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🌟 Intern Spotlight: Meet Our Trade & Investment Intern, Oliver Weeks 🎓   As we approach the end of this month and our interns prepare to bid farewell, we would like to showcase the experiences that come with an internship. Today, the spotlight is on Oliver, our Trade & Investment Intern. We have put together a short interview with him, which you can find below!   Q: Why did you choose to become an intern at the Trade Council of the Royal Danish Embassy in Tokyo?   I've always been fascinated by Japan, and as an economics student at the University of Copenhagen, this internship presented the perfect opportunity to merge my academic pursuits with my personal interests. The internship has been a great opportunity to really dive into the heart of international business in Japan. It's a fascinating place, especially with its advanced economy facing unique challenges like an ageing population and increasing costs of energy. This opens up lots of opportunities for Danish companies with innovative tech, life science, and energy solutions. Additionally, I was eager to explore a career as a diplomat, and this opportunity provided an ideal glimpse into that world.   Q: How has it been being an intern at the Trade Council of the Royal Danish Embassy in Tokyo?   It's been an enriching experience. Balancing routine tasks with a variety of different assignments has kept the workplace dynamic and constantly evolving with new challenges and opportunities. A particularly memorable experience was being part of the Danish Prime Minister's visit to Japan. Being involved in such a major event really showed me all the planning the embassy does behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. I got to see how such a high-level visit benefits Danish companies looking to grow in Japan, which has been incredibly fulfilling and has demonstrated the embassy's efforts in advancing global trade partnerships. Also, having self-studied Japanese before coming, getting to apply my self-learned Japanese at work has been rewarding.   Q: What unique experiences outside of work have you had?   Japan has offered countless adventures. Along with getting to know Japan through my work, I've also gained insights into Japanese culture. I've climbed Mt. Fuji, skied in Niseko, celebrated Christmas in Sapporo, visited friends in Fukuoka, and travelled around Japan with visiting family and friends. These experiences have deepened my understanding of Japan's culture, from its historic traditions to modern life.   Q: Any final thoughts?   This internship has been a great mix of professional and personal growth. Working with fantastic colleagues who've been incredibly supportive, and seeing the impactful work of the embassy, has been enlightening. I'll always treasure the memories and friendships I've made here.   Thank you, Oliver, for sharing your experience with us! We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. 🇯🇵🌏

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐪𝐢𝐧𝐠? 🇨🇳 Since July, I've been based in Chongqing for my second NUS Overseas Colleges experience, first by interning in an educational startup (and I had to switch to NUS Chongqing Research Institute due to visa issues). 🤔 But many people would wonder why I chose to intern in Chongqing, instead of the top-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. ✍️ In my latest op-ed for Lianhe Zaobao on Oct 5 (link and article in comments below), I shared my reasons behind interning in this "8D magical city". 🌏 One of them is the fact that Chongqing is the only Chinese municipality that’s geographically close to Southeast Asia. This means that there are a lot of opportunities for collaboration between the two regions! 🤝 A prominent example is the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative, which has promoted cross-border collaboration in aviation, finance, trade, and communications. I felt that more Singapore youths should learn more about the region around us to seize emerging opportunities brought about by collaborations between China and Southeast Asia. 📢 This is why SEAmplified is dedicated to helping more youths understand Southeast Asia so that they can build bridges of friendship and cooperation with other regions worldwide. What do you think? How can we help more youths learn about the region around us? ⬇️

➩ ABOUT LAST SPRING From March until May, I had the chance to intern @Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) in the Montréal office. 🍁 FIT is an autonomous agency of the "Vlaamse overheid", facilitating the internationalization of the Flemish economy, translating into: ➥ Developing Flanders internationalization strategy in co-creation. ➥ Attracting foreign companies to invest & expand in Flanders. ➥ Supporting Flemish companies in international exporting. ➥ Promoting Flanders-based innovation. Quick overview of my internship? Check the carousel below. 👇 • WHY? I was selected for a scholarship from the Flemish Government, completing my graduation internship in Canada. 🎯 The graduation intership was part of my bachelor's degree in Idea & Innovation Management. 🎓 • WHAT? My responsibilities centered around identifying opportunities in Canada for the Flemish economy, focusing on: ➥ Analyzing the market dynamics of Canada: Mapping growing economic markets & competitors in Canada for the Flemish economy. 🧠 ➥ Advising Flemish companies on entering the Canadian market: Connecting Flemish companies to potential Canadian suppliers and buyers & advising on Canadian economic regulations. 🤝 • TAKEAWAYS I had the chance to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations strategic internationalization to Canada. 📈 This allowed me to: 1️⃣ Get insight in Canadian market dynamics & equity culture. 2️⃣ Strengthen my knowledge in economic regulations. 3️⃣ Refine my skills in strategic business advise. 4️⃣ Expand my professional network. • SPECIAL THANKS ✨Big thanks✨ to Yves Lapere for the internship opportunity & strengthening my business skills with your expertise. ✨Big thanks✨ to Katleen Chevaillier to guide me in the dynamics of the Canadian market. ✨Big thanks✨ to Cédric Eerebout for the administrative coordination of my graduation internship.

