China – A Great Way To Make Your CV Stand Out

 In 2012, I (Nico) paid for a 1-month internship in Shanghai with a Chinese advertising company, in order to boost my CV and differentiate myself with others when applying for jobs. In hindsight, my decision to throw a lot of money towards this internship was a success. As a result, it was fantastic experience where I made memories for life and has resulted in being an eye-catching experience on my CV to employers. Although, there were so low moments, especially the lack of work available and the language barrier sometimes caused feelings of loneliness.

If you are thinking of making your CV unique or wanting try something new, then investing in an internship in China is a brilliant way to do so. Yes, it’s expensive, but the benefits of having this experience on your CV is incredible. You also, get to explore an unbelievable beautiful country in the eyes of a local Chinese person.

As a result, I’ve written a list of the Pros and Cons of working in China. If you would like further information and advice please get in contact with us, we are always here to help!

Here we go, let’s start with the positives.

Pros:

1. Immersing yourself into a relatively unexplored beautiful culture. The Chinese people, landscape, and traditions are truly unique to this world.

2. Being able to taste proper Chinese food. For example, you will soon realise the orange-radioactive coloured sweet and sour chicken you get in Western countries, does not exist in China.

3. Exploring spectacular sights during your time in China, such as the Great Wall of China, the Li River, and the Terracotta Army.

4. A fantastic opportunity to join local social groups and clubs, in order to gain a local experience. For example, during my time in Shanghai I joined the “Shanghai Hot Dogs” cricket team. Also, by joining local groups and clubs will also help prevent feelings of homesickness and loneliness.

5. Looks great on your CV, as it stands you out against your competitors and shows your willing to try new environments, able to adapt quickly, and makes yourself look extremely interesting and unique. Sorry, to keep using the word unique, but choosing to work abroad does make you look awesome compared to others. Especially, working in places like China, where there are so many cultural clashes you have to face.

… and now the negatives.

Cons:

1. You may find you can’t do much in the office, due to the language barrier. As a result, this could be a perfect chance to use their Photoshop/or similar software to touch up your photos.

2. Wondering where your money has gone, due to the lack of work and experience provided. This is usually because of the language barrier. Although, your time working in China will still look great on your CV.

3. Having to wear business attire at work during the Chinese summer, as the heat and humidity makes it unbearable! For example, by the time I arrived at work, I must have looked like I’ve been swimming.

4. I ate a ridiculous amount of food in China, which meant I was piling on the weight. I found it difficult to find healthy food, so this might be the same when you go out.

5. Feeling homesick and loneliness is normal, but can bring you down. Try and keep yourself busy and make effort to make friends.