Why did you choose this program?
My decision to select CIP was that of a rescue mission and their willingness to help when I was in trouble. I got to understand that the entire team at CIP are genuinely on a mission to change lives.
I initially arrived in China through a different organization, which promised so much but messed me up. I found CIP in Shanghai after a short search, and they helped cut my losses. In a very desperate and despaired situation, they offered me an internship at a little or even no cost. I remember reviewing them on the leading blogs and news outlets and even recommending them to my university.
The real story is in one of my reviews on this platform, and anyone who cares to know could search it up. I will recommend them to anyone who is looking for real internship experience in China. CIP offers an outstanding program combined with career coaching and mentoring.
The relevance of the career coaching is that you get to experience real, personalized, one-on-one career consultation. It was an eye opening exposure! I have interned abroad in 5 different countries but nothing close to them. I get very emotional anytime I talk about their service because it gave me hope that there still some good people out there that still have values and are guided by sound business principles
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Aside from the Internship placement, CIP Helped with arranging an accommodation close my company, they offered insurance, relocated me from my previous apartment and also assisted with city orientation, Chinese language immersion, and more.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Considering interning in China? Always make sure you go to the right agency. Speak with the organizations before paying any cash to the team (exactly what CIP does) and read a little about the platform before selecting.
Never ignore an opportunity to intern in China; it looks great on your CV and also offers you exposure into Jobs market in Shanghai. Keep an open mind, ignore the cultural nuances and stick firmly to your mission. Always look out for organizations that have after-Internship-services. Agencies that continue to support participants after the program are likely to have good systems.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
This is an interesting question. I love to work, and I work over time! I spend almost 10 hours each day (Monday to Friday) working. I imposed these strict schedules on myself as I felt there were so much I should learn before my internship ends. I worked with top profiled Accountants and Auditors from across the globe on projects.
As part of my Job description, my responsibilities were to assist Overseas Operations Department research about Environmental Factors in the US prior to going abroad. I also participated in constructing financial analysis and company evaluations. Analyzing the health of an organization through business analytics was at the center of the skills I acquired.
I spent part of my day learning Chinese language and also interacting with the locals. I can write over 1,000 Chinese Characters which makes me proud. Weekends are for fun and exploring the city life. I party and grab few bottles of cold beer with some friends.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I have been to so many places, on adventure travels and also been through some terrible situations. In comparison, coming to China was not a scary moment. It's a beautiful country with very fantastic people.