Study European & Asian Business Management in Switzerland !

Studying abroad is more than just an opportunity to travel. It's a unique chance to cultivate the skills needed to thrive as an entrepreneur in today's interconnected world. 1️⃣ Adapting to new environments A semester abroad helps you quickly adapt to new cultures and conditions, developing flexibility and quick decision-making skills. These are essential qualities for a successful entrepreneur. Imagine immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of South Korea, the innovative atmosphere of Sweden, or the dynamic environment of the USA. Each destination offers a completely different experience, broadening your perspective and enriching your adaptability. 2️⃣ Real work experience In the third year of the Bachelor in International Business program, our students undertake a paid internship. This allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and gain valuable professional experience. 3️⃣ Social impact project Students engage in social impact projects, which involve working on initiatives that benefit communities. This experience enhances their ability to create positive change and develop entrepreneurial solutions to real-world problems. 4️⃣ Financial independence A paid internship not only provides professional experience but also helps students become financially independent. At Luxembourg School of Business, we create opportunities to develop leadership skills through international experience and practical learning. 💬 What aspect of international experience do you think would most impact your development? Share your thoughts in the comments! #GlobalExperience #LeadershipSkills #LSB #BachelorInInternationalBusiness

#ICYMI: Studies show that students who participate in culturally immersive experiences abroad report an increase in cultural awareness and adaptability, which helps improve their interpersonal skills. Employers also often seek candidates with international experience because of the global perspective and problem-solving abilities they gain through programs like those offered by Next Step Connections. "During my trip to Singapore, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in its rich culture and explore its vibrant cityscape. One of the most interesting aspects of Singaporean culture is its incredible diversity, where multiple ethnicities, cultures, and religions coexist harmoniously. This diversity is beautifully reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and Singapore's population," explained Shaqaeq Rezai, a business marketing student at Western Sydney University (WSU), who particularly enjoyed getting to know the culture of Singapore on her recent trip via one of our programs. “Our programs are designed to provide students with not only professional skills but also a deep cultural understanding. We believe that true growth comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing the diversity the world has to offer,” explained Next Step Connection's founder Jérôme Le Carrou. Read more about Shaqaeq’s experience here. https://lnkd.in/gBH6fJ4v #ExperientialLearning #Students #Education #educationalinnovation #Asia #NextStepConnections #Singapore #Malaysia #Placements #Internships

🌟 Exciting Update: Narrowing Down My Master's Thesis Topic! 🌟 Greetings LinkedIn community, As I find myself in the final semester of my MSc in International Relations with a Major in Global Gender Studies at Aalborg Universitet, I am thrilled to share my journey towards completing my Master's thesis. In the inception of this academic endeavor, I started with a broad yet pertinent research question: "What is the problem representation in the Danish Immigration and Integration Policies?" However, upon delving deeper into the subject matter and considering practical constraints such as time and available resources, I have made the strategic decision to refine and narrow down my focus to "The problem representation in the Danish Integration Policies." This decision was not taken lightly, but rather stemmed from a desire to ensure that my thesis remains both manageable and impactful within the given parameters. By focusing on the complexities of integration policies in Denmark, I aim to delve into the nuanced ways in which societal challenges and narratives shape policy formulation and implementation processes. My passion for this topic has only grown stronger, fueled in part by my recent five-month internship experience at Semga Solutions in Denmark. During my time at Semga Solutions, an organization specializing in Immigration, Integration, and Business Consulting, I had the invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the complexities of immigration and integration issues facing Denmark today. This experience has not only deepened my understanding but has also reinforced my commitment to contributing meaningfully to this critical field of study. I am excited to embark on this phase of my academic journey and to document my progress through regular blog updates. Each step brings me closer to unraveling the complexities of Danish integration policies and their implications for individuals and communities alike. I look forward to sharing my insights, challenges, and wins along the way, and I am eager to reflect on this journey in the years to come, knowing that my contributions have helped advance our understanding of this vital area of study. Thank you for joining me on this adventure! 😀

