Reflection on my Internship Experience at Art Basel Hong Kong

在巴塞爾香港藝術展實習是我一生難忘的記憶，它不僅給我帶來了對於未來職業願景上的成長，工作能力的提升，還讓我成為一個更好的人，結識了珍貴的朋友並拓寬了我的人脈圈，讓我能夠未來在豐富的藝術世界繼續遨遊。能加入這個實習，是來自於MALCS的工作機會提供。在收到系里發出的招聘信息後，我迅速優化我的cv並進行了一輪筆試和兩輪面試。剛開始是由招聘平台的HR進行的群體面試，以錄像問答的形式進行。在進入到下一輪後，會和所申請的部門主管進行一對一交流，他/她將評估你是否具備進入這個公司的資格並作出最終決定。整個流程進行了一個多月，期間有緊張但更多是期待，因為我很渴望能夠體驗香港的職場環境和藝術文化氛圍，並且我所申請的VIP Team和我過往在電影節、電視台、自媒體公司所實習的經歷非常吻合，於是我堅定的申請並迎接著這段新的冒險。

加入Art Basel Hong Kong最主要的原因當然是因為它備受尊敬的地位，它是世界上影響力最大的藝術展之一，而香港每年的展會更是代表著亞洲藝術新面孔的盛會。其次是我希望我能夠通過在這樣頂尖的藝術機構工作來檢驗我是否具備繼續在這個行業前行的潛力，以便我之後的職業發展道路。在半年多的時間里，我承擔了大量不同的工作，包括最基礎的如PPT的製作，CRM系統的數據整理，回復來自全球VIP客戶的詢問郵件等；除此之外是更加考驗溝通技巧和臨場反應的工作，如我曾跟隨我的導師組織策劃了一場為大灣區VIP客戶準備的香港藝術體驗活動，我們去到不同的畫展去感受在地藝術的奇妙。在這個過程中有大量需要溝通，協助的工作，我也提升了我的活動組織能力。接著是最核心的展會環節，我所承擔的責任也隨之更多。首先我需要負責在Harbour Road的五個VIP咨詢台，從全球各地趕來的參展者會遇到各種各樣的問題，而我們成為了迎接所有這些問題和情緒的第一關，而且我還需要獨立培訓Host和Hostess，類似一個組長的身份帶領大家一同團隊合作應對種種突發情況。整個過程中，不論有多危急都需要保持專業和冷靜，這無疑極大程度提升了我的工作專業性。除此之外還需要陪同Mentor接待一些VIP客戶，這也是非常有挑戰性的，因為他們會對這個享譽世界的藝術展有大量好奇，而我們需要給到他們準確且細緻的回答。

值得一提的是對語言能力的運用，在辦公室里我努力學會了基本的粵語交流用語，而在展會期間，我飛速地提升了我三語切換能力。至於人際關係網，我想最讓我難以忘記的是一同進入公司實習的小夥伴們，我們一共13人來自不同的學校和專業以及文化背景（比如有來自全球不同種族和膚色的同事，團隊是非常多元化的，但又是十分愛與和平的），每個人都非常的優秀，光是從同齡人身上都能夠學習到大量的知識。尤其是在工作的同時我們互相幫助互相支持，給予對方無限的愛和理解，也因為他們我這段實習才這麼有趣。導師的指導更是獨一無二，我們VIP團隊的Mentor每個人身上都有很強的精英感，他們在面對疑難雜症時非常冷靜並且能夠迅速想出完備的解決辦法，另一方面她們在面對客戶時又能夠展現柔軟且細膩的一面。從他們身上我學到最多的是對自己的自信，與人溝通交際的能力，以及如何在團隊活動的過程中互幫互助，在面對他人暴躁的情緒時保持平靜等。

對於未來的申請者，我認為提升你們的表達能力是非常重要的，尤其是對於身處藝術世界的公司來說。我認為這裡大部分人都是十分熱情和積極的，他們有很多創造性的想法，工作中也有大量與同事/客戶/合作方等溝通的需求，所以清晰的表達能力很重要。再者是要有一個穩定的情緒和強大的體力，因為整個過程需要你在白天完成8小時工作晚上緊接著完成學校的課業，可以說是連軸轉的。特別是會展期間可能每天要工作超10小時，所以提升自己情緒的穩定性和健康的體魄也是必不可缺的一環。最後我想說的是我感謝學院給了我這樣的機會讓我去體驗多元文化和我夢寐以求的藝術世界，同時我也感謝公司給了我平台讓我去充分的發揮我的能力，將很多重任交給我，我對這份信任無比感激（公司還會提供1v1的私人就業指導教練，來幫助你整理工作進度的同時嘗試瞭解你未來想做什麼，該怎麼去實現等）這樣的豐富的資源是很難得的；然後是我的實習生夥伴們，在我最焦慮的時候給了我能量讓我能夠繼續完成目標，最後我想感謝我自己，在不斷的奔跑和堅持不懈的努力下完成了學業和實習雙任務，有了更多的成長。

My Transformative Journey at Art Basel Hong Kong

Interning at Art Basel Hong Kong was undoubtedly one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life—not only did it propel my professional growth, but it also shaped me into a more capable, confident, and culturally aware individual. This extraordinary opportunity came to me through MALCS' job portal, where I first discovered the recruitment email sent by our department. Recognizing the immense value of this position, I immediately set to work refining my CV and preparing for the rigorous selection process, which included a written test followed by two rounds of interviews.

