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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 05, 2009 - 01:06 PM |
 
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| Post subject: Chinese internship placements |
Hello! I am an American college student trying to get a summer internship abroad this summer and China (specifically Shanghai) is my first choice.
There seems to be many companies online offering internship placements for a fee. Naturally my guess is some are scams and some are legitimate businesses. Among some I've researched are Uoutlook, AbroadChina, the IIVN (International Internships and Volunteer Network), NextStepConnections, Projects Abroad, Center for Cultural Inter-Change, and Asia-Interns.com. Anyone that knows anything about these or other companies please let me know as I believe I'd rather not get ripped off...
Really I don't require it to be a paid internship although that would be nice. I realize we're in a global financial crises so perhaps companies would be more willing to hire interns for free?
The company AbroadChina I have a feeling is legitimate as they were going to actually visit my school (although outside circumstances forced them to cancel).
Do you think its wiser to choose a company that is based in the US or one based in Shanghai? The one based in the US has a much lower chance of ripping me off but ones in China will know the job market better.
Really, anyone that has experience with one of the companies or another like it please help me out! |
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wefrucar
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Joined: Aug 20, 2008
Posts: 163
Location: Shanghai
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Feb 05, 2009 - 02:42 PM |
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It's not easy. Your best bet, imo, would be to do it through your school. Don't they have any programs to offer, or at least relations with programs?
If you do it with an American-based program, just be aware that there's a good chance you'll be placed in a craptastic internship. The idea of an "intern" is pretty new in China, and except for fields of finance or law, are often restricted to a "shadow" position (you walk around and observe others working rather than contributing anything).
The hardest but probably best solution is to find an internship yourself. VERY difficult without connections, but will give you a much much higher chance of finding something actually good.
And don't bother asking to be paid. A paid intern gets maybe $500/month (which will probably not be enough for you to live off of anyway... yes most locals make even less than that but you're going to want to go partying on weekends and eat good food, so you'll need to bring extra money with you in the end), and makes you less attractive. Let the company decide if they want to pay you or not.... some of them do (especially Western companies). |
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yu888
Board Deity
Joined: Jan 25, 2003
Posts: 19240
Location: ZhongShanParkArea SH
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Feb 05, 2009 - 02:55 PM |
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What is it that you are hoping to achieve with this internship? What skills do YOU offer to the job or organization that hires you? The reason I ask is your choices should surely be based on that which fits your requirements and skillset. |
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Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 6099
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Feb 05, 2009 - 02:58 PM |
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There are legitimate agencies that do more than hook you up with a job. A few I know also arrange living arrangements - which often is part of the expense - help to deal with visa issues, and back you up in case of emergency. Employers usually will not deal with this kind of thing. I know the people at a couple of these places here in Shanghai. NextStep Connections and Bestep ( http://yourbestep.com/) both do a good service.
Interns ordinarily get more than they contribute, which is why some employers do not use them or use them in a limited fashion ( or why some of the jobs are crappy ). An employers will invest time and training in a person who will be around, but really does not want to make that same investment in someone who is guaranteed to leave in 6 months. just about the time they start getting productive. |
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decaf
Lurker
Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
Status: Offline
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Feb 05, 2009 - 03:06 PM |
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| wefrucar wrote: |
It's not easy. Your best bet, imo, would be to do it through your school. Don't they have any programs to offer, or at least relations with programs?
If you do it with an American-based program, just be aware that there's a good chance you'll be placed in a craptastic internship. The idea of an "intern" is pretty new in China, and except for fields of finance or law, are often restricted to a "shadow" position (you walk around and observe others working rather than contributing anything).
The hardest but probably best solution is to find an internship yourself. VERY difficult without connections, but will give you a much much higher chance of finding something actually good.
