NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Nanyang Business School MCI (P) 067/06/2021 *Photos were taken before the Heightened Alert measures took place
It is natural to make mistakes in the process of learning. That is why teachers play an important role in encouraging students to look beyond the wrong answers. While they guide the students towards what is right, teachers also build perseverance and self-belief, helping students realise their full potential. If this speaks to you, join us. Belief. It begins with a teacher. moe.gov.sg/teach
NBS UNDERGRADUATE CAREER SERVICES
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A Message for Our Students
Contact Us Nanyang Business School Undergraduate Career Services 50 Nanyang Avenue, S3 Building, B3A-03 Nanyang Technological University Singapore 639798 Phone: (+65) 6790 4899 / 6790 5612 E-mail: nbscareerservices@ntu.edu.sg
Dear undergraduates, Welcome to an exciting year of your university life! Not so long ago, the world went through turmoil. In 2021, what seemed to be recovery was hampered by the dangerous lurks of the pandemic virus. The entire globe is still languishing. On the bright side, despite the pandemic, NBS graduates achieved 97 per cent employment for the Class of 2020, and more than 2,000 NBS undergraduates managed to secure internships – summer, winter, part time, Leave of Absence (LOA) and remote. In the last 16 months, our students and graduates continued to show resilience and adaptability. We are learning to live with and adapt to this unprecedented crisis. In this NBS Career Guide 2021, we focus on the humans of NBS – the students, interns, graduates, alumni and entrepreneurs. These are the humans of NBS and their stories. They will inspire you, and they will make you laugh and cry. From Brooklyn to Beijing, you will read the impact of COVID-19 on our overseas interns and how they were disrupted after the sudden recall back to Singapore. Many students chose to take longer internships (LOA) when they could not travel for a summer or semester exchange. They share their stories of internships and work in premier organisations. With the new major in entrepreneurship, you will learn about our alumni entrepreneurs who tasted successes, failures and continue to persevere in the calling of their lives. Some distinguished alumni, amongst the 56,000 NBS alumni, will encourage you with their career experiences and advice. As you embark on a new term and work on your career development journey or entrepreneurial aspirations, be encouraged that you are not alone at NBS. The NBS Careers Services Office will partner with you to grow your skills and knowledge. We have launched work degree study programmes, skills workshops, mentoring programmes and valueadding non-academic courses for you to stay connected and relevant. We provide career coaching sessions, industry outlook, recruitment talks and alumni sharing sessions to support you. These are planned carefully in relation to the future of work and what employers are looking for. As you start your university term, may you discover a world of exciting job options, uncover your strengths and skills, and use that knowledge to start building a career path. I look forward to meeting all of you. Wishing you an enjoyable and enriching experience , as well as every success in NBS! Linda Ong Director, NBS Career Services Office
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NBS UNDERGRADUATE CAREER SERVICES
Our Students NBS students are highly valued for their analytical acuity, resourceful creativity and firm grounding in the fundamentals of their disciplines.
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
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With over 4,000 students in a vibrant setting, life in NBS does not stand still.
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Inside this Guide NBS Undergraduate Career Services 1
A Message for Our Students
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Our Students
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NBS - Reinventing, Rebuilding and Evolving
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Planning Ahead: A Step-By-Step Guide
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Why You Should Do an Internship in Your First Year
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Making Career Services Work for You
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Getting to Know NBS Career Services
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How CSO Responded Agilely During VUCA
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10 Common Questions Students Ask Us
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Specialisations and Your Career
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Exercising Moral Integrity
68 54 A Taste of the Working World
Your Action Plan 74
The Future of Work and the Skills Required
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Resume Writing
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Industry Ins and Outs
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How to Write Effective Cover Letters
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Exploring the World
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How to Write a Professional Email
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Work Study Programme (WSP)
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What to Expect in Job Interviews
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International Training Programme (ITP)
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Dealing with Live Video Interviews
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Global Internships
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How to Succeed at Assessment Centres
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Excelling Through Mentorship
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Dress Your Way to Success
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NBS Mentoring Programme
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Entrepreneurship in NBS
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NBS CAREER GUIDE
NBS Alumni
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106 JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS Nanyang Business School MCI (P) 067/06/2021 *Photos were taken before the Heightened Alert measures took place
GTI Media is the world’s largest careers and graduate recruitment publisher. Founded in the UK in 1988, GTI publishes and distributes more than 100 careers and recruitment products around the globe. GTI Media Singapore would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the 2021 issue of NBS Career Guide! NBS Career Services Consultant Linda Ong Chief Editor Elliyani Mohamad Ali Editor & Editorial Sarah Si
61 Isaac Hee Adrian Wood, Mark Blythe GTI Asia Pte Ltd (Company number: 200301978M) 2 Sims Close #05-07 Gemini@Sims Singapore 387298 T+(65) 6294 6505 F +(65) 6294 1043
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Printer Times Printer Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340 © GTI Asia Pte Ltd, July 2021 by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or storage
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NBS - Reinventing, Rebuilding and Evolving
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BS is consistently ranked among the world’s top-tier business schools. A testament to our ambition to stay competitive and on the cutting-edge is evident in the building of a new S$180m building which will house the business school, the largest wooden building in Asia. Our curriculum is already world-class and relevant but is nevertheless, undergoing a major revamp. Changes are afoot to afford greater relevance through work study programmes, integrated and multi-disciplinary programmes and greater elective choices for students. To this end, NBS will continue to produce top talents who go on to become outstanding corporate leaders, such as CEOs, CFOs and directors at the world’s leading banks, accounting firms. In supporting entrepreneurship, we endeavour to encourage startup founders, with dream of creating the next Unicorn. And in Tech and Sustainability, we are positioning ourselves to propel our NBS students into emerging opportunities.
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Planning Ahead: A Step-ByStep Guide Prioritise career planning and preparation from Day One. This yearly step-by-step guide shows you how.
YEAR 3-4: FINAL YEAR
Deepening Your Experiences and Employability Prospects CSO has various programmes and services towards gearing up penultimate students for employment and in making key career planning decisions. • Review and follow up. Check off the list for what you did in Freshman Year and pick up where you left off • Level up! Pick up new skills based on the Specialization you have chosen • Fix appointments with CSO to spruce up your application documents and interview skills • Join NBS Mentoring Programmes • Attend industry-sharing sessions co-organised by CSO and the Marketing, Actuarial Science and Banking and Finance clubs, where seniors share on summer internships • Self-practise your video interview skills using SONRU and interviewer AI tools provided by CSO. It’s never too early to familiarise yourself with this new trend of interview screening
YEAR 2: PENULTIMATE YEAR
• Browse the CareerFIT portal for curated internships, workshops and talks • Sign up for a Work Study Degree (WSDeg) programme to gain real work experience. (You will not need to delay your graduation!) • Boost your resume. Get involved in community service and CCAs • Restrictions permitting, go on an overseas exchange. Employers value candidates who can get out of their comfort zones into new markets • You may be busy, but search for, and participate in, Case Competitions. Employers notice this! • Do a Leave of Absence (LOA) internship over one semester, to give a prospective employer the chance to assess your suitability over a longer service period and gain valuable realworld experience while building your network
YEAR 1: FRESHMAN YEAR
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Important! Do the NBS CSO Grad Employment Survey! Graduating students MUST take part in the NBS CSO internal graduate employment survey between May to Oct to update on your employment status, career interests and assistance needed. CSO actively supports your hiring needs as part of our NBS GET HIRED initiative. • What else have you not done in your first two years for career planning? Here is your last chance to tick them off and fill the gaps • Update your resume. Make an appointment for CSO to review it with you • Visit CareerFIT frequently for full-time postings and internships. Take note of application deadlines • Sign up for our Networking Skills workshop conducted by a professional image consultant • Consult CSO on managing your offers as they come in • Network through Mentoring Programmes and stay in touch with your mentor • Join our Learn Over Lunch talks to explore career options • Self-practise your video interview skills using SONRU and interviewer AI tools provided by CSO • Volunteer as a Career Ambassador with us to help your peers with career guidance • Attend NTU Career Day and NBS Career Day on campus to meet employers who are keen to meet you • Constantly scan CareerFIT for curated job roles for fresh grads. Premium employers work closely with CSO to build their talent pipeline • Look out for NBS Get Hired which is a targeted campaign to assist you with landing your dream job • Sign up for Career Coaching (only for final year students)
Get Started Early Thinking and taking active steps from Day One as a freshman means you have more time to review your career planning along the way. CSO assists students in making key decisions in choosing a major and applying for Professional Attachments (PA). • Speak to us! Make one-on-one appointments with the Careers Services Office (CSO) to navigate your Specialisation choices and have your internship questions answered • Attend virtual and physical industry networking events and industry talks to gain first-hand knowledge of opportunities and employer insights • Come for “Brekkie with Career Services” (when COVID restrictions permit) – regular gettogethers with your career advisers • Take part in CCAs to discover your interests and develop as a person • Join student clubs relevant to your Specialisation interests and get involved! • Consult faculty and seniors on choosing majors, modules and CCAs • Use this career guide to think through your choice of specialisation • Tap on career profiling tools, such as the Knowdell Career Card Sorts and Harrison Assessments, (which help you identify career choices based on motivations and work task preferences) • Search for and participate in Case Competitions. You may not win, but the invaluable experience will serve you well • Participate in Mentors Grow mentoring programme for Year One students • You are now ready to apply for your mandatory internships (Professional Attachment – PA) at the end of your first year • Browse the CareerFIT portal for curated PA internships, workshops and talks
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Why You Should Do an Internship in Your First Year
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Goh Yiyou Terre Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) Year 1 DBS, Intern, Institutional Banking Group – COO Office
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
ith the inexorable march of time, us students at NBS find ourselves hard-pressed to ready ourselves for life beyond our graduation in merely three or four years. As someone who loves a challenge, I have always wanted to aim high and go far in the corporate world. NBS arms us with the crucial knowledge and skills we would need to succeed in the corporate world, what with the countless preparatory talks (webinars now), networking sessions, enriching courses and an army of experienced career coaches. Yet, nothing can replace hands-on experience, especially in the eyes of a hiring manager. You might feel daunted by the “What we’re looking for” section in job listings, or the fact that you will be pitted against Year Two or Three applicants, but my best advice to you as a first-year would be to just try for it. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. The interview experience you rack up, your familiarisation with the current needs of the job market, and, of course, the internship itself – these all become valuable weapons in your arsenal. An internship in your first year exposes you to the rigours of the working world. For me, my first internship placement was with DBS. In order to fully prepare myself for the cognitive test and interview with the hiring manager, I made full use of the career services NBS provides us with, getting in touch with the Banking and Finance career adviser, Ms Linda Ong, for her insights. With her invaluable advice that touched on everything from industry outlooks to interview tips, I was well-positioned to move into unchartered territory, especially since it was my first internship. My internship at DBS afforded enormous learning opportunities, sharpening my mind in the sense that I am always kept on my toes and ready to learn. The projects I worked on compelled me to tap on everything I had amassed from my courses in my first year, from the analytical skills we honed from courses like AB1201 Financial Management, to the communication skills we mastered in AB0601 Communication Management Fundamentals. As such, this became a platform for me to finally apply what I had learnt, and, more importantly, identify where I was lacking. With a newfound awareness of my personal shortcomings, I could then focus on perfecting these aspects of myself, using the internship as a training ground before my official “debut” in the working world. Undoubtedly, I believe that NBS’ move to make internships in Year One mandatory is faultless. In doing so, not only are we readied for our future, we also gain a priceless competitive edge over others.
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Making Career Services Work for You
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any NBS students go through three to four years of University without ever setting foot in the Careers Services Office. Yet, outside of curriculum time, many students spend numerous hours seeking internship and job opportunities that may be available exclusively through NBS. The mission of NBS Undergraduate Career Services Office is to impart skill sets and offer services that will facilitate your career development and job search process. This ranges from assessing your abilities to handling job offers. Do not overlook this opportunity; it could mean passing up the job of a lifetime. Together with Career Services, you can achieve your dream job.
Develop Relationships Find a career adviser and get to know him or her. Aim to meet your adviser at least several times throughout your career development process. Appointments are a great way to stay motivated and accomplish career-related tasks. Our career adviser will listen to your concerns and give objective advice. You can always bounce ideas off him or her, which will help you think through your options. Furthermore, when specific job opportunities come in, career advisers often alert students who they know well and think might be a good fit for the position. Remember, the more you share about your skills and your goals with the adviser, the more they will be able to assist you.
Attend Events We spend the bulk of our time planning events with you in mind. A few examples that students have found particularly useful are mock interview days, networking events, resume workshops, as well as career talks. Given that there may be a number of programmes going on that may be beneficial for you at any point in time, make sure that you keep up-to-date by logging in to CareerFIT or checking your email regularly. Finally, as you attend programmes, ask thoughtful questions to make the most of what you are learning.
Do Not Be a Stranger Your relationship with Career Services does not have to end on your convocation day. We offer services for alumni similar to those for students. If you have not found a job or even formed a plan by graduation, you are still able to meet with advisers, use CareerFIT and attend events.
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Getting to Know NBS Career Services As the only school in NTU with its own careers team, the NBS Careers Services Office (CSO) represents a myriad cross section of career service personnel with expertise covering the gamut of business careers our Undergraduates would need career guidance and talent placement support for.
Ms Linda Ong Director
Tracy Tan Assistant Director
lindaong@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/onglinda
tracy.tansw@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/tracy-tan-76194515
Linda leads the CSO in NBS. Undergraduates with career aspirations in Banking and Finance, Actuarial Science and Risk Analytics, will find Linda’s strong industry relations and highlevel engagement essential in talent pipeline building. Her sound knowledge of this sector is an invaluable resource for preparations to get placed in these highly competitive talent sectors.
Leonard Zuzarte Assistant Director leonard.zuzarte@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/leonard.zuzarte
As an entrepreneur, consultant and business development professional with a wealth of experience in Sales and Marketing, Leonard also has experience in the start-up space. Working with the Marketing Undergraduates, Leonard provides career guidance and preparation for budding Marketers to position themselves with a strong momentum to launch into rewarding careers with established brands. He also enables them to establish a strong foundation with internships and soft skills development.
With more than 15 years in the Human Resource field, Tracy is an experienced talent acquisition partner and executive search specialist working across a range of industries. Tracy nurtures and sharpens Undergraduates with an aptitude and inclination for Human Resource Consulting (HRC), and tirelessly works to sharpen potential while working closely with premium employers to create pathways in key specific rewarding channels of HRC.
Dorinda Chye Manager dorindachye@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/dorindachye
Dorinda is a testament to continual reinvention and applicability of personal growth. She has carved her niche at NBS by being a believer in constant learning and a positive approach to challenges. Supporting the Double Degree students with an acumen focused on the high demand placed on them in employment, she supports ambitions to work in dynamic and demanding organisations which expect the best of NBS Undergraduates.
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Darren Tan Manager
Lilian Tan Senior Assistant Manager
darren.tantl@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/darrentanteckleng
lilian.teo@ntu.edu.sg linkedin.com/in/lilian-teo-438575105
Darren has run the gamut of being a business practitioner in the Accounting and Financial Services sector, to working with premium accounting certification organisations. Familiar with sweeping changes taking place in this industry, Darren is the lead for NBS’ inaugural Work Degree Study Programme, which is timely in providing Accountancy Undergrads placement with named employers. With the establishment of accounting as the foundation for fledgling business careers, Accountancy is at the forefront of reinvention. Accounting Undergraduates should tap into Darren’s unique insights on the dynamic future of this profession.
Lim Yuan Senior Executive
scchua@ntu.edu.sg
yuan.lim@ntu.edu.sg
How CSO Responded Agilely During VUCA www.nbs.edu.sg
Lilian has a breath of experience and expertise spanning a career in higher education reskilling, business and project management. Her strengths in wide ranging career development provides the basis for her unique role in supporting the International Trading Programme (ITP) in its new specialised role, where it spans Major and Minor electives across NBS and the rest of NTU as a talent pipeline for corporate partners in oil and gas, commodities and international trading.
Lucy Chua Senior Executive Lucy provides the back-office support to CSO by formulating data driven data for execution of industry and career planning insights for Undergraduates. She also champions the management of CSO’s CareerFIT platform, which forms the backbone for management of curated internship and graduate employment opportunities. With an eye for detail and statistics, Lucy enables the CSO team to formulate strategies for employer and Undergraduate engagement.
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Lim Yuan works closely with Linda to execute programmes for the continuing development and work-readiness of our Undergraduate population. While the robust curriculum created for the academic fulfilment of students is paramount, CSO runs programmes and workshops to fill the gap in areas of soft skills training, personal branding and presentation of self. These are critical areas of development critical to the overall marketability and branding of our business student body.
Even before the global COVID-19 pandemic upended global trade and commerce, fresh graduates already had to contend with Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) in their first jobs. The pandemic has amplified VUCA considerably with shifts to tighter employment in certain sectors, the creation of new opportunities and the expectation of effective remote working capabilities. CSO responded to these challenges from April 2020 into 2021, in an ongoing effort to support fresh graduates with access to premium job roles. The creation of NBS Get Hired is a CSO initiative primarily aimed at running internal employment surveys, creating awareness, offering career consultations, curation of choice job roles and the running of seminars and workshops up to five months after our students graduate. This unprecedented level of assistance has led to a high employment rates only slightly below pre-COVID levels by comparison. CSO will continue to assist our fresh NBS graduates with NBS Get Hired to provide them with the best send-off possible for their new careers.
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10 Common Questions Students Ask Us We answer commonly asked questions about the career planning process and life post graduation.
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What can Career Services do for me?
We can discuss various career and specialisation options with you. We can also give your resume and cover letter a boost, as well as provide tips to enhance your interview skills.
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How do I find the ideal career?
Spend time thinking about your personal values, interests, personality and skills. Dig deeper into specific areas of your career interest. Leverage the expertise of our career advisers and engage them in your career planning process.
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How do I find an internship or job?
Conscientiously refer to the listings on CareerFIT and do not be afraid to cold call or email targeted employers. You can also leverage your network – seniors, friends, family and alumni. To increase your chances of getting hired, it is crucial to develop an effective resume and put in your best effort to prepare for the interview.
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Why should I attend career-related events?
Attending such events helps you achieve many things: gain pertinent information (corporate culture and industry knowledge of your target companies), job leads and referrals from industry insiders. You will miss out on many opportunities if you fail to build your network through our events, as they were organised with you in mind.
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Would you recommend a LOA (leave of absence) internship?
Yes, you will reap tremendous benefits by undertaking a long-term internship (six months to a year). The type of tasks assigned will be more varied. You will also be able to learn more about your field of interest and gain more in-depth industry knowledge.
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How do I prepare for an interview?
