The Intern Files | Gaining valuable experience to pass on

29 Oct 2024

  • By: Ruo-Hsin Liang, BSc Economics and Finance at International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
  • Internship experience: Online internship at Suzhou New Century International Children’s Hospital (NCICH)
  • Internship organiser: XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou – 2024 Summer Online In-Company Consulting Projects

 

Me at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland

Week 1: Kickoff and initial research

The first week was all about getting our bearings. As we began our consulting project for Suzhou New Century International Children’s Hospital (NCICH), the team dived into extensive policy research. We explored how children’s hospitals operate in various regions, with my focus being on China’s Taiwan and Europe. It was an eye-opening experience to see how healthcare systems differ globally and what that means for NCICH. Our supervisor, Dr Linjia Zhang, was incredibly supportive during this stage, answering our questions promptly and providing valuable insights that guided our research direction. This research laid the foundation for understanding the regulatory landscape NCICH operates within and set the stage for the weeks to come.

Week 2: Competitor analysis

Week two was intense but rewarding. We shifted our focus to competitor analysis, comparing NCICH to key players like Jiahui Health Clinic and BenQ Medical Center. I was responsible for gathering data on their pricing strategies, patient volumes, and market positioning. Our company mentor played a crucial role this week, providing us with the internal data we needed from NCICH and guiding us on how to interpret it effectively. The most challenging part was deciphering how NCICH could stand out in such a competitive market. I realised that in consulting, it’s not just about identifying strengths and weaknesses, but also about finding actionable insights that can drive a client’s strategic decisions.

Week 3: Patient data and SWOT analysis

This week, we delved into the hospital’s internal data, analysing patient volumes and department performances. It was fascinating to see the numbers tell a story – certain departments were thriving, while others had room for growth. I contributed to the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, particularly focusing on the strengths. We highlighted NCICH’s comprehensive range of services, high-quality care, and child-friendly environment. This exercise taught me the importance of leveraging data to back up strategic recommendations. The company mentor’s support was invaluable here, as he provided us with comprehensive data that allowed us to create a well-rounded analysis. Dr Zhang continued to be a reliable resource, offering quick feedback that helped us refine our analysis and ensure we were on the right track.

 Week 4: Strategic recommendations and final presentation

The final week was all about synthesis. We compiled our findings and crafted strategic recommendations for NCICH. It was my job to ensure our suggestions were not only insightful but also actionable. Our company mentor’s guidance on aligning our recommendations with NCICH’s goals was instrumental in this process. Our IBSS supervisor’s ongoing support and feedback helped us fine-tune our presentation, ensuring that we clearly communicated our insights. Our final presentation went smoothly, and I could see how all our hard work had paid off. Delivering the SWOT analysis and recommendations felt like a culmination of everything I had learned, both in this internship and throughout my academic journey.

Reflections

Looking back, this consulting internship was a transformative experience. As the director of the Consulting Society, I’m proud of how our team navigated the complexities of this project. Each week brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to learn and grow. From understanding the nuances of global healthcare policies to crafting strategic insights for a real client, this internship has solidified my passion for consulting. I’m excited to bring these experiences back to our Consulting Society, where I hope to inspire others to take on similar challenges.

In Dublin

More about me

I am currently a Year Four student. I have a profound passion for intellectual exploration and a commitment to embracing new challenges across various domains, both within the academic sphere and through extracurricular engagements.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to participate in a variety of experiences that have shaped who I am today. From serving as an interpreter at Suzhou Executive Academy (SEA) conferences to competing in business competitions and representing our university as a student ambassador, I’ve had the chance to engage with diverse groups of people and learn from each encounter. My exchange programme in the Netherlands was particularly eye-opening, offering me a broader perspective on global education and culture.

In addition to these academic pursuits, I have also embraced leadership roles with enthusiasm. As the Director of our Consulting Society and the Vice President of the Running Club, I have learned the value of teamwork, strategic planning, and the importance of promoting a balanced lifestyle. My belief in the significance of physical activity for overall well-being has led me to cultivate a keen interest in sports, particularly boxing, which I find to be an exhilarating blend of physical exertion and mental discipline.

I’m always enthusiastic about new opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m excited to continue applying the skills I’ve developed in both my studies and extracurricular activities to real-world projects. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me next.

 

 

29 Oct 2024


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