Australia                                                  Salina Cheung

 

I was part of the AIESEC Global Internship Program (GIP) 2012-2013 whilst I worked in Sydney as an intern in UBS Australia.

 

I graduated from the Faculty of Law in the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2011. Most of my friends chose to pursue their careers right after graduation, I was hesitant to do the same. Instead, I followed this tiny voice whispering in my head all the time asking for another glimpse of the world before committing myself to work day and night in an office cubicle. I always think I can achieve something different, something bigger. Being an AIESEC-er, I made this bold move to join the GIP Program. Soon after I made the application, I was fortunate enough to be presented an opportunity at UBS, a Switzerland-based investment bank. And I embarked on my one year adventure in Sydney, completely thrilled and overwhelmed.

 

Last year living in Sydney was one of the best years in my life. At work I carried out a lot of responsibilities and learnt much about the financial industry. It was truly enjoyable working in one of the biggest investment banks, but meeting new friends and spending time together with them was equally joyous. I was very lucky in a hind sight. When I left Hong Kong and had no idea where I should stay in Australia, I met a girl on my flight to Sydney, who ended up offering me a place to stay while I was looking for an apartment. I met another two girls from Hong Kong later while I was inspecting houses and we became very close not long after. Among us, we shared a lot of wonderful moments, regardless it’s good or ‘not so good’ times -  we travelled together, listened to each other whining about work, tried out new restaurants and bars and did a whole lot of silly things that I cannot possibly list them all here. Without them, my time in Sydney would not have been so perfect.

 

AIESEC in Australia is well bonded and very supportive of overseas interns. The MC team in Australia, especially Victor, Rob and Evelyn, took the best care of me. They helped me find my home in North Sydney with this absolutely breath taking view, arrange for my VISA, open bank account and show me around the town. I would not be able to enjoy my exchange experience as much as I had without all the efforts they made. The AIESEC alumni here in Australia are also very welcoming. I met many of them who are still very involved in AIESEC activities and had spent quite some time working in different countries for AIESEC. From their stories, they demonstrated to me how a true AIESEC-er leads and makes changes to the world; also, needless to say, the belief shared by many AIESEC-ers around the globe – ‘work hard, party (and drink) harder’. The picture  taken on the last New Year’s Eve is self-evident. (NB: do not be fooled by how civilized we look in the picture, because this is not exactly what I remember when I left the place at 3.30 in the morning…)

 

Time passed by quickly. This year of work experience overseas stood me in good stead and I have never felt more prepared to pursue my professional career. I am truly confident I will succeed at whatever I set my mind to.

 

I hope this piece of light hearted writing will make you pause for a moment, listen to your heart and do not  deny yourself of any options that will lead you to a more fulfilling life. I quote John Wood's Leaving Microsoft to Change the World "If there is something you want to do, do not focus on the obstacles. Do not ask for permission. Just dive in. Don't let the naysayers get you down.”

I would also like to dedicate this article to all the people I met in my journey, especially to Michael, who is truly an inspiration to my life.