And don't bother asking to be paid. A paid intern gets maybe $500/month (which will probably not be enough for you to live off of anyway... yes most locals make even less than that but you're going to want to go partying on weekends and eat good food, so you'll need to bring extra money with you in the end), and makes you less attractive. Let the company decide if they want to pay you or not.... some of them do (especially Western companies). |
Thanks alot for the reply. I guess I should have mentioned I am a finance major and am looking for a finance internship lol. Does this change anything? |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 05, 2009 - 03:17 PM |
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| yu888 wrote: |
| What is it that you are hoping to achieve with this internship? What skills do YOU offer to the job or organization that hires you? The reason I ask is your choices should surely be based on that which fits your requirements and skillset. |
The thing I want the most is to get real experience in banking/financial services. Preferably doing some valuation work. Realistically, I know this is China and the other reason I want to intern abroad is I love to travel. So honestly, I could probably get an internship where I would play a more active role in the company in the states (well at least when companies were hiring pre-finacrisis) but I love to experience new cultures and have always been interested in China. Also, especially if I can get with an international company I can make some good contacts.
What I have to offer? I'm a junior finance major. I am proficient at Excel (and Word, PPT, etc) and have done some modeling and cash-flow applications on it as part of my classes. Unfortunately I haven't had an internship yet but I do have work experience in the restaurant industry I can spin pretty well on my resume. If it matters (and i doubt it does) I have previous study abroad experience-although not in China.
In short, yeah I'm pretty green. But everyone starts at the bottom and I would be ok with an unpaid internship. |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 05, 2009 - 03:25 PM |
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| Michael wrote: |
There are legitimate agencies that do more than hook you up with a job. A few I know also arrange living arrangements - which often is part of the expense - help to deal with visa issues, and back you up in case of emergency. Employers usually will not deal with this kind of thing. I know the people at a couple of these places here in Shanghai. NextStep Connections and Bestep ( http://yourbestep.com/) both do a good service.
Interns ordinarily get more than they contribute, which is why some employers do not use them or use them in a limited fashion ( or why some of the jobs are crappy ). An employers will invest time and training in a person who will be around, but really does not want to make that same investment in someone who is guaranteed to leave in 6 months. just about the time they start getting productive. |
Listen, I don't know you at all but I see no reason to suspect you to be involved with one of those placement companies lol. That is great news as I was worrying all of them might be scams. I have emailed back in forth with some and haven't noticed anything too out of place. Of course I would be skeptical with any org. that claimed a placement was guaranteed or 100% successful.
That's a good point about internships in general. At least in the states an employer will see you as a potential future valued employee. But seeing as part of me is ambitious and wants a great career and the other part tells me to just enjoy life and explore my love of traveling. So, interning abroad seems like the best option considering it will look decent on the resume.
And let's be real-You have a lot more room to exaggerate about your contributions to the company when it is in China. Might come in handy down the road  |
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yu888
Board Deity
Joined: Jan 25, 2003
Posts: 19240
Location: ZhongShanParkArea SH
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Feb 05, 2009 - 04:26 PM |
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| decaf wrote: |
Listen, I don't know you at all but I see no reason to suspect you to be involved with one of those placement companies lol. ... |
I guess as a newbie you can be forgiven for not knowing that Michael is our host and the founder of ShanghaiExpat.com. |
_________________
The right to free speech does not grant you freedom from the repercussions of what you say. This and more on my Blog...Random Thoughts about Living in Shanghai...and more |
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tonyarg
Newbie
Joined: Feb 01, 2009
Posts: 5
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Feb 06, 2009 - 01:42 AM |
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I'm in your same situation decaf, also looking for an internship in shanghai. I also mistrust these companies since once they get your money it would be easy for them to swindle you. Good thing, as I see it, is that many of those companies have offices in Shanghai. Maybe you can ask someone to go there and get you more info. |
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shortxstuff
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Joined: Feb 02, 2009
Posts: 25
Location: DC, Shanghai (soonly)
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Feb 06, 2009 - 01:57 AM |
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i was considering a business internship in china a few years ago and what i did was browse the websites of top US companies (jp morgan, deloitte, etc) to see if they had branches in asia and whether those branches offered summer internship positions, which many do. but keep in mind that not only are these positions extremely competitive, most also require a certain level of chinese language skills. with the exception of hong kong branches. it also might be past the application deadline....but doesnt hurt to try =)
here is the jp morgan asia internship page:
http://asiapaccareers.jpmorgan.com/content/content_314.html |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 06, 2009 - 02:40 AM |
