Following the 19 week programme there is an optional work experience opportunity of 4 weeks duration. The additional fee we charge is to cover the accommodation required during the period of work experience.
If you opt for the 4 week work experience opportunity you need to start planning and preparing within a few weeks of starting the course.
While China Pathways can assist with finding a work placement, we recognise that individual participants have different needs and interests and differing career plans. As a result, we expect our students to take a proactive role to finding their own work placements.
Some of the organisations providing work placements are listed on our 'About Us / Work Experience Providers' page.
An important part of your programme is engagement with the British Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, to which we provide you with 'Young Professional' membership. Their social networking events are an ideal way of making contacts for work experience opportunities.
- Get organised
We realise the time and effort needed to set up a work placement especially with the time taken up by your course but working on your own initiative is an important part of the programme. Employers will be impressed by self motivated individuals. Set aside definite times of the week to devote to a work placement search. Keep China Pathways informed of your progress.
- Prepare your CV
This is an essential first step. You will need to prepare one which emphasises the usefulness of the skills acquired on the CP programme to a prospective employer, in addition to the existing items on your current CV. China Pathways can assist if required.
- Circulate your CV
Contacts made at networking events and the list of companies in the BCCC directory are a good starting point. Send your CV with a short covering letter, explaining how long you want to remain with the company. Some participants are happy to stay for the 4 weeks (until the initial F visa expires), others may want to stay longer. State in your letter when you are available for interview.
- Be persistent
It is often necessary to circulate large numbers of organisations in order to get a response, similar to any other job search. Dont expect instant response to emails. An initial email can be followed with a phone call.
If you have not been able to organise a work placement within a month of the end of the course and would like China Pathways assistance we can intervene on your behalf. This may mean being assigned to a role which does not necessarily fit your area of interest.
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