The first stage was a group video interview conducted by HR, where I had to respond to pre-recorded questions under time constraints—a format that tested both my composure and ability to articulate my thoughts clearly. Advancing to the next round, I faced a one-on-one interview with the department head of the VIP Team, who assessed my suitability for the role. The entire process spanned over a month, filled with moments of nervous anticipation but also immense excitement. I was particularly drawn to the prospect of working in Hong Kong’s fast-paced professional environment and immersing myself in its vibrant art scene. The VIP Team position resonated deeply with my background, as my prior experiences at film festivals, television stations, and digital media companies had already equipped me with relevant skills in client relations and event coordination. With unwavering determination, I embraced this new challenge, eager to prove my capabilities.

Choosing Art Basel: A Platform for Growth and Exploration

My decision to pursue an internship at Art Basel Hong Kong was driven by multiple factors. First and foremost, Art Basel is one of the most prestigious and influential art fairs in the world, and its Hong Kong edition serves as a gateway to Asia’s dynamic contemporary art market. Being part of such an institution meant exposure to groundbreaking artists, collectors, and industry leaders—an unparalleled learning opportunity. Beyond the prestige, I saw this as a chance to test my own potential in the art world. I wanted to challenge myself in a high-pressure, international environment to determine whether I had the skills and resilience to build a career in this field.

A Multifaceted Role: From Administrative Tasks to High-Stakes Challenges

Over the course of six months, my responsibilities evolved from foundational tasks to complex, high-stakes projects. Initially, my work involved creating polished PowerPoint presentations for client meetings, organizing and updating CRM databases, and responding to inquiries from VIP attendees across the globe. While these tasks may sound routine, they were crucial in teaching me the importance of precision, professionalism, and attention to detail—qualities that are indispensable in the art world.

However, the real growth came when I was entrusted with more demanding assignments. One of the most memorable experiences was co-organizing an exclusive art tour for VIP clients from the Greater Bay Area alongside my mentor. This project required meticulous planning—from selecting galleries and coordinating schedules to ensuring seamless logistics. During the tour, we visited multiple exhibitions, where I had the privilege of facilitating conversations between collectors and artists. This experience honed my ability to think on my feet, adapt to unexpected changes, and communicate effectively across cultural and linguistic barriers.

The Pinnacle: Leading During the Main Exhibition

The highlight of my internship was undoubtedly the main exhibition, where I was given significant responsibility as the lead for five VIP help desks at Harbour Road. As the first point of contact for international attendees, I fielded a wide range of inquiries—from logistical questions about the fair’s layout to more nuanced discussions about artwork on display. The role demanded not only knowledge but also emotional intelligence, as I often had to manage the frustrations and high expectations of VIP guests.

One of my most rewarding tasks was training and supervising a team of hosts and hostesses. Acting as a de facto team leader, I guided them through protocols, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring smooth operations. This experience was instrumental in developing my leadership skills, particularly in maintaining professionalism under pressure. Additionally, I had the opportunity to accompany my mentor in hosting high-profile VIP clients, which required a deep understanding of art market trends and the ability to provide insightful, tailored responses to their questions.

Language and Cultural Fluency: Breaking Barriers

Working in Hong Kong’s multilingual environment pushed me to enhance my language skills significantly. In the office, I made a concerted effort to learn basic Cantonese, which helped me connect better with local colleagues. During the fair, I frequently switched between English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, depending on the needs of our guests. This trilingual agility not only improved my communication abilities but also deepened my appreciation for cultural nuances in professional settings.

The People: The Heart of the Experience

Beyond the professional challenges, what made this internship truly unforgettable were the people I met. Our cohort of 13 interns was incredibly diverse, representing different universities, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds. Despite our differences, we formed a tight-knit community, supporting each other through the demands of the internship and sharing countless moments of laughter and camaraderie.

The mentorship I received was equally invaluable. My supervisors exemplified a rare combination of sharp business acumen and genuine warmth. Observing how they navigated complex situations—whether handling a difficult client or making split-second decisions during the fair—taught me lessons that extended far beyond the workplace. From them, I learned the importance of confidence, adaptability, and maintaining grace under pressure.

Advice for Future Applicants

For those aspiring to intern at Art Basel or similar institutions, I would emphasize the following:

• Master the Art of Communication – Whether writing emails, presenting to clients, or resolving conflicts, clear and persuasive communication is essential.
• Build Emotional Resilience – The role can be demanding, with long hours and high expectations, especially during the fair. The ability to stay composed and solution-oriented is critical.
• Embrace Cultural Curiosity – An open-minded approach to different perspectives will enrich both your professional and personal growth.
• Stay Organized and Proactive – Juggling multiple responsibilities requires excellent time management and the initiative to anticipate needs before they arise.

Gratitude: A Foundation for Future Growth

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude—to MALCS for connecting me with this life-changing opportunity, to Art Basel for trusting me with meaningful responsibilities (including access to a career coach who provided invaluable guidance), and to my fellow interns for their unwavering support. Most importantly, I am proud of myself for rising to the challenge and proving that I could thrive in this competitive environment.

This internship was more than just a line on my resume; it was a launchpad for my future. The skills I gained, the relationships I built, and the confidence I developed have already opened new doors in my career. Art Basel Hong Kong was not just a workplace—it was a proving ground where I discovered my potential and set the stage for the next chapter of my professional journey.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude—to MALCS for connecting me with this life-changing opportunity, to Art Basel for trusting me with meaningful responsibilities ... and to my fellow interns for their unwavering support.