(refer to the photo album here for more highlights)
Date: 7 Nov 2024 (Thu)
HA Students Lead Insightful Internship Experience Sharing a HA Student-Led Seminar
On 7 November 2024, four Honours Academy (HA) students—Para Cheng, Abi Wong, and Arti Liu from HA’s 4th cohort, alongside Ocean Ng from the 3rd cohort—organised and led HA Seminar #2: Internship Experience Sharing —from local to overseas. Drawing from their varied experiences, this student-led seminar covered internships in Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Tokyo, offering HA students a comprehensive understanding of different workplace cultures, professional expectations, and the essential skills needed to thrive in diverse environments.
The seminar began with an introduction by Ms Winnie Chan, Senior Careers Officer from the Student Affairs Office (SAO), who provided an overview of HSUHK’s Global Internship Programmes (GIP). She introduced the wide range of opportunities available for students to gain international work experience, encouraging our global citizens to broaden their professional horizons.
Following this, the four HA students took the stage to share their unique internship journeys:
Para Cheng shared insights from two internships—one at a non-profit organisation in Singapore focusing on corporate communications and fundraising, and another at a national bank in Shenzhen, where he encountered a contrasting work culture. Para’s dual experiences underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating different professional landscapes, both in international and mainland settings.
Abi Wong discussed her local internship in Hong Kong, dispelling common myths about internships, such as the belief that interns always work overtime or are expected to handle a wide range of tasks. She highlighted the critical need for soft skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to succeed in any workplace.
Arti Liu provided a glimpse into his role as a Teaching Assistant in the international education sector in Guangzhou. His duties included creating teaching materials, correcting test papers, and supporting classroom activities. Arti’s experience highlighted the growing opportunities in mainland China’s international education sector, particularly in international schools, while also offering a cultural perspective on living and working in the Lingnan region.
Ocean Ng rounded off the session by sharing her internship experience at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Tokyo, Japan, where she worked on trade projects between Hong Kong and Japan. Ocean’s sharing emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration and adapting to Japanese workplace etiquette, providing valuable insights for students interested in international trade and economic relations.
To underline the significance of proper documentation, Ms Joanne Chow, a core member of the HA Secretariat team, was also invited to discuss how maintaining comprehensive internship records can play a pivotal role in crafting and enhancing one’s professional image.
The seminar reinforced the value of global experience and the need for adaptability in today’s professional world, leaving students motivated to approach their future internships with greater confidence and determination.