Ivy Ma

Ivy was born and raised in Beijing where she also finished her BA degree in Information Management and Information Systems. She previously worked with an international training company managing interns from the CRCC Asia China Internship Program. In 2010 she worked as an International Marketing Specialist with a Study Abroad organisation, seeking cooperation with academic institutions in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan. Ivy enjoys working in an international multi-cultural environment and likes meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. In her spare time she enjoys taking part in events and activities organised in Beijing as well as currently learning French.

What's one attraction interns shouldn't miss while in Beijing?

Ivy Ma - CAPA Beijing Intern Manager

Ivy: I think that one of the most interesting attractions in Beijing is the hutong area of the city. These residential alleyways were originally created during the Yuan dynasty and continue to be an important symbol for Beijingers. Nanluoguxiang is a particularly interesting hutong to visit as it has a history of over 800 years and is now filled with bars, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and cute boutiques. It's worth spending an hour or two walking through this and other similarly interesting hutongs. You can explore them on a lazy afternoon by foot, bike, or even rickshaw.

Tell us more about your role at CRCC Asia in Beijing. What's your most enjoyable aspect of the position?

Ivy: I have worked with CRCC Asia on the Business Development team for more than one and a half years. One of my most important tasks is to forge partnerships and maintain strong relationships with the host companies that provide invaluable work experience for our interns. I enjoy working in an international team and learning more about different industries.

What can you tell us about the workplace culture in Beijing?

Ivy: It’s expected for employees to be punctual and to follow the rules set forth by the employer; however you may also need to be prepared for changes. In certain situations, plans may change at short notice and employees should be able to adjust to the changes. It’s also important to remember that often, Chinese coworkers will speak indirectly; i.e.- they may disagree with a point by saying “That’s a little bit difficult” or “This needs to be discussed further at a later date” instead of just “I disagree”. Keeping these things in mind can help you make the most of your experience in a Chinese office.

How does CRCC Asia ensure a rich professional experience during this internship?

Ivy: CRCC Asia interviews every applicant to learn more about their background, experience, and interests. Once an applicant has been accepted, we can then use this knowledge to make a good match between intern and host company. We keep in close contact with the companies to make sure that the working environments, supervisor, and assigned work are all suitable. While my team is focusing on the relationships with our host companies, the Program Management team keeps in close contact with the interns. Together our two teams work to create the best internship and China experience for our participants.