CRCC Asia

Before I went to Shanghai, I had never lived in a big city, never interacted so regularly with non UK citizens as I grew up in rural Northern Ireland. From my initial application, the support from the CRCC Asia staff and the people I had the pleasure of entering with. This internship opened me up to a range of opportunities, increasing competitiveness in the job market.

I met some amazing friends, experienced a culture very unlike my own. I loved it, the food, the chaos, the working public transport. I had a fantastic time in Shanghai. It was a shock to move from the sticks in NI to a megacity like Shanghai, working in Shanghai tower. But it is an experience unlike any other. Take it, find out for yourself what China or any of the other locations open now are like. Incredibly worth it for the people you meet, connections made, cultural opportunities, the access to local contacts from day one. If you're looking for value, bragging rights, conversely valuable career procrastination that sounds like career growth (it definitely is though!)

Just do it. What's 3 months in the sum of a career? For me, very memorable, very worth it! The CV entry alone is worth a fortune, especially in an increasingly competitive graduate market and early in your career. Socially as a result of the programme, I've friends in Sweden, the Netherlands, Belarus the US and around the UK. Best excuse to travel is to see an old friend.

Funded by the British Council, I embarked on an internship in Shanghai, China as a magazine journalist for City Weekend, an ex-pat focused lifestyle magazine. Orientation before starting the job (which lasted 3 months) included lots of activities to meet my CRCC cohorts, setting up things like a bank account and SIM, cultural and social orientation to better understand Chinese business culture in particular, and free Mandarin lessons! The accommodation was in a good location in Pudong with all of my CRCC buddies and an amazing roommate (shoutout to Gavin!), and close enough to my office near the Nanjing Road by metro. The internship (which I sourced myself but received support from CRCC in navigating) was one of the best things I ever did for my career. The role involved reviewing michelin-starred restaurants, cocktail bars, events, and more, and was a whirlwind in both newsroom skills and the moneyed nightlife of one of the world's most exciting cities. Because of this opportunity, I have since gone on to work as a journalist in top-tier newsrooms at public broadcasters and private publications alike, and this experience has always led to a lot of very interested conversations in job interviews. Although I have since left journalism and now work in PR and political consulting, this internship also proved very useful for getting my foot in the door, especially since I have worked with PRC-based clients. If you are considering doing the CRCC thing, this is your sign to take the plunge and do it now! You will not regret it.

I interned with a digital marketing agency specializing in e-commerce where I conducted research and created decks and spreadsheets on brands in the Chinese market. I later went back to China as a part of an international masters’ degree program in Global Commerce and now work for a creative advertising agency back in the U.S. where my background has given me a unique POV on my clients’ business. I also think the personal growth and skills of resilience and cultural adaptability honed through CRCC and beyond has been foundational for my career growth over the last decade.

My legal internship with CRCC Asia took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and here I truly experienced what hot weather feels like. Beyond the blazing heat, the practical work I undertook provided me with invaluable insights into the legal field. From the outset, I was introduced to the working environment and given tasks that helped me understand what a future career in law might involve. I assisted in drafting client emails, writing meeting minutes, and attending client meetings, all of which allowed me to develop practical skills and a better understanding of legal processes.

One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the connections I made. Working alongside fellow interns from different backgrounds and experiencing a new culture together added tremendous value to my experience. The opportunity to interact with professionals in the field and learn from their expertise was incredibly enriching.

Overall, my time with CRCC Asia was insightful both professionally and personally. While the work I undertook did not qualify myself as an expert in my chosen industry, it certainly made me more ‘in the know’, adding to my confidence as I prepare to apply for future opportunities within the legal industry

My legal internship in Ho Chi Minh City was an incredible experience filled with learning, cultural immersion, and growth. Working in the vibrant city center was exciting! The law firm’s supportive environment and my amazing colleagues made working enjoyable, and I gained numerous transferable skills. As a foreign legal intern, I was able to help my colleagues by drafting and reviewing legal documents as well as researching different areas of Vietnamese law. Sharing daily lunches with them was a highlight as well. Beyond work, I explored HCMC and enjoyed taking part in events organised by CRCC, especially visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and volunteering at a local dog shelter! Connecting with interns from diverse fields only added to the experience, and the welcoming nature of the people in HCMC left a lasting impression. This internship was more than just professional development- it was a culturally enriching adventure I will always cherish!