Grade 11 Career Day: Company Visits

On the afternoon of May the 30th, we organized a Career Day activity, which provided students the opportunity to visit companies including Nike, S.point, INTCO, Shanghai life Science and Technology Co., Ltd, Splunk, DēLonghi and so on.

24 students visited the S. Point company where they were warmly welcomed. On the first floor of the company, the students learned about some industrial design products. In the conference room on the second floor, the creative director talked to the students about his experience of learning about art and working in the design industry. The students all learned a lot from the visit.

Some other students visited Tongji University to learn about new-energy automobiles. The professors there introduced them to new kinds of batteries, which are powered by hydrogen reacting with air. These batteries are far more efficient than current batteries because they produce less waste heat. Also, there is nearly no pollution since the chemical reaction produces only water, and the energy can be recycled. Hopefully, the hydrogen batteries will replace fuel in powering cars in the future.

Life Science and Technology Co. Ltd. is one of the few in the country that specializes in stem cell clinical research and implementation. During the visit, the reception personnel explained to the students how the basic process of stem cell research and real life application is conducted, and its possible implications on the future of medicine. Under the receptionists’ guidance, the students were able to view their germ-free laboratory, and saw numerous high-tech bio-pharmaceutical devices through the observatory windows. Through this visit, the students not only acquired a more comprehensive understanding of the frontiers of stem cell research, but were also able to view how laboratories function firsthand.

In one of the flagship stores of DēLonghi Group, the HR staff there gave the students a brief introduction about the company and some advice for career planning. Later, she also gave some tips on sales. Then the students were divided into two groups and participated in a product sales competition using the tips they just learnt. At last, everyone also got the chance of using the products to make various drinks and cookies by themselves. Overall it was a great opportunity for students to get closer to the world of actual jobs and careers.

In the office of Splunk, the staff members first provided the students with a brief overview of their company’s objectives and explained the concept of ‘big data’. Then, they led the students around their workplace, which had won awards for aesthetics over the past two years. This visit helped the students to understand how a modern company functions.

Some other students visited Nike. They briefly toured the company premises and in which they saw statues inspired by the tennis ball paths of Li Na and the hurdles crossed by Liu Xiang. Then, via an illustration on the cafeteria wall, they learned about the history of Nike. They were informed about Nike’s current development through a staff presentation. At the end of the trip, the students went to the apparel shop they have been looking forward to, and some of them went home with Nike products of their choosing.

The AIPU WATON Electronics Enterprise Co., Ltd. produces and assembles different kinds of electronic cables. Led by an electronics engineer, the students visited the assembly line of the factory, watched the manufacturing process of the cables and, with a detailed explanation of electronic development from the engineer, observed electronic models with great interest. Many of them, after understanding the impact of the increasing use of electricity in society, experienced the great complexity and magic of engineering technology.

At the Ozner Company in Pudong, the arrival of the students also received a warm reception. Under the guidance of company employees, everyone had a look at the products, and learned about the changes and expansion that the company has experienced since its establishment. Then they entered the lab to watch water purification experiments, not only for science and technology, but also for environmental protection. With a new understanding about cleaning water, everyone better understood that they must pay attention to the cleanliness of drinking water, to saving water, and to protecting the environment.

Shanghai Intco Industries Co., Ltd specializes in transforming discarded Styrofoam into useful wall decoration products like photo frames and mirror frames. The employees there showed the visiting students a gallery of their final frame products and took them to their workshop, where they were able to see the production process. Lastly, the employees introduced the SHSID students to their quality check tests and even allowed them to operate simple machines by themselves. By recycling Styrofoam, IntCo is advocating an environmental-friendly lifestyle.

After the visits, most students had a clearer picture of their future career paths.

(Written by Grade 11 students Pictures by Grade 11 homeroom teachers)