Internships abroad are a great way to gain professional and life experience. And talking up an internship in Hong Kong can be a gateway to new professional opportunities as you explore a fascinating culture. Here's what you need to know about taking up an internship in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is rather open towards international students and young trainees looking forward to acquiring professional experience abroad along with enhancing their studies. The city is home to many national and international companies which offer internship opportunities to foreigners. Because of this, finding an internship in Hong Kong shouldn't be particularly difficult — especially if you are looking for opportunities in one of the in-demand fields.
Promising fields for internships in Hong Kong
Hong Kong provides many international internship programs for international students. However, you are most likely to find internship opportunities in the following fields:
- Finance. Hong Kong is a leading financial hub in Asia, with a well-developed banking and securities industry. Internships in finance can provide valuable experience and exposure to the financial markets and financial institutions.
- Business and trading. Hong Kong is home to many multinational corporations and local businesses, offering a range of opportunities for internships in business. These could include internships in marketing, sales, human resources, or operations.
- High tech and engineering. Hong Kong is a hub for technology and innovation, with a thriving startup ecosystem. Internships in technology companies or startups can provide valuable experience in areas such as software development, data science, or artificial intelligence. The city is a leading center for engineering and manufacturing, offering internships in fields such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering.
- Education. Hong Kong has a strong education system and is home to many international schools and universities. Internships in education can provide valuable experience in teaching and education administration. ESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is also generally in demand in Hong Kong and a popular gateway to other positions.
- Art and design: Hong Kong is a hub for art and design, with a thriving creative industry. Internships in art and design can provide valuable experience in areas such as graphic design, fashion design, and interior design.
It is always a good idea to research and identify the industries and sectors that are most relevant to your interests and career goals and to apply for internships that align with these areas.
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) and AIESEC, for their part, are international exchange programs between Hong Kong and many countries.
Good to know:
Fluency in English is one of the main requirements for interns in Hong Kong while knowing an additional foreign language is a definite plus.
How to find an internship in Hong Kong
First of all, you are advised to identify a few foreign and international companies to which you can send spontaneous applications. Feel free to seek out a list of these companies from foreign Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong. These can even advise you regarding existing opportunities.
You can also contact student associations and enquire regarding any current internship or international exchange program. Indeed, these programs are set up by many local institutions so as to better attract and integrate international students. Feel free to check out classified ads in local newspapers as well.
Alternatively, you can find an internship through an agency. Some companies offer internship packages to students and young graduates, which are often complete with an orientation session and support upon your arrival in Hong Kong. Check out platforms such as Next Step Connections, the Hong Kong Internship Platform, and others.
You can seek an internship in an international company or opt to work in a local enterprise to better grasp Hong Kong's corporate culture. Summer internship programs are also popular — these typically last from one to three months, with positions available mainly in the service sector.
When sending spontaneous job applications to Human Resource officers, make sure to join your resume to your cover letter. Note, however, that you might have to wait for a long period before receiving a reply from the company due to the number of internship requests received. You are therefore advised to proceed much in advance.
Obtain an internship visa to Hong Kong
Once you have found an internship, you will need to obtain an Internship/Training Visa. Your sponsor/hiring company will issue an invitation letter required during the visa application process. In some cases, the company may offer to take care of related formalities on your behalf. You can have more information on the internship visa in the article Visas for Hong Kong.
Useful links:
Education Bureau Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme
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