Gao Qin was a post-graduate student from the Social Work Department of Peking University who attended one month's practical training at the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) in the year 2000. She later obtained her PhD degree from Columbia University, U.S.A. She is now the assistant professor for the Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, U.S.A. Her major areas of research focus on poverty and inequality of wages.

Gao Qin recalled that two things impressed her the most during her training at HKCS. The hardworking temperament and professionalism of our staff made her learn what it took to be a good social worker. Aside from the ability to see things from the client's angle, persistence, solid commitment and a hardworking spirit were equally important in handling a case.

The emphasis on combining research study and practical work in carrying out the service was another merit that impressed Gao Qin. Whether on development planning or current day-to-day servicing, the culture had been demonstrated all the way through from the top managerial level to the frontline staff.

These first-hand observations consolidated her decision to acquire her PhD degree in Social Work. She wanted to equip herself in both the research and practical areas so that she can maximize her contribution to the development of Social Welfare in China in the future.