Samantha Carter, Wragge & Co trainee, went on secondment to Guangzhou
Asian Expansion
A sixth-month secondment to China was the perfect way to pair my enthusiasm for travel with the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of the world’s second largest economy.
Sam Carter
During my secondment, I assisted with projects for high-profile clients such as Dyson, with relation to the enforcement of its IP rights in China, and for the internationally acclaimed architect, Zaha Hadid, regarding a design services agreement.
In addition, the secondment afforded excellent opportunities to develop my business development skills. After being in China for only three weeks, I had visited a government official in Gaoming, had lunch with representatives from a Chinese law firm, attended various British Chamber of Commerce networking events and drafted a client pitch document.
However, it wasn’t all work and I managed to make time to explore the diverse and culturally rich country. I visited Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Yangshuo, and volunteered at a special needs centre in Xian.
My secondment to China was an amazing experience, both personally and professionally, and one that I will never forget. Since my return to the UK I have continued my Mandarin lessons and I am keen to remain involved with the firm’s China offering.
