* The interview was conducted in Dec 2003

Luk Yim Mei - BSc (SSLM) Year III
Obtained AIA Foundation Scholarship in 2003

• Please briefly introduce yourself.
• What functions / extra-curricular activities have you organized?
• What are your working experience and community service experience?
• What are your career objectives and future plan?
• How did you prepare yourself for the interview of the scholarship?
• How many rounds of interview were there?
• Where did the interview take place?
• What languages were used during interview?
• How long was the interview?
• What was the format of interview?
• As far as you remember, what questions did they ask?
• What do you think are the factors contributing to your success in obtaining the scholarship?
• What advice would you like to give students applying for this scholarship and preparing for interview(s)?

Please briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Luk Yim Mei. I am a year III student majoring in Sports Science and Leisure Management. For secondary education, I studied in Jockey Club Ti-I College as an Arts student. I obtained the AIA Foundation Scholarship last year.

What functions / extra-curricular activities have you organized?

In year I, I was the General Secretary of Swimming Club, HKUSU. I organized various activities such as the Inter-Hall / Faculty Aquatic Meet. I also participated in many Inter-University swimming competitions. I am currently the HKU Ladies' Swimming Team Captain.

What are your working experience and community service experience?

As a voluntary worker, I am a Tour Guide of the Guided Tour Service offered by Hong Kong Science Museum. I am responsible for conducting tour visits for different people, including children and the elderly. Besides, I was a member in HKU team to help organizing the fundraising event Trailwalker. For working experience, I am a part-time Swimming Coach in Leisure and Cultural Services Department, teaching both children and adults.

What are your career objectives and future plan?

I hope that my future work can arouse people's interest in sports and health, and a career that can provide satisfaction and enjoyment to my clients, in which my colleagues and myself will also gain a sense of achievement. For long-term objective, I hope I could have the chance to help in organizing the Olympic Games in 2008.

How did you prepare yourself for the interview of the scholarship?

There was an interview preparation session organized by the Careers and Placement, CEDARS and AIA for shortlisted candidates, giving company information and tips on the interview. The session was held at the company, and lasted for about 3 hours. Besides, I visited the company's website to get familiar with the company's background, business nature, etc. I also read the tips prepared by the Careers and Placement, CEDARS website. That really helped me a lot.

How many rounds of interview were there?

There was only one round of interview.

Where did the interview take place?

It took place at the AIA - SE Asia Headquarters in Wanchai.

What languages were used during interview?

The interview was conducted in English and Cantonese. (No Putonghua was used.)

How long was the interview?

It lasted for about 20 minutes.

What was the format of interview?

It was an individual interview: one interviewer to one interviewee.

As far as you remember, what questions did they ask?

• Introduce yourself and your education background
• Why do you apply for this scholarship?
• Describe your family background. (This is to justify the need for financial assistance.)
• How would you spend the money if you got the scholarship?
• What activities have you joined inside or outside school?
• Have you participated in any voluntary work?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• Do you have any working experience?
• What do you want to do after graduation? What are your short-term and long-term objectives? (The interviewer emphasized on this question very much and spent a lot of time on it!)

What do you think are the factors contributing to your success in obtaining the scholarship?

I think my active involvement in extra-curricular activities and community services and my interview performance are the most important factors that they would consider. Besides, a clear goal and a realistic career development plan are also essential since the interviewer would ask for your detailed explanation on these aspects.

What advice would you like to give students applying for this scholarship and preparing for interview(s)?

The interview just covers some general questions. Candidates should be genuine and describe their family background (e.g. financial status) honestly. The atmosphere of the interview is just like a chat, so the candidate doesn't need to be nervous. But of course, formal dressing is required. Bring along your exam result slips and certificates to the interview for verification.

To prepare for the interview, candidate should revise their application form beforehand, because the interviewer would follow your points on the application form and ask you to further elaborate on them.

Remember to write a thank you letter to the company after getting the scholarship!