Next Step Connections' Internship Program By Mark O'Neill: Author, lecturer in Journalism at Zhuhai University, previously Shanghai correspondent for the South China Morning Post, and reporter for Reuters and the BBC since 1976
"The 19th century was the century of Europe, the 20th the century of the United States and the 21st that of China. During this century, the status and importance of China will grow toward the place it held until the end of 18th century, when it accounted for nearly one third of the world's GDP.
In 30 years, it has turned from a developing country to one of the biggest economies in the world, with the largest foreign exchange reserves and the biggest foreign holdings of U.S. government bonds. In this financial crisis, the west is turning to China for help. For several years, it has been the largest recipient of foreign investment, enabling it to become the factory of the world. Every major global company is in China, as an investor, exporter or importer. While they close factories and offices in Europe and North America, they are opening them in China. The centre of the world has moved to Asia.
Young people who want to work in international business and commerce must take notice of this fundamental shift. Knowledge of China, of the Chinese language, of Chinese thinking and business practices and of Chinese people will be essential to those who want to work in the global economy. Such knowledge will be a trump card on your curriculum vitae which you send to prospective employers. Global firms want employees who have the ability to deal with China, its companies and its people.
This internship programme offers you a unique opportunity to come to China and see the country from the inside. This programme arranges for you an internship in a major Chinese or foreign company in Shanghai. It makes all the necessary arrangements for your visa, travel, accommodation and language study. It takes care of everything, leaving you to concentrate on your work and learning about China. It opens the door for you to take the first step on your Chinese adventure. Do not let slip such a precious opportunity and make one of the best investments for your future."
