Shenzhen Blog: 1

Departure

It is hard to describe the feeling that I first felt receiving the news I had been successful in gaining a place funded through the British Council’s Generation UK program and organised by CRCC Asia. It was definitely a matter of excitement and fear of the unknown.

However, after deferring for one year due to University commitments, I am currently sat in Dubai International Airport, with a 7 hour and 25 minute layover before my connecting flight to Hong Kong and further ferry connection to Shenzhen.

Due to the regional nature of Shenzhen’s airport, it is necessary to fly into Hong Kong. The airport is easy to navigate and the ferry to Shenzhen was a breeze, especially when being met by CRCC Asia staff at the ferry port!

Arrival

My arrival in Shenzhen was seamless and there was a good introduction given by the CRCC Asia staff, which helped to settle us in for the first weekend.

Everything was well planned and organised, and anywhere we needed to go the CRCC Asia staff were there to help us and guide us as much as we needed. They provided us with a really helpful mini guide to Shenzhen, a comprehensive welcome pack, a topped up metro card and mobile sim card, which really helped!

However, during the summer months be prepared for heat and humidity, as Shenzhen’s location in southern China means the climate is sub-tropical!

Weeks One and Two

I have been placed in a law firm and my first week involved a considerable amount of research looking at exciting opportunities that the firm may be able to tap into in the future. I have also been able to accompany lawyers and clients to Chinese court and review casework in order to write press releases.

My first week also consisted of getting used to Shenzhen’s subway system during my commute to work… Crowded does not quite cover it and I certainly will not complain on the London Underground again!

The Chinese business etiquette is very unique and one has to build up ‘guanxi’ in order to gain respect and trust, which then leads to an increased workload and bigger opportunities. The principle behind ‘guanxi’ is essentially friendship, it is important to build up a strong rapport and personal connection to your supervisors, so they trust you with work which has a close connection to the firm.

We were also able to explore in our free time and went to Dongmeng Market (well worth a visit for a truly cultural experience!) and Window of the World – which encompasses the Eight Wonders of the World and much more!

I’ve also managed to visit Hong Kong for the weekend, which is a truly buzzing metropolis and climb up Wu Tong Mountain, which gave some truly impressive views over Shenzhen and the national park!

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