CEDARS-Careers and Placement
The University of Hong Kong
Enquiries: CEDARS-HOUSE@cedars.hku.hk
intern with founder
Join the startup workforce and gain a credit!
Entrepreneurship Internship Programme
under the Credit Award Scheme for Out-of-classroom Learning Experiences
Experience the thrill of entrepreneurship without the need of starting a company
Uncover the firsthand experience of building a startup
Explore opportunities to sharpen your career skill
HOW IT WORKS?
Intern with Founder is an entrepreneurship internship programme under CEDARS HOUSE (Hub of University Student Entrepreneurs) that encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial capacities and mindset through hands-on intern opportunities with founders. The programme also builds bridges for entrepreneurial ventures to tap into the HKU talent pool.
Students will be working closely with the founders of start‐up companies, innovation‐oriented companies, and entrepreneurial social ventures. The internship duration may range from eight weeks to one year, and can be either paid or non-paid in part‐time or full‐time mode.
More than that, ONE CREDIT under the Credit Award Scheme for Out-of-classroom Learning Experiences will be rewarded to students who have completed the programme and fulfilled the designated requirements.
WHO CAN JOIN?
For all year of study, all disciplines, UG and PG, locals and non-locals with an NOL
The programme is open to all years, including first year and final year students who are:
⊳ Excited, engaged or curious to know more about entrepreneurship and the startup community
⊳ Thinking about pursuing an entrepreneurial career
⊳ Ready for a steep learning curve and a "all hands on deck" working environment
⊳ Passionate in playing many roles that cross traditional functional areas as a matter of necessity
FAQs OF THE INTERNSHIP WITH FOUNDER
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Is the internship paid or unpaid?Subject to mutual agreement between the company and the student, some internships are non‐paid with allowance provided, while some internships are paid.
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How long is the internship period?The Programme opens for company registration all year round. Students should stay tuned with the internship postings below and apply as soon as the internships are publicised. Internship should begin as soon as the position is offered to student. Subject to mutual agreement between the company and the student, the internship duration should be in a minimum of 8 weeks and up to 1 year, either part‐time or full‐time mode.
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What is the process flow of Intern with Founder?Application for Startup internship programmes Startup interviews Offer and internship begins Inform CEDARS the Offers Internship ends and evaluation Eligible to apply for one credit under the Credit Award Scheme for Out-of-classroom Learning Experiences
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What are the prerequisites for booking the coaching sessions in Coachiever?You must attend “Workshop 1: Activate your Self-exploration & Career Planning” and complete the worksheets given at the workshop before booking the 1st coaching session; and you must complete both “Workshop 1” and “Workshop 2: CV & Interview Essentials” before booking the 2nd coaching session.
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What is the difference between Coachiever’s personalised career coaching and the One-on-One Career Advising Service?The personalised career coaching in Coachiever is a guided process to help you improve in the areas of: (1) self-awareness and exploration; (2) career planning and goal setting; and (3) internship or workplace challenges. Students looking for career advice out of the above areas (e.g. CV review, interview preparation) should use the One-on-One Career Advising Service.
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How do I know if I am suitable for joining Coachiever?You are welcome to join Coachiever if you want to receive tailored guidance and support in defining your career goals. Our professional coaches can also help you tackle internship or workplace challenges if you are facing or have encountered any of them.
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Can I choose different coaches for my 1st and 2nd coaching sessions?You are not given this option as there are coherence between the 1st and the 2nd coaching sessions. You will benefit most by meeting the same coach in the two sessions for personalised guidance.
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I have already completed all the three workshops and the two coaching sessions, can I apply to join the next intake for more coaching sessions?"With limited quota available, each student is expected to join Coachiever one time only throughout their study programme.
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The coach whom I want to meet is fully booked, what can I do?"There will be new coaching time slots uploaded to the booking system every two weeks. You can check and make the booking at a later time.
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Can first year undergraduate students or postgraduate students join Coachiever?Yes, Coachiever is open to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students of any year or major of studies.
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How can I know if my coaching appointment is confirmed or not?A confirmation email will be sent to you if your booking is successful. You can always log on to the booking system to check the status of your booking. You are reminded to make the commitment to attend the appointment once it is confirmed.
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What do I need to prepare before attending the coaching session?You will receive two worksheets during Workshop 1. The worksheets will guide you through the process of reflecting on yourself and getting prepared for the coaching session. To benefit most from the coaching, you should complete both worksheets and upload them to the booking system when you book the 1st coaching session. The coach will refer to your answers in the worksheets during the coaching process.
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What is the quota for each intake?The quota of each intake varies and an average of 50 students will be accepted each time.
