Learning goes global: A summer internship in Hong Kong

For many university students, internships are a way to test the waters of a potential career. For Drustan Yeo, who is pursuing a double degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, taking that step overseas turned a summer internship into an experience of professional and personal growth.

The decision to intern abroad stemmed from a desire to broaden his intellectual and cultural horizons. “I was drawn by the opportunity to gain international work experience,” he says. “Trying out different internships felt like a great way to expand the options available to me when looking for full-time employment.”

Encouragement from a classmate who had previously gone through the process and returned with glowing reviews, provided the final push needed to apply.

Learning the ropes   

Once in Hong Kong, Drustan stepped into a new industry and a fast-paced professional environment.  His internship was in the financial services industry, where he worked on projects that required researching and analysing trends in financial markets.  

Yet the experience was not without its challenges. Entering the field with little prior background in finance meant facing a steep learning curve. “There was a lot of self-learning involved,” he says. “At the beginning it felt overwhelming, but gradually things started to make more sense.”

As the weeks went by, that learning began translating into tangible contributions. One of Drustan’s most memorable milestones came when he realised he could offer fresh perspectives. “My proudest moments were when I spotted something new that others hadn’t noticed before,” he says. “Being able to identify new opportunities felt like a clear sign that I was growing.” 

Finding a community abroad

While the professional challenges were significant, adapting to life in a new city proved equally challenging. Early on, Drustan realised that building connections would be key to settling in.

“I made a conscious effort to meet new people. From chatting with colleagues in the office to joining interest groups on weekends, I ended up meeting people I would never have crossed paths with in Singapore.”

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone was not always easy. “At first it wasn’t natural for me to talk to strangers. But once I started doing it, having a community around me made Hong Kong feel much more like home.”

Beyond the office

Those new friendships also opened the door to exploring the city beyond work. Outside the office, there were endless opportunities to discover Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and landscapes, and Drustan quickly fell in love with the local food scene.

Nature was never far away either. One of the best surprises was how easy it was to escape the city, he says. “There are beautiful mountain hikes and nature trails just a short trip away.”

Looking back, the overseas internship proved to be far more than a résumé booster. It was a formative experience that strengthened both his professional confidence and his sense of independence. “I am now more confident about working in an international team and living abroad,” he says. 

For students considering a similar path, his experience offers a simple takeaway: stepping beyond familiar borders can open doors not just to new career opportunities, but also to new perspectives on the world.