Shanghai Internship
24 June - 19 July 2024
During the month of July, 2024, 14 Concordian Grade 11 students were fortunate to participate in the Internship Program with CP Group in Shanghai. This Shanghai Internship program at Superbrand Mall offers students a unique and unforgettable opportunity to immerse into one of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic cities while gaining professional experiences. Through understanding the behind-the-scenes of the a 13-floor shopping center placed right next to the heart of Shanghai, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of a shopping center.
The students who participated in the program are Pailin, Dou Dou,
and
On the next pages, we share some of their reflections on the experience.
The lively streets of Shanghai pulse with energy—vendors shout as the smoky aroma of 羊肉串 (lamb skewers) drifts through the air. This summer, I had the unique opportunity to intern at Shanghai’s renowned Super Brand Mall. Throughout the experience, I witnessed firsthand how Chinese businesses prioritize swift and decisive action, starkly contrasting with the more process-oriented, cross-departmental communication prevalent in Western organizations. While the latter often leads to delays through layers of bureaucracy, Chinese companies focus on efficiency, moving quickly to seize opportunities. Working in this fast-paced environment not only deepened my understanding of these differences but also pushed me to grow linguistically. Writing reports and delivering presentations entirely in Mandarin refined my formal business language skills, boosting my confidence in navigating cross-border collaborations. Overall, this was a very eye-opening experience and I highly recommend it to the future generations.
While the school's rules and regulations were in place, I truly appreciate how both P.Aoh and P.Prinz made the experience so flexible and enjoyable. It was a wonderful time, and I'm especially grateful for the trust they placed in us by allowing us to explore in groups on our own. We also had the freedom to choose our activities on our days off, which made the trip even more exciting and personalized. I want to acknowledge their care and attention, especially when some of us, including myself, fell ill during the trip. They constantly checked in and helped us feel better. Thank you again for making this trip such a memorable experience.
Beyond the internship work, the trip offered us rich cultural experiences that deepened our understanding of Shanghai. Visiting Shanghai Disneyland allowed me to appreciate how global entertainment can seamlessly incorporate local elements, creating a blend of familiarity and excitement. A cruise along the Huangpu River provided a stunning view of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, where the historic Bund and modern skyscrapers coexist, representing the city’s evolution. These moments added depth to the trip, making it not just a professional milestone but also a cultural immersion that I will carry with me.
This internship has allowed me to grow in several ways. It taught me how to adapt to unfamiliar environments and helped me be more independent. Not only is this beneficial in workspaces, but it is also good preparation for college independence, as the timing is perfect to experience this. During the internship, I gained insights that not many people my age would know about, which is a huge advantage in terms of the knowledge and real-life experience I have. I would like to wholeheartedly express my gratitude to Khun Varnee and Mr. Michael Ross for organizing and planning this internship, and allowing us to have this opportunity. I know that not many of us will be able to have this opportunity, so I am beyond grateful to have experienced this internship.
Preaw G12
One of the highlights of my internship was contributing to a video product designed to promote Thailand within the mall. This was a collaborative project that required both creativity and strategic thinking, and I was proud to see how well it was received. Additionally, my team and I presented our findings on future commercial trends and proposed how CP Super Brand Mall could adapt to these developments. On a personal level, I saw significant improvement in my Chinese communication skills, particularly in business and technology-related terminology. This growth has been invaluable to me, as I plan to pursue a career in business and innovation. It also felt rewarding to take on responsibilities and navigate daily tasks such as maintaining organization and living independently.
Bam Bam G12
One of the most significant accomplishments was our successful execution of the advertising campaign, which received positive feedback from the mall’s management. Additionally, I played a key role in the video editing, where I contributed to the development of the visuals. Throughout the internship, I acquired valuable skills in marketing and advertising, specifically in campaign design, audience targeting, and presentation techniques. I also honed my communication skills, working closely with a diverse team to meet deadlines and objectives. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank my mentors, Khun Aoh and Khun Prinz, as well as my colleagues, for their guidance and support throughout the program.
Throughout the internship, I developed a variety of important skills, from communication to critical thinking. Engaging with local vendors and using my Chinese language skills, despite initial difficulties, strengthened my ability to communicate across language barriers. Research and creative problem-solving were at the heart of our group projects, pushing us to think outside the box and present ideas that stood out. These skills—whether they’re in marketing, collaboration, or creativity—are ones I know will benefit me in any future career.
