalize on opportunities and xenophobia is not to be underestimated. The U.S pays tech guys more than anyone. Why exactly do want to go overseas for less pay and more risk?

I consider living in the US a huge risk. I'm not very sure of the financial and legal climate in the mid-long term. It seems very police state-y.

Also I want to see and experience more of the world, and as I touched on in the original post, this would let me do that while furthering my career. I neither want to wait until I get old, nor be piss poor but "free" my whole life. A traditional job in the US seems like a hard trade-off with any serious travel.

Post: #6

Why settle for teaching English? I don't know much about what you do, but it seems that there should be application to high-tech manufacturing, which should be a great field in any of the BRICS.

Post: #7

(08-07-2013 12:34 PM)j r Wrote:  Why settle for teaching English? I don't know much about what you do, but it seems that there should be application to high-tech manufacturing, which should be a great field in any of the BRICS.

That would be ideal, but right now my feeling is GET OUT. I'm having this fight or flight impulse so strongly every time I hear something new about our ass-leading-the-horse government and I love my country but I think it's best for both of us if I head out ASAP.

Plus fly chicks and cheap living and so on.

I've also read the BRICS crew is losing growth numbers vs. developed countries again, but I couldn't care less- the volatility of small economies and bare minimum costs of living are what will let me make my money there.

I'm researching high tech manufacturing opportunities, as that seems the most lucrative at the top-end, having your own business level (while also being penetrable at the just-being-an-engineer level). Looks like I need to start studying some language before my search will truly bear fruit.

Thanks for your help, I'll post to this thread any useful stuff I find out.

Post: #8

For the income vs cost of living its hard to beat the US.

For someone with your degree and skillset you will be able to bounce around and collect a little more each time, all the while living in a relatively cheap country (USA). I know I get a little envious when I visit friends there and see what they can live like with a wage of $75000 a year, compared to here in Canada.

Another place that I have been to recently that is investing big into automation is Poland. Especially based around food production (high speed conveyor, bottling etc). I know a couple of guys that work for Fanuc and NED Sensor (nippon electro sensory) that live in Poland and also a friend who lives in Tokyo but spends a lot of time traveling between Poland, Israel, and Japan. He has the same background as you but moved into technical sales so he can get the travel time in that he likes.

Post: #9

I'm looking into Brazil, more specifically for 3D visualization or an app targeted specifically for their market. There's a huge arrow up in terms of people acquiring smart phones.

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.

Napoleon Hill

Post: #10

First the US is one of the safest countries to work and live in. We do not have any rioting in the streets, unemployment is at 8% and we have the most stable financial market in the world. In your field of work I would either stay in the US or I would go to Europe. Asia will be hard because you do not know the language and could be a serious handicap. Also if you are looking to work in South American countries you have to worry about patents, the languages, and will they have the resources to really accomplish what you want to do.

Post: #11

Most immigrants, including me, know that trying to do whatever it takes to escape from your home country is the wrong approach to immigration. The exception to this rule is if you are in a country like Iraq, but you live in the most prosperous country on Earth, so trying to escape would be the wrong approach, IMO.

You need to approach migration as a major project, probably the most important project in your life: visit a number of countries, select your target country/counties, prepare, make connections, talk to many people, look for work or set up a business, find out all there is to know about the visa situation, find a place to live, then move.

To give you an idea, I've been planning my move to the US for about 3 years, and before that I was considering coming here for...maybe another 10 years. Then the whole thing went relatively smoothly, though not without problems. The recession was the main reason why it took me so long to plan and execute, but still, these things take time.

I would say don't bother teaching English, just find a real job or set up an engineering business, ideally before you move permanently.

Also, spending time abroad is something that benefits a person tremendously, but the grass is really not greener on the other side.

Good luck