FDM Welcomes UNSW Students for Global Business Practicum

Five students from University of New South Wales in Sydney recently visited our Hong Kong centre for a few weeks as part of the UNSW Global Business Practicum, a program that provides students the unique opportunity to gain international understanding, exposure and workplace skills through studying and working overseas. One of the students, Danielle Huang, who’s studying Commerce with an interest in Finance and Accounting at UNSW, shared her experience with us. 

Why did you join the UNSW Global Business Practicum?

I joined as a way to gain hands-on industry experience overseas. This is a very rare opportunity, as most students like myself are unlikely to apply for overseas openings due to unfamiliarity with working culture and lack of exposure to such opportunities. Through the UNSW program, students are connected with a sponsor company and a diverse working group that is allocated based on differing expertise. This makes the process of interning in a foreign country far more reassuring and transparent. Through this program, students have the opportunity to gain experience adapting to different cultures and work environments. This cultural fluency is useful for both future international work as well as working with those from other nationalities as well.

What do you hope to gain from your time in Hong Kong / working at FDM?

I hope to gain an insight into the cultural differences between Hong Kong and Australia, and to develop a greater awareness and appreciation of the different community perspectives and values. I’m also interested in learning more about the business culture and professional environment of FDM in the internationally renowned corporate climate of Hong Kong. I’d like to develop my soft skills and create international connections. I also hope to learn more about the language and cultural barriers that Hong Kong businesses face as an international hub for financial services.

Why do you think it is important for students to gain working experience whilst at university?

I believe this is important because this exposure offers students an opportunity to develop professional workplace skills and experiences that cannot be taught inside a classroom. It helps bridge the theoretical knowledge covered during university with the practical applications in a real working environment, which is critical to the transition between university and the corporate world.

What were you looking forward to the most about this experience?

I am looking forward to being able to gain some experience in an industry outside of my given major. I’m excited to learn new things in a different work environment than I’m used to, as well as immersing myself in a divergent culture.

Have you ever considered a career in the tech industry?

I have considered a career in the tech industry because it is currently experiencing massive growth and innovation, which has significant impact across all aspects of society. Technology is becoming a critical aspect of every organisation that offers exciting and fulfilling jobs. A tech career path also presents many opportunities to work on interesting projects and develop strong technical skills.

What is important to your generation when considering jobs / a career to go in to?

As much as work-life balance and remuneration is important to all job seekers, one important aspect that many millennials like myself consider is the level of impact as an individual that can be made – whether it be on a project or company-wide. My generation wants to know that the work we do makes a lasting impact.

If you want to experience our internal offices and see what a tech role can do for you, apply here.

Check out some more of our Life at FDM blogs:

• Consultant of the Month – November 2018
• Natalie Fleming tells us about developing her career with FDM
• Part of the FDM Family – a day in the life of trainees