If you’re interested in pursuing a career in real estate in the “Paris of the East” aka Shanghai, we currently have a great internship opportunity working at Urbis Property, a boutique property consulting firm that specializes in commercial leasing and tenant representation.
Real estate internships in China are popular as the country’s largest market is currently booming.
1. Next Step Connection and staff – Connecting you with the world
Each intern comes from a different background, but shares the same the wonderful staff to guide and support them while in Shanghai. Overall, the staff has been a tremendous help, like listening to my problems and helping me find a solution to my issues. Also, whenever visited the NSC office, I was always warmly welcomed. The NSC dinners tends to be a huge event, which allowed the interns to meet each other. Not only is Next Step helping you connect with the world through your internship, but also helping you make connections that last a lifetime.
2. Shanghai food – Pass the chopsticks!
From donuts to dumplings to everything on a stick, Shanghai has some of the tastiest food I’ve ever had. For breakfast, I would have baozi, soymilk, porridge, and convenient store food, but I can still find my donuts, cereal, and oatmeal. So, you may cringe when you hear chicken’s feet, duck blood, and pig liver, but you’ll never know what it taste like until you try it. It’s awesome!! One of my favorite experiences is walking down the street with a long row of people with grills cooking meat on a stick or frying something in a pan and you basically want to eat everything. Although there is a 50% chance of getting a stomach ache, it is still something worth eating. Also, there are also other great appetizers like stinky tofu (not that stinky!), xiao long bao, and fried dumplings you should try. With the picture menu and the art of pointing, ordering food can be simple even though you might not know what you actually ordering. Whether you are eating dumplings, rice, or noodles, you have to use chopsticks because when in China do what the Chinese do.
3. Shopping and street – Hey lady, Purse, Watch, Handbags??
Probably the popular phrases you learn when you arrive in Shanghai is “duoshao qian? (How much?” and “bu yao (I don’t want it).” When shopping in tourist areas you will always find someone trying to sell you fake designer stuff and with so many shop and boutiques to choose from it can be overwhelming, but overall it is a fun experience. You just have to learn the art of bargaining. However, always watch out for pick-pocketers!
Furthermore, as you stroll down the street on your right, you see modern, unique architectural style buildings and then to your left you see poor, old alleyways and shops. But, be careful crossing the streets because for cars, buses, and taxis green means go and red means pedestrians need to move out of the way or get run over. One of my favorite experiences was going to the Bund at 5 in the morning just as the sun is rising. You will also see old people exercising and little kids flying kites. Shanghai is one of the cities where you can get by without having to know the language because most signs and menus are in English, which it makes things easier. So, when you shop till you drop, don’t forget to bargain!
4. Personal Growth – You’re finally on your own as an intern in Shanghai, so what?
Having a strong passion and motivation to learn about the Chinese culture and language, I reflect on the work I’ve done, the lessons I’ve learned, and my purpose of coming to Shanghai. Nevertheless, being on your own is harder than you expect. Although at time it feels lonely, I had the opportunity to step outside my ordinary life and see things from a new perspective. I might not like the overcrowded streets or people constantly bumping into me and not apologize, but if every time someone stops to say I’m sorry then I would hear it all day.
I might not know how to speak Chinese, but I do understand body language and try to listen to what they are saying. Whether it is talking with my coworkers, strangers on the street, or even other interns, I know I have improved my skill at communicating with others. I might not know it now, but I believe my stay in Shanghai has allowed me to grow and be a better person than I was before I came here.
5. Internship – Intern in China, what is that?
I knew going into this internship I would have trouble with the language barriers and difficulty understand Chinese business etiquette. Nevertheless, I never understood how lonely and difficult it can be to not understand a language. I guess that is how foreigners feel when living in a new country. The language barrier makes it difficult to building a relationship with the employers, when you work harder to build the relationship you may end up having a friend for life. My internship may not be everything I thought that it would be, but I gained a wealth of knowledge about Human Resources and improved my communication skills on a professional and personal level. I gained a new perspective of Chinese business etiquette and understanding the similarities and difference of Human Resource in China and the US such as the office structure and rules.
