SOON CHEE NING
Chemistry and Biological Chemistry (2025)
HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS INTERNSHIP AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS INTERNSHIP?
I discovered this internship through the CAO Overseas Telegram channel. Since Year 1, I had been interested in joining an overseas internship programme, so I subscribed to the channel for updates. When I learned about the Work and Study China Programme and attended the briefing, I realised it aligned well with my goals.
After my interview with CAO, I received a list of participating companies, and several caught my interest. As a Chemistry undergraduate with two years of research experience, I was eager to explore opportunities in business and marketing focused roles that still leveraged my chemistry background. My internship at Evonik Shanghai as a Product Management and Marketing Intern perfectly aligned with my career interests and provided a valuable stepping stone in my professional journey.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITES AS AN INTERN?
As a Product Management and Marketing Intern, my responsibilities were divided into two main areas: supporting my mentor, the product manager and assisting the marketing team.
In the first area, I conducted market intelligence and analysis to support my mentor. This included researching customer products, performing competitor analyses and estimating market potential for our products. I also evaluated market performance, product positioning and value propositions, and conducted ingredient analyses for existing or prospective customers. These insights helped my mentor gain a deeper understanding of customer needs, enabling more informed decision-making during negotiations.
On the marketing side, I assisted the team by researching market trends and creating marketing decks for our products. I learned how to craft compelling narratives that effectively highlight product value. These promotional decks play a critical role in advancing product launches once the technical team completes research, testing and trial production.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?
My internship experience has been incredibly rewarding as it marked the beginning of a journey into a field I had never explored before. Coming from a research-focused background, I appreciated how the role struck a good balance between applying my technical chemistry knowledge and engaging in marketing and sales functions, where I had the opportunity to interact with people regularly.
Additionally, working overseas broadened my perspective in many ways. I experienced diverse work cultures, met people with varied backgrounds and adapted to different lifestyles. I also had the chance to connect with many fellow Singaporeans interning in Shanghai. We travelled around China together, fully immersing ourselves in the country’s culture.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
At the start of my internship, I felt slightly overwhelmed by the chemical names in Chinese, as I had always learned Chemistry in English. Although most of the company’s official documents were in English, my colleagues frequently used Chinese scientific terms during conversations and meetings. To overcome this challenge, I took the initiative to familiarise myself with the product names and understand their basic functions, considering Evonik’s extensive product portfolio.
Additionally, coming from a research-focused chemistry background, I realised I was unfamiliar with many business terms. To bridge this knowledge gap, I proactively researched business terms online and asked colleagues for clarification on specific calculations.
WHAT ARE YOUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS INTERNSHIP?
I developed a range of skills in Microsoft Excel, including using PivotTables to analyse and organise data, as well as in PowerPoint to create clear and engaging marketing presentations. After extracting and compiling data from various business databases, my mentor guided me in interpreting the datasets and drawing meaningful insights.
Beyond technical skills, I also gained deeper insights into the internal operations of the cosmetic industry. I believe my experience at a well-known chemical ingredient company is highly valuable for pursuing a career in related industries in Singapore, setting me apart from other candidates.
Most importantly, through this six-month overseas internship, I learned to adapt quickly to different situations and become more independent.
HOW DID CAO HELP YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE WORK?
Over the years, I have participated in various CAO events, including career fairs, company talks, internship briefings, company visits and resume workshops. Career fairs and company talks offered valuable industry insights and networking opportunities. Before my internship, I attended resume workshops conducted by my career coach, which helped me refine my resume and greatly supported my overseas internship interview. These experiences boosted my confidence, equipped me with practical knowledge and enhanced my readiness for both my internship and future career.
SHARE ADVICE WITH YOUR PEERS.
The overseas internship experience was a fantastic learning opportunity and has become one of my most memorable experiences. Beyond gaining valuable work experiences, I also had the chance to travel across China during holidays with my friends, which broadened my global perspective.
CAO supported us both financially and practically, offering grants and on-site guidance to help us adapt to a new environment. I recommend keeping an eye on available resources, such as subscribing to the CAO overseas internship channel and attending programme briefings, as these can be extremely helpful.
I strongly encourage all of you to step out of your comfort zone and consider pursuing an overseas internship, as such opportunities may not be as readily available once you begin your career.