My Internship Journey at Hutchison Ports: Empowering Growth through Inclusion and Real-World Experience
Gaining real workplace experience is vital in shaping university students’ professional skills, self-confidence, and understanding of the modern work environment. For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), such opportunities are even more valuable as they offer practical exposure while encouraging self-advocacy and adaptation. Gemma Wong, a year 3 Marketing student at City University of Hong Kong with hearing impairment, experienced this firsthand during her transformative HR internship at Hutchison Ports, made possible through the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: CareER Thriving Grass Career Development Program 2025 (Thriving Grass).
📌 How Did You Start Your Internship at Hutchison Ports? What Did You Learn from the Experience?
I sought out the internship at Hutchison Ports to apply my skills in a real-world setting and to gain a deeper understanding of how professional teams operate. Previously, I had worked as a private English tutor, waitress, and event helper, but this was my first significant exposure to an inclusive corporate environment.
In this HR role, I was introduced to the specific demands of port operations, especially the critical focus on security and detailed administrative processes. I quickly learned new tools like Miro, helped troubleshoot technical issues for my team, and was proud to receive recognition for my contributions. Balancing multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting required me to stay organised—daily to-do lists became a key strategy to maintain focus and motivation.
One of the most rewarding aspects was connecting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Sharing a lunch conversation with a Pakistani teammate, discussing cultural and social topics, broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for workplace inclusivity.
📌 What Are the Achievements or Challenges Did You Find in This Internship?
One of the most meaningful achievements during my internship was learning to adapt my communication style to suit different personalities and preferences. I have hearing loss in my left ear at 80 decibels (dB) and moderate loss in my right ear at 21 dB. For context, normal hearing is typically within 0 to 20 dB, so my left ear has a severe hearing loss, while my right ear has mild hearing loss, especially for high-pitched sounds. Because of this, I communicated openly about my accommodation needs, such as preferring face-to-face meetings without face masks, having colleagues speak to me on my right side, and using headphones in quiet settings to manage loud tinnitus.
At times, I forgot to wear my hearing aid, which posed challenges in understanding conversations. However, I found that openly explaining my situation and politely asking for repetition created an atmosphere of empathy and support among my coworkers. Adjusting to the office environment was initially tough; I struggled with breathing and fatigue that necessitated taking short breaks for fresh air and movement. By consciously improving my posture and incorporating hourly movement, I gradually built resilience.
Maintaining consistent energy was another challenge, especially during intense event preparations. After those demanding periods, I felt a dip in motivation and feared disappointing my supervisor. Creating structured daily goals helped me regain clarity and drive. The lengthy commute each day also underscored the importance of work-life balance, making me rethink future job location preferences.
Each obstacle taught me the value of perseverance, self-advocacy, and maintaining open communication, which collectively empowered me to succeed in a diverse environment.
📌 What’s Your Feedback on CareER and the Thriving Grass Program’s Support During This Internship? Is There Anything You Would Like to Share with Your Peers?
I first encountered CareER through their scholarship program, then I was introduced to the Thriving Grass program and immediately found their support invaluable. CareER’s Recruitment team consistently shared information about workshops, job opportunities, and offered personalised advice on career planning and workplace challenges.
Their ongoing encouragement and regular check-ins reassured me that I was not alone throughout the internship journey. This sense of community bolstered my confidence and helped me embrace challenges with greater openness.
To fellow students with SEN or other challenges, I urge you to pursue internships and opportunities without hesitation. Every experience, even when difficult, is a stepping stone to discovering your strengths and growing professionally and personally. Supported by the Thriving Grass program, alongside mentors and peers, you can thrive and break barriers in any field.