Extensive research on the company and job role is a must. You can also sign up for mock interview sessions through Career Services to gain confidence. It is also recommended that you recollect past experiences to use as examples during the interview.
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How do I handle multiple rejections from employers?
Do not let rejections paralyse or hinder your job search efforts. Instead, stay resilient and tenacious. Let rejections fuel your determination and you will be able to learn a lot from your experiences.
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Is salary negotiable?
In most cases, there is room to negotiate for a slightly higher salary. That said, be prepared to defend your proposal. Employers do not consider being a fast learner or a high GPA valid reasons for requesting a higher salary. Instead, you should support your request with relevant, work-related skills and potentially providing positive benefits to the company.
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How can I figure out what to do after graduation?
As you work through the job search process, drop by Career Services to ask questions, and to discuss the obstacles, challenges and possibilities of life after graduation. We will help you discover your goals and assist you throughout the process.
I wish to pursue a postgraduate
10 degree. What should my next step be? We can connect you to faculty members in the MBA and MFE offices. You can also gather information from related websites and professional associations. When evaluating your options, consider admission requirements; programme emphasis; ranking and accreditation; tuition and living costs; as well as the availability of Career Services support for post-graduate employment.
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Specialisations and Your Career An objective guide to help students choose their specialisations wisely instead of conforming to popular myths and word-of-mouth.
WHAT SHOULD I SPECIALISE IN?
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electing one out of the six industry-specific specialisations offered by NBS seems an impossible challenge – they are constantly updated and rejuvenated through collaborations with leading organisations and professional bodies to meet evolving industry needs. Hackneyed as it sounds, choose the specialisation you are truly passionate about. An aptitude for that particular specialisation is an added bonus. Rushing into a programme simply because “it has better prospects” or “guarantees a stable job” may risk burning you out in the long run as it is misaligned with your goals and interests. Abandon the misconception that specialising in a specific area will automatically land you a career in related fields. Read on for some guidelines to help you identify, evaluate and narrow down your choices when choosing a specialisation.
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Discover yourself Reflect on your experience (school activities, vacation work, leisure, community services, etc.) thus far and ask yourself the following questions: What have you enjoyed most? What were your takeaways? These questions allow you to gain a deeper introspective understanding of yourself.
Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses • What are your innate abilities? • What do you seem to excel in? • What skills do you possess? • What accomplishments are you most proud of? Accomplishments underline your abilities and skills – which are reliable indicators of your potential to take the initiative and solve problems.
Examine your priorities
Know thyself
• What do you strive for? • Does job security matter to you? • Do you prefer stability over flexibility? • Can you handle a volatile workplace that keeps you on the edge constantly? • Do you thrive when working independently, or do you prefer to work in a team?
Seek help If you are still unsure, do not hesitate to find a mentor, and ask for help from a broad range of people. Self-perception can be biased, so the opinion of others could help us correct personal misconceptions. But keep this in mind too: Feedback should not be construed as criticism – use it constructively.
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
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Read and scrutinise Both the NBS website and brochures available at the Undergraduate Programme Office (UPO) describe each specialisation in detail. Note down modules (detailed syllabi and course descriptions are easily available via a simple search) that appeal to you.
Consult and consider Arrange for consultations with associate deans and directors of respective majors. Additionally, get your seniors to share about their classes and experience in their chosen specialisations.
Reach out
Gather intelligence
Our mentoring programme and alumni events are excellent platforms for you to interact with NBS graduates and learn more about the range of career possibilities offered by each specialisation.
Be scientific Standardised psychometric assessments, such as the Harrisons Assessment and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, enable employers to profile your personality and determine if you are a good fit for their team. It may also help determine the specialisation that would suit you best.
• Specialise in ACS if you relish the idea of crunching numbers and solving complex problems • Specialise in BA if you are good at spotting trends and transforming big data into a powerful and predictive strategic asset • Specialise in BAF if you are a highly analytical and systematic person with a penchant for the wheeling and dealing of financial products • Specialise in HRC if you have excellent organisational and communication skills, and enjoy working with other people on a daily basis • Specialise in ITP if you like the idea of trading and dealing with food, agriculture, raw materials and energy, oil and gas
Make your decision
• Specialise in MKG if you enjoy interacting with people and communicating ideas • Specialise in RA if you enjoy predicting worse-case scenarios and coming up with ways to avert and control these risks Still clueless? Do not worry – simply make an appointment with NBS Career Services Office. Our friendly and experienced staff members are always happy to help.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES Double Degree in Accountancy and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Double Degree in Accountancy & Business
Double Degree in Accountancy & Business with Second Major in Entrepreneurship/Minor in International Trading
Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computer Science
Bachelor of Accountancy with Minor in International Trading/Strategic Communications/ Digitalisation and Data Analytics
Bachelor of Accountancy with Second Major in Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Business with Minor in International Trading/Strategic Communications
Bachelor of Business with Second Major in Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Accountancy + $
Actuarial Science
Banking & Finance
Business Analytics
Human Resource Consulting
International Trading Programme
Marketing
Risk Analytics
Recommended Banking and Finance (BAF) Tracks
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Wealth Management
Investment Banking
Asset Management
FinTech
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What should I minor in?
Your minor and career options
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Take a minor to gain an edge in your graduate job search. With the option to declare a minor in either Strategic Communication or Analytics, and Insurance, NBS students can now enrich their core disciplines by taking a complementary discipline or diversify their current degree by taking courses in an unrelated area. The unique blend of a basic degree with a minor has gained popularity amongst NBS students as they will be better equipped to assume roles that require a diverse skillset. Today’s competitive job market requires graduates to possess knowledge beyond their core disciplines as challenges faced at work may involve solutions of a multidisciplinary nature.
Take up a minor in Strategic Communication if you have the knack for persuasive storytelling, enjoy generating new ideas and structures, and engaging stakeholders at all levels. Equally essential is your creativity and critical thinking skills to expound and execute communication strategies that resonate with the organisation’s goals and mission. Career options include roles in public relations, marketing, advertising and human resource. Graduates with a stronger focus on social media or web development have the option to join the rapidly growing world of digital media. Take up a minor in Digitalisation and Data Analytics if you have an interest in drawing information from data, or like to understand how data could drive accounting and finance. In the future, you will also be able to explore careers in fraud investigation, forensics, AML, cyber risk management, operations analytics and decision modelling. Take up a minor in International Trading if you are curious about business concerning the extraction of raw materials, agriculture or energy, keen on the manufacturing and assembly of parts, and distribution of finished goods to markets. This minor opens a wide spectrum of career opportunities in the lucrative commodity trading sector and value chain upon graduation – you can join energy, metals, commodities, shipping, banks, supply chain and food producing companies.
Is there a direct connection between specialisations/minors and careers? A common misconception amongst NBS students is that employers hire candidates according to their specialisation. In reality, many hiring managers actually show a preference for candidates from diverse backgrounds as they are better able to offer varied ideas. Many NBS graduates have successful careers in areas that have no relation to their undergraduate major. We have witnessed successful placements of HRC graduates in risk management firms and private banks, ACS graduates in investment banks, and MKG graduates in finance roles. Similarly, many accountancy graduates found jobs in FMCG and consulting fields. Although students from the same specialisations may pursue certain “typical” jobs, your major does not predetermine your future career path. A business degree is designed to expose undergraduates to a broad range of topics for entry into a wide variety of careers. All employers look for both hard and soft skills. These also happen to be the cornerstones of a business degree. Take up a specialisation and/or a minor that interests you and be involved in projects and experiences that stimulate your intellectual curiosity, hone your communication skills and offer some exposure to quantitative analysis. CCA experiences, such as case competitions (business case, marketing, tax, stock and forex challenges, etc.), community service and internships, can also help you build up workplace awareness and skills.
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Exercising Moral Integrity
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he world is your oyster rings true for every undergraduate and fresh graduate, especially when exciting internship and full-time offers are made to you. Occasionally, a heady situation arises where you may receive a “better offer” after you have committed to an employer verbally or in writing. Equally grave, exiting an internship or graduate programme prematurely is also fraught with damaging consequences to your reputation and NBS as well. The natural instinct is to rationalise by poring over the exit clauses in the contract or justifying, in some cases, that your verbal acceptance is not binding. In the case of exiting internship programmes early, for a better offer or other reasons, the stated rights in your contract is moot over your obligations to see it through, as part of the big picture. In truth, once you have accepted an internship or full-time offer in any form, you should exercise strong moral integrity to honour your commitment, see it through and decline all other offers. Also, graciously thank and inform employers with pending offers that you are no longer available. By conducting yourself honourably and ethically from the
outset, you frame yourself positively for an enduring lasting career ahead. In short, make the most informed decision you can, stick with it and make the best of that opportunity. Restassured, other exciting opportunities will arise in your career. Conducting yourself this way should set a strong template for dealing with similar dilemmas in the future. Your reputation as well as the reputation and standing of NBS is really a prime consideration too. If you choose to renege on your acceptance to pursue a different offer, there are significant repercussions – the following may be enacted on you: • You will be issued a Letter of Reprimand by NBS Deanery. This letter will be kept in our internal records and will be taken into consideration by NBS should there be any future inquiries into your professional conduct as well as in determining your eligibility for any future academic recognition and awards • Your CareerFIT account will be disabled. This will bar you from registering for all internship/job positions as well as all career-related events.
“But the Employer seemed supportive of my exit and my contract allowed it!” Unseen Consequences – Reputational Risk Recruiters share information on individuals who renegade more regularly than you might think – especially within the same industry. You could have “burned many bridges”. Ties between NBS and the employer could be strained, and opportunities available for students in the coming batches could be affected. At stake is your standing with multiple parties – employers, classmates, colleagues, faculty and fellow interns. Your personal brand can be damaged so be mindful of not casting doubts over your professional ethics and commitment to an organisation.
CSO regularly receives this rebuttal from perplexed students. The reality is, employers will not try to stop you if you appear to be seeking greener pastures. Inevitably, CSO will receive a “complaint” for which we have to investigate and even convene a Commission of Inquiry (COI).
“But the role was not what I expected it would be. This other role suits me better!” This excuse is weak because you have every opportunity to communicate with human resources (HR) to express your sentiments. In most cases, they will at least hear you out or try to fulfil your requests.
Despite our clear mandate and directive to honour commitments, every year, CSO still handles renege cases which usually end with Letters of Caution being issued. We urge you to contact CSO at nbscareerservices@ntu.edu.sg so that we can discuss your situation or concerns with you, well before you make any moves or open discussions detrimental to your standing.
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Industry Ins and Outs Discover some career sectors available in the job market and explore the various opportunities they offer. Accountancy and Financial Management
W
ith accountancy and financial management qualifications, you can find work opportunities in a range of organisations, varying from the “Big Four” to smaller accountancy firms, as well as in corporations and the public sector. Being in the accountancy industry also gives you a good perspective of how businesses and organisations are run, opening doors to start your own company in the future. In recent years, businesses have started to use technology, such as cloud accounting software and applications, to increase efficiency for accounting and financial management. Accounting professionals are encouraged to upskill constantly, picking up data analysis and mastering digital accounting. Accounting firms typically offer a diversity of services, such as consulting, assurance, risk assessment, corporate recovery, tax and forensic accounting, aside from the customary accounting and auditing services. Due to the range of services they offer, employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates with good analytical skills, attention to detail and an ability to convey financial data clearly. Graduate accountants often join firms as trainees and will be required to take professional qualifications to enhance themselves. It is mandatory to go through the Singapore ualification Programme (Singapore P) in order to practise as a chartered accountant here.
Job areas include • Assurance management • Auditing • Financial consulting • Risk assessment
Analytics
D
ata analytics, the sector dealing with the collection and analysis of huge amounts of data, is very much an engine of growth for the future economy. As Singapore continues to prioritise digital transformation in its Smart Nation initiative, delivering high-value information technology services is of top-notch importance. Analytics is significant for rising industry trends such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Infocomm Media 5 masterplan, the government’s road map for the information communications and technology (ICT) sector for the next decade, also considers big data a key strategic thrust of growth. The demand for data analytics roles is ever growing as it is not only widely used commercially, as well as in public policy and non-profit organisations, but also for safeguarding cybersecurity, tracking user behaviour to maximise earnings, or using data to further social causes. As work in data analytics is mainly of inference, experiments and visualisation to achieve goals for stakeholders, with data that has already been mined, career pathways can be grouped according to management and specialisation, depending on the skill sets which individuals possess.
Job areas include • Business analysis
• Data science
• Cybersecurity
• Data engineering
• Data architecture
• Product management
• Data analysis
• Statistics
• Data and analytics management
• User experience
• Tax consulting
Skills required Skills required • Numerical skills • Commercial awareness • Strategic planning skills • Analytical skills • Decision-making skills • Good communication skills
• Numerical, categorical and analysis skills • Critical thinking • Data visualisation • Very well-versed in Microsoft Suite • Statistical knowledge • Problem-solving ability • Domain knowledge •
xcellent writing and communication skills
Job hunting tips Get licensed, stay on top of your game in terms of accounting skills and network extensively in this professional circle.
Job hunting tips Create a strong portfolio of the work you have created. They can be from creating simple graph visualisations to how you implemented a code-breaking solution using MCMC.
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
rtificia Inte igence
A
rtificial intelligence (AI) involves the creation of intelligent machines or services that operate and react like humans. Graduates interested in pursuing jobs in this field require strong foundations in math, technology, logic and engineering perspectives. AI specialists need technical skills to design, maintain and repair technology and software programmes. Aside from technical skills, working with AI requires an analytical thought process and the ability to solve problems with cost-effective and efficient solutions. It also requires foresight about technological innovations that allow businesses to remain competitive. A career in AI can be found within a variety of settings including private companies, public organisations, education, healthcare facilities and government agencies.
Job areas include • Software analysis and development • Computer science • Computer engineering • Data science • Research science • Algorithm specialisation •
ngineering consulting
Skills required
Banking and Finance
I
f you choose to specialise in different areas of banking and finance (e.g. asset management, hedge funds, private banking and equity, risk management, venture capital and corporate restructuring), you can consider employers such as retail banks and investment firms offer a diverse range of roles to graduate hires. However, competition is tough in Singapore’s banking and finance sector, as the city-state is a regional and global hub for investment and finance. Improve your opportunities of securing a job in this field by seeking out internships during your university days to gain relevant work experience and build your knowledge and networks. You should also make it a point to read financial business news regularly to update yourself on any changes in the industry. While employers prefer numerical and business degrees, it is not a necessary requirement.
Job areas include • Business Commercial banking • Consumer Personal banking • Corporate finance • Foreign exchange trading • Investment banking • Marketing and communication • Operations and technology
• Solid mathematical and algorithm knowledge
• Private banking
• Strong knowledge of probability and statistics
• Private equity
• Knowledge of programming languages
• Risk management
• Has good command of UNI Tools
• Treasury
•
• Wealth management
fficient in distributed computing
• Curious and creative • Motivated to keep learning • Has patience and perseverance
Skills required • Numerical and analysis skills • Problem-solving ability • Resilience
Job hunting tips Before you start your job hunt, prepare examples of what you can do besides writing codes – although roles in this sector are highly technical, success requires creativity and out-of-the-box thinking!
• Ability to work under pressure •
xcellent communication skills
• Strong understanding of financial markets • Decision-making skills •
xcellent organisational skills
• Team management skills
Job hunting tips Score an internship and ace it! Networking is crucial in banking and investment. Research potential employers and send in your applications early.
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Consulting
I
f you are looking to break into this sector, you can choose between different areas of expertise ranging from human resources (HR), integrated solutions, management and strategy advisory work. You will also able to specialise in a particular sector, such as information technology (IT) or finance, with finance consulting being one of the most popular choices among graduates. Many employers offer graduate specialist programmes, where you will be assigned to work in teams with a mentor. You will also be involved in projects and have the chance to experience the day-to-day business to help you pick up skills on-the-job. Moreover, there are numerous perks to working in this industry, such as a variety of job roles and travelling opportunities post-COVID. Be prepared to work in a highpressure environment, though! You may also need professional certifications and licences to practise in certain fields, so do your research and consult the relevant parties to help you plan your career pathway.
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Data Science
I
n this field, highly knowledgeable experts – data scientists – usually apply their theoretical knowledge in statistics and algorithms to identify trends and variables that make up a pattern, then extracting meaning and data from it. They are then able to come up with predictive models to help solve business problems clients face. While most data scientists can be found in major employers such as the likes of Microsoft, Facebook and Google, they can be encountered in smaller businesses too, where they are usually appointed as the single “data person”. In these roles, data scientists can be found doing everything between analysing data to anticipate machine failure to developing mobile-tracking applications. A strong educational background is typically required as data scientists need a deep bank of knowledge. mployers have also shown a marked preference for graduates with degrees in computer science, statistics, the physical sciences and maths.
Job areas include Job areas include
• Data science
• Human resources (HR)
• Data engineering
• Integrated solutions
• Machine learning engineering
• Management
•
• Strategy advisory
• Machine learning science
• Finance consulting
• Applications architecture
Skills required • Client-facing skills • Commercial awareness • Numerical and analytical skills • Time management skills • Ability to work under pressure •
xcellent interpersonal and communication skills
nterprise architecture
• Data architecture • IT infrastructure architecture • Statistics • Data analysis • Business intelligence development
Skills required • Persistence
• Persuasion and negotiation skills
• Software engineering skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Understands model deployment
• Ability to work in a team
• Strong statistical knowledge
• Self-motivation
• Data manipulation and analysis skills • Knowledge of at least one programming language
Job hunting tips
• Understands data extraction, transformation and learning
Consulting is one of the quickest developing corporate careers, requiring driven personalities and self-starters with nimble minds. Make sure you ace the case study interview!
• Well-versed in data wrangling and data exploration • Solid understanding of Big Data Processing Frameworks • Data visualisation • Strong communication skills • Knowledge of advanced machine learning (deep learning)
Job hunting tips One way to stand out from the crowd is to show that you understand business problems, and that you have developed the insight to formulate these issues as data science problems.
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Education
D
espite the long hours and the need to juggle multiple responsibilities, a career in education is highly rewarding as it gives you the satisfaction of preparing future generations to achieve their aspirations. Major employers include the Ministry of ducation (MO ), public and private institutions and tuition centres. Besides becoming a teacher, you may also want to consider roles such as career counsellors, educational psychologists, or corporate and administrative roles. Upon graduating with at least a bachelor’s degree, those aspiring to teach with the MO will need to obtain a postgraduate diploma in education at the National Institute of ducation (NI ). Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Job areas include •
arly childhood education
• Primary education
Financial Technology
F
inancial technology (FinTech, has led to the innovation of traditional financial services and opened up employment opportunities in the industry. Singapore – as an international financial and IT hub in the Southeast Asian region – is generally fast to adopt most new technologies, and has supported the growth of new applications and processes, such as internet and mobile banking, across the commercial and private banking sectors. This field offers you the chance to work on technologies that aim to automate parts of the banking industry, in addition to lending support functions like handling data management, interactions and transactions between financial firms and their partners or clients. mployers in this field also tend to be more relaxed about candidates’ academic degrees – a computer science degree is not absolutely necessary – although they do have a preference for numerate or scientific degrees.
