余小青

    I just quit my first job as an international purchasing agent. It was not an easy decision. My colleagues were nice to me, and the workplace felt like a big family. However, I decide it was time to try something new.

   It was last March when I had just finished college and was seeking an internship so that I could complete the research required for my college degree. In the end, I came to work in Shenzhen.

   At first, I was only responsible for translating Chinese inspection reports into English. As business English was my major, it was quite a simple task. Due to my good performance and attitude, I was promoted to the role of international purchasing agent after a month. That position allowed me to do business with foreigners through Skype, e-mail or face to face, and I no longer had to spend the whole day doing boring paper work.

My job included making enquiries and counter-offers, placing orders with suppliers, following up the procedures of the orders and arranging shipments. In a word, I had to handle all these issues single-handedly. As an international purchasing agent, I also have to contact my clients every day to keep them updated of the details of goods so they can better execute their orders.

   Thanks to my first job, both my oral English and my ability to negotiate improved greatly. In addition, I met a lot of nice people, which was a very positive experience. Even though I resigned, I had a great time there. I want to thank everybody who made doing that job a pleasent experience. This article is dedicated to my colleagues and is in commemoration of my first job.