Motorshows - potential for employment?

[ali_khl]

The Shanghai Motorshow starts on Thursday for a week, and I am contemplating whether to check it out. Right now I'm studying in Beijing, but am looking for a graduate engineering position at an automotive company here in China.

Do you guys think it would be beneficial to attend motorshows with regards to future employment in the auto industry?

[rog007]

Any opportunity to market yourself in a professional manner should not be overlooked. Motor shows themselves are just one big marketing exercise, with many deals covering all aspects of the business going on in the margins. I suspect just dropping your cv off will not differentiate you, so maybe look out for the non-sales types and attempt to strike up a conversation or ask the stand guys/gals if they can point out some of their bosses. On public day, you'll be one of a lot of others; Why not try and get in on press day, or even try and get a minor role working at the event, in any capacity to improve your chances of not just being viewed as a member of Joe Public on a fantasy trip? Good luck!

[Pappa Lurve]

If it helps, a buddy of mine went to a few car auctions as he loves classics etc. Got chatting to people there and as a result of chatting and going to auctions, he now works for a car auction company. Can't hurt to go and network.

[ali_khl]

Thanks a lot for the heads-up guys, I really appreciate it!

Online booking of the tickets has stopped, so I have to get there and buy tickets in person. Anyways I have booked a 10 hour overnight train from Beijing on Thursday, I'm going to give Shanghai everything I've got!

[deveng]

Go there, dressed well, and do your research. If you go and have a sensible informed decision with someone, and you look presentable they would be willing to give you their card!

Make sure you know what companies will be there and you have plenty to talk to them about!

But don't go expecting a job offer. Ask for cards, don't seem too desperate and try to keep contact with anyone you got on well with.

A few guys I went to uni with got their jobs networking at motorshows, however they were already in professional occupations and were at motorshows representing these companies.