Joyce C.M. Ho
School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Design Intern, Communications Team, UNDP China
2 June ¡V 31 October 2008



2008 is an extraordinary year for China, Wenchuan Earthquake tragically happened in May and the long-expected Olympic Games was held in August. And also extraordinary for UN China and UNDP China ¡V these events make my internship experience even more loaded with meanings and uniqueness.

And I am being in Beijing in June to October 2008, the capital of my country in a rapidly developing stage. I am very glad that I can be part of this important year.

While I was applying for this internship, many of my classmates asked why would I be interested in UNDP China instead of graphic houses or advertising agencies.
At that time, I thought it is not easy for a design student to participate in global organizations and design for good causes.

Being an intern in UNDP China really opens up my mind. In addition to the valuable working experience and skills that I have gained, I have learned much more about the UN system and global development issues, I also attended important international events, worked with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds and so on. Such exposure can only be provided by organizations like UN, which better prepared me to be a designer with global outlook and mindset - and more importantly, a heart that cares about people from all corners of the world.

I worked in the communications team of UNDP, providing visual communication design support. Other than routine and ad hoc tasks, three of my main working focuses are - Wenchuan Earthquake, human development opportunities brought by the Olympics & Paraolympics and ¡¥Our Part¡¦, an environmental awareness initiative in partnership with UNDP China National Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Zhou Xun¡]©P¨³¡^.

I think being an intern in UNDP China is particularly interesting, as the organization is also the country co-ordinator of UN China system. Therefore, I have even more opportunities to work on different topics and work with staff from other UN agencies.

I think the communications team is the right team for me to be in, I have had great sense of achievement working on communications projects with my supervisors and teammates. My supervisors Ms. Zhang Wei and Mr. Su Yan are great leaders, I would like to thank them with deepest gratitude. I have also learned a lot from other UNDP staff, thanks for their help and generosity in sharing knowledge and experience.

Lastly, the UN Compound is in a beautiful area of Beijing, I am very glad that I can work in such an inspiring environment.

Acknowledgements

I treasure this internship experience very much, as there were competitive selections. I am very grateful to the Peace Development Foundation for offering me the internship opportunity and providing the financial allowance, which makes my staying in Beijing possible.

I would also like to express my thanks to Ms. Louisa So and Ms. Ho Man Sze from the Student Affairs Office, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Dr. Josie Zhou from UNDP in helping me throughout the application period. I should also thank Ms. Margaret Ho, Work-Integrated-Education Officer of the School of Design, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for her advice, help and encouragement. And last but not least, Professor Kith Tsang, for being my internship supervisor at the School of Design.