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| yu888 wrote: |
| decaf wrote: |
Listen, I don't know you at all but I see no reason to suspect you to be involved with one of those placement companies lol. ... |
I guess as a newbie you can be forgiven for not knowing that Michael is our host and the founder of ShanghaiExpat.com. |
Honestly I really appreciated his post and this being text online it lacks the subtleties of the English language. It sounded better in my brain..... |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 06, 2009 - 08:26 AM |
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| tonyarg wrote: |
| I'm in your same situation decaf, also looking for an internship in shanghai. I also mistrust these companies since once they get your money it would be easy for them to swindle you. Good thing, as I see it, is that many of those companies have offices in Shanghai. Maybe you can ask someone to go there and get you more info. |
Have you contacted or applied to any of these companies yet? Some seem more legit than others. Uoutlook is really cheap but I'm worried you get what you pay for. It's hard to get an internship in the USA right now although I have a couple banking interviews coming up. Anyways good luck! |
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tonyarg
Newbie
Joined: Feb 01, 2009
Posts: 5
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Feb 06, 2009 - 11:27 AM |
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I have contacted Uoutlook since they are the cheapest and I'm interested in the services they offer. I asked them to give me some contact information about people who hired their services before and they gave a couple of addreses, but I haven't contacted them yet. They seem to be legitamate...if they are not, I have to say it's a really well done fake, but I haven't heard a testimonial from someone that used their services yet. |
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chips
Talker
Joined: Oct 13, 2008
Posts: 76
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Feb 06, 2009 - 11:39 AM |
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For any australians looking to do similiar, i'm currently in contact with this company
http://www.professionalpathwaysaustralia.com.au/China-Professional-Int ernships.html
they seem to be legit thus far and their only requirements are that you are over 18 and have completed at least 1 year of study in your chosen field that you wish to intern in.
The costs are high but im hoping it would be worth it.
P.s these are unpaid internships completely at your own expense - but they do appear to provide you with a lot of support and also take care of your visa.
Chips. |
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schelm
Newbie
Joined: Feb 03, 2009
Posts: 3
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Feb 06, 2009 - 11:50 AM |
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Hi
I am doing an internship in a Chinese architecture office Shanghai till May, which I found on the internet. I came here without excatly knowing what it would be like, but it turned out just fine. They offer me an apartment and a monthly fee, which is enough to come around. Off course its not enough to party all the time and travel around China, but that wasnt my goal either.
You should give it a try. |
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foreverinchina
SuperStar
Joined: Nov 21, 2005
Posts: 1509
Location: 徐家汇
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Feb 06, 2009 - 12:30 PM |
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| decaf wrote: |
| Honestly I really appreciated his post and this being text online it lacks the subtleties of the English language. It sounded better in my brain..... |
Don't worry, he's allways like that, somewhat pedantic.
And just FYI to prevent your next blunder: never ever say on this forum you dislike muslims or obama. Because then, he will give you a much sharper reprimand about racism etc... |
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decaf
Lurker
Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Feb 17, 2009 - 01:11 PM |
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Those of you who have had internships or are currently in one, what is your housing like? Did you have to find seasonal or short term accommodation (difficult I'm sure)? Or did your company either give you housing or set you up with it? |
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Itanium
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Joined: Feb 08, 2009
Posts: 176
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Feb 25, 2009 - 10:36 PM |
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Just reading some of your posts decaf, I have currently looked through some of those online internships due to the ones offered in my home country were mainly based towards Europe. Since i wanted an internship in China, i decided on Uoutlook. Well all i can say is you get what you pay for and do not expect to a lot of money. They will most likely place you in a local Chinese company. hence the biggest barrier would be communicating and understanding what your employer requires. |
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Do you expect me to talk |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Mar 20, 2009 - 11:55 AM |
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| Itanium wrote: |
| Just reading some of your posts decaf, I have currently looked through some of those online internships due to the ones offered in my home country were mainly based towards Europe. Since i wanted an internship in China, i decided on Uoutlook. Well all i can say is you get what you pay for and do not expect to a lot of money. They will most likely place you in a local Chinese company. hence the biggest barrier would be communicating and understanding what your employer requires. |
I sort of figured it would be like this and am almost certain on using NextStepConnections. So did your particular internship require knowledge of Chinese to work at all? They claim that this is never the case. Also how did the housing situation work out for you?
