Students from CityU's Department of Marketing are getting a crash course in conducting business on the mainland through the department's China Business Summer Internship Programme.

The programme not only provides quality work experience for local undergraduates, but helps enhance their understanding of the latest development in the mainland business world. Successful applicants were given the chance to work for several weeks as trainees in a variety of commercial organizations on the mainland.

For example, Pui Pui-man, a second-year China Business student, worked as a management trainee in a mainland supermarket. Her duties included assigning jobs to workers and handling customer relations.

"Through the handling of different tasks and communicating with a variety of people, I now understand much better the culture of work in a mainland business firm. My communication skills have also improved a lot," said Pui-man. "Hong Kong students must work hard and be well-equipped. Otherwise, our mainland counterparts will catch up."

Said Dr C L Luk, Assistant Professor of the Marking Department and Leader of the BBA (Hons) China Business Programme: "The internship programme broadens our students' vision, expands their social network and equips them for career planning and development. These were invaluable out-of-the-classroom learning experiences for the students."