Student VISA converted to Work Permit

Good day,

I am currently a student in Beijing and am coming to the end of our semester & I am considering taking a semester gap.
I have also been offered a full time employment position in Beijing with a local company.

If I decided to take up the work position : Is it possible / more appropriate to:
- Apply for a VISA conversion from student to work visa within China (or do I need to make application from Zim)?
- Cancel the student VISA and reapply for a work VISA within China (or do I need to make application from Zim)?

I am also planning to perhaps do some travel to neighbouring Thailand / Hong Kong (appx 1 month)
- Can I apply for the China work VISA from either of those countries?

Kindly advise,
Regards.