TIC TWO

Why choose TIC TWO?

Looking for the most comprehensive Business, Culture & Language and Career Development internship program on the market? TIC TWO is the place to start! We will kick-start your career in a country that is rapidly shaping the modern business world. Another bonus: you don't have to be a current student...we have programs for graduates, too!

TIC TWO ensures that your time spent in China is not just an internship, but rather an invaluable experience that future employers will view as highly favorable.

We don't do making the coffee here. You'll be acquiring, learning and developing vital international business skills necessary for success in today's global economy.

Website

tictwo.com

Founded

2011

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Reviews

Should have been price a third of what it had been. Avoid and beware!!!! There is a reason why they are not running anymore. I didn't really enjoy it and they literally make one phone call to say, "Here is is ready and willing Intern, he will work for you, and work for you completely free of charge!!" what a beautiful sentence.

The time I spent at my placement taught me much more than any text book or course that I’ve taken on at university ever could.

First of all working in a country where English wasn’t the main language, was at first thought intimidating, but all emotions were eased through support from Alastair and TIC TWO. With no prior experience with the Chinese language, I was quickly set up with Chinese lessons and a handbook which had everything I needed.

Upon returning to Australia, I realised how important the internship I completed was. Being given an insight into project management has not only complimented my studies but gave me an added eagerness to complete my studies to the best of my ability.

To anyone wanting a full experience in the industry, I would highly recommend an internship with TIC TWO and in China

TIC TWO gave me so much more than just an internship experience. It exposed me to a new world of opportunities.

I was placed on a role with an international consultancy, where I had opportunities to make genuine impact on some of the industry leading corporations in China. I was surrounded by a host of experienced and supportive colleagues who were always considerate to recognise and praise good work. The internship expanded both my professional skillsets and personal ambitions.

Shanghai is an amazing city. I had arrived with high expectations, but still the city exceeded every one of them. One day, I visited an ancient water town and an oriental garden full of Chinese heritage, but on the next, I was on a river cruise being bathed in vibrant lights from one of the world’s most modern and breathtaking skylines. I have travelled to quite a few cities around the world, but I can confidently say that Shanghai has been my favourite.

In summary, I would recommend TIC TWO to anyone who is looking for more than an ordinary internship experience, and rather something truly enriching and invaluable.

I am so glad that I did an internship with a world class advertising agency in Shanghai arranged by TIC TWO, it was a brilliant experience on both a personal and professional level. The friends I made, the sightseeing, shopping and nightlife were amazing, and the internship itself was the ultimate career boost.

I would recommend a TIC TWO internship to anybody who wants to combine the fun of travelling to China with a desire to get ‘hands on’ workplace experience, in their field of study. TIC TWO provided excellent accommodation, language classes, cooking classes, sightseeing and top level internships. I also found the internship to be excellent value for money as TIC TWO include so much more than other internship companies.

From the minute TIC TWO meet you at the airport right through to the workplace farewell lunch, you feel you are in good company.

I would recommend this experience to everybody!

What would you improve about this program?

Wish I'd stayed for longer

From the minute I landed, to my last day in the office I can’t really describe how amazing Shanghai really is. TIC TWO was definitely the right choice for me, my internship went very well and I am leaving behind people who grew to appreciate having me around and treated me like a member of staff.

From day one I was offered the opportunity to expand my network and build up on my skills and knowledge. I always believed in creating opportunities in life and that was the primary reason I chose to come to Shanghai with TWO TWO.

The apartment I stayed at, with two other interns, exceeded my expectations; it is a very spacious and well kept, well equipped unit. My flat mates are cool guys and we had a great time exploring Shanghai for what it really is. I learnt a lot from them about their line of work and we always shared our encounters over dinner or a drink at the end of our working day. Our survival Mandarin lessons were actually very useful and with time you see yourself picking up words and phrases as you go along.

The highlight of my time here, without a doubt, is the opportunity to meet new people and expand your knowledge in every level. My internship in Logistics, Sales and Marketing opened new doors to be explored and I was offered a job opportunity to stay in Shanghai for another six months on a paid basis. This is more than I could have imagined! So, I am going back to the UK for a short period to renew my visa and will be back in Shanghai in the next two weeks. I have already found somewhere to live and can’t wait to come back!

I definitely recommend TIC TWO, I was at the right place at the right time and this is because I believed this experience would actually make a difference, and I was right!

Coming to Shanghai has proven to be one of the best decisions I ever made!!!

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you decide to intern abroad with TIC TWO in China?

I'm not a recent graduate and have worked in countries such as Australia, Singapore and Brazil in the healthcare sector but I always felt I under-delivered as a Diagnostic Imaging specialist. In my view, nobody chooses to have an illness and when they do, they deserve someone who can really offer the best service to them. I always felt I could do better and with time I realised I was in the wrong job.

I have been trying to relaunch my career in a commercial role, one where I could use my interpersonal skills, which is what I believe is my greatest strength, on a different level. I came across TIC TWO online and decided to apply. My primary vision was to create opportunities out of it; I was always mindful of my age and background since I was not the average intern you get in these programmes, but I think this was part of the challenge.

I have been to China before and felt that this would be a really good way to reinvent myself. From my first interview with TIC TWO I made it clear what I expected and we were able to take things forward from there on focusing on how I could benefit from it. I was both very happy and surprised when I was told I was accepted and TIC TWO found me a placement in Logistics, Marketing and B2B sales. From that point I decided this was definitely worth going for.

What made this internship experience unique and special?

There are a lot of things I could go on about here however, on a personal level what really made it special for me was knowing I can do and be whatever I want. My previous jobs were very dynamic and I have done so many different things in life, that's why I believed I could develop in various areas of interest.

I learnt a lot about a new industry and met so many people from all walks of life and was able to learn from each individual and where applicable I left my marks as well. The opportunity to expand my network has got be the best thing here, after all what is the point of having skills and knowledge if one doesn't have anyone to share it with? I can't emphasise enough how great it feels to create opportunities and exploit them to what best suits you.

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How has this experience impacted your future?

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!

What is one piece of advice you would offer something considering interning abroad in China?

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!

Kevin Pek

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I absolute love Asian cuisine. Late last year I travelled throughout Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai sampling everything each place had to offer. Aside from the food, it was fascinating to see how vastly different these countries compared.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Even though I have only been at TIC TWO for a short period of time I have grown a lot both personally and professionally. Working in Shanghai and at TIC TWO has really challenged me to learn new things and apply all the knowledge I have gained in prior experiences on an international stage. In short, I now have a greater understand and perspective on international business!

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

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!

What position do you hold at TIC TWO? What has been your career path so far?

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!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

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!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

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.

What does the future hold for TIC TWO - any exciting new programs to share?

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!

What about the future of the industry? How do you think interning abroad will change over the next 10 years?

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.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

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!

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

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!

What language have you always wanted to learn and why?

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.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

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.

What changes would you make to the intern abroad industry?

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.