Finance interns shine in spotlight

According to Bai Xue, producer of the show, around 10,000 youngsters signed up for the show and most came from top universities from both China and overseas. They all had different academic backgrounds, such as business, computer science, electronic and electrical engineering and mathematics.

Bai says the 30 finalists for the show were all qualified for the company's hiring standards. "We hope to see a group of young people who are alive and passionate. With different personalities, they bring a different mindset when it comes to working, learning, friendship and family," she says.

Wang Xi, deputy director of Jiangsu TV, thinks job hunting and employment is a hot-button issue among Generation Z, and they want to create a program focusing on that topic.

"The financial industry has not been touched by variety shows in China, yet it's an industry that people are curious about. So, the show is unique. Also, it's an industry that gathers a bunch of talented people from top universities," Wang explains.

"We also want the audience to get a closer look at how a securities company applies professional skills to help their clients with asset allocation and helping both the economy and companies achieve healthy growth," he says.

Wang is impressed by all nine interns. "They show the courage and resilience the young generation has to offer. They compete, as well as cooperate, with each other with an open mind, critical thinking and the character of perseverance."

Lin Yinggu, 24, won second place in the bond-trading task and stood out among his peers during the internship to win a job offer.

A graduate of Peking University with a master's degree in finance, Lin thinks the internship gives him a chance to learn about different business paths in the financial industry.