With a smile on my face, I'd like to share my reflections on my internship experience at Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra - LIAA! Academically, we are taught that everything in international business trade and relationships is based on pure data and neatly fits into some kind of academic framework. All the trends are considered "signals" from which decisions can be logically derived. However, it is no secret that reality is a lot messier. Seemingly, there is only "noise." This messiness was my primary motivation for starting the internship—to experience and embrace the chaos of the business world. I wanted to understand the routines of bureaucracy, familiarize myself with lead-finding tools, network, perfect corporate-style emailing, and step into the shoes of a salesperson. Unexpectedly, I gained so much more! First, I identified some "signal" (the one I am currently studying 😆) within the "noise." The chaos began to structure itself. A bigger picture of international business emerged, turning previously fragmented knowledge into a cohesive understanding. For someone with a tendency toward "maximalism," this experience has been crucial in recalibrating my future ambitions with a fresh perspective and vision. Second, my pride in my home country, Latvia, grew immensely. We have so many capable and intelligent people providing innovative solutions across various industries, and witnessing our country's economic success stories has been truly inspiring. Biggest kudos to Jēkabs Groskaufmanis! The world needs more people like you! Not only are you proactively strengthening Latvia's economy by helping local entrepreneurs reach the international stage, but you also bring global practices back home. Moreover, you inspire others (including me!) with your work ethic and optimistic approach. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

I remember the stress of landing a summer job when I was in college (while not knowing what I wanted to do). I remember the 100+ tailored cover letters that I wrote, and the <5% hit rate of getting interviews, that I bombed, every single one of them - consulting firms, investment banks, conglomerates... And all I wanted was that one opportunity to show how hard I could work, how much I could hustle, which Merrill Lynch ultimately gave me after I graduated. Fast forward 20 years, L2 Capital Management 平方资本 now commits to having interns every single year. It is as much a learning experience for us, as it is for the interns. It makes us better leaders, better parents, and better and lifelong learners. It isn't a favor to them (the interns), but to us. We like the experience so much that we want to promote it. This year, we are partnering with Singapore Management University to bring young, driven adults to rest of Asia, to our portfolio companies, friends, and ecosystem partners. SMU sponsors these students generously on a per month basis over the summer, so it's about the learning experience more than the monetary reward. They also help with visas. Whether you're a VC in HK, a consumer tech company in China, or a fintech company in ASEAN, JOIN US and GIVE! You'll like it! PM me for details. Special word of thanks to these founder/executives for your generosity this summer. More to come... Sheldon Li, Founder of Buyandship, Percy Hung, Founder of Choco Up; Ron Tam, CFO of Huize Holding Limited; Billy Hardjono, Managing Director of PT Indo Properti Persada; Joseph Lee, CFA, Founder of Kairous Capital; Joe C., Partner of Mindworks; Athena Lee, Founder of ZumVet. #givingback #summerinternship #vc #blockchain #crypto #singapore #hongkong

When you consider the time it takes to learn a language and fully immerse yourself in a new culture, sometimes one semester of study abroad just isn't enough. We chatted with Leonardo H. who spent a year with us in Milan to get his top 4 reasons you might want to consider extending your time abroad. 💡 💼 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘼𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙 = 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 (𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥). "I landed an internship at a venture capital company...During the 12-week program I learned from investment analysts while immersed in the world of Italian venture capital. 🛜 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠. "A full year abroad allowed me to cultivate deeper connections with locals, peers, and professors. With Milan being such an international city, I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe. From Italian roommates to neighbors from Columbia, a full year allowed me to continue building my international network. " 🗣️ 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙖 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡'𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚. "Learning a new language is a precious process that takes time. It will not happen overnight. Speaking Italian daily at grocery stores, coffee shops, and in class meant by the conclusion of the program I was comfortable with the language." 🌎 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡. "Prepare to bear witness to all the psychological and physical effects of a year’s worth of cultural immersion. By the end of the program, you will certainly notice changes in both your attitude and worldview...From changes in your habits, perspective, and (in my case) fashion; you will slowly pick up new habits from locals in your new international space."