Chloe Dai, WH ’28, Toronto, Canada
This summer I packed my computer, bags, and curiosity to one of Asia’s most exciting financial markets: Hong Kong. I had only been to Hong Kong for a week many years ago, so suddenly being thrown into the bustling daily life of a city that never sleeps was daunting. What I didn’t expect was how much I would be challenged, not just professionally but personally. From adapting to a completely different work culture to navigating crowded subways during rush hour, my internship at Bowlea Securities was a lesson in independence, adaptability and global finance.
From the moment I stepped into the financial district, I became one of the many office workers in black suits busily checking their watches. I was hooked by the city’s fast pace. From ordering food in Chinese to figuring out how to use local apps, living alone in a foreign country for an extended period taught me a lot about independence and adaptability. Though the workdays were long and jam packed with learning, on the weekends I was able to explore the city that I called home for the summer. I visited remarkable historical sites, lively shopping districts, and enough bubble tea cafes for a lifetime.
At Bowlea, every workday was different. The lean structure of the team meant I wasn’t confined to one role. I had the rare chance to see how all the parts of a small financial institution come together, from bond underwriting to partner communications. Each day I found myself learning something new about my coworkers, their tasks, and what motivates them. I additionally had the incredible opportunity to spearhead an international tax research project.
Beyond just experiencing a new daily life, I also gained practical experiences. From drafting emails with our correspondents and partner companies, to attending meetings to finalize proposals, I saw what professional etiquette looks like firsthand.
One of the most exciting projects I worked on was leading a new international tax research initiative. Many of Bowlea’s clients have foreign backgrounds but most of the firm’s employees are Chinese, so I was able to leverage my English fluency and international perspective to add value in a meaningful way. I researched tax laws across multiple jurisdictions and synthesized my findings into an article that will inform a new service offering. Knowing that my work would directly impact the firm’s strategy was both challenging and empowering and gave me a sense of ownership I didn’t expect to have as an intern.
Beyond the day-to-day tasks, professional development was a big part of my experience. Every week the whole team would meet to discuss trends, share updates and do homework that forced us to think critically about our industry. I attended company workshops that made me think on my feet, communicate my ideas clearly and collaborate with my colleagues. These sessions made me realize that adaptability, critical thinking and strong communication are just as important as technical knowledge and I’ll carry these skills into any professional setting.
Looking back, this internship was so much more just than a professional endeavor. It was an opportunity to grow personally, to learn how to adapt in unfamiliar environments, and to see finance through a truly global lens. As I continue my journey in this industry, I know the lessons I learned this summer will stay with me and shape the way I approach challenges in the future, and I am grateful to Career Services for making this possible!
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
