The Big Question: “How Do I Start?”

When students begin their journey at ESSEC Asia-Pacific, many share a common concern: “How will I find an internship or job if I don’t have prior experience?” For first-year students especially, the lack of relevant work history or uncertainty about where to start can feel overwhelming.

Questions like “Will anyone hire me?” or “How do I even begin exploring industries?” are completely normal. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Support That Grows With You

That’s where the Career Services team steps in. From Year 1 to graduation, ESSEC APAC offers structured, ongoing support designed to meet students at every stage of their journey. Think of Career Services as your launchpad, not just for landing an internship but for gaining clarity, confidence, and connections.

Students can attend curated workshops on resume writing, networking, and industry exploration. They also get access to working professionals through lunch talks and career panels. 1-to-1 consultations, especially popular with students who want tailored advice. Most importantly, the team partners closely with companies and alumni to bring real-world opportunities to campus.

One Student’s Journey To A Fulfilling Role

Take, for example, a recent student who maximized these resources. She secured a full-time position in Marriott’s Greater China office after completing a 6-month internship with Marriott International in Singapore, an opportunity shared directly through Career Services’ collaboration with the employer.

What made the experience meaningful wasn’t just the brand name but also how it aligned with her interests in hospitality and cross-cultural management. At Career Services, we focus less on what’s considered a “top” internship and more on whether the opportunity helps each student grow professionally and personally.

Hidden Gems In The Career Services Platform

Beyond the visible touchpoints, ESSEC’s Career Services platform is a goldmine of underutilized resources. For those exploring international careers, tools like GoingGlobal provide country-specific guides. At the same time, platforms like Jobs in China connect students with internships and roles in fast-growing markets. For finance enthusiasts, AGORA offers tailored insights and job listings beyond generic job boards.

Don’t Wait To Have It All Figured Out

If there’s one piece of advice the Career Services team always shares, it’s this: Don’t wait to have it all figured out. The best way to discover your path is to try things. Take on internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer. Each experience teaches you something new about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what you value in a work environment.

There’s no single “perfect” internship or job, just the one that helps you grow.

Success Comes From Exploration, Not Labels

Career success doesn’t come from chasing labels like “best” or “top.” It comes from taking action, being open to new experiences, and finding what fits you.

About Cerella Sim, Manager of Career Services at ESSEC Business School

Cerella Sim is a seasoned career coach and partnership builder. With over a decade of recruitment experience across education, IT, semi-con, and chemical industries, she creates global internship pathways, runs impactful career programs, and guides students toward meaningful, well-matched opportunities.