TIC TWO China Internship Program: Alumni Network

As I mentioned previously this experienced has had a very positive impact in my life and has definitely contributed to the development of my future goals.

Personally, it has helped me to gain confidence, something I had doubted for while especially when I started to apply for different jobs and got so many rejection emails. That made me feel very frustrated and my confidence was slightly impaired, but I regained that very quickly by just being in China!

Professionally, I believe it has been just what I have been waiting for. I said I went to China after opportunities because that's where things are happening right now. During my internship I applied for jobs, was interviewed, and offered a position with a business who is looking to expand to the Latin American market. I speak fluent Portuguese so I guess it was the same as saying; " I was at the right place at the right time"!

Academically, even if it doesn't work out long-term and I go on to study at a master's level, which I intend to do in the future, I know more today as a result of this internship than I knew a month ago so it can't be a bad thing!

For anyone thinking about joining an internship program in China, the best advice I could give is: Believe that this experience will add value in your life, even if it's just on a personal level. Be open to cultural diversity and learn to appreciate China and Chinese people; they are actually very nice people and you can learn a lot from them!

Always be yourself and let others see your true potential. Admit your lack of experience and knowledge. I think it's graceful to do that. After all if you were an expert, you would not be an intern. In China, people value that a lot and they will be more inclined to help you learn as much as possible!

Have fun, its not just about being serious all the time. Shanghai is a fascinating and intriguing place and I think enjoying what the city has to offer outside work is also part of the experience. (Obviously don't do anything unsafe or break the law) I have been to various bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. Had I not done that I wouldn't know if could go back for longer. I have seen a lot of it and that's why I'm not hesitating to return.

Don't forget, this could change your life, so I definitely think this is not for everyone. However, if you do go, this could be the best decision you will ever make!

The best stories that I have heard so far at TIC TWO all have had to do with our interns looking for ways to come back to Shanghai because they can't get enough of it!

My title at TIC TWO is Strategic Development Manager which focuses primary on the Canadian and American markets. My job is to bring high quality internship placements to young Americans and Canadians looking to gain international work experience.

Prior to working at TIC TWO I worked in the Sales and Marketing department of an Oil and Gas company in Vancouver, Canada. I worked there for 2 years as the lead on all marketing initiatives which included rebranding their image and website, to planning and organizing trade shows and much much more. I also played a significant role within other departments of the company which allowed me to work closely with the Engineers and Millwrights on the assembly floor. I am able to bring the knowledge I have gained within Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Engineering to TIC TWO and help young individuals indentify exactly what they’re looking to achieve abroad!

In the short time I have been here the proudest moments I had being a member of the TIC TWO team would be speaking with our participants right before the program comes to an end and hearing that they had an awesome time. I felt that not only were we able to provide a great service, but we also made a lasting impression as individuals!

I think the biggest factor in any successful company is its ability to be flexible and highly adaptive to the changing demands of its consumer and market place while holding on to their roots and high ethical/moral standards.

There are many exciting initiatives going on at the moment but for now we are really concentrating on ensuring we are able to secure quality placements for what will be our busiest summer yet!

Prior to the summer program we are making some major changes to how the program is run to ensure it’s the best it can be. TIC TWO has recently brought on more up and coming talent to improve the entire program. The participants in 2014 and beyond will have a truly unique experience prepared for them!

I believe that international work experience is going to pay a huge factor in securing a job in nearly all markets. There are more people now than ever graduating with a degree from top universities around the world. This makes for an increasingly competitive job market especially for fresh graduates. Having international experience will not only set you apart from your peers but show future employers that you are able to grow and adapt to new environments and cultures.

Up until late last year, I have always wanted to visit Japan. I was lucky enough to spend a week there prior to joining TIC TWO in their Shanghai office. My goal now is to backpack around South East Asia, Europe, UK, and Australia!

Being of Chinese descent, growing up in Canada, I never had the opportunity to get a really good feel of what life would’ve been like in China, let alone learn the language! I figured the only way I could find out and learn was to come out here myself and immerse myself in The Mainland!

I have always wanted to learn how to speak Mandarin, Japanese, and Cantonese. Right now, my goal is to learn Mandarin. Its proving to be rather difficult but having daily exposure to it really helps.

TIC TWO is very transparent and upfront with its approach and operates with high ethically standards. This culture is reinforced by the people that work here as we – we all take a lot of pride in everything that we do here.

The team is built with people from all around the world with different backgrounds and areas of expertise that allows TIC TWO to find unique solutions for any challenges that approaches us.

The first thing I would change would be the accessibility of interning abroad. Having international work experience on your resume will definitely set you apart from your peers but it is extremely difficult to find a promising internship when you’re half way around the world. Even after you’ve found your placement there are still many challenges both prior and after arriving in country. These are huge limiting factors that prevent a lot of students and recent graduates from considering interning abroad as a viable option.