To gain a comprehensive understanding of the career trajectories of Chinese self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) in Hungary over time, this study was conducted as exploratory research. The thesis follows the framework of the "two-step migration pathway and alternative career trajectories", which establishes a connection between the concept of expatriation and the specific journey taken by individuals from being international students to becoming early career self-initiated expatriates, as well as compares the career outcomes of Chinese self-initiated expatriates with individuals holding Chinese and Hungarian credentials. The subsequent section presents the new scientific findings, organised into the literature review and empirical article. 1. Literature review (Understanding the Early Career Self-Initiated Expatriation: A Review and Directions for Future Research): utilising both the functionalist and interpretivist approaches, the study explores the characteristics of early-career SIEs, which delves into their transitional experiences, their inclination towards novelty and innovation, and the limited consideration given to familiarity. The expatriation motives are analysed from the perspective of structural factors, organisational aspects, and individual abilities. 2. Three empirical articles: following to the structure of the "two-step migration pathway and alternative career trajectories" framework. 2.1 A qualitative exploration of the socioeconomic status and motivations of Chinese students in Hungary: Three important factors influenced lower-middle-class Chinese students’ choices to study in Hungary: the constraints of reality, educational aspirations, and a desire for self-expression. The socioeconomic status of Chinese students studying in Hungary is lower than that of those studying in Anglo-Saxon or other Western countries Those with scholarships and tuition-fee payers were not socially distinct groups because both were financially constrained Their international studies represented a conscious step towards their economic, social, and cultural advancement, and childhood hobbies and extracurricular activities contributed to their upward mobility as well. 2.2 Career Trajectories of Self-Initiated Early Career Chinese Expatriates in Hungary: two-step migration pathway perspective? The participants had three options for their early career after studying in Hungary: repatriation, remaining, or moving to another European country. The decision whether to repatriate or remain is heavily influenced by relational factors, particularly family concerns related to the Confucianism The decision between repatriation and mobility is heavily influenced by work requirements The decision between remaining and mobility were often influenced by actual language proficiency 2.3 Does Local Education Matter in Semi-periphery country? Comparative Analyses of Early Career Chinese Self-initiated Expatriates in Hungary: The findings reveal two distinct types of early-career Chinese SIEs with Chinese credentials in Hungary: those using their Hungarian experience as a stepping stone for long-term career mobility and those who perceive it as beneficial for their career objectives. Chinese SIEs with Hungarian credentials can also accumulate career capital, but their futures remain more uncertain. The findings also reveal the impact of gaining qualifications in Hungary, for Chinese SIEs with different credentials did not have a clearly defined career path. Chinese SIEs with strong Chinese credentials exhibit autonomy in their career decisions. They view their international experiences in Hungary as a means to autonomously shape their future careers in other European countries. Chinese SIEs with lower Chinese credentials demonstrate high levels of self-efficacy, indicating their expectation of their competence improvement. They believe that their experiences in Hungary contribute to their competence, which will benefit their careers. Although some of the Chinese SIEs with Hungarian credentials have uncertain future, they still have a strong perception of the cultural and social accumulation.