Job areas include
• Secondary education
• Application development
• Tertiary education
• IT infrastructure
• Teaching nglish as a Foreign Language (T FL)
• Product management
•
ducation psychology
• Financial and business analysis
•
ducation assessment
• Blockchain development
• Career counselling
Skills required • Passion • A strong belief in education •
ffective interpersonal and communication skills
• Organisational and time management skills
• Cybersecurity •
uantitative analysis
• Support functions
Skills required • Passionate about technology and financial services • Commercial awareness • Knowledgeable of the latest trends in the IT sector
Job hunting tips
• Patient
Gain some teaching experience as a tutor, volunteer teacher or substitute teacher prior to applying if you can. xperience is not necessary, but it is highly valued as it allows you to be exposed to different student behaviours, and helps you to cultivate your own teaching style in the classroom.
• An eye for detail • Good communication and interpersonal skills • Problem-solving ability • Ability to work in a team • Integrity and credibility
Job hunting tips xperience is important when it comes to vying for limited roles. So if you were not able to land an internship in FinTech, consider taking up courses for qualifications to help you gain an edge.
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Healthcare
E
Hospitality and Tourism
mployment in this industry is not closed off to nonmedical graduates. While most medical careers require specialist knowledge and training, applicants from other degree backgrounds can also explore numerous career options, such as healthcare operations and management, medical and pharmaceutical sales and marketing, medical product management and healthcare informatics. Depending on your role, you may need to be prepared for long hours and heavy workloads. However, those working in administrative or research roles typically have regular hours. Graduates keen on a career in this sector can consider applying to public and private healthcare providers, biomedical firms, research consortia, or local healthcare startups that focus on specialised products (e.g. hospital management software and medical robotics). You can also opt for a position with nonprofit organisations, such as Mercy Relief or the Mercy Corps.
S
Job areas include
Job areas include
ingapore is home to two integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Although the hospitality and tourism industry in Singapore took a huge hit due to the global outbreak of COVID-1 , this sector is set to be revived with the anticipated return of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MIC ). Singapore has also retained its popularity as a stopover location as countries start to reopen their borders, and can offer graduates ample career opportunities, ranging from hotel management, leisure and events management. The sector also requires manpower for support functions, such as IT, marketing and HR. Shift work and irregular hours during the seasonal peak periods are common. Most graduate employees start out from the bottom or through graduate programmes, obtaining training and professional qualifications on the job.
• Clinical medicine
• The food and beverage industry
• Allied health (e.g. nutrition and therapy)
• Hotels and resorts
• Laboratory work
• Leisure and recreation management
• Healthcare regulations
• Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MIC )
• Manufacturing and supply
• Spa and wellness management
•
• Tourism and attractions
uality management
• Research and development • Sales and marketing
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Skills required • Client-facing skills
Skills required
•
xcellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience
• Patience
• Dedication
• High emotional intelligence
• Communication skills
• Organisational skills
• A passion to serve and help those in need
• Ability to work in a team
• Organisational skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Meticulous • Patient
Job hunting tips
• Ability to work in a team
Demonstrate your passion for the hospitality and tourism sector to show that you have the drive to go the extra mile.
•
xcellent grasp of technical knowledge
Job hunting tips xperience in the field will show you if you are suited for a role in healthcare, which is why placements and internships are important. It takes time to build up your knowledge and skills in this sector too, as is obtaining the necessary qualifications.
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Insurance
I
nsurance professionals protect both individuals and companies against potential financial risks. Innovative, positive-thinking graduates who are keen to get to grips with both numbers and people in a constantly changing environment would fit well in this industry. Insurance companies are typically the main employers, but insurance brokerage, retail banks and supermarkets are very welcoming of graduates as well. You may also want to consider specialist consultancies, where they carry out very specific roles, such as specialising in life insurance or loss adjustment. Most large employers offer training graduate schemes to help you adapt to your new working environment. The schemes are usually rotational to provide diverse experiences to help you understand the company better. Others, on the other hand, will rely on on-the-job training, and formal informal mentorship programmes from senior team members. In practice, actuaries often have a numerate degree. However, most other job roles in insurance are typically open to graduates of all degree disciplines, although employers often prefer a numerate (such as maths or engineering) or business management-related degree.
Job areas include
IT, Innovation and Technology
S
ingapore, home to some of the best IT infrastructure in the world, also acts as an IT hub in the Asia Pacific region. Given the pervasiveness of technology today, the expertise of IT professionals is not needed only in the tech sector, but in the non-IT industries as well (e.g. finance, health and media services). Among some of the more popular roles that graduate candidates can consider include technology consulting, systems analysis, network engineering, software testing, and technical sales. While numerate and IT-related degrees are preferred by employers in this sector, they are not mandatory – graduates seeking to enter this industry can take up technical modules in school or go for professional technical qualifications part-time as they work. A common way in is through graduate programmes, especially if you are applying to major organisations, although many smaller employers prefer to hire directly.
Job areas include • Application development • Cloud innovation
• Graduate underwriter
• Data analytics
• Claims management trainee
•
• Business development, business finance and sales graduate
• Information security
• Trainee loss adjuster
• Project management
• Graduate insurance broker
• Systems administration
• Trainee actuary
-commerce
• Infrastructure
Skills required
• Graduate product manager • Operations manager • Support functions
• Adaptability • Commercial awareness • Critical thinking
Skills required
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Technical skills
•
• Problem-solving ability
xcellent numeracy and analytical skills
• Solid client-facing skills
• Time management skills
• Have an eye for detail
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Organisational skills
• Time management skills
• Innovation skills
• Communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Organisational skills
• Ability to work in a team
Job hunting tips
Job hunting tips
When you apply for a role in an insurance company, make sure your clearly identify your goals in your resume. nsure your education and experience is also positioned in such a way that they are relevant to insurance too!
mployers often stick to conventional recruitment methods such as job postings, campus events and recruitment fairs. Prepare digital copies of necessary documents and materials for your online application.
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Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain
M
anufacturing, logistics and supply chain is an essential part of many industries, especially in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail sectors. Manufacturing involves turning raw materials into products through value-adding, where engineering graduates would be responsible for the safe and efficient planning, management and maintenance of production methods and processes. In logistics and supply chain, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are developed for the prompt delivery of goods and services. Graduates in this industry use logistical software and tools to oversee the inventory, distribution of goods and services and cost management. Recommendations are then made to improve productivity and efficiency. The logistics and supply chain area of work typically welcomes applicants from all disciplines, and major organisations may even provide management training schemes to prepare their graduate hires for the job. These often include a series of job rotations so that they are able to better appreciate the processes that affect an organisation. However, those who are interested in manufacturing may need a relevant engineering degree and technical skills required for the role they are gunning for.
Job areas include
Media (Advertising, PR and Communications)
T
he media industry is immensely vibrant due to its relevance to all businesses. Graduates typically find their calling across platforms of outreach, such as print, online and broadcast, where they can work in areas such as brand management, public relations, copywriting, database management and analysis, as well as market research and sales promotion. Familiarity with traditional areas of work in this industry such as journalism, events and marketing are essential, and graduates need to be well-versed in social media management and able to adapt to ongoing communication trends too. Despite the breadth of the industry, vacancies are limited, and competition to get into the industry can be stiff. While large organisations do run graduate schemes, most graduate applicants will likely have to apply directly for entry-level jobs.
Job areas include • Advertising • Copywriting • Digital Web marketing •
vents management
• Film Stage production
• Operations manager
• Graphic design
• Assembly engineer
•
• Customs management
• Media purchasing
•
• Public relations (PR)
-commerce
• Freight Global forwarding • Logistics • Supply chain management and service • Supply optimisation • Transport management • Warehousing
Skills required
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ournalism
• Social media management
Skills required • Creativity • Ability to work in a team • Strong analytical skills • Tenacity and resourcefulness • Data management
• Planning skills • Organisational skills
Job hunting tips
• Strong communication skills
A solid portfolio can greatly increase your chances of a successful application. Networking is also immensely important and may help you get a foot in the door to the industry. For this reason, it is a good idea to start taking up part-time roles and internships even as a student in order to build your connections and portfolio.
• Interpersonal skills • Ability to work in a team • Leadership skills • Problem-solving ability • An eye for detail
Job hunting tips Companies usually keep an eye out for graduates who are not only strong in planning and people skills, but boast technical expertise in project and logistics management as well.
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
NGOs and on rofit Organisations
G
raduates keen on helping the community can find their calling in non-governmental and non-profit organisations. Singapore is home to around 1 international not-for-profit organisations, all catering to a variety of social, humanitarian and environmental issues. As such, there are plenty of options for graduates. Depending on the area of expertise and the role that you apply for, there may be a need for specialist knowledge and skills, and some organisations may impose certain certification criteria. While salaried positions tend to be on the lower scale compared to the corporate sector, employees working with NGOs and non-profits derive their motivation from the satisfaction that they gain from serving and helping people.
Job areas include • Community relations •
nvironmental
• Services (children, youth, family, elderly, special needs and healthcare) • Social work • Volunteer development
Skills required • Passion and commitment to the cause • Problem-solving ability • Organisation skills • Communication skills • Technical skills (depending on the role)
Public Sector
T
he public sector is Singapore’s largest employer, consisting of different ministries, statutory boards and a variety of organisations, such as the Public Service Division, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team. Graduates engaged in public service often find their roles to be satisfying and fulfilling. Depending on the role and ministry that you are hired into, your job scope and the skills required may vary. In general, all public sector employees must possess a passion to serve the community and have good teamwork and communication skills. A degree of maturity in order to draw up and execute national policies is vital as well. As a public sector employee, you will benefit from frequent training for upskilling and job security, and may also be offered flexible working hours should the need arise. However, do be prepared for longer working hours during peak periods, such as before project deadlines and launches of new initiatives. Many graduates enter the public sector through graduate programmes organised by the individual bodies, but departments and organisations also hire graduates directly. Do make it a habit to check in with the ministries that you are interested in for new positions available.
Job areas include • Government agencies • Ministries • Statutory boards • Uniformed groups
Skills required • Communication skills • Organisational skills
Job hunting tips
• Ability to work in a team
mployers look for candidates who are able to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and contribute to the organisation.
• Good interpersonal skills
Job hunting tips As this sector offers a wide range of positions, do thorough research and find and identify the fields of work which interest you. Be prepared for a series of interviews and assessments, too! Keep in mind that psychometric tests may be included in your recruitment process as well.
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Exploring the World Discover the different companies where NBS students are making an impact.
D
o you often find yourself wondering which company you should work for upon graduation? Do you find yourself considering companies you hear about through word-ofmouth or secondary sources of information (such as the internet)?
o s and
os
Why not take it one step further and read about them from firsthand sources instead? These NBS students are either working for, or have interned at, the companies featured. There is no “one-si e-fits-all” company in the world. However, we hope that these experiences shared will help you make a more informed decision for your future!
on ts of starting our first o • Be clear about your goals and understand what you hope to get out of your experience
•
on t e ect o s to e handed to you. Landing your dream job is a privilege, not a right
•
on t e ect a ro es to e as the o descri tion You may also be handed ad-hoc projects
on ts
• Be ethical. Clock in the required hours as stipulated. You have already committed to the role! o o is eneath ou Appreciate the opportunity and do your best regardless of the role
•
on t e afraid to as encounter difficulties
• Be enthusiastic. mployers value employees who are willing to take on challenging assignments
•
on t e ate for wor and paramount
• Work closely with your mentor – he or she can be a sounding board for your ideas
•
on t ignore dead ines Deliver good quality work – even under demanding deadlines
• Ask questions and seek clear directions, but pick the right moment to do so
•
on t e negati e disrespectful
• Meet regularly with your mentor. Keep him or her informed of your progress
•
•
• Take the initiative. Think “outside the box”, and you will be noticed
•
uestions whenever you
Punctuality is both professional
Do not complain and be
on t act i e ou now it a on t urn one day
– you do not
ridges – you may need to cross them
• Cultivate relationships with colleagues at all levels. They will become part of your network
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Leong Sin Yee
Ong Ming Li
Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2018 Treasury Analyst, ABN AMRO Clearing Bank N.V. Singapore
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Business Analytics), Class of 2020 Business Analyst/ Business and Integration Architecture Analyst, Accenture
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH After graduation, I knew I did not want to take the path of going into big investment banks despite the prestige that is associated with them. Working in large and well-known financial institutions obviously has its merits, but working in a smaller bank would allow for frequent contact with other teams and therefore opportunities to cross-learn in the organisation. As a fresh graduate, I wanted to maximise my learning instead of specialising in one function – and joining ABN AMRO Clearing Bank enabled me to expand on my expertise and allowed me to see and understand the whole process of trade flows, from start to end of the trade cycle. Furthermore, working in a smaller bank highlighted many potentials for growth and expansion. With plenty of new business mandates such as entering into new markets and setting up of new desks in foreign branches that are in the pipeline, it certainly presented an exciting prospect to be part of the action and an opportune place to grow my career. One might perceive that job progression within a small organisation is usually limited, but I was able to move from the Securities Financing department into my current Treasury role within the first year of joining the bank. Also, as the Singapore branch hierarchy is rather flat, it is easy for me to be in frequent contact with my managers, which allowed them to recognise my eagerness and drive to learn. That was how I received their support to move within the organisation, keeping my engagement and motivation high. SOME ADVICE Understand the importance of collaboration. I did, and it gave me the opportunity to learn, as I had the chance to fly to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to participate in the Global Acceleration Programme, where I also mingled and interacted with colleagues from all over the world! Later, it allowed me to directly engage with the Global Management leaders.
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH As a Business Analyst in Technology, I help organisations in the public service industry modernise their IT systems. I work with clients to understand their business problems, gather business and technical requirements, then design solutions to help them improve their business and system workflows, and work with developers to build and test these solutions. A role in technology may not be in most NBS students’ career considerations when applying for jobs. However, I decided to take a leap of faith and applied for one as I was keen on developing my skills in an industry that was growing so quickly, and I wanted to be part of that change. I chose to apply to Accenture as I felt that the rotations across different projects was a great opportunity for me to be exposed to a wide range of technologies. In addition, as someone who enjoys interacting with others, I was attracted to a role which involves frequent collaborations with both internal and external stakeholders. My time in Accenture has been very fulfilling so far. Although I came from a non-ST M background and found the learning curve steep at the start, there have been plenty of learning opportunities and certifications available for me to upskill and develop myself. This helped me ease into the role and allowed me to increase my knowledge and competency in areas like Cloud, Data Science, Agile Project Methodology, and many more. Aside from technical skills, working in different projects have also helped me hone my problem-solving, project management and stakeholder management skills. As the role continues to help me grow, I am also gaining a better appreciation of how technology can be an enabler to help drive the changes in organisations, and am glad to be part of it. SOME ADVICE For those looking to venture into the technology industry, I would recommend to not be afraid to take the step of change!
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Velugubantla Navyatha Sai Vyshnavi Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Graduate – Marketing, Anglo American Marketing Singapore WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I was first exposed to the world of commodities during my professional attachment. When I was applying for internships, I came across a Trading and Hedging role with the Copper Metallics team at Anglo American. Although my Platform-based learning background had no relation to commodities, I felt that the market analysis skills I had gained from my specialisation would be transferable in getting me up to speed. The experience has been different from the knowledge gained in the classroom. I have always been intrigued by the technicalities of my work, the deep knowledge required and the evolving nature of the industry. First as an intern and now a Graduate with Anglo American, my rotations across Sales Operations and Market Analysis have been instrumental in helping to shape my experience and outlook in commodities thus far. The exposure, learning opportunities and flexibility demonstrated in my role in the Anglo American Marketing Trader Graduate programme has given me the experience and insights into trading, and into the different facets in the world of Metals and Mining as well.
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Cher Weiting Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Consulting),Class of 2021 Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Ant Group
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH The job opportunity at Ant Group attracted me because I was hoping to experience the fast-paced technology industry firsthand, especially now when digital transformation is accelerating and making fundamental changes in almost every aspect of life and work. As the operator of China’s largest mobile payment platform Alipay, Ant Group has not only expanded my exposure and knowledge of the industry, but also allowed me to learn about an international company’s culture, people, operations and procedures. In the short time I have been with Ant Group, I have learnt so much. I have had the chance to interact with industry experts and professionals, as well as people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. This has cultivated more confidence in me. Moreover, these interactions have broadened my perspectives, aiding me in terms of both professional and personal growth. I have also received a lot of guidance from my manager and mentor, who helped me to overcome challenges and thrive despite an unfamiliar environment. I am never afraid of asking questions because my team is always friendly and supportive, and willing to share their experiences to guide me through obstacles. I am probably still scratching the surface of recruitment, and there is still much more to learn. SOME ADVICE It does not matter if we make a mistake or two during our first job, or any job in fact. Mistakes serve to push us forward and grow. We just have to pick ourselves up, learn from it and move on. Because the world is moving at such a fast pace, there is no time to dwell on the past!
www.nbs.edu.sg
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Lew Xing Yi Serene Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Consulting), Class of 2021 Global Human Resources Summer Analyst, Bank of America WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP It is the dream of many business students, including myself, to kickstart our careers in a financial institution. With uncertainty in the current business environment, many organisations have decided to either terminate or postpone their summer internship programmes. However, Bank of America (BofA) remained consistent and provided us with exciting internships, even though it was completely virtual. This alone created a sense of security within me, providing me with confidence that BofA is with their staff even during the tough times. Despite having initial doubts about an online internship, it turned out to be the best internship I had experienced. The whole programme was structured to ensure holistic growth in the process. This included various activities that encourage networking, such as talks with senior leadership and graduate spotlight sessions, that allowed for cross-functional exposure, and developmental trainings to hone soft skills. Informal lunch gatherings were also hosted to preserve the element of “human interaction”. The most significant part of my experience with BofA was the strong support my buddy, managers and fellow graduates provided. Not only did the support allow me to grow and perform effectively in my role, it also empowered me to build a close network with fellow interns from the different lines of business. In fact, I am still in close contact with most of them! One of the key reasons that led me to choose BofA is their advocacy towards inculcating a diverse and inclusive workforce, which aligns with one of my personal career goals – which is to work for an organisation that promotes internal equity. I was therefore extremely happy to be offered a full-time role at Bank of America after I completed my summer internship with them!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Amos Law Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Analyst - Prime Sales – utures ecution Barclays
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH When exploring internship opportunities, I found myself drawn towards the fast-paced environment investment banking offers. Ultimately, I decided to apply to a Markets internship at Barclays, and landed a Summer Analyst placement within the Prime Derivatives Services (PDS) team. Upon completing my internship, I was offered a full-time role as a graduate within the PDS Clearing Management team. After about a year, I took up an opportunity to transfer internally to the Futures Sales and xecution desk. Throughout my internship at Barclays, I liked the flat hierarchy, and saw that seniors welcomed questions from juniors. I also thoroughly enjoyed being around smart and driven colleagues, who at the same time, were keen to help juniors like myself learn the ropes and understand the business. Now, I what I enjoy the most about working for Barclays is the learning, whether that means learning about new products, other business areas across the bank, or what clients are thinking of and what they need. My typical day-to-day responsibilities include staying on top of the flow of orders received from clients and what we see happening in the markets. As well as discussing potential business opportunities either on my desk or in collaboration with other desks. Despite being a junior colleague on a Sales and Trading desk, I am given opportunities and guidance to cover clients and trade like anyone else on the team!