Cam Huong Huynh, United States – Program Duration: 2 months – blog after 7 weeks in Shanghai
First of all, I would like to start off by saying “I <3 NSC!” ^_^
So far in China, I have loved every minute of it. Every second is a learning experience from interacting with Chinese people to crossing the roads (Trust me even crossing the roads are very eventful). The biggest thing here to try and adapt to is the culture and how the people are. They can be seen as rude to Westerners but it is normal in their culture.
My recent travels in China have been around Shanghai and Beijing. The two cities are different and you get a whole different kind of feel. Beijing was more of an old cultural city. I would recommend going to the Great Wall (of course) and trying the Beijing duck! Unfortunately I did not try the amazing duck I’ve been hearing about all week due to stomach problems. But make sure you get the chance to try the scorpion or any other creatures they have for sale crawling around. Beijing was more spread out and it seemed more relaxed than Shanghai.
Of course Shanghai is the business city and its fast pace and high end style is what all the fun is. The view from The Bund in Shanghai is unbeatable and lifestyle seems to be more fun for foreigners. I have experienced both Beijing and Shanghai nightlife and I can tell you; there is nowhere like Shanghai. Of course Beijing was a lot of fun but Shanghai just has that feel to it that I can’t describe.
The internship that NSC has helped provided for me is at a company called ET2C international. I am dealing with marketing. So far the experience has been exciting and knowledgeable. I am doing something totally new so it is a great learning experience. So far I am marketing products to other companies like Procter & Gamble, Nike, and Unilever. I do the research and development on the products given to me and other companies. If you’re only in Shanghai for 2months doing an internship like me, do not let any opportunity pass you by especially if you have a chance for a job or a good reference for the future from your internship.
NSC has provided me with a great place to live! I have a great room mate. The living style here is livable! The food is very cheap! I had a meal the other day for 10RMB – that’s just over a dollar! As long as you’re not a picky eater and are willing to be open minded about the food then you will be fine. You can also find a nice Western restaurant all around and if it’s that much of an emergency there is always a McDonalds around the corner. The McDonalds tastes exactly the same as in the states and is a little cheaper then the states.
You may also find that traveling on the Metro/Subway is quite interesting. You will be going to work during rush hours! Depending on where you are interning be prepared to squeeze and push into the train. You will be side by side with Chinese people without your own space at this time. Be careful and keep your belongings close to you at all times. This may not sound as fun but in my opinion this is a great experience since I do not have this type of experience at home. Using the Metro/Subway is very easy.
I have learned a lot so far being here in Shanghai. From living in Shanghai to the work I do at my internship. I am figuring myself out, what type of person I am and what’s next for me in the future. I know that I should learn Mandarin or have at least the basics as most business is dealt here in China. I have met a lot of great people in Shanghai so far! Networking and getting to know people and staying in contact with them for the future will do you good. Meeting everyone and conversing about each others experience really helps you get an idea of what you may want to do in the future. For me I know I WILL be back to Shanghai either for business or pleasure! I <3 Shanghai!!
Advice I would give for other foreign interns who are planning to come to Shanghai or China in general is to be very open-minded!!! Be prepared for a different culture. If you are not familiar with household skills start getting familiar with them as you will be more independent here. Also you may want to practice your squatting technique! Haha! It is not as common anymore but there are still the hole in the ground in some restaurants and other places. Be prepared! If you choose to come to Shanghai I guarantee it will be one of the best decisions you make.
Last but not least I want to thank the NSC staff! They are all great people! They know how to have fun! They are all friendly and helpful. I want to thank them for showing me a great time in Shanghai and for giving me this great opportunity to be here in Shanghai!!!
Louis Grayson, United States – Program Duration: 2 months
Kristie talks about her internship at HKSTP from Next Step Connections on Vimeo.
UC San Diego business undergrad explains how she learnt a lot about herself during her two month summer internship. More importantly her internship helped her decide which career to choose.