Chinese Business Introduction

[Iqbar]

This summer I will be undertaking an internship with a major Chinese telecoms company in Shanghai; this will be my first time working in telecoms and my first time working in a standard office environment in China, I have only two months of China experience and this was teaching. The placement was secured through my University's Careers Service and I am slightly nervous that the telecoms company will expect someone with a bit more business experience. I have been trying to read up on Chinese economics and business affairs through state media and CaiXin, but I would really value any other English-language sources on either telecoms or working in China that anyone here can recommend. This could be books, podcasts, magazines - anything.

My Chinese has not yet reached functional levels for even everyday communication so I'm afraid I am limited to English sources. I would be incredibly grateful for any advice.

[T-revor]

First of all, congratulations on the internship! Sounds like it will be a REALLY great experience. The fact that you've already been to China I'm sure will be a big help. Also, pretty cool that your school has connections like that and that you were chosen. Already speaks volumes. Great job!

Before I give my poor opinion, let me qualify this a little so you know where I'm coming from:

When I was in college, I did an internship at the American Embassy in Beijing for a semester. Good times!

I also did internships in large cities in the U.S. East and West.

I'm from the US but lived in Europe for two years. My parents lived as expats in China when I was in college.

I currently work for a very large company in Texas.

I graduated about four years ago with degrees in Business/IT.

So here is my advice: Don't be nervous. They picked you because they thought you could learn their business quickly. Also, most people don't expect much from their interns. This isn't a knock on internships. They're really valuable and the one you landed sounds particularly prestigious. I'm sure it'll act as a springboard for you and your career. But if you're eager, bright, sociable, humble, useful, and a quick learner, they'll like you no matter how many CaiXin articles you've read or how much you currently know their business.

So yeah. I know I'm not directly responding to what I think you were hoping to get out of responses to this post -- books, magazines, etc. But you did ask for "any advice".

Leave the books for the classroom and enjoy your summer. Sounds like it'll be a good one!