Adapting to the new world of work – Griffith News

Griffith Asia Business Practice (GABI) re-imagines Asian Studies for the contemporary business context. The Integrated Learning Integration (WIL) Initiative for Work puts students in one of six Asian business destinations, including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Seul, Shanghai and Tokyo, and is run by Griffith Asia Institute (GAI). The goal of the program is to train students with the knowledge, skills and networks to operate successfully in Asia, increasing employment outcomes.

Following a rigorous recruitment process, including written applications and individual interviews, 52 students have been selected to participate in the Global Mobility Internship 20-point credit point elective course for Trimester 3, 2020. Supported by Australian Government New Colombo Mobility Program (NCP), at the center of the 7-week program within the country is a 6-week job placement with an international industry partner, linked to a field of academic discipline. The opportunity ensures proper exposure and learning in an Asian business context.

Given the uncertainty about predictable international travel arrangements and increased job confidence from a distance, GAI has successfully adapted to the changing landscape, offering students a range of alternative options for an experience within the country which was well received.

“I’m surprised by the number of options available and I feel more confident in the process now than I had before the meeting.”

Samuel Hishon, B Trade, 2020 Indonesia Intern

Six, an hour of online dating were facilitated by Dr. GAIs. Andrea Haefner and Kiri Stinson, and included general presentations, key developments, specific details of the internship destination, available support services, and a dedicated question and answer session. Students express enthusiasm for the program through GIFs shared at the meeting to reflect how they were feeling about global internship.

Students were also informed about the current status of global mobility restrictions and the various opportunities available to complete the T3 course. These include: a slightly delayed start date in the country; the opportunity to undertake a far-reaching global practice with an industry partner based on the intended practice destination; or as an alternative, working on a small multi-disciplinary team to complete a research project in collaboration with a related partner e.g. Queensland Trade and Investment (TIQ), connecting to headquarters in Brisbane, in addition to the Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and / or Tokyo TIQ offices. Discussions about the various alternatives revealed students’ continued enthusiasm for the program.

‘Thank you Andrea and Kiri! Hope things go well but I’m glad we have some fantastic alternatives! ‘

Dahlia Bar, B International Business / B Government and International Relations, 2020 Hong Kong Intern

Reflecting the past months with COVID-19 and the current “homework” situation (WFH), Global Ambassador and recent graduate Matthew Neave (pictured left) reinforced the value of undertaking a Global Internship based on his experience in Singapore, 2017 .Mati ended his placement with Approaching the Full Moon, a social enterprise with the mission to ensure job creation in developing countries through an e-commerce platform. During his time with Purnama, Matt developed a marketing and growth strategy, and because of the resource challenge, including traditional office space, he worked remotely to complete many tasks in Singapore. Matt says:

‘I think sometimes you get lucky because the Global Internship I completed in Singapore has proven extremely beneficial. I am currently working from home on the Gold Coast as an Executive Director of HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation), the Melbourne Corporate Banking team. Many of our clients have strong global operations or exposure and we would usually serve them across multiple jurisdictions. My Griffith Business School practice in Singapore has successfully marked two boxes: i) adapting to the WFH environment; and ii) working effectively in a cross-border / intercultural environment. It is safe to say that international experience has been an important aid in securing a position with an international bank and working remotely will definitely prepare students for graduate positions in view of the future continuous WFH adjustments. ‘

Seeking to expand the GABI Program to include alternative options beyond 2020, GAI is excited about the learning opportunities that these experiences will offer students. On the other hand, increasing student participation and strengthening employability by strengthening not only cultural competence but also digital ability, problem solving and the development of interpersonal skills. In support of the graduate success, providing students with flexible opportunities to complete the Global Internship elective course instead of an in-country experience, demonstrates GAI’s ability to respond to the challenges associated with the rapidly changing world of work. GAI is committed to developing the next generation of Asia-Pacific leaders and the GAI team is looking forward to officially welcoming our Global Global 2020 group to a campus lunch at the end of August.

2020 Meeting of the practice group in Indonesia

For more information about the Griffith Asia Business Practice Program, please seegriffith.edu.au/asia-institute/global-wil-internships.