Breaking into China’s tech industry as an international student isn’t easy—but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible. Here’s how Sherryl Subandi, an Indonesian graduate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University went from trying her luck in small companies to interning at ByteDance and RedNote, and how you can do it too.
Step 1: Networking is your best weapon
It’s always important to leverage international student communities. You can join city-based groups (e.g., "Indonesians in Shanghai" or "Foreign Students in Beijing").
Subandi’s RedNote internship came through the recommendations of two friends, one coming from an Indonesian friend working at RedNote, another coming from a friend in an Indonesian company where she once interned.
Platforms like Shixiseng or Boss Zhipin are challenging for foreigners, so prioritize personal connections!
Step 2: Avoid these common pitfalls
You should beware of startups that are too small, as some of them are just made up of two to three people.
Though you may start with smaller firms to gain experience, you shall transition to big tech companies soon.
Step 3: Prepare for culture shock
China’s work culture is fast-paced—very different from Indonesia’s more relaxed environment. Success here requires adapting to this dynamic environment.
Step 3: Visa & internship certificates
Internship visa is required for a legal internship. Remember that visa has its validity, and you must reapply if switching companies.
As for internship certificates, they do help, but skills matter more—interviewers care about what you actually do.
Here are three golden rules for landing an internship in China:
First, you should start small to build your experience, and then aim for big tech.
Second, persistence pays off. You must apply relentlessly as 1,000 applications may just earn you 10 interviews and one offer.
Third, you can join some student organizations, and remember that leadership roles bring you more referrals! For Subandi, her network exploded after serving as president of Indonesian Student Association in Shanghai, China.
Here’s how her internships changed her career:
"At ByteDance, I mastered goal-setting and project management—skills I now use running my own business!" Subandi said.
She now runs SEEK Tours, a travel startup helping Indonesians to explore China, offering custom trips, guides and ticketing services, and her next goal is to attract Chinese tourists to Indonesia.
She set a clear goal of launching her own company during her undergraduate years, and every internship she pursued was a deliberate step toward that vision.
What’s your purpose in pursuing an internship? What skills, experiences, or insights do you aim to gain? Defining your goals upfront is crucial before starting your application journey!