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Eunice Chan Pei Yee Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Year 3 Communications Intern, Ba ter Hea thcare (Asia) Pte Ltd
WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP As a person who values positive company culture, working at Baxter was a dream. It was very evident even in my first week, that there were so many opportunities to collaborate in the workplace, to be involved regardless of department, and to learn and be part of something bigger. It was a place where people of diversity come together to achieve results, with one common goal to save and sustain lives. verybody played a part in this mission, making work extremely fulfilling. Additionally, work-life balance is also eminent, with ama ing employees’ benefits and fun activities that promote wellness. In the short amount of time I was with Baxter, I was presented with plenty of opportunities to lead and collaborate with colleagues and clients across the world, building valuable relationships that one cannot get anywhere else. As part of Baxter’s Southeast Asia Communications team, my role served as a bridge both internally and externally, providing abundant opportunities to innovate and work jointly. Besides gaining insightful knowledge about the Medical Devices Industry, I also gained valuable soft skills, most of which comes from the experience of working in a multi-cultural team. Life at Baxter was never a bore as I found myself learning and growing every day, embarking on new challenges. Guided by my manager and mentor, I was often given innumerable opportunities to express creativity and ideas, and to go out of my comfort one to lead projects that involve leaders all over the globe. Through my work, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and fulfilment knowing that I contributed to a positive change in society.
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Yeo Jing Ying Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Business Analytics), Class of 2018 Data Analyst, Global Data Department, Bloomberg
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Like many university graduates, choosing a company to kick-start my career was not easy. It was a combination of having a myriad of career options and lack of real-world work experience. Fortunately, a Bloomberg internship helped me realise what really mattered for me in my career – that my purpose and values, and the purpose and values of the company I chose, should align. It was the impact of my work and Bloomberg’s progressive company culture that drove me to join the firm and grow my career. My background is in Accountancy and Analytics, so I have always been interested in being part of the Fintech industry. Bloomberg, being a key player, is it a perfect fit for me to experience the best of both worlds – I get to expand my technical skills in data analytics, while also being part of the finance industry. Today, my role as a Data Analyst puts me in a team that delivers accurate and timely market information to the Bloomberg Terminal. The work we do is highly impactful as the industry becomes more programmatic and reliant on real-time data to help clients make crucial investment decisions. Bloomberg’s collaborative culture also provides employees with ample opportunities to navigate and build their own development paths. In my short time here, I have worked on multiple projects with colleagues from all around the world, and I really appreciate the company’s diverse workplace. For instance, my accountancy background was helpful in reviewing the latest accounting standards for a market prospecting tool with the Sales team, and my data analysis skills helps the News team break news and share insights that are read by thousands of our clients. SOME ADVICE I highly recommend future graduates sei e every opportunity to explore different industries and look for a role that fits their career and personal goals. It is also important to join a company that invests in its employees, remains competitive and continues to grow and adapt.
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Lee Wei Ren Ben a in Bachelor of Accountancy, Year 3 Intern – Region Asia South, SEA and Australasia Sub-Region, Borouge Pte Ltd WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP Because I understood that my passion lay in international trade and the commodity markets, this influenced my decision to take on a minor in international trade. Subsequently, I pursued an internship in this field. Borouge was a great organisation to start this journey. As a regional sales analyst intern, I was privy to Borouge’s strategic planning for its APAC and Australasia businesses. Moreover, this internship allowed me to gain invaluable insights into how a petrochemical firm operated, and how Borouge’s plastic business could still contribute to sustainable initiatives that helped the push for environmental sustainability. Its company culture was one that stood out, with colleagues ever willing to lend a helping hand and answer any questions that I may have had. Being a fully virtual internship, my manager ensured that I remained engaged and cultivated a sense of belonging to the team. My stint at Borouge accorded me a macro view of the downstream petrochemical industry. It was eye opening and it helped to ascertain that a career in international trade was the ideal path for me. SOME ADVICE I think many accountancy students feel obliged or are stigmatised to take on accounting roles by association with their course of study. For me, a previous stint in a Big Four firm helped me to better appreciate what a career in accounting might be like, and where my interests truly lay!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Eddie Yuhao Xu Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2018 Data Product Specialist, Monetisation Integrity Team, ByteDance
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH After graduating from NBS with a double degree, I felt inclined to join the banking industry, where I worked for two years. As the landscape of the world changed in , I realised that doing what I love boiled down to the ability to make an impact in a company that was growing, while still being data-driven. That was why I moved into the tech industry. Was it scary breaking into a new industry? Yes! But the fact that I was doing what I loved and bringing over industry best practices from my previous job made me confident I could contribute to the team. At ByteDance, I am in a Data Product role in the Monetisation Integrity Team, focusing on enhancing model performance and capabilities. The team aims to control risk and maximise growth on TikTok through machine learning technology. It was a steep learning curve coming into this new role in a different industry, but the transition was smooth because the team was able to tap into my strengths with project and stakeholder management. ByteDance has also allowed me to excel by providing a great learning environment that includes domain-specific training and a collaborative team culture. I amm also fortunate to be able to work with talented colleagues across Operations, Policy, Business and ngineering. With the fast-paced environment comes many learning opportunities and chances to take ownership of my own projects. This makes the work a lot more fulfilling and meaningful to my career growth!
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Wong Ying Yue, Sandra Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Class of 2014 Assistant Manager, Landside Concessions, Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I have been with Changi Airport Group (CAG) now for five years and counting! With my degree in Business, joining CAG’s Commercial division allowed me to apply the skills I picked up in NBS in my daily work, and materialising them into revenue for the company. In addition, CAG has also given me plenty of opportunities to explore a wide array of projects apart from my usual leasing and operations job scope. Some of these projects include space reconfiguration planning, kick-starting Changi Airport’s own Food Delivery Service (Changi ats), and setting up of a nanoblock museum in our very own Terminal ! These projects were challenging and pushed me to think out of the box (or the universe!). However, the leaders in CAG are always there to help, give good advice and support the team in any way possible. This aspires me to continue to grow with the company and to serve all our stakeholders (including our shoppers) in every way possible.
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Janice Chan Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics) and Computing (Computer Science), Class of 2020 Global Consumer Bank Analyst, Citibank
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I wanted to work in a fast-paced environment where I would be constantly challenged to grow and learn, and Citi offered that opportunity through the Global Consumer Banking Analyst Programme. There, I could experience various functions within the Consumer Bank and understand the ins and outs of product management and digital banking. In professional development, Citi ensured our industry skills and knowledge were up-to-date through regular trainings and courses. I also received guidance from my mentors, who provided advice on navigating the corporate world. On top of my day-to-day work as an Analyst, I had an opportunity to be part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. There, I engaged with analysts across different countries to help social enterprises refine their strategies and resource mobilisation. I made many new friends, and made a positive impact on the community!
Genevieve Doo Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2019 Citi Private Bank Analyst, Citibank
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I appreciate the power of the financial markets and the opportunity to figure out how to make above average market returns. In Citi, I have been exposed to several different business units within the Private Bank – Managed Investments, Indonesia Banking, Investment Counselling, to name a few – all of which have been of paramount importance in my understanding of how a private bank works, and how to provide holistic investment solutions to our ultra-high net worth clients. I appreciate the knowledge-first culture very much, where being inquisitive, perceptive and bold is encouraged, and where people learn from one another, no matter the seniority. As a team, we readily take on the challenge to continually improve efficiencies via analytics. There are even always opportunities to take on additional projects!
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Justin Tan Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Credit Analyst, Clearstream Banking S.A., Singapore Branch
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH The year was not easy for graduates. COVID-1 exacerbated the global economy, resulting in very challenging job-hunting experience for the new graduates. Thankfully, I was fortunate to land a full-time role as a Credit Analyst with Clearstream Banking S.A., Singapore Branch. The job application process was a daunting one, due to the COVID-1 situation in Singapore, however I was blessed with the kind help of many people during the process. Transitioning into my first job after university was a mix of excitement and apprehensiveness. On one hand, I was looking forward to my first career, but on the other, I worried over the whole new working situation in a pandemic. Fortunately, I was blessed with great people at work. Through my role in Clearstream, I gained better understanding of the diversity and dynamics of the financial industry and deepened my knowledge in my chosen job area. I have also had opportunities to meet and collaborate with colleagues from different countries, and managed to stay connected despite the current global situation. On a personal level, I appreciate the working culture at Clearstream. The company has a flat hierarchy, resulting in a workplace where you can openly communicate with colleagues and managers. SOME ADVICE The foundation to excel in your career is to find out what you really like to do and pursue it. It sounds very clich , but you define your own life, so always be proactive, seek opportunities and follow through. Lastly, have faith, take pride and be kind!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Cheong Li Wen, Grace Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Year 3 E-Commerce Intern, COTY
WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP As an undergraduate studying marketing in a time where digital trends are taking over most businesses, I am very intrigued by the rapidly changing world of e-commerce and how it operates. I felt that e-commerce combined the best of technology and marketing while presenting an exciting thrill of the unknown – considering how recently it has surfaced. Thus, I decided to take on the role of an -Commerce Intern at COTY, to learn first-hand what it takes to be a specialist in this field. I was given the ama ing opportunity to manage our e-commerce business from end-to-end. My job scope ranged from creative production, to managing our listings and offerings on online marketplaces (like Shopee, La ada and alora), to maintaining our stock levels and even executing major campaigns such as La ada Birthday and Raya in Malaysia. I was also incredibly blessed to have an ama ing line manager who instilled in me critical thinking skills to analyse our sales performance, which resulted in various Test Learn experiments that helped our brands see an overall sales baseline uplift. The most memorable project, however, would be heading the new launch of Flagship stores across major marketplace platforms in Malaysia. SOME ADVICE To anyone who is curious about a certain industry or function, I definitely encourage you to take a leap of faith and try it! You never know if you might end up loving it!
www.nbs.edu.sg
A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Dong Aiqing
Lyon Lim
Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics) and Computing (Computer Science), Class of 2019 Technical Analyst, Credit Suisse
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Consulting), Year 3 Intern, Human Resources, Daimler Commercial Vehicles South East Asia Pte Ltd
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH As an undergraduate in 1 , I had interned with Credit Suisse’s technology team, and received an offer the following year to return as a full-time employee. Credit Suisse has a healthy work-life balance culture and that is important for me. mployees are encouraged to pursue their own hobbies and interests during their leisure time. The company also organises a great variety of events and activities, such as networking and mentoring sessions for us to interact with senior business leaders, as well as volunteering opportunities and various sports days. These activities enable us to learn, connect and grow our network outside of our own teams. Personally, I really enjoy being in a productive, working environment with a balanced culture like in Credit Suisse. SOME ADVICE Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask and the more you research, the faster you grow. The first few years of your career are critical in proving yourself and showing what you are capable of. Use this period as an opportunity to build a solid foundation for years to come!
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WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP When I was offered a part-time internship during the school semester at Daimler Commercial Vehicles, I jumped at the opportunity. And it became one of the best decisions I made in my university life! I found that the company embraced diversity and a culture of collaboration, which aligned with my personal values. It also allowed me to work with dynamic and intercultural teams. It was a valuable experience as I was entrusted with real responsibilities that gave me the opportunity to contribute to the organisation and gain regional work exposure. My supervisor and colleagues were supportive and friendly, which made my time there fun and enjoyable. Working virtually from home as part of the company’s flexible-work arrangements was also an interesting experience. Having had to balance my work and studies over a period of six months, I was better able to apply what I had learnt in school to my work and gain perspectives from the real business world!
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Goh Wei Hin
Tuea Jia Wen
Bachelor of Accountancy, Class of 2015 Senior Analyst, Merchandising Finance, DFS Venture Singapore Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Accountancy, Class of 2020 Analyst, Global Markets Division, Goldman Sachs
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Graduating does not always mean being at a bus stop and waiting for one of “The Big ” buses to pick you up so you can kickstart your career. While I highly respect the traditional route of joining an accounting firm, in today’s context, there are plenty of other options towards success, such as ride hailing and sharing services. The DFS graduate programme provided an opportunity for me to rotate around most key finance functions ranging from subledger, general ledger, consolidation and forecasting departments. Instead of diving into a silo function, this allowed me to connect the dots and see the bigger picture in making effective business decisions. The amount of attention and development a company can provide is directly proportional to the number of employees, and as there was just a handful in the programme, I was given more exposure for my personal and professional development. I have also benefitted a lot from the many mentorships till date, which are far more valuable than any classroom experience. The network and friendships that I have developed through my journey were what kept me going particularly during current pandemic conditions as well. My journey in DFS over the past six years have been fruitful. I achieved my CA (Singapore) certification, was part of a project team in system upgrades, implemented accounting standards changes, and many more! I was even given the opportunity to attend the 1 LVMH Dare Shanghai event, an entrepreneurial platform for attendees to Disrupt, Act and Risk to be an ntrepreneur in ideas revolving “innovation in luxury”. After .5 years in the company, I relocated to Hong Kong, and am now learning a totally different scope working alongside with the merchant teams. It felt scary at first, but after taking the leap of faith, I did not look back!
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Interest and personality. University is a wonderful time to expose yourself to different subject matters, hobbies and experiences – at times having to step out of your comfort one. I am glad NBS gave me the opportunity to take on various internships with different disciplines, from sales and trading to fintech and audit. I also had the chance to learn outside of the classroom by joining Business Solutions case club, creating fond memories participating in international case competitions and meeting like-minded friends. All these enabled me figure out my interest in studying successful businesses, and being in touch with financial markets, and my personality – I like making new connections and bouncing fresh ideas. Marrying these together helped me identify quity Sales as an ideal starting point for my career and accounting became a handy skill set in understanding companies through the lens of their financial performance. SOME ADVICE Someone once told me “university will be the best years of your school life”. I would encourage you to look beyond your degree and take the time to find where your interest meets your personality. Learn, experience and most importantly, enjoy!
SOME ADVICE Robin Sharman once said that everything is created twice, first in your mind and then in reality. So, dream big and who knows what you can achieve?
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Lim Hui Ting Gina
Oh Angela Ray
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Consulting), Class of 2016 YouTube Solutions Consultant, Google
Bachelor of Accountancy, Year 3 Intern, Driver Supply Analyst, Grab
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Working at Google has transformed the way I view and approach work – no -to- clock-ins, it is all about getting things done – and given me opportunities to explore my interests and take charge of my career journey. I learnt that it all begins with asking the right questions and not being afraid to try. I am able to exercise autonomy over my work and to identify problems and work to resolve them. I was also fortunate enough to try different roles in the company and broaden my skill set. SOME ADVICE As clich as it sounds, change is the only constant. Things can change relatively fast and sometimes you just have to launch and iterate as you move along. I believe that no matter where you are, the most important thing in a career is to ensure that you are in an environment that allows learning and feeling challenged in your field of work.
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WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP My summer internship experience with Grab can be summed up in three words – Independence, Insight and Impact. Despite being new to the industry and role, my team trusted and gave me full ownership and autonomy in managing my own project, where I explored delivery-riders’ pain points and recommended solutions to alleviate some of the challenges that they faced. Along the way, my team checked-in with me consistently and shared areas of improvement in a timely manner, which allowed me to refine my research findings and presentation. While doing so, I gained ground-level insight into the food delivery industry by hearing directly from riders. Understanding Grab s business model and how the company supported its stakeholders like merchants and riders, especially during last year’s Circuit Breaker, was extremely meaningful. This knowledge drove me to make an impact by proposing sensible recommendations to improve our riders’ experience. Overall, my time at Grab working with driven, supportive and talented Grabbers and serving with Heart, Honour, Hunger and Humility was nothing short of incredible. SOME ADVICE While this role is not one my peers and I in the accountancy faculty would traditionally explore, I have to say that it was definitely one of the most meaningful internship experiences. Through this role, I strengthened my research skills, communication skills and thought processes by conducting interviews and surveys with riders by putting myself in their shoes and understanding their pain points to get the information needed.
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Neha Satpute Bachelor of Business (Risk Management and Insurance), Class of 2020 Management Associate, Great Eastern Singapore
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Starting your first job can be nerve-racking – especially so if you are graduating in the middle of a pandemic! But my time at Great astern has been nothing short of a wonderful experience. oining the Corporate Management Associate Programme has helped me accelerate my career progression as I can rotate to different divisions, join various development programmes, take part in strategic projects, gain exposure to senior management and have continuous mentoring support. It has been almost a year in this programme, and I have rotated to two departments – Group Risk Management and Digital for Business. During my rotation in Group Risk Management, I worked on managing sustainability and operational risk. And in Digital for Business, I worked on Great astern’s mobile app. What makes this programme even more special are my fellow Great astern colleagues. veryone I have met through this programme has been really welcoming and they go out of their way to explain concepts to new members in the team. Additionally, the invaluable experience of being guided by accomplished mentors has led me to refine my career goals and craft a roadmap that will help me to achieve it at the earliest. With the varied skills and expertise that I gained through the rotations, I have been able to achieve a holistic understanding of the industry and attain new career heights!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Cynthia Tan Shi Min Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Human Resource Consulting), Class of 2020 Graduate Analyst, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I first joined HSBC as a Summer Intern in 1 . During my time there as an intern, I was pleased to have worked on several highlevel projects which helped me gain a first-hand experience in the banking industry. Together with my team, we launched multiple new initiatives to help drive the bank’s growth and I learnt a lot more by working with different stakeholders. After my internship, I was offered a position in HSBC’s Global Graduate Programme and I gladly took it up as I had enjoyed myself, and also decided that banking was better suited to my interests and abilities. I liked meeting with customers and helping them with their needs! Currently, I am part of HSBC Wealth and Personal Banking, where I focus on client acquisition and strategy. The journey has definitely been a fruitful and insightful one. As a global graduate, I get the opportunity to rotate around teams on a regular basis, and this helps me to form a more comprehensive understanding of the bank as a whole. Global graduates also have access to key support pillars within the bank – mentors, seniors, buddies. These people have played a critical role in helping me develop my career goals. HSBC has also actively involved us in the fun side of things, where we get to organise and participate in programmes to make a difference. We are encouraged to join different mployee Resource Groups for Diversity and Inclusion, where regular events are held. This platform has given me a chance to unwind on hectic days as well as provided me with opportunities to make new friends within the bank!
