The possibilities for an IT intern in Hong Kong are endless as the city is known for its highly developed information technology services industry. Often called the gateway to China, the kinetic Asian metropolis offers an IT intern a stepping-stone into the professional world. While earning real-world work experience an IT intern abroad will also be able to soak up all the exciting, vibrant cultures represented in diverse Hong Kong.
Lingering elements of Chinese colonial tradition alongside modern metropolitan blocks make Hong Kong a unique, multicultural backdrop for an internship in the city’s strong IT sector. Hong Kong’s excellent communications infrastructure makes it one of the best places in the world to work in the IT industry. Hong Kong also ranked 14th globally in readiness to participate in and benefit from IT developments, according to the World Economic Forum’s Networked Readiness Index in 2013. Local IT professionals provide services in banking and finance, shipping, trading, transportation, wholesale and retailing, manufacturing and graphics and multimedia.
Roles and housing
Hong Kong IT internship roles are available in various sectors, especially in software engineering, IT support and website and app development. The opportunity to work alongside established Hong Kong professionals will give interns a leg up when they apply and interview for jobs. Citing international IT experience will give a budding professional’s resume that extra boost. In terms of housing, IT interns in Hong Kong stay in the safest areas of Hong Kong, on either the Hong Kong Island or the Kowloon side. The quality shared apartment accommodations are located in areas like Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun and Jorden.
Temples and skyscrapers
The influence of both Buddhism and capitalism are evident in Hong Kong’s cityscape. The city’s glittering skyscrapers tower over traditional Chinese temples that offer a serene sanctuary from the bustling city streets.
Interns in Hong Kong can experience one of the area’s most notable Buddhist complexes, the Chi Lin Nunnery, which includes temples, statues, gardens and ponds. Founded in 1934, the nunnery was renovated in 1990. Interns can also check out the traditional Mo Man temple, Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery and Big Buddha on Lantau Island.
Hong Kong’s modern beauties like The Center, the city’s fifth-highest skyscraper, are also a delight. The architectural wonder is known for its prominence in a nightly light show that entertains locals and tourists alike beside the Victora Harbour. Called the “Symphony of lights”, over 40 skyscrapers participate in the nightly lights and music presentation. Guiness World Records has even named the spectacle the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”.
Beyond the metropolis
While living in Hong Kong, interns are able to venture outside the city. The Intern Group program includes a tour of the beautiful Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island. Lantau is located at the mouth of the Pearl River and is part of the Islands District. Compared to the bustle of Hong Kong Island, Lantau is less developed and more serene. The mountainous island includes Hong Kong’s largest country park, Lantau South Country Park. Tourists on the island frequent notable attractions like the Tian Tan Buddha, which is an 85-foot bronze Buddha statue. The breathtaking Po Lin Monastery is also popular among visitors to the island.
The IT internship in Hong Kong also includes a trip to “the vegas of Asia”, Macau. One of the richest cities in the world, Macau has been considered the biggest gambling center in the world. Though now in Chinese control, Macau was once a colony of Portugal, which has influenced the local culture. The Macau Grand Prix, the Macau Arts festival and Chinese New Year are some of the important cultural events and festivals the city hosts that incorporate both Portuguese and Chinese traditions.
Food culture
IT interns looking to expand their palate will be pleased to discover Hong Kong’s diverse multicultural cuisine. The city’s gastronomy has been influenced by a number of food cultures. Both Cantonese and non-Cantonese Chinese cuisine are common in Hong Kong, along with foods from the West, Japan and Southeast Asia.
Hawker is Hong Kong street food and is usually served by one or two people who push around a food cart. Fish balls, a pudding cake called put chai ko and roasted chestnuts are common Hawker foods. Another way to dine casual in Hong Kong is at the open-air food stalls called dai pai dongs. Rice porridge called congee, rice and noodles, sweetened condensed milk toast and wonton noodles are common dishes served at these inexpensive stalls.
The Cantonese tradition called dim sum is an important element of Hong Kong food culture. Comparable to Spanish tapas, dim sum is Cantonese or Hokkien food prepared in small, individual portions. Some typical dim sum plates include har gow shrimp dumplings, pot stickers and barbeque pork.
Learning Mandarin and Cantonese
Boasting some 955 speakers worldwide, Mandarin is the most popular language on the globe. With English already under their belt, an intern with knowledge of Mandarin would have huge advantages in the professional world. Though internship roles are in English, the Intern Group program offers classes in either Mandarin or Cantonese for interns. On the ground in Hong Kong, interns abroad will be able to put language lessons into use conversing with locals.
Hong Kong’s booming IT sector is the perfect place for a young professional to gain that initial workplace experience. The fast-paced international internship will prepare interns for their career in IT, while also exposing them to a vibrant, diverse culture.
Apply now and boost your career!
Sources: Wikipedia, discoverhongkong.com, HKTDC Research
Photo 1. based on 霧 都 by Wilson Au, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Jesus light by Pingz Man, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on Foggy metropolitan by Luke Ma, CC-by-2.0