About working in Shan State

Shan State is the largest state by area in Myanmar, covering one quarter of the total area. It is bordered by China, Laos and Thailand as well as other states and regions of Myanmar such as Mandalay. Shan State has an abundance of hills and mountains, and has a sunny climate. The capital of Shan State is Taunggi, which is 1436 meters above sea level and is also home to the extremely popular annual balloon festival. Certain area of Shan State are very popular with tourists. Firstly there is Inle Lake which is a tourist destination on most traveller’s itineraries. Many travellers like to take the the trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, providing many opportunities for those in the tourism/ travel agency industry such as guides. Some more intrepid tourists also like to go trekking in the hills around Hsipaw and then take the train between Hsipaw and Pyi Oo Lin which goes over the Goteik Viadukt, which is the highest bridge in Myanmar. Much of Shan State in inaccessible for tourist as there is still conflict in various areas, but there are NGO/ UN and NFP opportunities.

A closer look at job opportunities in Shan State

Even though Myanmar is going through a time of rapid economic development the strongest opportunities for employment are in Taunggi and Inle Lake. Inle Lake is a well developed tourist destination, but needs more development to meet the demand. Firstly there are opportunities in the hospitality/ tourism. These may include working as a driver, a waiter or shift supervisor in food/ beverage/ catering or in an administrative function in a hotel. But as more hotels are being built there is a need for professionals such as architects and those in skilled trades/ construction. Through this economic development, and the allowance of foreign investments comes a need for infrastructure projects. For example work on upgrading of the railways and roads will call for civil engineers, project managers, and skilled trades/ construction workers. When these large projects are undertaken there is also a requirement for those who work in professional capacities such as accounting/ finance.