China
Private Sector
“My main responsibility as a project manager is identifying and working with Chinese manufacturers that can produce quality products that meet our American clients’ standards. On my first day, I visited three factories to assist with quality control, factory inspection, negotiation, and interpretation. I also assist the marketing department to develop a new brand of pet products and lacrosse equipment. Every day, I get the amazing opportunity to see how the global supply chain works and refine my understanding of the Chinese business environment. This is the most substantial internship I’ve ever had.”
- Jennifer Cheng ‘08, Trade Passages, Shenzhen, China
“My project analyzes financing preferences of private sector Chinese companies. First, we conducted surveys and interviews with some 100 CFOs. My responsibility was to contact senior managers and to explain and answer questions online about our questionnaire. In recent weeks I have been managing the data and records. I also intern part time as a reporter at Caijing Magazine. I attended and reported on events such as a quarter seminar on Chinese macro-economy at Beijing University and a public lecture given by Douglas North at Tsinghua University. Recently, I’ve been doing research on a prospective Chinese hedge fund industry. The summer has been busy but I’m really enjoying both of my jobs.”
- Yu Hao ‘08, Guanghua School of Management at Beijing University Beijing, China
“My task is to ensure that the microfinance department accounting systems and financial structure are in line with international standards. We've discovered that the company's books really need to be standardized across and even within departments. So far, I have used knowledge gained from finance, QM2, accounting, and economic development! I feel that my IR/PS education has already proved useful.”
- Christina Li ‘08, Charis Development Company Ltd., Dali, China
“Assisting my company’s customer relations team, I proofread and edit outgoing English communications and clarify product orders over the phone with their foreign clients. I also work on improving marketing materials to be used in upcoming overseas trade shows. Additionally, I plan to contribute with a benchmarking study or report to further assist the company."
-Jason Miller ‘08, Nanjing Odyssey Chemical, Nanjing, China
“I am doing research on Chinese laws that affect foreign business in China. My most recent project has entailed finding, translating, and summarizing the key points of the recently passed People's Republic of China's Employment Contract Law. In addition to my legal research, I am compiling data on secondary cities in Northeastern China for "The Business Guide to Beijing and Northeast China" to be published this fall by China Briefing, a subsidiary unit of Dezan Shira. I’m also working with the marketing department to develop a list of industry associations in the USA that will serve as potential agents and points of contact as we continue to expand our U.S. clientele base. The work is challenging as it requires me to utilize my Chinese skills as well as expand my basic understanding of the business environment in China.”
- Charles Racine ‘08, Dezan Shira and Associates, Beijing, China
Public Sector
“My main project is a market research report on China's sporting goods industry. This report will be available to U.S. companies looking to enter the Chinese market. I also assist with government and private sector delegations visiting Beijing. I am learning a lot about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in China and have worked on industries ranging from consumer products and retail to logistics and franchising. Being in China, and especially Beijing, has helped me build up my network of contacts and gain a deeper understanding of U.S.- China relations.”
- Cindy Hwang ’08, U.S. Commercial Service, Beijing, China
