Hong Kong from a New Perspective
It's quite common for us Hong Kong kids to go and study or work overseas, but it always comes as quite a surprise (at least to me) when peeps from other countries want to come all the way here for work experience.
That's why when I was offered the chance to have a chat with William Moore, or Will, about his experience in the 852, I couldn't wait to learn more. Read on about how and why he came to our lovely town and how we made an impression! (P.S. Happy Wednesday was involved!)
So Will, what brought you to Hong Kong?
I was selected out of 25,317 global graduates to be the first winner of AXA’s Great Global Adventure. My prize was one year of world travel, two internships with AXA, the leading global company in insurance and asset management, as well as a charity project with one of AXA`s CR partners. My first internship was with the Sales & Marketing Team of AXA Investment Managers in Hong Kong for five weeks. It was a great opportunity to learn about asset management in an Asian context and to live in such a vibrant city.
What were you doing before Hong Kong?
Before Hong Kong I was travelling through China for sixteen days. I went bamboo rafting in Yangshuo, saw the giant pandas in Chengdu, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, trained with Shaolin monks near the Shaolin Temple and hiked and camped overnight on the Great Wall of China in Beijing. It was an epic odyssey across China.
Were there any special moment where you felt the most culture-shocked?
I didn’t feel culture shocked when in Hong Kong, it felt very natural being there. I loved how it was a fusion of East meets West. Food was excitedly different and I loved the range of jewellery shops and tailors.
What was your favourite thing about Hong Kong?
One of my favourite things about Hong Kong is just how beautiful the islands are. The breathtaking view from the top of the Peak, the fishing boats snaking their way between the picturesque islands and being surrounded by luscious green mountains when hiking the Dragon’s Back. The natural beauty is a great way to unwind from the business of the city.
Best thing you've eaten during your trip?
I’ve eaten some very interesting things during my time in Hong Kong such as stinky tofu and cow’s stomach which certainly look better than they taste! But my favourite dish was yam cha (dim sum) especially siu mai. I’m already planning my next visit back to get some!
Tell me a little bit about your internship and your experience there? What did you do and what was your favourite part of the job?
My main responsibilities were with the Sales & Marketing team. However, I also had rotations within Legal, Fixed Income and Equities which gave me a solid foundation in asset management and a good knowledge of the multifaceted nature of the business. My favourite part of the job was the variety and how no two days were the same.
Most valuable lesson you've learnt during the internship?
The most important lesson I learnt was how important it is to have an open mind and to build relationships with your colleagues and with your clients.
Favourite place in Hong Kong?
I really enjoyed the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong but my favourite place in Hong Kong was Happy Valley for the horse racing! That was a really good experience and a huge amount of fun where you could feel the excitement in the air.
And last but not least, if you could pick a moment to relive during your trip here, which would it be?
It would be the (moment of) arrival, knowing that I had the time of my life yet again ahead of me!
If you`re a student or recent graduate, you can participate in AXA's Great Global Adventure 2016 right here! The 2016 edition re-opens in February 2016, but leave your email address now and AXA will be in touch with more details soon!
Till next time,xx
(I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine.)