Internships in Shanghai: The Reality

China is the new place-to-be for business, and is attracting more and more students seeking a change of scene. It is definitely the land of opportunities, but be prepared.

One day I went to a job fair - good networking event I thought – and attended a presentation entitled “How to find a job in China”. I was truly fascinated and I liked the thinking-out-of-the-box way the speaker presented things, he was working for a Chinese headhunting company: ZW HR Consulting. We had a nice conversation and few days later, I had an interview. Then that is where the adventure began.

I stayed 6 months in ZW as an intern. I got lucky and even had a salary – pocket money (most of the interns in China don’t get paid, especially if you are a foreigner because internship remuneration is now forbidden by the government).

All the Chinese colleagues have been very kind to me but also curious. Most of them came to me giggling “nice to meet you, you look like Avril Lavigne”. In ZW, the expats have their own area in the open space, called “老外街”– the street of foreigners. I’ve been working in a great atmosphere of cultural diversity, Chinese, American, British, Scottish, Indian, and I was happy to bring another piece to this international puzzle: the French touch.

My passion for China made things easier for me and I adapted myself quickly to the environment. I wasn’t only considered as part of the family but I also had many cross-functions and responsibilities – not bad for a little intern. Even if Chinese companies have a patriarchal organization, I felt no boundaries. Everything can be really quick, and in a flash you can achieve more than you’ve ever imagined. I have learnt quickly, maybe thanks to this mood for success that reigned in the office. I even got offered a full-time job.

I cannot count all the positive aspects of this experience, however here are the first that come to my mind: the network I’ve built, the skills I’ve acquired, the culture I’ve discovered, the friendships I’ve made, and the fun I had! But… there are always downsides.

If you plan to come to Shanghai for your internship, don’t be na?ve, your dream won’t be perfect. You will have to work hard to prove yourself and accept to reevaluate your self-esteem sometimes. You won’t earn a lot, and remember Shanghai is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your company will never pay for you apartment, transport, flight ticket or lunches – we’re not in a movie. You will have to struggle and sweat to get a visa, and pay attention to the law – basically changing every 3 months. AND you will fight at least 10 times a day with your Internet connection.

If you want to have a try (which is something I highly recommend), here is my advice.

5 tips for a successful internship in Shanghai

1. Be on the lookout for a good opportunity: USE LINKEDIN. There is nothing less degrading than a coffee making-paper filing-internship. Look for the good people, build relationships and target companies you like.
2. Be careful: most of the Chinese people have difficulties to say “no”. So never take a “yes” as a win until you’ve actually signed your contract.
3. During your internship, be proactive: always show your motivation and interest, not only about the job but also about the Chinese culture. You have everything to win.
4. Take initiatives: Chinese can be laidback sometimes, if you want to learn, ask for it. Always propose your help until your colleagues naturally come to find you.
5. Learn Chinese! What’s more irritating than an expat who don’t even know ni hao? Your colleagues will definitely appreciate your effort, and even with a funny accent, it is a good ways to break the ice.

I hope this article has been useful. Now it is time for you to book your flight ticket or definitely cross China off your list.