CAPI: Global BBA Internship Report in Thailand

We caught up with Reza, a 3rd year Global BBA student who has just completed an overseas internship in Thailand through the NUCB CAPI Program (Career Advancement Program International) with the help of the NUCB Careers Office.

What is CAPI?

NUCB Undergraduate School has developed an international internship program with Japanese companies in the ASEAN market to provide our students with an international perspective to be successful in the rapidly globalizing world of today.

Students can transfer up to 2 credits for the internship if they submit an internship report (2,000+ words) and do a final presentation in English. The university scholarship covers 50% or airfare and 50% of hotel accommodation. The total amount of scholarship ranges from ¥120,000 - ¥140,000

Why did you want to do an internship overseas?

I wanted to do an internship overseas to gain hands-on experience in a new cultural and professional setting. Working abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to adapt to unfamiliar situations, and helps you develop a global mindset. Thailand was particularly appealing because I had already developed a strong connection to the country, having studied at Bangkok Prep International School for my A-Levels.

The opportunity to apply classroom concepts to real-world situations while honing essential skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving was another major factor. Professionally, interning in HR and consulting allowed me to gain insight into international business practices and understand cultural nuances, which is highly valuable in today’s globalized job market.

The personal growth that comes from living and working abroad was another driving factor. The experience fosters independence, resilience, and confidence, all of which are essential in navigating both work and life in a foreign country.

How was your experience pre-departure?

Pre-departure, we had several training sessions on Japanese business etiquette, culture, and professional communication. These sessions covered topics like business email etiquette and cultural differences, which were crucial for preparing us to work in an international setting.

NUCB played a key role in helping us with logistical preparations, from securing accommodation to navigating visa requirements. The university also covered 50% of my flight and accommodation costs, which eased the financial burden and allowed me to focus more on the internship experience itself. Connecting with other interns during this phase helped build a sense of camaraderie and shared expectations before we left for Thailand.

What was the company you interned for? What was your role?

I interned at Pasona Recruitment Thailand, a well-established company specializing in consulting and recruitment services.  My role was split between two key functions: Recruiting Agent (RA) and Consulting Agent (CA).

As an RA, I was responsible for sourcing potential clients by cold calling companies and building business relationships. This required strong research skills and effective communication to identify companies that needed recruitment services and to present our offerings to them.

As a CA, I worked closely with clients to match job openings with suitable candidates. This involved understanding the client’s needs, reviewing candidate profiles, and ensuring a strong match between the two. This dual role gave me a holistic view of the recruitment process, from client acquisition to finding the right talent.

What have you learned from this experience?

This internship provided me with valuable professional skills and insights. I learned the importance of effective communication, especially in cross-cultural settings where language barriers and cultural nuances play a big role. The experience sharpened my adaptability and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in a global business environment.

I also learned the value of patience and perseverance. Not every cold call or client meeting resulted in immediate success, but I realized that every interaction contributed to building long-term business relationships. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and staying motivated, even when results aren’t instant.