Name: Li Wan Hung (Carissa)
Education: Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours)
Majoring in Public Policy, Management, and Politics
City University of Hong Kong (expected to graduate in 2016) Host: Human Resources Team, UNDP China
Duration: May – June 2015
This is formally my exit report, and informally my own reflection of this short, yet remarkably memorable internship experience in Beijing. Ever since I was a little girl, the United Nations and related international organizations have been appearing in textbooks, and I feel so distant to these international organizations. After being a student in public policy management, the United Nations again becomes one of my aspirations to work in, it is like achievement unlock and dream comes true. I would first of all take this opportunity to thank Peace Development Foundation in Hong Kong, and fellow colleagues in United Nations Development Programme China, in granting me this opportunity and taking care of me.
Human Resources Team
Being part of the Human Resources team, I was empowered to do a lot of tasks.
Considering recruitment, one of the most common job responsibilities of the Human Resources Team, opportunities from posting job advertisements, screening over hundred of CVs, preparing interview documents and coordinating interview process, participating interview and generating corresponding interview reports, etc. are of so much fun. I love joining in the interview process, because you get to learn how to answer questions from the interview panels’ perspective, and you get to be motivated by the self-driven candidates. There is so much to learn from single one of them.
Apart from the recruitment process, conducting intern orientation is one of my key tasks in the office. In other words, I am the first one to get in touch with new colleagues. This process of interacting with new people and welcoming new colleagues on behalf of UNDP generates a stronger sense of belonging to the organization. Moreover, the Human Resources also provide logistic help to conference in the compound. The following picture is taken during the annual conference of gathering representatives of different embassies and UN organizations.
On top of the opportunities, I am very grateful to have two amazing supervisors, Ms. Liang Jing and Ms. Fan Lu, who always have their doors opened; as well as an amazing partner, Jiang Yan (Echo), who is more than a working partner, but also a very good friend sharing both working and personal activities together. The following pictures are us two working together in the office and doing sports games together in her university, i.e. Beijing Foreign Students University.
Organizational Culture and Working Environment
UNDP provides a very flexible working hours for self-disciplined people. Unlike most of the companies which require you to record your time in arriving in the office, here in UNDP we decide on ourselves when is the best time coming into the office. As long as we work here for 9 hours, or as long as we finish our tasks, we are free to explore more and learn more. I remember when we, the PDF interns, are having meeting with Mr. Patrick Haverman, the Deputy Country Director; he encouraged us to make good use of the UN staff title to join other embassies in their conferences and events.
Another bonus of working in the UNDP is the peaceful environment around the office. The greeneries in the district is pretty impressive. A photo worth a thousand words:
Leisure in UNDP and Beijing
The interns usually go to UNICEF for lunch together, by bike. I regard this as my one of my most adventurous experience. Since my last time riding bike was 12 years ago in a park, and now I am doing so on the busy streets of Beijing centre. On top of that, UNICEF provides a large variety of food choices, from dumplings to spring rolls, from chicken to pork, etc. fruits are also included.
Apart from the UNICEF, we also would visit other restaurants in nearby districts. Since the embassy district is located in the CBD, so it is pretty convenient to go elsewhere. It is not uncommon for the interns to gather together and hang out for different kind of cuisine. From of course local Beijing food, to Sichuan spicy ones, from Japanese sushi to Korean barbeque, from Greek buffet to Thai dishes, you name it!
Most importantly, trying the Beijing roast duck is a must! We have lots of choices, and I think DaDong is a pretty good recommendation. Each person is well prepared with a set of
seasonings, and it is suggested to include all of them which make the duck even tastier. Finally, the meal can be ended with candy persimmon, which eases the greasy feel from the duck if there is any. The food combination is great in both terms of taste and colour.
Beijing is traditionally famous for its Hutong and quadrangle, it would be nice to spare some time visiting some of the local areas. In contrast, modern architectures can also be found in CBD areas.
Some of the designs are really fantastic, such as TaiKooLi in Sainlitun, Swire’s properties. The whole open area shopping areas made you feel like you are in Google office. It is very spacious, and the natural lighting system is very encouraging as well. While some of the designs are localized. Below are a corner of Taikooli at night and Zara in Beijing style.
Paying visit to the 798 Art District or enjoying some drama performances in the National Centre for Performing Arts would also be fantastic. Not only do you gain inspiration for modern and innovative artistic trend, you can also blend yourself in classic arts such as concert or even drama, both Eastern and Western.
Hong Kong-Mainland Student
We are always being reminded about the high level of competitiveness of the mainland students. And I have to admit throughout the internship experience, I totally reckon this. Not only do they have very good English foundation, some of them have also native-like pronunciations as well. On top of that, they are very easy-going, very willing to offer help to non-local interns. Many of the interns here are from prestige universities inside and outside China, the general standard is very high. I think it would be nice if the Hong Kong students can be aware of this situation and work hard to maintain their own competitiveness.
