Career Advice Career counselling, advice and guidance

Howard Chan

Howard is regional director at Michael Page Hong Kong and oversees a number of disciplines including sales, marketing, digital, procurement & supply chain, retail & sourcing, finance, and HR.

How to avoid backlash from a workplace dispute involving a prior acquaintance

I have been working in my present job for just over a year, having been brought in by my department manager, with whom I had previously worked in another job. Unfortunately, this manager departed under a cloud a few weeks ago and is instigating legal proceedings against the company.While I still have the utmost respect for him, I am also concerned that I will be identified with this individual in the eyes of senior management. What is the best course of action to take so as to emerge unscathed from this whole affair? ...

What options are there for me after years of restaurant work?

I have worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years now, more or less since I was in college. It was initially supposed to be short term until I decided what to do with my life (I studied psychology), but it quickly became permanent.After several years managing restaurants, I am now looking for something less physically draining. I still have a great love for food and drink, but I am unsure what options there might be in that area that don’t involve working in restaurants. Do you have any suggestions for a mid-career move? ...

Developing your top talent is critical to building a successful team

While professional accolades and technical skills can get you so far up the career ladder, it takes a team to progress beyond a managerial title....... ...

How do I go from purchasing to operations manager?

I’ve been working as a purchasing manager for a men’s casual wear brand for four years now, and am looking to take the next step up the ladder. I would like to get into operations management (not necessarily in fashion) and eventually work up to being an operations director, as I think my current job has helped me develop some of the skills required for this role. How might I go about making this progression? What key skills would I need to add to my portfolio and what are the chances of a company in another sector taking a chance on me?   ...

Growing an HR career: From employee management to development

The evolution of HR ties into its increasing influence on the growth of an organisation and while the term....... ...

Use contracting to network your way into a wealth management role in Hong Kong

I’ve recently moved to Hong Kong and am looking to break into the finance industry, specifically in wealth management. I have passed my CFA level 3 exam, and have about two years of experience as an assistant financial adviser in a large bank in the Philippines. I’ve heard that making it in the industry is all about contacts, but I’m worried that it will take too long to develop relationships – I need to make the rent in the interim. Considering I don’t have a lot of experience, what is the quickest way for me to secure a position in this field? ...

Know your worth when discussing previous salaries to get the package you want

I’m trying to break into supply chain management after a recent move to Hong Kong, and am finding it difficult to negotiate a fair salary. I’ve found that salaries are discussed fairly openly here in Hong Kong during interviews, and I’m a little uncomfortable with the process. Although I’m experienced in the industry, salaries for my position in my home country are typically low. It’s awkward to give detailed information provide details on previous salaries that are relative to local markets abroad, but often equate to very little in Hong Kong dollars. How do I explain why my previous salary is so low, and yet negotiate a fair package?  ...

Want to be an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry? You’ll need to combine theory, knowledge and experience

I am looking to open my own hospitality business in the near future, and wonder how I can begin to educate myself in the ways of general economics and entrepreneurship. I am a humanities graduate with work experience, but none in hospitality, nor as an entrepreneur. My question is: would you recommend looking at business courses, or should I attempt to learn by applying for an entry-level position at a related company? What should someone with my background do to become more prepared for owning a business?  ...

Dealing with tough bosses takes tact

My boss wants me to do things which go against my values – borderline lying, aggressively chasing sales or even taking other colleagues’ ideas for my own. I have voiced my opinions in a very careful way so as not to offend him, but it’s getting more difficult. His aggression has already earned him troops of enemies. I don’t want to bypass him and complain to the management, but it’s such a dilemma that I don’t know how to win this fight. What is your suggestion? ...

With passion gone, should you go too?

I have been doing a sales job for more than 10 years, but nowadays I have no passion for it and I feel exhausted. Although my pay package is quite good, I am very unhappy and I would like to change from sales. How can I get other offers in a competitive job market? ...