My summer with CRCC in Shenzhen was not only extremely enjoyable but also transformative for me personally in my career path. I participated in the Language Study + Internship program for 2 months in Shenzhen during the summer of 2014. From my initial interview to my departure from Shenzhen at the end of the program, CRCC Asia and its staff were by my side every step of the way. I had previous experience studying abroad in China as well as studying Chinese as a second major, but I really had no idea how to convert that experience into meaningful work. CRCC really gave me guidance and an honest perspective on what opportunities there were in China for someone with my specific background and skills, and thus together, we came to the conclusion that the VC/PE space in Shenzhen would be best for me.
Fast forward to my internship and I can honestly say it was challenging but also really fun. I worked in a Chinese company so had a chance to really put my language and cultural skills to the test. My supervisor really took the time to invest his resources and network in me, and I left Shenzhen with a really strong network. Also, the programming CRCC provided, from the business seminars to networking opportunities, grew my understanding of business in China as well as my international network. Finally, the accommodations in Shenzhen were amazing and really allowed me to be comfortable, though I will say there is so much to do in Shenzhen that I was rarely home! The benefit of a program like CRCC is that you are able to be independent with the internship but it still operates almost like a study abroad program in that you have staff support and “intern-mates” that become lifelong friends.
I would highly recommend the program to any one who has interest in China. It is a really strong brand and network that will honestly propel a career path in Asia or internationally. I only have positive memories from my experience and am forever for grateful for the continued assistance CRCC provides to me even as an alumni!
What would you improve about this program?
I think something that some interns encounter (and that CRCC is actively working with companies to improve) is that international interns are still relatively rare in China which means that it can be a bit hard at first to hit the ground running with supervisors. However, I think with being proactive and reaching out to the CRCC staff for support, any initial awkwardness or confusion can be easily averted.
Response from CRCC Asia
Hi Laura,
Thank you for reviewing our Shanghai Internship Program! We are glad to see that you enjoyed your time in Shanghai and got to meet other interns from around the world. Most of all, we appreciate that you would recommend the program to others.
Comments from former interns like you help us to improve our program. We are constantly working with our host companies to help improve their internship programs. Through workshops and training, we try to prepare our companies to host Western interns like yourself. We will take your comments into consideration as we continue developing workshops for our host companies.
Please feel free to contact our CRCC Asia office at sanfrancisco@crccasia.com or venice@crccasia.com if you have any other suggestions for improvement.