Lastly, were you actually placed in a company in the field of your choice?
Thanks for your input, especially considering you already participated in it. |
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decaf
Lurker
Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
Status: Offline
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Mar 20, 2009 - 12:00 PM |
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| Itanium wrote: |
| Just reading some of your posts decaf, I have currently looked through some of those online internships due to the ones offered in my home country were mainly based towards Europe. Since i wanted an internship in China, i decided on Uoutlook. Well all i can say is you get what you pay for and do not expect to a lot of money. They will most likely place you in a local Chinese company. hence the biggest barrier would be communicating and understanding what your employer requires. |
I sort of figured it would be like this and am almost certain on using NextStepConnections. So did your particular internship require knowledge of Chinese to work at all? They claim that this is never the case. Also how did the housing situation work out for you?
Lastly, were you actually placed in a company in the field of your choice?
Thanks for your input, especially considering you already participated in it. |
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Reggin
Veejay
Joined: Nov 07, 2008
Posts: 2197
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Mar 20, 2009 - 12:14 PM |
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| yu888 wrote: |
| decaf wrote: |
Listen, I don't know you at all but I see no reason to suspect you to be involved with one of those placement companies lol. ... |
I guess as a newbie you can be forgiven for not knowing that Michael is our host and the founder of ShanghaiExpat.com. |
Haha, knob PWN3D |
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MattKC
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Joined: Mar 17, 2009
Posts: 30
Location: Canada
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Mar 20, 2009 - 12:25 PM |
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decaf
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Joined: Feb 05, 2009
Posts: 34
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Mar 20, 2009 - 03:29 PM |
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Yes of course there would be ways to trim costs just doing this myself but it is next to impossible for a random foreign student such as myself (without contacts or an Ivy-league resume) to convince a company in Shanghai to take me on as an intern-believe me I've tried.
They aren't just selling that, they are as you said selling their connections with local companies. There are plenty of cheaper organizations but this one seems to be the most reputable. Honestly, getting a good internship for my resume during this recession is worth the extra grand or two rather than risking getting some Mcinternship.
Other small benefits for using an organization like this are that I'll meet and live near the other interns and some trips that are organized which are included.
And would all that inexpensive accommodation allow me to rent only for the summer? What do you mean about the food-don't you like Chinese food?
P.S. wow they should pay me for all this marketing. |
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Itanium
Barker
Joined: Feb 08, 2009
Posts: 176
Status: Offline
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Mar 20, 2009 - 11:41 PM |
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| decaf wrote: |
I sort of figured it would be like this and am almost certain on using NextStepConnections. So did your particular internship require knowledge of Chinese to work at all? They claim that this is never the case. Also how did the housing situation work out for you?
Lastly, were you actually placed in a company in the field of your choice?
Thanks for your input, especially considering you already participated in it. |
Well lets put it this way, i was in the company feeling like a ghost, so basically they expected me to develop an ecommerce package in 2-3 days which was in Chinese, oh they said can use kingsoft translater. They did not think of the required time needed to translate the existing software and also understand their programming.. which was too coupled and no design infrastructure.. Anyhow they arranged the accommodation for me, asking some of my flatmates, i was paying a little more. so it was quite easily for them to add a bit of cash for themselves. It is why i left for something with a lot more pay.
It is why i understand i was their first Australian to do it.. now i see thw whole picture. I would'nt have paid 900usd for that. |
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