Shanghai reminds intern that growth lies beyond the comfort zone

Noora: "My time in China changed how I see the world. It reminded me that growth occurs when you step outside of your comfort zone."

When I stepped out of Pudong Airport, I was met with the humidity and heat of a Shanghai summer. A mix of excitement and nervousness washed over me, but I knew this summer would be something extraordinary.

Though I had studied China’s economy and its role as a global business hub, no amount of theory could have prepared me for the sheer scale and dynamism of Shanghai. 

The city moved at a pace I had never experienced before, especially compared to little Wellington, where streets are quieter and life feels slower.

At first, I felt nervous navigating Shanghai, but it proved surprisingly accessible. The metro ran efficiently, signage was clear in English, and apps made everything from ordering food to paying for transport simple. I never needed cash, as nearly every transaction could be completed through Alipay or WeChat Pay. 

Once I was settled in, I spent my first few weekends exploring the city, wandering through art galleries, spending a night at a 24-hour spa, and discovering the many water gardens Shanghai has to offer.

I tried dishes I had never tasted before, each meal an adventure. Food quickly became a way to connect with the culture and the people around me, and sharing meals with colleagues created opportunities to bond outside of the office. 

Visiting markets with friends and sampling local delicacies was among the many highlights of Noora’s time in China

The team at Addiction warmly welcomed me from the first day. Their openness made it easy to settle in and learn.

The marketing department manages the company’s presence across China, from e-commerce strategies, to brand campaigns, and partnerships. Working alongside them gave me an inside view of how localisation and consumer understanding drive success in a competitive market. 

One of the most memorable experiences was attending Pet Fair Asia, the largest pet industry expo in the world.

The exhibition halls were filled with curious and excited visitors who explored everything from premium pet food to smart pet technologies. Our booth stood out with its distinctive “Kiwiana” theme, a nod to Addiction’s roots.

I enjoyed being part of the brand activation activities and engaging with pet owners. The expo was more than a showcase; it was a carefully designed experience that built connections and left a lasting impression.

Even if someone could not attend in person, each booth, including ours, had a live-streaming area that allowed online audiences to join in and take advantage of exclusive promotions, driving both in-person and online sales.  

Watching the team coordinate, interact with partners, and welcome visitors showed me how much planning, energy, and creativity go into building a brand presence.

When Addiction received the Annual Classic Imported Pet Food Award, the excitement among us reflected the team’s dedication and collaboration to preparing an unforgettable experience. 

Another highlight was working on Solar Term campaigns, which celebrate the 24 seasonal shifts in the traditional Chinese calendar.

I localised content and created posters that wove pets into each solar term’s theme, connecting with pet owners through shared traditions and emotional resonance. It was rewarding to see how something as simple as a poster could foster that sense of cultural connection and community. 

I also created content for Xiaohongshu, a social media platform known for lifestyle storytelling. Producing photo blogs and videos featuring the company’s three office cats was both fun and strategic.

Each piece of content added personality to the brand and helped it feel approachable and genuine. I learned that authenticity and attention to small details can build consumer trust in ways that resonate particularly well with social media users. 

Noora and a friend learning about the local pottery of Jianshui County

After a few months in Shanghai, I was eager to see how life unfolds across other parts of China. Each place revealed another side of the country.

In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, I saw the speed and ambition of modern urban life. In Yunnan, I found a slower rhythm and a deep connection to tradition. 

In Jianshui County, I spent an afternoon learning about purple pottery, a craft passed down through families since the Qing Dynasty. The workshop smelled earthy. It was especially meaningful to try my hand at shaping pottery and to see how this traditional art form continues to provide livelihoods for many artisans today.  

The next morning, I visited a nearby food bazaar. The market buzzed with life. The smell of spicy grilled meat and noodles filled the air. 

I was struck by the humility and generosity of the vendors, who even offered us free food to takeaway. 

It was a joy to chat with locals and wander through the bustling market, full of energy, conversation, and delicious aromas. The lively atmosphere, warm interactions, and strong sense of community made the experience truly unforgettable. 

These encounters enriched my understanding of China's success. I came to see that the country’s progress is driven not only by innovation and technology but also by the determination and creativity of its people.  

Noora says exploring the markets and trying the local cuisine was a way to learn about the culture and connect with colleagues

My time in China changed how I see the world. It reminded me that growth occurs when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Each challenge, conversation, and shared meal taught me something new about both the country and myself. 

Every experience there, from navigating a bustling metropolis to engaging with local communities and working alongside my colleagues, reminded me just how vital curiosity, resilience, and an open mind are to personal and professional growth. 

 The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.

Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.