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How can I make booking for the coaching sessions?You will receive an email notification one week after you have fulfilled the workshop attendance requirements for the coaching. You can then log on to the booking system with your HKU Portal to view the available coaching time slots and make the booking.
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When will be the next intake?Coachiever accepts applications on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Please stay tuned to our updates about the next intake on this website.
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I am eager to meet the coach again after my 2nd coaching session, can I do that?"Currently two coaching sessions are offered to each student in Coachiever, with an objective to have more students benefited from the personalised career coaching.
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Is there any time limit for me to make booking for the coaching sessions?Yes, you must book the 1st coaching session within 3 months after attending Workshop 1. For the 2nd coaching session, you are encouraged to make booking after completing Workshop 2 and within the academic year of your intake. You are not allowed to make booking after the specified period.
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Why is there an Optional Workshop? Who should attend this workshop?The Optional Workshop of “Know Yourself – Exercises to discover you” aims at helping students reflect on themselves through some simple exercises. The findings will enable you to know yourself better and facilitate your career planning and future job interviews. You are welcome to join the workshop if you find it hard to tell your own values, interests, skills, etc.
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I am only interested in one of the three workshops, can I skip the others?"All the training workshops are designed to give you basic knowledge before going for the coaching. You are encouraged to attend both Workshop 1 and Workshop 2 as well as the Optional Workshop so that you have better ideas on the topics and are able to focus on more in-depth items during the coaching sessions.
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The schedule of workshop(s) in the current intake clashes with my lectures, what can I do?"You are welcome to sign up the workshop(s) scheduled for the next intake. Please stay tuned to our updates on this website.
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Do I have to join all workshops in this series?It is optional for you to choose to attend any of the workshops according to your own needs. Topics 1-3 focus more on preparation for internship application, while Topics 4-6 provide insights on workplace skills after on-boarding.
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Are there any assignments or mini projects involved in attending the training workshop?No assignments or mini projects will be involved in the training workshops. You will be invited to do some sharing and discussion with the class and may be asked to complete some self-reflection exercises that will not be assessed nor disclosed.
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Is signing up for training workshop and / or coaching session the prerequisite for applying to the STEM Internship scheme?The training and coaching service is NOT a prerequisite for applying and joining the STEM Internship Scheme, however, eligible students are highly recommended to sign up for the training workshops and coaching sessions to get better prepared and increase chance of success in your internship application, as well as to optimise your learning experience during internship and future career journey.
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What if the training and coaching session clash with my internship normal working hours?Our training and coaching series is a value added services aim to boost your internship performance and learning experience. Your employer is also made aware of such services as an integral part of your overall internship journey, through our promotional materials and information on HKU STEM Internship scheme website. While most of our training and coaching sessions will be scheduled to minimise any potential impact on normal working hours, if you require special assistance, please reach out to us on stem.tasc@hku.hk.
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What do I need to prepare before attending a coaching session?You are required to prepare and submit your latest CV on the booking system at the time you make the appointment. You can also submit other relevant documents e.g. job advertisement, cover letter, etc. if applicable.
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Is there any prerequisite for booking an individual coaching session?There is no prerequisite for booking an individual coaching session as long as you are a student of one of the STEM programmes.
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How many coaching sessions can I book?We hope to allow as many students as possible to benefit from the individual coaching. You are encourage to attend one coaching session. Follow-up sessions can be arranged on request if necessary.
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Who can apply for this Training and Coaching Service?Undergraduate and Postgraduate students studying in one of the STEM programmes can apply. Those who are going to apply for internship under the STEM Internship Scheme are highly encouraged to join.
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The workshop schedule clashes with my class / exam, what can I do?Workshops will roll out from time to time throughout the year. Stay tuned to emails, announcements and updates on this website.
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What is the quota for each workshop?The quota for each training workshop is 50 under normal circumstances.
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Company EvaluationHave your Host Company/ Organisation provide feedback to CEDARS
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Report Job OfferReport your offer and provide a copy of the signed internship agreement or contract
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Student EvaluationComplete the student evaluation form and self-assessment
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Joint Institution Job Information System (JIJIS)
A one-stop online career service for employers and university students jointly offered by the career centres of all universities in Hong Kong. All full-time UGC-funded undergraduate and postgraduate students can access the system for full-time / part-time / temporary jobs available.
Credit Award Scheme for
Out-of-classroom Learning Experiences
Reward ONE credit by application if you have fulfilled ALL the following requirements:
The total number of interning hours are NOT LESS THAN 20 hours
Both employers & students complete evaluation on internship
Students complete an online questionnaire on their job duties & learnings with self-ratings
3 STEPS to follow for eligible students to apply for the credit:
[ Click the boxes to go to the respective pages ]
