[Cdngirl]

Hey!
I'm currently a second year commerce student in Canada and I was wondering how can I go about landing a summer internship in HK.
I'm interested in either Accounting or Finance, should I just email the companies my resume? or are there other methods? whats the chance of me getting an internship? I don't have HK residency

[Flat Hunter]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but IMHO no company is going to sponsor your visa to allow you to work here. Current HK regulations don't even allow voluntary work without the appropriate visa so getting them to apply for your visa when there are numerous local students looking for intern positions doesn't make sense to them.

[Alby]

Cdngirl,

I actually disagree with Flat Hunter as I have ran into several overseas students who work as summer interns in Hong Kong. They are sponsored by the company on a 'training visa.' Keep in mind that entering HK on a tourist visa to work as an intern is illegal.

Company's tend to have interns both local and international to come in to offer a more diversified perspective and knowledge base for both local and non local employees.

I suggest that you do some research finding out the different companies and decision makers at those companies.

Be prepared to market your self and even ready to create a position for yourself. Basically tell the company what you can do for them/offer them and how they can contribute to your learning experience. Also mention why you are interested in interning for their company particularly. Your school's career development center should be able to give you some sound advice on how to sell and market your skill sets in a cover letter and resume and follow-up email/telephone call.

I also suggest that you contact The Canadian Chamber of Commerce here in HK and see if they maybe able to put you in touch with some contacts at some companies.

Best of Luck!

[DavidHK]

I also disagree with Flat Hunter I've met students from the US and Europe interning here for a summer. Admittedly this was with Time and The Economist so I don't know if the finance companies do it or not.

I'll just advise to start talking to people, your school, local companies, go to careers fairs, write letters, use family contacts etc. As with most things its hard work.....

[freeier]

yes there is a trainee type of visa used by alot of companies for their summer intern or their management trainees.

so you'd just crossed the easy task but next is to go thru the difficult job of finding a company willing to pay up for an international intern

[KnowItAll]

>> pay up for an international intern

The pay is not that significant (not sure about the i-banks.. but outside its pretty less). Usually < $10K, much less. Mum and dad usually cover the expenses....

[hello_there]

Originally Posted by Cdngirl

Hey!
I'm currently a second year commerce student in Canada and I was wondering how can I go about landing a summer internship in HK.
I'm interested in either Accounting or Finance, should I just email the companies my resume? or are there other methods? whats the chance of me getting an internship? I don't have HK residency

Many of the larger financial institutions and accounting firms have formal summer internship programs. The applications for these are generally available online are often due in the fall or early winter. You are honestly starting a bit late for this type of summer intership this year. But, these programs often target students in their third year of study, so there is plenty of time to prepare for next summer. Take a look at the websites of institutions you are interested in interning at for application details. You can also send resumes directly to hiring managers. If they have any spots open you might get lucky this way. Also, try and use your university's career services center. They should be able to help you track down some suitable internship positions. They may also help with things like proof reading your resume, which should be completely perfect before it gets sent out. Good luck.

[shri]

By the way, get your resumes registered here....

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