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A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD
Shi Jun Xian
Benedict Tan
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2021 ICBC Ltd Management Associate (Treasury Intern), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) Singapore Branch
Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Class of 2019 Strategy Analyst, Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS)
WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP Having studied both accountancy and business at NBS, I realised that my passion lies in the banking and finance sector. Since I am someone who enjoys working with numbers and unpredictability, the seemingly more conservative and stable career in accounting firms was less appealing to me. The different internship roles that I had completed throughout my four years in NBS also helped me gain a clearer in understanding what kind of career I wanted to pursue in the long term. From these experiences, I decided that I want to pursue a career in banking, and was glad that ICBC was open to hiring local graduates through their first-ever starlight programme, an internship and graduate programme. While many of us may not be familiar with ICBC given that they do not often recruit fresh graduates, ICBC is known as the largest bank in China. In fact, ICBC was ranked the largest bank in the world in 1 and 1 , based on total assets. With the continual growth in the Chinese economy and the important role China plays today, it is ever more valuable to understand the Chinese market. This is what had mainly driven me to explore career opportunities with this bank. Personally, being able to experience working in ICBC helped me understand more about the developments in the Chinese market, such as the increasing use of Chinese currency (RMB) in financial products.
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WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Although I majored in Marketing during my time in NBS, I developed an interest in venture building and investment during my final year. I came across a Strategy Analyst role offered by IMAS and felt that it would increase my exposure to venture building and investment, so I joined them. I am now involved in building an investment literacy mobile game with a local fintech and leading asset management firms. The winners of the game, the Digital Accelerator Programme (DAP), are then showcased at the Singapore Fintech Festival. It is thrilling to be involved in a programme that could alter the industry’s future direction. Together with Bloomberg, IMAS also started co-hosting the largest buy-side investment conference in Singapore and I received exposure to many top leaders in the process. It is exciting to be part of a dynamic and driven team that constantly punches above its weight! IMAS provided me a safe and supportive environment to start up new initiatives. Within a couple of months of joining the firm, we conceptualised and started a new training portal to curate and rollout customised training courses for asset managers. I was the lead analyst behind IMAS iLearn, the start-up which we launched with great success. I am proud to have helped close to a thousand fund management practitioners upskill and reskill. This project exposed me to a whole new world of executive education, training and gave me a great understanding of how the financial ecosystem works. Being part of a fast-moving and growing organisation may be challenging at times as we are often in uncharted waters. However, it is satisfying to work in a place where my ideas and contributions are valued, see tangible results arising from all the hard work and making an impact on the industry.
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Teo Joo Hou
Sylvia Yeo Xin Yi
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2018 Senior Finance Analyst, Johnson & Johnson
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Business Analytics), Class of 2020 Global Finance and Business Management Programme – Analyst, Legal Entity Control, J.P. Morgan
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Upon graduation in 1 , I joined ohnson ohnson as part of their Finance Leadership Development Programme (FLDP), embarking on my finance career in a corporate setting. FLDP is a well-established two-and-a-half-year programme with more than years of history, and the programme offers two rotations and four opportunities for overseas trainings in total. I chose to start my career in this setting as I saw the value that finance could bring to an organisation. Finance serves the role of a trusted advisor to business via its ability to produce data-driven analytics to support management decisions and the expertise to identify various levers to optimi e company performance. Throughout my time in FLDP, both of my rotations were in Finance, Planning and Analysis (FP A). My primary responsibility was to develop the business plan to achieve company’s targets and to perform budget-variance analysis to understand if we are on track with business plan. General work includes building scenario analysis models to assess the impact of uncertainties, identifying potential risks or opportunities and to strategically allocate resources to optimise the company’s performance. Looking back, what I learnt over the past two years in has been immense, and it has certainly built a great foundation for me to move up the finance career ladder.
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH During my time in NBS, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to intern at a few firms. My time at .P. Morgan stood out, which was why I eventually chose to join the firm as a fulltimer. One thing that resonated was .P. Morgan’s supportive and nurturing culture. I received an abundance of support and guidance from my manager and colleagues. veryone was very willing to share their knowledge and render assistance when I needed it. Opinions and ideas are highly appreciated and valued regardless your position or appointment. Coupled with leadership, constructive feedback and decision-making opportunities, it really helped build our confidence as we started out in the corporate world.
Xinhui Su Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2014 Managed Solutions Specialist, Vice President, J.P. Morgan
MY EXPERIENCE I did a few internships in Audit, Consulting and Investment Banking prior to graduation, and one of the things I wanted to do was to join a firm which would provide me with the platform to learn as much as I can and build a strong foundation in the initial years of my career. That led me to join .P. Morgan’s Global Private Bank Analyst Programme. I have been part of the .P. Morgan Wealth Management team for seven years now. Over the years, I have had the chance to transition across roles and across locations. I started off as a banking analyst in Singapore, and then relocated to Hong Kong to join the investment solutions team. At present, as a managed solutions specialist, I partner with bankers and investors to help clients get and stay invested in the right managed investments to meet their longer term wealth goals.
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Edwin Choo Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Management Trainee, Or a
WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP As a Finance major, I had always thought that I would end up in a Banking or Finance related role. However, in my second year, I participated in the Harvard Business School Club of Singapore Mentorship programme, and my mentor to encouraged me to be broaden my hori ons and be open to various opportunities. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, in particular Beauty and Cosmetics, has always piqued my interest. Hence, I participated in FMCG networking sessions organised by the NBS Career team. This helped me to understand more about the industry and interact with working professionals. Thereafter, with the help of my career coach, I landed an internship at a prestigious beauty company during my penultimate year, and this solidified my conviction to pursue a career in this industry. In my final semester, I also secured a mentorship with a makeup artist, and worked part time doing sales for a beauty brand. These experiences gave me first-hand operational experience, and exposure to a different side of the industry being on the ground. The holistic exposure I had gained over the years, alongside the guidance of NBS Career Services, helped me clinch a role in L’Or al’s Management Trainee Programme, where I have the chance to explore various fields of Marketing, Trade Marketing and Customer Relationship Management over two rotations. In retrospect, deciding to step out of my comfort one to sei e the opportunities out there was the best decision I have ever made, helping me find my calling and changing the trajectory of my career from what I had expected as a finance major.
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Low Hwee Ngee Dawn Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 na st i ed Inco e Division, Morgan Stanley
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I first joined Morgan Stanley as an Industrial Placement intern in Sales and Trading. During the recruitment process, I was struck by how willing my interviewers were to share about their experiences and how open the firm was to let me explore all the desks I expressed interest in, despite my lack of experience. Taking a semester-long leave of absence (LOA) to pursue this internship became an easy decision to make – I had ample opportunity to learn about different parts of the floor before discovering that a structuring role in the Fixed Income Division was where I wanted to spend my career. Along the way, both as an intern and now as a new Analyst, I have been blessed with managers and buddies who have been willing to show me the ropes and encouraged my continued development. My finance and accounting background proved a good starting point for the diverse skill sets needed in structuring. A role that straddles the sales and trading functions, it requires both technical product knowledge as well as the soft skills needed to work with various teams in deal-making, while my accounting degree came in useful in the areas of derivatives and hedge accounting. SOME ADVICE Keep a flexible mindset and be willing to learn. School can never fully prepare you for your eventual job so capitalise on learning culture and training resources available to you!
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Chng Suying Kelli Bachelor of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Class of 2003 and 2012 Vice President, Compliance Office for sia anning MUFG Bank WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH During the course of my undergraduate programme, I became increasingly drawn to the Banking industry – in particular its dynamism and multifaceted opportunities for growth. I was also fascinated by how a single sector could have such immense influence on the economy and cater to the varied needs and segments of society, spanning from retail banking to corporate banking and investment banking. Hence, having obtained a degree in Accountancy, I found myself joining a bank upon graduation. It was through serendipity that I joined MUFG Bank in its Compliance Office for Asia. A previous manager of mine had just joined the bank and was sharing her experience. She spoke about the bank’s transformation plans, especially in compliance with the onboarding of a new Regional Chief Compliance Officer for APAC, who had just relocated from the United Kingsdom (U.K.). It all sounded really exciting and I wanted to be a part of a bank’s transformation journey. Working in a apanese Bank with a vast global network was also intriguing to me, given my past stints in United States (U.S.) and urope-centric banks. At that time, I did not know much about the bank, except for it being apan’s largest bank with a robust balance sheet. So, when an opportunity came up in MUFG and I was approached, my immediate answer was “why not?”. Little did I know then that it would be one of the best decisions I have made in my career. The only constant in MUFG Bank is change, which comes as no surprise for an organisation that is undergoing significant transformation. This also underpins the bank’s focus on constantly evolving and improving in order to become the world’s most trusted financial group. This has yielded positive outcomes for my development, as it allowed me to gain exposure through various roles within the Compliance Office for Asia, ranging from regional oversight, managing the compliance functions in a portfolio of APAC units to my current role. More importantly, the emphasis that the bank places on its people, as well as the guidance and support that I have received from my colleagues, have been instrumental in my development both personally and professionally. For instance, the bank, with its extensive global network, has also offered me the opportunity to engage and collaborate with colleagues from across the world, allowing me to broaden my perspective.
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Lim Hui Jie Gordon Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Year 2 Spring Business Analyst Intern, Nomura Research Institute WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP “Is taking a semester leave of absence worth it?” Was the question that lingered in my mind throughout the months leading up to my internship in Nomura Research Institute (NRI). And now, that it has come to an end, I dare say I came out achieving much more than I sought to gain. The internship at NRI, being my first exposure in the strategy consulting, and mergers and acquisition landscape, had me involved in various sectors, including Smart Cities, Telecommunications and lectric Vehicles. I had the opportunity to handle varying aspects of the different projects, ranging from proposals and framework creation to presentation to the relevant stakeholders. I believe the prime factor that made my experience at NRI so fruitful were my fellow mentors and colleagues who placed my well-being above all else during my time there. They made sure I knew the rationale behind every step we took in each project, and even made time to teach me hard skills beyond the project that are essential in the consulting industry! They were meticulous yet patient, allowing me to make the most of my time at NRI. The internship undoubtedly improved my technical skills in the field, and more importantly, has given me directions as to where my aspirations lie. And that is, in the consulting field. SOME ADVICE To my fellow juniors who are contemplating taking up an internship, I urge you to conduct your due diligence in the team you will be working with, as nothing beats a dedicated team or programme that works to further your growth.
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Calyn Ho Kai Lin
Ang Sing Yan
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Business Analytics), Class of 2020 Associate Manager (Product Supply), Proctor & Gamble
Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Business Analytics), Class of 2019 ro ect ontro er Schneider Electric
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH It was my specialisation in Business Analytics and previous internships that first opened my eyes to how technology can transform and improve business. It can be particularly useful in Product Supply, where the end-to-end and cross-border supply chain network provides a plethora of possibilities for innovation. Learning that Proctor Gamble (P G) was vested in digitalisation and innovation was what first attracted me to join the company. Since I have had the privilege of becoming a P G-er, I am grateful for having leaders who not only support my passion in Business Analytics, but also recognise the value I bring to the team. I have also been given the opportunity to take ownership over the demand forecasting for multiple categories in my market, and this has allowed me to learn so much in my time here thus far. The dynamic business in each category and market has made work extremely interesting, as we learn how to navigate through the changes brought about by the pandemic. I have also learnt a lot from other projects outside of work, such as Skills Based Volunteering projects and events organisation. P G values grow-from-within talents, which means that P G hires not just for a particular role, but rather for a career. This is evident through the strong support network in place for all hires and interns, as well as the structured training and qualifications for us to continuously learn and grow. Most importantly, we are given a wide variety of opportunities for both local and overseas assignments that supports our selfdevelopment – with P G operating in over countries and owning more than brands, opportunities are almost limitless. Work-life balance is also something that senior management strongly encourages, with our well-being prioritised by all levels of management that I have interacted with. Never would I have imagined myself to enjoy work so much – I am immensely blessed with friendly and kind teammates mentors, who always continue to inspire and motivate me to do my best.
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WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Ranked as the world’s most sustainable corporation in 1, Schneider lectric’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. That was the main reason that convinced me to join Schneider lectric – the opportunity to work in a multinational corporation (MNC) with a meaningful mission. Having graduated from a double degree programme, I was deliberating between two choices Finance or Business Analytics. As I believe that Finance and Analytics will converge in the future, I decided to start my career in the Finance track. I wanted to build my domain knowledge so that when the time comes, I will be ready to further valueadd. As part of the Schneider Graduate Programme, I had the privilege of being sent to Taiwan for a one-year assignment. During my time there as a Project Controller, I partnered with project businesses in Taiwan. I provided financial expertise to Sales and Project xecution teams and helped to drive business in terms of profitability and top line growth. As a fresh graduate, this international exposure was an important milestone in my career and has helped to shape me as a global citi en. I have seen for myself the perks of working in a MNC – the opportunity to work with colleagues from around the world, and the possibility of being sent overseas! SOME ADVICE A word of advice to all my juniors is to find a company that is willing to invest in you.
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Lee Rong Jie Leslie Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Finance Management Associate, Sea
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I have always been an exploratory individual, and the same applied to my job search process. Amongst various alternatives, Sea stood out for three reasons. First, Sea’s mission – to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology – resonated deeply with the values I stand for, and wanted to align myself with. Second, Sea Finance offered the prospect of practicing accounting in a commercial firm. This aligns with my preference for deep exposure into finance in a single company in my first career. Finally, the businesses that Sea operates – digital entertainment, e-commerce and digital financial services – interest me greatly. These tech-driven segments certainly present a whole different set of accounting challenges and opportunities!
Teh Yong Wei Bachelor of Accountancy and Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2020 Finance Management Associate, Sea
Kang Kai Wen Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Class of 2021 Officer redit and is Management, SG Cash Pte Ltd
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Beyond the knowledge taught through NBS from the finance modules that I took, I realised that experience through work is equally, or even more, important. This is where we put what we already know into real life situations and cases, and make decisions in the corporate world. I am grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to how credit risk works in the financial context. I learnt to be impartial, and to exercise discernment when reviewing cases. There were opportunities to sharpen communication skills and professionalism, as we spoke with clients who are direct bosses of SM s. I also have had chances to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and it gave me glimpses of how various SM s operate in different industries, including pest control and cleaning services, freight transport and beauty spas and salons, amongst others. SOME ADVICE Do not to be afraid to try something new if you have no idea of what you want to do in the future. Keep an open mind, and take some time to ask yourself what you really want to do or is good at. Stick with that decision, and make the best out of it during your attachment by asking questions and learning about the how’s and why’s. That way, you will definitely have a fruitful and fun experience!
Lit Zheng Yao MY EXPERIENCE The FMA programme at Sea provided us with great opportunities to work with different teams in Finance, ranging from Financial Planning and Analysis, to Business Assurance, Tax and Treasury, providing a real breadth of exposure. I was struck with how my experience in each rotation helped me realise how different parts of the Finance ecosystem work together, and allowed me to gain valuable knowledge on each team and business segment. Being involved in projects that require in-depth applications and problem solving also exceeded my expectations. Being able to apply my knowledge in a fast-growing environment was a truly fulfilling experience and has definitely pushed me to maximise my potential!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Year 2 Intern, Credit and Risk Management, SG Cash Pte Ltd
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to embark my internship journey at SG Cash, a finance firm specialised in supporting SM s in Singapore. It felt like a dream come true for me because I could work in an SM , and also experience how it is like to help other SM s. Through the internship, I was able to deepen my knowledge regarding how an SM operates and improved myself with valuable skills gained from the work process. As I was required to assess the risk of potential clients through the documents submitted, I was able to apply knowledge that I learnt from some of the modules taken in my academic curriculum. The client screening process also requires us to be detail oriented and meticulous to ensure that the information provided was free from errors and forgery. Furthermore, mandatory site visits for all clients gave me the first-hand experience of interacting with SM owners and observing how they operate.
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Tan Jia Jun
Karen Lim Xin Ni
Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Class of 2020 Supply Chain Planner (PO and Derivatives), Shell
Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics), Year 3 o ercia ro ect Management Intern, Siemens Mobility Private Limited
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH In my second year, I was looking for an internship that could develop my Marketing skills beyond what we learnt in school. I stumbled across a post from Shell to apply for their Assessed Internship opportunities. I decided to give it a shot since I figured, who says a marketing guy can’t try for the energy industry? Long story short, I got into Shell and went through an exhilarating, ama ing five months as an intern in the Aviation business – and now, I am on my second rotation as a Supply Chain Coordinator in the three-year Shell Graduate Programme. As an intern, I was part of a global team designing communication plans to engage global key customers. Now, I oversee and coordinate the end-to-end movement of chemical products in the value chain, all the way from manufacturing to the end customers. very day has challenged me to think about the difference I can personally make. I have been presented with learning opportunities that push me to make a direct impact to the business. I have attended global client meetings, interacted with top leaders in Shell and in the industry, and presented my solutions to key external stakeholders. I love that I continue to learn and explore every day, and I look forward to growing in Shell – not just professionally in my career, but also personally as a person.
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WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP Taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a semester-long internship was initially unplanned. But after my summer internship, I felt that the period was too short, and due to the pandemic, it was largely done working from home. I thus became more inclined to take up another internship for more face-to-face interactions and learning opportunities. In order to experience a bigger picture of the real working world and have a better idea of my future career path, I decided to take on a six-month internship with Siemens Mobility. I was delighted to be accepted into the role, as it was a new field and job scope that I had never experienced. It certainly provided me with a better view of what the job entailed! Through this internship, I got a better view of the project field in the transportation area, understanding how bidding and project management is exercised in the company. Other than gaining from the fruitful learning opportunities, I was blessed to have patient supervisors and colleagues to guide me through. Apart from delegating tasks, they took a step forward to explain the whole process and mechanisms behind the work, ensuring that I gain a thorough understanding about the company, as well as tasks. They frequently checked on my interests, and were willing to bring me on projects and work that I was interested in, and share more responsibilities. This internship not only allowed me to build connections locally but also globally with supervisors, colleagues and the other interns. Since Singapore is the Asia Pacific Headquarters, I had chances to work with colleagues located in other countries, and it definitely enriched my internship experience. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the working culture and environment with flexible working and learning opportunities! The hard and soft skills gained will benefit me greatly in my future career.
