During your university years, internships serve as a vital bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They're not only a great means to master professional skills but also an opportunity to deepen your academic understanding.

If you are about to start an internship, consider reading these carefully prepared summer internship guidelines to make your experience pleasant and effective.

[Photo/WeChat account: CSC Alumni]

Adapting to cultural differences

> Language differences

Language is a crucial tool for communication and a key to building interpersonal relationships. Before starting your internship, familiarize yourself with the relevant professional vocabulary and workplace jargon by reading industry-specific documents or company materials. This will help you quickly grasp the necessary terms and expressions.

During your internship, don't hesitate to communicate in a non-native language. Express your eagerness to learn and engage actively in conversations. Your colleagues will appreciate and respect your efforts to master the language.

> Workplace cultural differences

Every country has its unique workplace culture. If you are interning in China, it's essential to understand the local workplace culture to better adapt to the environment.

You can learn about Chinese workplace culture by observing the daily operations, interpersonal relationships, values, morals, and behavioral norms in the workplace.

Preparing for workplace life

> Onboarding preparations

After receiving your internship acceptance letter, make sure to prepare the required onboarding documents as instructed and double-check them a day in advance to ensure nothing is missing. Bring some basic office supplies, such as a notebook, pen, water bottle, and phone charger, to ensure smooth and hassle-free work. Be mindful of the time and plan your commuting route, allowing enough time for unexpected situations. If you are unfamiliar with the city's transportation, use map apps to navigate.

> Workplace attire

In the workplace, personal appearance often reflects your professional capability and work ethic. As an international intern from a different cultural background, it is even more crucial to pay attention to your professional image when you first enter the company. This not only shows respect and commitment to your job but also helps you leave a positive first impression on colleagues and superiors.

Different industries and companies have varying dress codes, generally following the TPO principle: Time, Place, and Occasion. Employees should choose appropriate professional attire based on seasonal changes, the specific work environment, and the formality of the occasion. Prepare a few sets of suitable professional attire according to your company's dress code – ensuring these clothes are clean, tidy, undamaged, and appropriately sized.

Besides clothing, details matter as well. Keep your hairstyle neat and nails clean and avoid heavy makeup or overly extravagant accessories. Wear comfortable and professional shoes to maintain a good posture during long work hours.

[Photo/WeChat account: CSC Alumni]

Visa considerations

While interning in China, pay attention to the validity of your internship visa and residence permit. Ensure they match your internship duration to avoid inconvenience due to any expiration. If your internship period is extended or if there are changes in your internship institution or school, promptly handle visa extensions to ensure your legal stay and work rights.

Continuous skill improvement

In a rapidly changing workplace environment, continuously enhancing your work skills is crucial for every professional. As an international student, this period presents a golden opportunity to accelerate your personal growth and to integrate into the professional world.

- Improve and apply your knowledge to real-world tasks, using specific challenges to test and consolidate your learning.

- Establish effective communication channels with colleagues and mentors and actively seek their insights.

- Stay open to feedback on your performance.

Throughout your internship, regularly reassess your career goals and interests to craft your development path. By creating and following practical learning plans, you can continuously enhance your core competencies, laying a strong foundation for your future career.

 

Source: "CSC Alumni" WeChat account