Career & Development ...
Resources |
Education |
Partner Development Program |
Volunteering |
In today's world of dual careers, many accompanying spouses have expectations of a satisfying and challenging career. Achieving this whilst on the move with your partner's career is certainly possible but it is unlikely to be straightforward.
An important first step in any job search is ensuring that you are aware of the immigration laws which exist within your new location and how they impact your job search. Immigration laws in Malaysia are complex. For more information, please visit the Immigration Department of Malaysia website ( ww.imi.gov.my ).
All foreign diplomas/certificates/degrees will be accepted as per the requirement of the employer. It is mandatory in Malaysia for all expatriates and foreign workers to submit their educational records in English. If your diploma is not in English you will be asked to translate it.
Resources
International job search sites:
www.partnerjob.com : Offers a worldwide database where members can post their job openings and spouses and partners can post their CVs & apply for jobs.
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilders.com
Malaysian job search sites:
www.jobstreet.com.my : Offers a separate list of jobs for foreigners in Malaysia . They organise yearly job-fairs, career counseling services and more.
www.jobsDB.com.my
CV writing references:
‘ The Perfect CV' by Tom Jackson. Publisher: PIATKUS. (ISBN-0749916931)
‘Creating a Successful CV' by Simon Howard. Publisher: Dorling Kindersley. (ISBN-075130770X)
‘ The Brilliant CV' by Jim Bright: Joanne Earl. Publisher: Pearson Education Limited. (ISBN-273654853)
Education
Whilst living in Kuala Lumpur there are several opportunities to study in English.
Public universities:
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (The National University of Malaysia): www.ukm.my
Universiti Kuala Lumpur: www.unikl.edu.my
Universiti Malaya: www.um.edu.my
Leisure learning:
Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur (Craft Complex of Kuala Lumpur): www.kraftangan.gov.my. Offers various art, painting, pottery and batik painting classes
Sophia Centre for Creative Learning: www.sophia.com.my. Offers classes in art and crafts, cooking, languages, fitness and dance
Taylor 's University College : www.taylors.edu.my. Offers a French diploma in Culinary Arts; diploma/degree courses in hospitality, tourism and languages
Distance learning:
Many subjects can be studied through distance learning/correspondence courses.
Open University: www.oum.edu.my
Partner Development Programme (PDP)
The PDP (formerly known as Spouse Vocational Assistance or SVA) offers financial assistance to partners of Shell employees to maintain mobility from one country to another by helping you find a job, start a new career or maintain employment-related skills.
Eligible for PDP are partners whose (full time employed) partner is expatriated on an Accompanied Basis and on an international assignment (IBAS). For more information regarding eligibility, please check with you HR representative.
Please note that PDP is only available for a recognized partner not in full time employment in the Host Country.
Volunteering
Many spouses and partners choose to volunteer. Volunteering helps partners make new friends and it can be a good opportunity to explore career and personal interests. Certain volunteer work can help to earn great recommendations for future employment or college applications.
Spouses have used volunteering to develop their marketable job skills, build resumes/CVs and enrich their education to a certain extent and their lives in general. Unlike paid employment, volunteering provides a more flexible schedule and varying time commitments, and can enrich your life abroad by making a difference in the community.
International Organisations:
Red Crescent Malaysia - www.redcrescent.org.my
UNICEF Malaysia - www.unicef.org/infobycountry/malaysia.html
Volunteer Abroad - www.volunteerabroad.com
Popular organisations that work with local Charities:
American Association of Malaysia (AAM) - www.klamerican.com
Association of British Women in Malaysia (ABWM) - www.abwm.com.my
Malaysian Australian New Zealand Association (MANZA) - www.manza.org