Business internships going online
Nine New Zealand students and recent graduates will be undertaking virtual internships with global Asian companies to experience how business is done in Asia.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono has been offering business internships since 2009 and is continually growing the pool of businesses we partner with to keep up with today’s business needs and Asia’s exciting, diverse industries.
Covid-19 means New Zealand students and graduates can’t travel to Asia for these placements at present, but the Foundation has worked with partner organisations to offer paid, virtual internships over the New Zealand summer instead.
The two-month internships give young people the chance to experience Asian business culture and be immersed in an industry sector to further develop valuable work skills for their futures.
These paid internships are highly-regarded and sought after, with more than 300 applications for the nine places.
Asia New Zealand Foundation director of business Felicity Roxburgh says the Foundation is grateful to the host organisations United Media Solution (China), CJ Cultural Foundation (South Korea), Tata Consultancy Services (India and Asia Pacific) and the New Zealand China Council for their support of talented New Zealand students.
“Partnering with these leading organisations enables the Foundation to continue to support young New Zealanders to grow Asia business skills, which will help New Zealand’s overall business engagement with Asia.”
Some interns have already started work and others will be starting between February and March. A full list of interns, backgrounds and placements is below.
For more information or photos:
Rebecca Inoue-Palmer
Director communications and media
(04) 470 8701
Find out about the interns
Tessa Aitken, commerce and Mandarin student at University of Otago
Tessa will intern with United Media Solution (UMS) via distance and in their Auckland office from December 2020 to February 2021. She will have the opportunity to enhance her marketing research skills as well as get an understanding of Chinese digital media. Originally from Wellington, Tessa was a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia recipient, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in economics, and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Chinese.
Kevin Li, commerce student at University of Auckland
Kevin will intern with United Media Solution (UMS) from December 2020 to February 2021. Kevin's internship will allow him to enhance his marketing research skills as well as get an understanding of Chinese digital media. Kevin is currently majoring in information systems and marketing.
Karen Hu, law and music student at University of Auckland
Karen will be interning with CJ Cultural Foundation from January 2021 to February 2021. She will be conducting market research, assisting with on and offsite events and working on cultural and social events. Originally from Christchurch, Karen is studying a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland, majoring in jazz performance.
Kate Falloon, arts and global studies student at University of Auckland
Kate will intern at CJ Cultural Foundation via distance while in Auckland from January 2021 to February 2021. She will be conducting market research, assisting with on and offsite events and helping develop cultural and social events. Kate hails from Gisborne, where she was Gisborne Girls High’s Deputy Head Girl and Proxime Accessit. She is currently majoring in global politics and human rights.
Rosanna Tongilava, commerce student at Victoria University of Wellington
Rosanna will intern at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) from February 2021 to March 2021. She will be working on a specific project related to one of TCS’ clients in India and Australia and have the opportunity to join a team engaged in information technology and business consulting. Rosanna is currently majoring in information systems and minoring in commercial law.
Patrick Setefano, business student at University of Waikato
Patrick will intern at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) via distance from February 2021 to March 2021. He will be working on a specific project related to TCS’ diversity, equity and inclusion function, based in India and across six other countries in Asia Pacific. Patrick will work with a team focused on research and policy recommendations. Patrick is currently majoring in human resources, and was recommended for this role thanks to the Foundation's partnership with TupuToa.
Nikhil Kumar, engineering student at University of Auckland
Nikhil will intern with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Nikhil will be working on a specific project related to one of TCS’ clients based in India, Australia and New Zealand, and have the opportunity to join a team engaged in information technology research and business advice. Nikhil is currently studying an honours degree in engineering, specialising in computer systems engineering.
Shahin Najak, science and commerce student at University of Auckland
Shahin will intern at New Zealand China Council from February 2021 to March 2021. She will support the work of the New Zealand China Council by contributing to research, public events and social media initiatives. She is the UNESCO youth chair and Aotearoa youth leader. Shahin is currently majoring in environmental science, biological science, and economics.
William Spear, geography and international relations at Victoria University of Wellington
William will intern at New Zealand China Council from February 2021 to March 2021. He will support the work of the New Zealand China Council by contributing to research, public events and social media initiatives under the Council’s strategic plan. Originally from the Bay of Plenty, William has been involved in leadership and mentor programmes, volunteering, and is a recent graduate of a conjoint Bachelor of Science and Arts, majoring in geography and international relations.
