Natalie, from Macau University of Science and Technology, Kate, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Jennifer, from the University of Hong Kong, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey at New York's ADMERASIA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Natalie, Kate, and Jennifer are participants of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

ADMERASIA is a full-service agency founded in 1993 with roots in multicultural marketing. Its client list includes McDonald’s, PayPal, Citibank, Nissan, and more. Renowned for its strategic approach, creative excellence, and deep understanding of multicultural consumer behaviors, ADMERASIA empowers brands to effectively engage and connect with a wide range of communities, making a lasting impact in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and brand communication.

Jennifer is a second-year student studying landscape architecture, Kate is a second-year student studying information engineering, and Natalie is a third-year student studying finance.

The three interns work in different departments. Kate and Natalie are in the media department, where they are engaged in media planning and conducting research. Meanwhile, Jennifer is in the creative department, where she takes on the responsibility of contributing to the development and design of advertising concepts.

Jennifer states that the most striking aspect of her internship was the emphasis on creativity and innovation. "I've been encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table and have been amazed at how my perspectives as an intern are not just welcomed but actively sought after."

Natalie adds, "My supervisors and colleagues have not only guided me through projects but also encouraged me to speak up. While Asia stresses hard skills, here, there is a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, which really takes effort to work on."

Kate advises future interns that they should adjust their mindset for the workplace where there is an emphasis on both the process and results, unlike in school where only the end results matter.

Toward the end of the interview, all three interns commented on the value of not just hard skills but also the importance of perception and mindset. They recognized that these transferable skills, while not immediately needed as students or fresh graduates, are essential for developing a useful managerial mindset.

All three interns expressed their appreciation for the support and opportunities provided by their supervisors.