NGUYEN THI THUY TRANG

An undergraduate student majoring in International Economics and Trade at Donghua University, from Vietnam.

To me, internships connect the classroom to the workplace. I interned at two companies—Judy Doll and ByteDance. Through these experiences, I not only gained hands-on industry knowledge and discovered my career direction, but also developed essential skills in business strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and data analysis. Looking back, I can see how much I have grown—from the early days of uncertainty to the moment I found my footing. I want to share this journey with my peers, hoping that my story can offer some insight and encouragement to those who are still navigating their own path from campus to career.

During my internship at Judy Doll, I didn’t limit myself to tasks within the cosmetics industry. I took the initiative to get involved in brand marketing and product promotion. I also gained hands-on experience in market research and gathering user feedback. What I'd like to share with my peers is this: don't feel confined by your major when interning. Actively seek out opportunities across different areas. Doing so will not only enrich your resume but also help you discover what truly interests you. Even basic tasks like research and collaboration are essential workplace skills that everyone needs to build.

During my time at Judy Doll, I came to understand something important: no matter how great an idea is, if it doesn't improve a product's competitiveness or meet user needs, it's not an effective idea. On campus, creativity tends to be more idealistic. In the workplace, what matters most is practicality. Internships are exactly the right place to learn how to turn ideas into reality and sharpen your business mindset. My advice to my peers is to think deeply during your internships, and make sure every task you take on aligns with your team's goals and the value of the product.

Moving from Judy Doll to ByteDance meant stepping into a larger and more established company, and it helped me grow quickly. At ByteDance, I was exposed to cutting-edge technology and professional data analysis methods. I also learned, in a more systematic way, how to analyze user needs and optimize products. When choosing where to intern, I don't think it's necessary to chase after well-known tech giants. What matters more is whether a company values intern development and offers hands-on opportunities. A company like that can help you build professional skills at a much faster pace.

The courses I took at Donghua University, such as Applied Statistics and Industrial Marketing, played an important role during my internships. Statistics helped me with data analysis, and Marketing gave me a better understanding of product promotion. I hope my peers don't just focus on grades while overlooking practical application. Instead, take what you learn in the classroom and turn it into real-world skills. That way, your academic experience becomes an asset in the workplace.

Through these two internships, I clarified my career goal: to pursue a path in the internet industry, focusing on product operations and data analysis. The true value of an internship lies in exploration and self-discovery. There's no need to rush to decide on a career path. Use your internships to explore your strengths and gain experience in a targeted way. That's how you can steadily move toward your professional goals.

To sum up, my internship experience was about stepping outside my comfort zone, building up my skills, and figuring out where I truly belong. My advice to fellow international students is this: don't be afraid to explore opportunities beyond your immediate field, focus on building skills that truly matter, and make the most of your time studying in China. Take ownership of your growth during internships, and prepare yourself for what lies ahead in your career.

Source: Donghua University