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Yang Ruiqi
Wai Jian Rong
Bachelor of Accountancy, Class of 2018 Financial Analyst II, her o isher cientific Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Accountancy, Class of 2021 Graduate Trainee, Global Markets, UBS
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH Thermo Fisher Scientific is an accredited training organisation in Singapore for various institutions including the Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC) and CPA Australia. There, accounting graduates can complete their CPA certification. Thermo Fisher is also a world leader in serving science, and its mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. This aligns with my own career aspirations to make an impact, and I am grateful to be working for a company that plays an integral role in helping to solve the world’s toughest challenges, from fighting against COVID-1 to the ika virus, among others. My experience working in Thermo Fisher has been very positive. The friendly colleagues and supportive team mates here make the tough deadlines at work much easier to handle. SOME ADVICE When you work in a large global company, there will be some complexities, especially in navigating the matrix environment, different processes and finance systems. However, challenges also entail more career and learning opportunities in addition to a greater sense of achievement!
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH During my freshman year, I was encouraged and fortunate enough to be able to attend multiple networking events and industry talks. Most notably, I participated in the UBS Youth Finance Academy where I was introduced to many different roles across different divisions within a global bank. It gave me a lot more insights about what working in the banking and finance industry entails. While I was in my penultimate year, I decided to take up a LOA internship as I wanted to gain more on-the-job experience to reaffirm my career interests. ventually, I took a leave of absence to pursue a fruitful year-long Industrial Placement at UBS in Singapore. Throughout the internship at UBS, I was given the opportunity to learn and was constantly challenged. It was then I also learnt the importance of a firm’s culture and its people. Having a supportive environment and the chance to build an extensive global network, especially as an undergraduate, would help accelerate the learning process and can provide a good transition from studying to launching one’s future career. SOME ADVICE Taking a gap year off school may seem daunting at first, but the journey is extremely rewarding. These experiences would definitely make undergraduates stand out!
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Ong Xue Ting Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Year 3 Human Resources Intern en e t Internshi Programme, Unilever Asia Private Limited WHY I CHOSE MY INTERNSHIP Taking a LOA was definitely not in my plan as I always wanted to quickly graduate. However, everything changed as I struggled to find out my career ambition and realised it would be more beneficial to take an LOA to explore and gain more exposure! My journey with Unilever can be described as Ama ing, Rewarding and Fun. It was ama ing working in a global team, as you get to work with people of diverse background and be exposed to the different working culture. You also get to appreciate the differences and learn how to work around situations. It was a rewarding journey as people recognise and appreciate your work, and put them into actions as they believe it would bring about real impact. Lastly, I got to play hard with my team through our monthly “Art Attack” sessions, where we learnt each other’s hobbies, such as paint pouring and even belly dancing!
SOME ADVICE First, be curious and always question “Why?” Not only will you address your unknowns, you will also be ama ed by what’s going on behind-the-scenes. Secondly, be open-minded and never restrict yourself with your own thinking. Be receptive to new ideas and opinions others may suggest by bringing together all ideas – you might even be able to achieve results beyond expectations! Lastly, be bold and never think that you are just an intern! At times, with your fresh mind, you may offer better solutions than those who have worked in the company for a longer period of time. Challenge the known and learn in the process. Learning from failure is definitely better than shadowing a failure!
Create your free account now at
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NBS WORK STUDY PROGRAMME (WSP)
Gain work-relevant skills and experiences
Earn Academic Units
Career Opportunity
(13 AUs for those who have completed PA)
NBS Career Services Office (CSO)
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NBS WORK STUDY PROGRAMME (WSP)
NBS Career Services Office (CSO)
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International Training Programme (ITP)
R
ather than a specialisation under Banking and Finance, the International Training Programme (ITP) is now an offered Major Minor. A Nanyang Technological University (NTU)wide offering, it is managed by NBS.
As such, NBS Career Services Office manages the internship and employment and student engagement of career related matters.
About the International Trading Programme (ITP) The International Trading Programme (ITP) is a truly interdisciplinary programme that was established in partnership with nterprise Singapore and corporate partners from the international trading community. It was created to provide a holistic education across the entire value chain in international trading. Undergraduates can gain knowledge from ITP courses led by industry experts, insights from industry seminars and dedicated internship support from NBS Career Services Office. ITP provides undergraduate students for careers with trading companies, creating value for our industry corporate partners, and thus increasing diversity in the talent pool. For instance, the commodity industry has a large value chain extending from the likes of operations, logistics, supply chain management, risk management and human resources to trading. The commodity industry plays an important role in Singapore as well as in other global economies. There, internship and career opportunities abound both locally and internationally. An ITP graduate can look forward to career prospects in a wide variety of functions as well as opportunities to learn and grow across different functions, including • Commodity Trading • Logistics and Supply Chain Management • Marketing, Business Development and Analysis • Market Research and Product Development • Operation Management in Procurement and ngineering • Product Management and Sales • Trade Compliance and Risk Management • Trade, Structured and Supply Chain Finance Depending on the core degree and needs of the hiring company, an ITP graduate may be employed in other industries such as Banking and Finance, Biological Chemistry, Business Management, lectronics, Shipping and Logistics, as well as Maritime Science and Technology.
a es of areer Progression for ITP Graduates •
unior Trader
Trader
Trade Manager
Head of Trading
• Commodity Risk Analyst Senior Risk Analyst Head of Commodity Risk
Risk Manager
• Trade Finance xecutive Trade Finance Analyst Finance Manager Head of Trade Finance
Trade
• Trade Operations xecutive Senior Trade Operations xecutive Lead of Trade Operations Regional Head of Operations The commodity industry has a large value chain extending from the likes of operations, logistics, supply chain management and risk management, to human resources and trading.
a or and
inor
0/10
Accountancy
Accountancy Business Double Degree in Accountancy and Business
Accountancy Double Degree in Business and Computing Aerospace ngineering
Accountancy Bioengineering Chemical and Biomolecular ngineering
Accountancy Civil and nvironmental ngineering Computer ngineering
Accountancy Computer Science lectrical and lectronic ngineering
Accountancy nvironmental
ngineering
Information ngineering and Media
Accountancy Materials ngineering Mechanical ngineering
Accountancy Maritime Studies NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
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EMPLOYERS OF THE ITP GRADUATES A. T. Kearney Pte Ltd
Africa South East Asia Chamber of Commerce
Air Liquide
AllForU Pte Ltd
Amazon Web Service Singapore Pte Ltd
American Express International Inc.
Anglo American Marketing Limited Singapore Branch
Annona Pte Ltd
Aon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Apollo Management Singapore Pte Ltd
ASL Shipyard Pte Ltd
Assurance Partners LLP
Azendian Solutions Pte Ltd
Barclays Bank Plc
Barramundi Asia Pte Ltd
BASF
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
BNP Paribas
Borouge Pte Ltd
BP Singapore Pte Ltd
Bright Ruby Resources Pte Ltd
BW Maritime Pte Ltd
Cara Shipping Pte Limited
CHATEAU ITALIA PTE LTD
ChemChina (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Chevron
China Aviation Oil (S) Corporation Ltd
Citibank Singapore Limited
Clarksons Platou
CLASSY BEAUTY
Community Foundation of Singapore
Converging Knowledge Pte Ltd
CORE.Advisory
Croda Singapore Pte Ltd
DAIMLER SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE. LTD.
DANA SAC S.E.ASIA PTE. LTD.
DBS Bank Ltd
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Diamond Gas International Pte Ltd
Dole Asia Holdings Pte Ltd
Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte Ltd
Ecolab Pte Ltd
Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte Ltd
Ernst & Young Solutions LLP
ExxonMobil
Glencore Agriculture
Goldman Sachs
Far East Organization
Freepoint Commodities George Fischer Pte Ltd
Goodyear Orient Company (Private) Limited
Grabtaxi Holdings Pte Ltd
GRANT THORNTON SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Horizon Group
IHS Markit
IMC Industrial Group
Integra Petrochemicals Pte Ltd
Interlocal Exim Pte Ltd
International College Of Holistic Health
Invictus Group Pte Ltd
J. Lauritzen A/S
JERA Trading Pte. Ltd.
Johnson & Johnson Pte Ltd
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT (SINGAPORE) LTD.
Jurong Port
Koch Supply & Trading
KPMG Services Pte. Ltd.
Lenovo Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Kim Heng Marine & Oilfield Pte Ltd
Lino Kaiun Kaisha Ltd
LIONFISH STUDIOS PTE. LTD.
Lobb Heng Pte Ltd
Louis Dreyfus Company
Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Mclink Asia Pte Ltd
Mediterranean Shipping Company South East Asia (Singapore)
Meet Ventures Pte. Ltd
MERCURI URVAL (ASIA) PTE. LTD.
Mewah Oils & Fats Pte Ltd
Midea Electric Trading (Singapore) Co. Pte. Ltd.
Mitsui & Co (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
Mol Chemical Tankers Pte. Ltd.
Motorist Pte. Ltd.
MSD
OCBC Bank
Ocorian Singapore Trust Company Pte Ltd
Oino Shipbrokers Co. Ltd.
Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG
OOCL
Oriental Energy (Singapore) International Trading Pte Ltd
Pacific Radiance Ltd
Panduit Singapore Pte Ltd
PKF-CAP LLP
PrimusSoft Pte Ltd
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited
PSA Singapore
Rabobank Singapore
Reckitt
RHB Bank Singapore
Richfield Technologies (S) Pte Ltd
RICHLAND LOGISTICS SERVICES PTE LTD
Rohde & Schwarz Asia Pte Ltd
SABIC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
SailWill Pte Ltd
Seng Hua Hng Foodstuff Pte Ltd
Shell Chemicals Seraya Pte Ltd
Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte)Ltd
SHOPEE SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd
South32 Marketing Pte Ltd
Southland Global Pte Ltd
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK (SINGAPORE) LTD
Stonecraft (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thurlestone Shipping
TOPTIP HOLDING PTE. LTD
Toronto Dominion (South East Asia) Ltd
Trafigura Pte Ltd
UBS AG
Ultima Racing Stable Pte Ltd
Unilever Singapore Pte Ltd
United Overseas Bank Limited
Vale International SA (Singapore Branch)
Vopak Terminals Singapore Pte Ltd
WEO Corporation
Western Shipping Pte Ltd
WHYQ PTE. LTD.
WILMAR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
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Global Internships
W
hile any internship can add credibility to your resume, some may prove to be more worthwhile than others. Have you considered the idea that perhaps the best internship opportunity is waiting for you outside Singapore’s borders? Although completing overseas internships now is more difficult, it is not impossible, and a few NBS students took up the challenge to go abroad for their internships. By venturing into entirely unfamiliar cultures, they pushed the boundaries of what they thought they were capable of. It was also the perfect way for them to proactively tackle the cut and thrust of corporate life that they will eventually experience upon graduation.
An internship abroad can be both personally rewarding and beneficial not just to your career you will have the chance to build lasting friendships with people of different cultures and nationalities. More importantly, you will get to establish valuable business contacts that can help you elevate your career to the global level. A resume complete with an internship abroad will help you stand out in a sea of candidates. Your experience will convince recruiters that you are adaptable, culturally sensitive and unafraid to step out of your comfort one – qualities that will take you far in the corporate world. We present testimonies of NBS students who took up the challenge of completing an internship abroad from to 1.
uickly, I had to adjust my mindset to adapt to the “work from home” arrangement to not delay the business activities that required my support. It is very important to be resilient and adapt to changes fast. With these two qualities, I was able to complete the internship beautifully. I was thankful that the Lenovo and NBS career office had supported me all along. I could not overcome these challenges without the support. was a year of turbulence and challenges. There might be more challenges ahead of us and I have learnt to be always be prepared now. My advice to juniors – you need to adapt, and adapt fast.
Ching Tian Qi Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), ITP Credit Analyst in Lenovo China, China I took up a -month overseas internship with Lenovo China in December 1 through NBS Career Services Office. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to experience working in a foreign culture, so I decided to step out of my comfort one and flew to China without hesitation. I vividly remember COVID-1 was simply a virus no different from a flu when I first heard of it in the office back in anuary . But within a week or two, it became a global pandemic. Virus transmission was rapid, and the infection rate was high in China. I was grateful that NTU called the students abroad back in time before the lockdown, though it was also a pity for me as I had to end my internship within a month. I continued my internship with Lenovo when I got back to Singapore. Fortunately, the Beijing office allowed me to bring my work laptop back to continue work. Our communication was mostly through Skype video calls and emails.
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Glendon Tan Bachelor of Business Administration (Banking and Finance) Finance and Operations Associate (Newlab) and Businesses Development and Partnerships (Tribe Accerator) in Newlab and Tribe Accelerator, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. It almost seemed like I had already adjusted to my workday mornings – replying to emails while sipping a cup of coffee at my desk after braving the strong winter winds of Brooklyn, New York, United States. It had already been more than two months into my one-year internship under the NTU Overseas ntrepreneurship Programme (O P). Working in Newlab was everything I had
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hoped for in my OEP stint – accommodating colleagues and
internship at Tribe Accelerator, helping blockchain-based start-ups scale in terms of funding and business opportunities in Singapore With my managers and colleagues patiently guiding and
credit goes to all the people that have helped me learn and get
Kenneth Yeo Bachelor of Accountancy Finance Portfolio and Strategy Intern in Emirates Airlines, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My situation changed drastically from a great overseas
Jia Zhenmin Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) Investment Banking Spring Analyst (Morgan Stanley) and Investment Banking Summer Analyst (Citigroup), Hong Kong After accepting back-to-back internships at Morgan Stanley and
So, I decided to make use of the remaining time for the semester
Companies such as Tableau also gave free student access
as I had the opportunity to highlight the skills that I picked up in from Singapore, I could not help but perceive the lack of physical The learning curves in merger and acquisition (M&A) and initial public offering (IPO) transactions can be very steep, and not having direct On a more sentimental note, the abrupt ending to my overseas
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Lea Edora Quek Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Financial Consultant (Prudential) and Digital Marketing Intern (Inspire-Tech)
Muhammad Irfanullah Bin Mohamed Kasim Amanullah Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) Finance Intern in JLL – Jones Lang LaSalle
Disneyworld Orlando, the happiest place on earth, and the place that I had always wanted to visit and could only dream of working in. I was ecstatic about starting my three-month summer internship with Disney, scheduled to be from May to August 2020. Due to the global epidemic last year, though everything was cancelled. Year One summer break was a trying time for me, as it was with everyone else in the world. Challenges were imminent and adaptation was key. I faced challenges in sourcing for a new internship and was worried about what step to take next. However, we were reassured by
In March 2020, I secured an overseas internship to Ethiopia with a Fortune 500 company for my professional attachment (PA). This internship came with a full-time job conversion opportunity and a scholarship. Moreover, I was excited as I was supposed to go to Africa for this internship which was an excellent opportunity to understand that part of the world. However, as COVID-19 hit, the internship was cancelled due to health safety reasons. Nevertheless, I remained optimistic and continued applying for internships through NTU and NBS Career
still had opportunities during the next summer breaks.
complete my PA. I believed even though some companies may have had to reduce headcount, as long as I was willing to learn and adapt to the changing environment, I will be able to secure an internship. To help me stay relevant in the job market, I took up courses in Coursera, to upskill myself in the areas of coding. Soon after, I landed another internship in JLL and was converted to their graduate programme. Internships do play a crucial role to position ourselves best for our careers, but you have to work hard to secure one. Indeed, it was an internship that helped me to secure a full-time role after my graduation. The uncertainties are real, but as long as we are determined, there will be opportunities for us to seize.
famous scientist, Albert Einstein. It was due to these trying times that I pushed myself to take a leap of faith in joining Prudential, an insurance insurance license and had made use of the summer break to attend training sessions, coaching lessons and product knowledge sessions that had geared me up effectively for insurance sales. I had met with them, which enriched me in ways I could never have imagined. The door to work overseas in Disneyworld had closed on me, but I had kept my options open and ventured into a brand-new environment – one with uncertainty and fears of rejection, but also with countless learning opportunities ahead. My knowledge and expertise in insurance with a tech company that was looking towards approaching insurance companies for their new start-up. When one door closes, many other doors open. However, when
never looked back all the way up till today.
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Natasha Tan
Tan Wei Lun
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Pharmaceuticals Marketing Intern (GlaxoSmithKline)
Double Degree in Business and Computer Science Software ngineer Intern in Thales, France
As clich as it sounds, when a door closes, another opens! Back in , at the peak of the COVID-1 pandemic, I was supposed to go for an overseas internship in Orlando, Florida, United States. I even had my visa and air tickets ready. However, it was cancelled abruptly. At that point, it was towards the end of the hiring period for internships and I was worried that I would not be able to secure another internship. Through the school, I applied to multiple companies and was open to various roles. I secured interviews and faced rejections. I would be lying if I said that I was not discouraged. Yet, I continued to apply for more while taking courses online, such as digital marketing to upgrade my skills. Finally, I landed an eight-month internship with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Authenticity and honesty are key – be honest about what you know and are uncertain about during the interview and on the job. Open yourselves up to opportunities to learn. When you feel too comfortable, get ready to take on new commitments in addition to the ones you already have. very experience is valuable. To everyone in the midst of internship or their job hunt, believe in yourself. Nothing is far beyond your reach as long as you are willing to learn. Look the first step and I have never looked back all the way up till today.
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I flew to France in early February 1 , thinking about how lucky I was to escape the pandemic at a time when there were only a handful of cases there. Four weeks later, the first wave hit Italy, then Germany and eventually France. I flew back to Singapore with only six weeks overseas. Back in Singapore, I sorely missed my garden and the patisserie tours I would go on over the weekends in France. On top of that, the feeling of delaying my graduation by an entire semester in exchange for a mere six weeks of overseas internship experience was unpleasant. When I came back, I applied to the Thales Singapore office (perks of a multinational corporation). Amidst the hiring free es, offer rescissions and postponements, I was lucky enough to secure a winter internship with them. I learnt that you should not feel pressed to finish your prescribed curriculum in three or four years. Take time to explore your career options, what excites you and what you are looking for in a job. This is because the more years you accumulate in a role that you hate, the more this irrelevant experience works against you when you finally decide on a career switch. So, take some time you need to find out what is best for you. On securing internships and full time offers, it is easy to feel unmotivated when your higher-achieving peers are landing multiple offers from the big brands, but never give up and have hope that your efforts will pay off by growing your networks!
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Excelling Through Mentorship Find a mentor to help you navigate your way through tricky career decisions.
T
he very idea of entering the corporate world is daunting and riddled with unknowns. But this does not have to be the case. Mentors are an excellent resource that undergraduates can tap on to obtain a wealth of knowledge and support to succeed in the business world. Not only is mentoring a professional activity, it is a meaningful commitment that culminates in a trusted relationship. More than that, developing a healthy mentor-mentee relationship is probably one of the most critical things a student can do to pave the way to his or her professional success. A mentor offers you wisdom, industry knowledge, support, empathy and respect. He or she can also help you understand how your degree programme may best align with your career options.
