An internship or shíxí (实习) is an effective way to decorate your CV and build a career, but for foreigners finding an internship in Beijing can be quite the challenge. Another way to give your resume an edge would be to take up some volunteer work, which is also an effective way to connect with a cause you feel passionate about. If you are looking to get an internship or volunteer, read on, because we’ve listed some of the best ways to get involved in China’s booming job market.
So where does one begin in the search for an internship? Well, there are a number of platforms where you can search for internship opportunities. Below we’ve listed some of the largest foreigner-friendly businesses and internship aggregators that are often a good place to look if you’re wanting to help out:
The Beijinger Classifieds
Our Classifieds section is not only your go-to to find a romantic date in the personals, but also has a separate internship section listing some of the best employment prospects in town. You can register for free to send private messages to any of the users posting their positions.
JingJobs
JingJobs help provide available internship listing in Beijing. Many local and international companies use JingJobs as their platform to post job prospects, so there are plenty of fields to choose from. Each job post lists information such as the job description, position requirements and company details. The JingJobs service is free so you can easily create a job seeker profile to start searching for the perfect internship!
InternsinBeijing
InternsinBeijing offer multiple services that can help you get to know more about the job market in Beijing. They provide internship listings in Beijing as well as hold networking events for Beijing expat community. Signing up and viewing job listing is free, but they also offer a paid service called ‘CV Screening’ where you can send your CV to them and they will help you look for a matching internship.
Absolute Internship
Absolute Internship is a company that specializes in matching university students with professional work experience in exclusive cities around the world (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, and Singapore). They also have partnerships with over 800 host companies around the world and cater to a variety of fields ranging from fashion to engineering. Although the service fee is quite pricey (USD 3,000 for a month-long program in Beijing), all amenities are included. You will be guaranteed an internship, housing, transportation, seminars, cultural excursions, and 24-hour on-site support. Absolute Internship is perfect for those who are new to Beijing and want to gain valuable industry training in world class companies as well as get to know the city better.
Another way to strengthen your CV is to do volunteer work, and there is plenty to choose from in Beijing. Volunteer work is more than just giving back – it helps you gain new experiences and insights. Here are some places in Beijing where you can volunteer:
Migrant Children Foundation
Migrant Children Foundation (MCF) is a non-profit organization based in Beijing that helps disadvantaged children in China through voluntary work, sponsorship, and vocational activities. Volunteer workers can choose to teach at under-resourced schools in Beijing or help the organization in other ways such as organizing events or maintaining the website.
Beijing Gender Health Education Institute
Beijing Gender Health Education Institute (BGHEI) was founded in 2002. It is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that focuses on issues on gender, sexuality, and sexual health. They spearhead multiple projects correlated to raising awareness to sexuality and sexual health. Volunteers can join their organization and help out with projects such as their China AIDS Walk and Queer Comrades, their non-profit LGBT webcast.
Roundabout
Roundabout is a donation and distribution center where they provide free service to pass on donated items directly to those in need or selling them in their retail store. The proceeds from their retail store funds medical costs, shelter, and food for the less fortunate. This NGO welcomes volunteers of all ages and is very flexible with volunteering hours.
Friends of Nature
Founded in 1993, Friends of Nature is one of China’s first environmental NGO pioneers. The company does a variety of activities that protect the environment as well as promote awareness on China’s most pressing environmental problems. Volunteers can contribute through various activities such as helping out with environmental education through camps, field trips, and awareness-raising campaigns.
Magic Hospital
Magic Hospital helps underprivileged children through fun! Their mission is to develop efficient activities and programs to restore the element of fun in struggling children’s lives. Aside from visiting orphanages and hospitals, volunteers’ tasks include organizing event and translating and/or editing documents. Magic Hospital is very understanding when it comes to commitment, so participants can choose to become core volunteers or occasional volunteers.
Photos: hercampus, teleread, mcfchina
This post first appeared on our sister site, the Beijinger.
Read more articles by this author here.