DEFINE A HEALTHY MENTORMENTEE RELATIONSHIP Mentors play a pivotal role in your career journey, from defining your career direction to giving you insights to your chosen industry. Most importantly, though, a mentor can provide a safe space for you to realise your goals, whether short-term or otherwise. A mentor can be your direct superior, someone in your new department with more experience, or even someone from another company.
efine career goa s
Benefits of having a mentor A mentor can… • Help you discover and define your career aspirations • Assist you in making career decisions when opportunities arise • Manage your expectations by evaluating your level of knowledge, skills and ability • Be a role model you can emulate • Connect you with the right people in the industry • Point out when you are off track and help you stay on course • Share stories about their own academic journey and professional experience • Act as a sounding board for you to express your concerns • Provide feedback in a way that will help you gain insights to further develop specific skills or qualities
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Look inwards and evaluate yourself. Seek to identify your goals, dreams and aspirations – then think about who would be the best to help you get there. With this in mind, you will be able to better conceptualise the type of mentor that you are searching for. Next, consider the type of relationship you want by asking the following questions • Are you looking for a mentor who can be actively involved in your career development or to merely act as your consultant? • How much time and effort are you prepared to commit to the mentorship – once a month or every semester? • What kind of guidance do you expect from your mentor?
Invest in the relationship Remember that this is a give-and-take relationship, and that favours are not a one-way street. A good mentor-mentee relationship adds value to the mentor as well. Mentors will have their own goals, and understanding what those goals are will get the mentorship off to a solid start. Make yourself available for the mentorship – formally or informally. When allocated a prospective mentor, arrange regular meetings that are supplemented by email exchanges and phone contact. You can meet over a meal or at a caf that is conducive for exchanging ideas. Be receptive to guidance and be willing to learn. Your performance will reflect the quality of the relationship that you have with your mentor, and careless blunders will undoubtedly make your mentor question your commitment to the relationship.
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our e
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Identify what you expect from a mentor. From the onset, there should be mutual agreement on issues relating to time commitments and the areas that you wish the mentor can best help you with. Be sure not to overstretch your mentor by demanding too much time and attention or by becoming overly dependent.
art wa s if the fit is not right Periodically evaluate if your assigned mentor is right for you. You should have a good grasp after several meetings as to whether the mentoring relationship is working out well. Ask yourself what you have gained in terms of values and knowledge, and what falls short. It is natural for your goals and needs to evolve with the passage of time. Mentors who were previously right for you may no longer generate the same effectiveness or be as suitable. Changes in your career goals may also lead to a misalignment of interests between you and your mentor. If you feel that it is time to go your separate ways, be upfront with your mentor. As mentors partake in this programme voluntarily, it is really important that you do not waste his or her time if you are not getting what you want from this relationship. nd the relationship amicably – through a courteous phone call or a face-to-face meeting. The bottom line is to be gracious and to emphasise the positive tell your mentor what you have learnt thus far from him or her instead of focusing on shortcomings. Do not let the end of the mentorship be the end of the relationship. Continue to stay in touch with the mentors who have positively impacted you.
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Tips on identifying the right mentor Consider your strengths and weaknesses, what you want to learn, as well as where you need to grow and be motivated in. The more you understand about yourself, the greater your odds of finding the right mentor. Once you know what you really hope to gain from a mentor, you can begin your search. Look for someone who • Has the appropriate experience in order to adequately offer you advice to meet your goals. They need not be from the same industry or professional field • Has an acceptable track record in the market in terms of knowledge and character •
xemplifies the traits and skills that you want to emulate
• Is passionate and committed to a long-term mentoring relationship with you • Has a positive, upbeat attitude – someone who will invest in you and celebrate your success • Has the necessary communication skills to relate to you • Can speak openly to you instead of making you feel uncomfortable • Genuinely wants to watch you grow • Is prepared to offer honest and constructive feedback If you continuously seek to connect with others throughout your undergraduate days by attending networking events and career talks, you will cross paths with many people who will make great mentors.
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MAJOR SOURCES FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION The benefits that NBS students can gain from a good mentoring relationship are numerous. The key is to have the foresight and humility to ask for mentoring services. You will find plenty of accelerators in your life who can add value. More importantly, you can take it upon yourself to add tremendous value for them. In doing so, you will ensure that you get the most out of the relationship and find success in your studies and future career. Here are the mentoring programmes available for you
NBS Mentoring Programme The NBS Mentorship Programme is a six-month programme that aims to match students with alumni mentors for valuable life and career guidance, industry knowledge and connections to professional networks. Under the programme, students will not only have the opportunity to interact with seniors from various industries, who are invited to share about the roles they play in their respective organisations, as well as the personal journeys they undertook to get to where they are today, but also explore their personal potential and gain insights into realworld experiences as well.
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Harvard Business School Club of Singapore (HBSCS) Mentoring Programme This programme is held in partnership with the Harvard Business School Club of Singapore and has a holistic approach to the personal and professional development of NBS students over a six-month mentorship period. Mentees will meet with their assigned mentors on six different occasions to meet the following objectives • Define personal success and build self-awareness • Develop an entrepreneurial mindset • Achieve innovative and lateral out-of-the-box thinking • Live in a cross-cultural world with no boundaries • Understand business ethics, values and sustainability
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NBS Mentoring Programme in o t how yo can enefit thro
h NBS
entorshi
ro ramme
Connecting students with alumni First introduced in 1 , NBS’ Mentorship Programme was designed to foster the spirit of giving back and connect current NBS students with NBS alumni mentors from different industries around the globe. Through this partnership, students gain invaluable life and career guidance, industry knowledge and professional
connections and ultimately enhance their personal and career growth. As the first cycle of the programme draws to a close, we catch up with a mentor and his two mentees who share their experiences in the Mentorship programme.
Question: Share more about yourselves.
Bryan Pang (BP): I am Bryan Pang, working as a Chief Risk Officer in Sinolending Pte Ltd, based in Shanghai.
hat
Madeline Tai (MT): Hello, I am Madeline Tai, a mentee and final year business undergraduate student pursuing a major in Business Analytics and a minor in Translation.
oti ated ou to oin the rogra
BP: I was approached by the NBS Office to join the NBS Alumni Mentorship Programme. Since I benefited tremendously from my mentor during my university days, I was happy to contribute in any way I could. MT: During my preparation to go to Shanghai, China, for my internship under the Overseas ntrepreneurship Programme (O P), I chanced upon the email invitation from the School’s Alumni Office regarding the Mentorship Programme. The alumni team informed us they could try to find us a mentor based in the overseas city we were going to that semester. After finding out more about the programme from the alumni team, I decided to enrol myself. I also believed it would be great to meet a mentor, who is a fellow NBS alumnus, who can guide me in my career planning and share his experience as a Singaporean working overseas. In addition, as I would be graduating soon, I wanted to utilise this opportunity to think about my career plans during my overseas internship and thought it will be a good time to seek advice from a mentor.
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Cheong Jing Fu (CJF): Hello! I am Cheong ing Fu, a mentee and final year business undergraduate pursuing a major in Business Analytics.
e
CJF: I recalled during my freshman year when we were required to choose a specialisation at the end of the year, I did not know what I wanted to pursue for my future career, and I felt lost. I hoped to have a mentor who could advise me based on his her experiences and guide me to position myself successfully for the future. Since then, I started to keep a lookout for mentorship programmes. When I came across the NBS Mentorship Programme, I was very excited. To me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Furthermore, the mentorship programme gave me the opportunity to listen to the mentor’s journey and experiences, and thus giving me a better idea on how to navigate my career upon graduation. I immediately connected with Bryan, and that was the start of my fruitful journey as his mentee.
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Q: What are your key takeaways/valuable learning from this rogra e MT: During my internship, I was considering whether I wanted to pursue a career overseas after graduation. Through the mentoring sessions with Bryan, I realised that it was not easy working overseas – we would be away from our parents who are turning old, and if we had kids, we would have to think about their future as well. I came to a realisation that pursuing a career overseas would need proper planning. Another takeaway is never stop challenging yourself. Bryan had quit his full-time job to set up his own business. Many might think that at his age, he could retire after his kids had grown up and entered the workforce. But this was something that Bryan had already planned for, and he pursued it regardless. This taught me that entrepreneurship has no boundaries – one should always dare to challenge oneself and pursue one’s dreams. Lastly, I learnt to be grateful. I remembered that Bryan once told us that he personally benefitted from the guidance of others and that was why he wanted to give back by guiding others as well. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and I hope I will have the ability to mentor others in future.
hat was our
ost
CJF: I really learnt a lot. First and foremost, I managed to learn more about myself in terms of my own strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals for my future career. Through the various discussions and mentorship exercises, Bryan and I shared our experiences which enabled us to truly understand how we can leverage these experiences to plan for our future. As Bryan had been working overseas for more than 1 years, I gained from him a clearer perspective on an overseas career, and how to be open to opportunities beyond Singapore. That made me reflect upon my personal goals and motivated me to consider working overseas after graduation. In addition, beyond career insights, Bryan shared about his personal life and how to balance family and career. While it is necessary to be driven in our professional pursuit, it should not be at the expense of our personal priorities and family. There is a need to ensure a good balance to truly succeed in life. Last but not the least, my most valuable takeaway is not only having a mentor, but most importantly, a friend for life. The mentorship and friendship formed with Bryan did not end after the conclusion of the mentorship programme. Bryan and I keep in close contact with each other.
e ora e
BP: There was a meeting in October with the mentees which coincided with a visit from my sister and brother-in-law in Shanghai. I decided on a road trip with all four to itang old water town in hejiang, which was an hour and a half drive from Shanghai. The five of us had a half-day trip and we enjoyed one another’s company. We saw many visitors dressed up in Tang dynasty outfits for a local Tang outfit photo competition and it felt as if we were in a movie set! We took a lot of photos and it was one of my most memorable moments. MT: There is always this perception of millennials changing jobs frequently, which is something that society views negatively. Yet, there are others who think that one should change jobs frequently to gain as much experience and exposure as possible.
o ent incident
During my last mentorship session, I asked Bryan about his views on this issue. His reply was whether you change jobs or not was not important, the crucial point was whether you were learning when you were doing your job. If you felt that you were no longer learning, then you should switch to another job to learn something new. It made me realise that gain is about quality and not quantity, and that one should always embrace lifelong learning. CJF: The most memorable moment I had was the visit to Bryan’s office. He had invited me to his office and introduced me to a few of his colleagues. I had the opportunity to see the similarities and differences in work culture between China and Singapore. I also interacted with a few of his colleagues and learnt more about intercultural working styles.
Q: Any advice for fellow alumni and students who are deliberating whether to sign u BP: My only advice is to be like a sponge and absorb whatever learning that the programme has to offer and enjoy! MT: This mentorship programme taught me that the learning process should be both ways – for a mentee to learn from the mentor’s experiences and also for the mentor to learn from a mentee’s perspective to better comprehend the younger generation. I encourage my fellow NBS peers and juniors to sign up for this mentoring programme with an open mind as it is only through open discussions that you can truly learn.
network and discussions through this programme will definitely provide more clarity and confidence as you embark on your career upon graduation. Participate actively during each session, and do not be afraid to seek for help or advice from your mentor. It is fruitful to also do some reflections on your own after each session to better understand yourself and your aspirations. Do keep in touch with your mentor regularly, even when the programme concludes. Take this leap of faith, and I am sure you will be able to learn a lot and launch yourself to greater heights!
CJF: My advice is to go for it! Whether you already know what you want or not for your future career, I can guarantee that you will gain a lot by participating in this programme. The guidance,
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Rebecca Lim, NBS alumna and Head of Our Better World
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Sheeren Begam, NBS Mentorship Programme mentee
Bringing individuals from different professional specialisations together on a earning ourne The NBS Mentorship Programme also brings individuals from different educational and professional specialisations together on a learning journey. One such pair is NBS alumna, Rebecca Lim (Bachelor of Business with specialisation in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Class of 1 ) and her mentee, Shereen Begam (Bachelor of Accountancy, Class of 1 ). Rebecca is Head of Our Better World, from the Singapore International Foundation, while Shereen is currently working at Deloitte in the Financial Services Industry Audit department. Despite their seemingly different backgrounds, the pair had a very positive experience during the mentorship programme. Having often mentored young people in an informal way, Rebecca believed joining this programme would be a good way to be a part of and learn from a structured mentoring programme. Shereen, on the other hand, wanted to learn the different career paths available in the corporate world after graduation. She also wanted to know what sort of career would be suitable based on her strengths and weaknesses, and believed this programme would be very useful for her. She gained many takeaways from this programme. Firstly, she set plans for her career and personal development with landmarks in five, 1 and 15 years’ time frames. Secondly, despite already knowing her strengths and weaknesses from previous leadership programmes, the programme further defined her core values which drove her decision-making, and grounded to under any circumstances. Most importantly, she learnt essential soft skills from Rebecca on time management and maintaining a balance while starting a career. Rebecca emphasised that regardless how busy you are with work, one should have a routine in place, so that there would always be downtime to unwind and relax.
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Besides learning from each other, the pair also discovered new things about themselves. Rebecca found out that she could be more focused and have a certain level of flexibility in each mentoring session that resulted in value for the mentee. On the other hand, Shereen learnt that her passion for public speaking and theatre, and the lessons she took from it, could be weaved into the different aspects of her career. For instance, the confidence and eloquence in speaking and communicating at workplace and with clients was a skill she deeply honed due to her interests. Rebecca also showed Shereen that it was possible to marry her passion or hobby to her corporate goals as well. Both Rebecca and Shereen highly recommended the programme to fellow alumni and students who are deliberating on whether to sign up. Rebecca shared that alumni can use the life experiences they gathered over the years to support students in a meaningful way. She also advised all students looking to join the programme to come with an open mind, and take this opportunity to ask questions and learn from someone who has much to impart. Shereen felt that the programme was extremely fruitful and valuable, especially as one draws closer to the end of university life. The programme helped with her bridge the gap between university and workplace. She also found comfort and benefited from Rebecca’s sharing, especially on the doubts and concerns she had when she first entered the workforce, and how she managed to overcome them. “All in all, this is an excellent programme for any graduating student,” Shereen concluded.
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Lim Kai Ning, NBS alumna and HR Business Partner at Unilever Korea
Bringing individuals from different professional specialisations together on a earning ourne Having benefited from the support of seniors and mentors, NBS alumna and Assistant HR Business Partner at Unilever, Lim Kai Ning, understood the importance of having someone to turn to when she needed clarity. “Being mentored increases the chances of being caught before you fall’”, Kai Ning shared. “With my mentors I often felt like I was walking on paved roads with their guidance, rather than having to carve out a path from scratch. The experiences they shared with me helped me make better decisions.” The alumna has also been blessed to have met many good mentors. “I have a couple of really close female mentors whom I treasure and respect a lot. They have been my role models for success and through them, I learnt how to tap into my strength as a woman and do well in pursuing my passions.” Inspired, Kai Ning joined the NBS Mentoring Programme – Grow, which involves mentoring Year One undergraduates on navigating student life in NBS and building a strong foundation for a future career. “I wanted to use my experiences to help someone else,” Kai Ning said. Kai Ning is no stranger to mentoring, she had previously mentored two Year One juniors during her undergraduate days in NBS. The NBS Mentoring Programme – Grow, however, was a different experience to her. Mentors of the NBS Mentoring Programme – Grow were provided with a framework for the mentoring sessions. “The structured approach was very helpful as it allowed me to get to know my mentees deeper in a short period of time,” Kai Ning said. Kai Ning’s mentoring sessions with her mentees took place during the circuit breaker, but the COVID-1 situation did not hamper her interactions with her mentees. “It was convenient to dial each other for an hour or two. In fact, it was way easier for us to meet online than in person.”
Kai Ning and her mentees discussed from the lofty to the practical – on career dreams and ambitions, as well as the granular details like the types of modules to take, or CCAs to pursue for different objectives. The discussions also delved into career values and personality. From the interactions, Kai Ning realised there were many similarities between her and her mentees. “As we get to know others better, you realise that we are one and the same, with similar fears and hopes for our future,” Kai Ning said. The mentoring sessions had benefits for her as a mentor too. “Besides reliving the good old days, being a mentor helps you see things from different perspectives and get unstuck’ from the current frame of mind. Sharing about your life experiences also gives you the opportunity to reflect on yourself,” Kai Ning shared. Overall, the mentoring experience was very positive, and Kai Ning looks forward to continuing as a mentor in future runs of the programme, if time and energy permits. She also shared some tips for fellow alumni for a successful mentoring experience. “Keep an open mind. Rather than impose your ideas and thoughts on your mentees, ask them questions and listen to their perspective. Talk less, listen more.”
Keen to give back to NBS and he our uniors ign u as an NBS Alumni mentor today!
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Entrepreneurship in NBS
S
ome graduates want to make their way up and around career ladders in corporations. Some have a very different idea of a career path. Welcome to entrepreneurship in NBS, which definitely includes forging a new path in unexplored territory.
Hear from graduates who decided to lay their own paths to success, no matter how gruelling the journey and challenges might be. Meet those who found entrepreneurship to be their calling, because they wanted to make an impact in the industry of their choice. Meet some of the most successful entrepreneurs from NBS.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it Right after Wuhan went into lockdown in February , I expected the same to happen to Singapore. I strategised to launch into distribution of FMCG products – particularly products that are consumed at home. Within two weeks, we found and signed a new warehouse office space to conduct this new line of business. As expected, from April onwards, COVID-1 necessitated working from home, and decimated demand in the central business district, where most of our caf s are located. Before the global pandemic hit Singapore’s shores, we had a total of 1 outlets, and now we are down to six. Our pivot to manufacturing and distribution of FMCG products such as oat milk, nespresso compatible capsules and flavoured syrups has enabled us to triple our revenues in 1 from . At present, we have nespresso machine subscriptions and a slew of FMCG in the pipeline.
Adrian Khong
My advice to graduates
Bachelor of Accountancy
My advice to new business owners is to be prepared for a hard slog. Behind the sexy fa ade of a successful business is a very big load of stress, uncertainty, hard work, resilience, business leadership, teams of committed employees, timing, strategy and sometimes even a stroke of luck. It is not a walk in the park, but rewards of your business success are unlimited.
Founder, Jewel Coffee What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry At , I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship as the itch to start my own roaster caf was too much to ignore. Prior to going into entrepreneurship, I worked as a corporate banker in international banks. The wide range of knowledge gained from NBS was invaluable. From costing, business law, contract law, financial accounting and marketing, all these subjects learned in school made running a business so much easier.
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them Tech is change. It encompasses so many things. We cannot live without it, and it is constantly evolving. Because of that, I thought it would be an easy sell when I joined. While Singapore was more receptive, international prospects like Hong Kong and Indonesia did not see our value. Convincing them to break from the age-old model of hiring promoters and runners to canvas the streets was tough. After all, handing out flyers and other promotional tactics had worked for decades and seemed more economical.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it
Chan Chee Kong Bachelor of Accountancy o ounder and o a i
hief O erating Officer
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry I have no love or hate for any particular industry. My brother had the idea for GlobalTix after his time with Singapore Airlines and the Sentosa Development Corporation. There, he had a frontrow seat to the inefficiencies and finicky customer experience tourists and attraction visitors faced. The queues, physical tickets, passes, stamps were no fun for anyone. He wanted to tackle these problems, and that convinced me to join.
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I remember being at GlobalTix’s Chinese New Year reunion dinner in when I saw a news alert on my phone about China shutting down outbound travel. I knew at that moment that we were in trouble. Since we have cut our staff by 1 per cent, implemented pay cuts, mandated unpaid leave and other methods that have become the common theme worldwide in the past year and a half. While COVID-1 hit travel and tourism harder than anything we can remember in modern history, on the flip side, it has also sped up the willingness to adopt the offerings of SaaS providers, like GlobalTix. Five-year plans have been shortened to two- or threeyear plans. GlobalTix has also pivoted relatively well thanks to its SaaS model. With travel and tourism a barren prospect for now, GlobalTix ventured into food and beverage (F B) and retail, partnering with the likes of Grab and AsiaOne to sell vouchers to drive customers to merchants’ physical outlets.
My advice to graduates ntrepreneurship seems like a theme park with an entrance fee that demands your hopes and dreams for a personal life, then tells you that you have to be ultra-creative to ride. But if you have a spirit for adventure, diligence and a team that complements your expertise, the journey does not have to be dark and lonely. Like a rollercoaster, it can be a nightmare or invigorating ride, and that boils down to your mindset.
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them
Daryl Neo Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) ounding irector and Officer Handsha es
hief
ecuti e
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry After graduation, I worked at the Singapore xchange (SG ) as a corporate finance regulator. My job was to regulate the listing and listing compliance of SG Mainboard-listed companies. very day, I got to study the businesses, corporate structures, financing structures, people’s skillsets and knowledge, and various types of business risks – it was ama ing, and I enjoyed every day of work. But one of the frustrations I had was the lack of tools and databases in the market to help me with my due-diligence and risk monitoring work. So I decided to build a solution to solve that problem, which eventually became the first Handshakes product! I had no entrepreneurship experience prior to starting Handshakes. However, I spent a lot of my time in NBS doing business cases with the Business Solutions club and representing NBS at international business case competitions. This gave me some useful knowledge and skills to start my business. Most useful are the friendships I made with seniors and lecturers who have entrepreneurial experience, and were kind enough to mentor me when I started Handshakes.
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The most important responsibility of a founder is to find three things Purpose, People, and Resources. Finding a business’ purpose is difficult because you have to decide what your business will not do, markets you choose to give up and areas you choose not to compete on. It is still difficult to achieve this, because there are always pressures drawing us into areas we are not ready to enter. Finding people, the right people, is a constantly evolving challenge. You need different types of people at different stages of a company’s growth. The problem is how to grow fast without leaving behind those who cannot grow as quickly as the company. I am still learning how to solve this challenge. Finding resources is difficult too, but is the simplest of the three. There are multiple ways to get the resources revenue, equity, loans. The advice I will give is regarding revenue. Our government gives out a lot grants to support businesses, my view is grants should never be treated as revenue. Be careful not to build your business revenue on grants, because you may realise your products are not competitive when you expand beyond Singapore’s market.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it The biggest impact COVID-1 had on us is on cohesion and teamwork. We have to work from home as a default, and I expect a long-term change in work arrangement expectations. The need for strong communication skills, in particular good writing, has increased significantly because we need to write well in order to work well asynchronously. Handshakes is investing a lot into improving our communication skills at all levels of seniority.
My advice to graduates To me, anyone who aspires to be in the C-Suite of a big organisation should start their own business. To run a business, a founder has to look at business strategy, human resource, corporate finance, accounting, investor relations, sales, customer service, procurement, supplier management, technology, IT security, operations, regulatory compliance, and many more! It is very unlikely you will get such a broad and complete view of business management if you only climb through the ranks in a large organisation. ven if your business fails, and you have to “return to the workforce”, it is still going to benefit you. In the later part of one’s career, when you are in a position to be considered for top management positions, your entrepreneurial experience will set you apart. So you see, in the long-term, as long as you control your risks well, there is only upside to starting your own business when you are young!
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them Compared to my peers out there, my income was not stable and I had to bootstrap and really invest 1 per cent of my time and energy into the business. It takes time to build a brand and that is definitely something that you cannot rush. There were definitely times of doubt and extended periods of ero sales but that is just business. You win some, you lose some. It is about the journey, not about the destination. On days with no sales, focus on improving your marketing, operations and logistics, among others. Keep going and never give up. Also, problems with suppliers were endless. You just have to be patient, learn from mistakes and work out standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contracts to ensure that you minimise problems for future orders. Do not compromise quality of your products. The saying “you get what you pay for” in entrepreneurship is very true.
Ernest Ng Bachelor of Business (Marketing) ounder and AIRMOCKS
hief
ecuti e Officer
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry Specialising in marketing, there were a lot of theories that I learnt from the various modules such as consumer behaviour and market intelligence, which applied later on when I started my business. Also, I took an elective on entrepreneurship which taught me more about the fundamentals of business. The impetus was when I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to intern in Vietnam under the KKH Wilmar-NTU scholarship. It broadened my view of the world and encouraged me to really explore new opportunities. Also, speaking to my colleagues from another culture gave me the courage to really take the leap to run my own business. Seeing how young people ran their own business there made me realise how Singaporeans are generally afraid of failure and would only pursue a job that provides an “iron rice bowl”.
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How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it Closure of our showroom and a change to a virtual showroom via video calls meant customers could not visit to try out and test the different types of hammocks available. We also had to move most of our sales online, including listing products on other e-commerce platforms to increase our reach. However, turning our showroom into a warehouse helped reduce third party logistical costs and enabled us to fulfil orders on-demand.
My advice to graduates Know your product, research on the market and find out what customers are looking for. Also, do not dive in too deep, like keeping too much stock on hand. Start small. Talk to your friends and family about your business idea, welcome their feedback and take the advice which you think are constructive. Once you get started, believe in your idea and always speak to your customers. They are the ones who would give you the best advice. Listen to them and keep improving. Reward your long term customers and always aim to resolve all problems at hand. And lastly, never compare yourself to your peers who are salaried workers. To each his or her own. At the end of the day, to me, it is all about balancing work and life, and having control of your time. You will come to realise that there is so much satisfaction in spending more time with your loved ones, and that there really is no end to work.
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them When I first started out, customisation was just becoming the next hot in-demand service in the market. Being a small creator, I did not have the luxury of capital or manpower to churn out personalised items at a mass rate. I thought that I had to match that kind of “printed” factory look of calligraphy. However, overcoming this was ignited by a mindset shift – that I did not have to mass produce, or even have a font-looking style. Instead, I could position myself as an artisanal, one-of-a-kind creator, with each piece you bring home completely unique. The flexibility I had as a small creator, was in fact the unique selling proposition, that you can come to me and request a watercolour mix of your three favourite colours as the background, and I will do it accordingly. uickly, this became the main point to highlight and it appealed to the many who loved that raw yet elegant factor in each authentic stroke. It became more personalised because each one was created only upon order and request.
Lisa Low Lynn Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Founder, Lisarte Singapore What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry I first started out experimenting with calligraphy and coming up with various designs of notebooks then – which became one of my first products – in early 1 , prior to my entry to NBS. I decided with this direction as I had a background in O Level Art, and after a trip to the United States after my A Levels, I had a spark of inspiration to create something for others. If I were to customise something for others, it has to be pretty, unique and one of a kind product that appeals to people, and that they would want to keep it. I taught myself calligraphy through lots of videos and practice and experimented with different brushes. Over time, I constantly found myself thinking of new modes where I could deliver customised hand-lettering. Now, I am able to personalise various unique gifts and even work with organisations to provide live calligraphy services for key events and customers, and even for charitable fundraising events.
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How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it As my graduation coincided with the pandemic and I embark on a new journey in the workforce, I found it timely that I slowly shifted my focus to make my company more B B-oriented. This would be an additional channel that I take on as I understand firms better and how to suit their needs. For example, I have been using this skill to volunteer at SAP and create opportunities for people to volunteer at SAP. For International Women’s Day , I volunteered live calligraphy services where colleagues pay 1 for one pouch, all going to our beneficiary, and I would customise calligraphy pouches for each order. This came to be a huge success as I had piling orders to accomplish even after the event.
My advice to graduates I would highly recommend to continually connect the dots in your head – I find it an extremely helpful skill to in our daily lives, as we can connect what we gain in the classroom to what we need to do at work. It helps provide a new perspective in every aspect and gives you new inspirations and ideas in anything you take on. In fact, whilst taking up a part-time internship on top of an overloaded semester, I managed to attain Dean’s List for that year precisely because of connecting the dots it helped me work more efficiently and with a more mature mind. In your own ventures, I would recommend prioritising on continually innovating, with constant reflection, and also having that growth mindset in everything that you do.
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more than enough experience to do well with my own business. It made me under-estimate how difficult and competitive the local retail industry was, and I was over-optimistic in my revenue profit projections and not conservative enough in my cost projections. The business nearly went bust after the first two years and it was only through a combination of luck in finding a great brand called Melissa shoes, and lots of discipline in cash flow projection and management that I managed to avoid total business failure.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it
Terence Yow
COVID-1 has affected retail businesses like ours very significantly, and there are no easy or quick solutions. We are surviving through a combination of cost-cutting and organisation restructuring, a deeper and further push into digitisation and ecommerce, and government help in areas like bank loans, ob Support Scheme and rental reliefs. Of course, we continue to have to be very disciplined on cash flow management. We also plan to represent exciting new brands and create new business models more suited for a post-COVID world.
Bachelor of Accountancy
My advice to graduates
Managing Director, Enviably Me Group
I think it is really important for fresh graduates to not to rush too quickly into starting their own company right out from school. Spending a few years in a good company with a strong employee development programme is invaluable, and can make all the difference between failure and success in most start-ups. A successful entrepreneur needs to be good or knowledgeable in many areas. But these three skills to me are critical and can likely be best learnt from first by working for a good company – firstly, branding, marketing and sales leadership and organisation development and lastly financial management.
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry It is more like I have always known I preferred to have my destiny in my own hands. Being an entrepreneur and my own boss is a natural outcome of that. My degree in Accountancy from NBS also helped me in more ways than one. It helped me in the corporate world for the 15 years of my career I spent there, and which later gave me the confidence to start my own business in .
he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them The biggest challenges were having ero entrepreneurial experience and over-confidence. It is a deadly combination. Fifteen successful years in the corporate world made me think that I had
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them Two years later, I discovered that I had a keen eye for Art and Design, and joined a business partnership with a talented multidisciplinary designer. Sadly, although business did boom, this partnership only lasted less than three months. Suddenly, I had to take up multi-roles to fulfil art and design projects although I did not have the proper skillsets. With a “Never-Say-Die Spirit”, and the management skills I picked up in the Army, I managed to hire talents to fill in the crucial roles and grew to today’s enterprise with over 5 treasured talents.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it
Zak Lo Bachelor of Business (Financial Analysis) hief ecuti e Officer Companies
irst ight
rou of
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry I was studying Business in NBS with a minor in Marketing between 1 and 1, and took up an ntrepreneurship Module. Together with four seniors, we researched into the feasibility of setting up a Financial Dot-Com sparked by the Dot-Com Boom. I was really inspired to start a successful Dot-com, leading my decision then to turn down a prestigious internship opportunity, and joined Shareinvestor.com to learn from the late Founder Dr Michael Leong.
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Our group of companies employs foreign workers, and we had to adhere to government rules on new and changing work arrangements. I had to close two retail stores during the circuit breaker, and the Singapore Art Gift shop was hit especially hard by the demise of tourist arrivals. It was a real test of resource-allocation and business models re-organisation. I had to retrain our workforce to adopt emerging technologies to drive online businesses, and pivot business offerings to find new streams of revenue to support and retrain our staff.
My advice to graduates The world has been evolving at breakneck speed due new technologies, and challenges brought on by new waves of mutating viruses. I would advise fresh graduates to spend time on studying the mega-trends affecting today’s world and the accompanying opportunities and threats, while looking within to understand personal strengths and weaknesses. Devise a well-thought-out risk and management models to test out new products and ideas before commercialising them.
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he cha enges I faced when I first started out and how I overcame them When I first started out, it was really on a blank slate of paper. I had to quickly hire, build the product and get clients onboarded. This can all get very overwhelming very quickly, especially when you do not have any playbook or cheat codes to refer to. It is like trying to juggle multiple balls at the same time, and some days you fail the tricky balancing act and beat yourself for it. But along the way, I learnt that it is about progress and not perfection. The only way is to push forth and so long you are better off than yesterday. ven if it is just by a tiny bit, you are already one step closer towards where you want the business to be.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected my business and how I adapted to it
Zoey Tong Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Consulting and Business Law) o ounder and Octomate
hief
ecuti e ounder
What made me decide to become an entrepreneur in my chosen industry Since young, I have always wanted to try entrepreneurship, and taking a business degree in NBS was my first step towards that. Classes in school equipped me with practical basics –like accounting, business law and management principles – and in parallel, I also found like-minded peers to work on a start-up together outside of school hours. This gave me a chance to “test the waters” in a safe environment, to see if this was something I wanted to pursue long-term. Later on, I ventured into management consulting to gain more experience and get close to the market. When I successfully secured venture funding for my idea, I took the leap of faith into the start-up world full-time.
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During this period, many companies have inevitably cut budgets, which makes it harder to get business. For us, it was about adapting to the new normal. As a provider of workforce management solutions, we quickly focused on contactless clock in outs and turned the focal point to remote worker management – where work can still continue to go on with minimal physical interactions. We also focused more on industries that see rising demand, such as logistics, e-commerce and manufacturing, to continue growing the business.
My advice to graduates Sometimes, good ideas fail because of bad execution. But most times, great ideas fail because they are stuck in the head. If you believe in your idea, get started, push through, and most importantly, find the correct team. When you establish a start-up, you are really rowing into the deep sea on a sampan, on this quest to find this exotic island. On the way, you will face issues like the sampan sinking, unexpected weather conditions, and more uncertainties. But what is certain is the people you bring onboard with you. Get the right people on the boat before you sail away. ven if it starts leaking somewhere, you will have the confidence that the right capabilities can patch the hole. With the right team, you can overcome any and all obstacles!
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The Future of Work and The Skills Required Your paper degree may have helped you get one foot in the door, but you still need to impress interviewers with the relevant skills to get that coveted job.
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ccording to the The Future of Jobs Report 2020 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), “double-disruptions” in automation and pandemic-induced recessions have led to transformation in jobs, tasks and skills that will last to 2025. Forty-three per cent of businesses WEF surveyed indicated that they would reduce their workforce due to technology integration, as compared to 34 per cent targeting workforce expansion due to technology integration. In addition, 41 per cent are planning to engage contractors for more specialised work. By 2025, the time humans and machines spend on current tasks at work will be equal. A significant number of companies are also expecting to make changes to locations, value chains in the next five years due to this shift as well. Because of this, employers will begin to look for new skills in employees to manage these disruptions. Yet, as of the time the survey was released, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had put the global unemployment rate at around .5 per cent as employers often cannot find people with skills suitable for the positions they are looking to fill – even though they are backed with the relevant paper qualifications. As the global job market is expected to continue to evolve with growing competition and advancing technologies, another layer of complexity will be added, and firms are quickly switching hiring strategies to meet these challenges. In this time of business landscape disruptions, these are skills and qualities employers look for in candidates:
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A varied skillset will only serve you well in your career, and constant upskilling should be part of your professional development. These four fundamental skills are perfect to serve as the base of your upskilling journey – and it is never too late to start developing them!
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Resume Writing Put your resume at the top of the stack by following these tips.
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lways a significant part of the job search process, a wellwritten resume should not be underestimated. No matter what kind of job you are looking for, a clear and concise resume will define your goals, emphasise your skills, highlight your accomplishments to potential employers, and facilitate the job acquisition process. Crafting a resume takes time and effort. Therefore, do not expect to hammer out an attention-grabbing resume in an hour or two. Your resume should reflect who you are, what you want, and how you can be a true asset to a business or organisation.
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esu es that stand out ossess the fo owing characteristics • Highlight related achievements and significant contributions • Focus on the relevant skills and the requirements suitable for a specific position • Are succinct, well-organised and easy to skim • Have flow, consistency and visual appeal
good hoto stands out A picture paints a thousand words. A resume that comprises only words may look too intense and uninteresting; having a photo puts a face to the words. If your photo stands out, employers would take notice immediately. Go the extra mile and procure a professionally-taken photo – not a selfie or an outdated picture. Photo attire should be formal and impressive – anything less could diminish your chances of securing the interview.
HI
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The order and content of your resume may differ from what is suggested below. However, adhering to the prescribed formats will allow employers to easily find the information they seek as these are somewhat standardised. A complete resume includes the following:
ection headings Regardless of the resume type you choose or the format you decide to use, there are four primary sections that make up a complete resume, along with numerous subsections that can also be incorporated. The four sections are: •
•
tic to one age Sticking to one page does not mean minimising your page margins, or using a super-tiny font size to cram in all the details. As an undergraduate, your resume should not go past one page. A lengthy resume merely exposes your lack of editing skills. A good resume can explain everything in 30 seconds or less. That is approximately how long recruiters would spend scanning through a resume to determine if you are the right candidate.
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Centralise your name at the top of the page in a font approximately twice the size of your contact details. Include only your mobile number and a professional e-mail address. Omit your age, gender, religion, race, nationality, political affiliations and class of driving licence.
or e erience – This section will have much influence on prospective employers in determining your suitability. uantify your experiences – dollar amounts, numerical figures and percentages add credibility to your accomplishments
Your resume communicates how your qualifications, internship experiences and CCAs have evolved over time. All these items normally begin with your most recent role. Choose a date format and stick to it. You should use either month abbreviations or the whole word – do not switch back and forth. Just remember to be consistent.
Example B: If you claim that “I was responsible for overseeing a US$200 million deal involving a major industrial conglomerate” during your internship in your first year, it just sounds too good to be true. Your prospective employer may contact your internship company to verify your job tasks and discover that you have exaggerated your role.
• CCAs – mployers look for a well-rounded candidate with active participation in CCAs. Your activities exhibit your interests, motivations and skills (e.g. organisational, leadership, interpersonal, etc.) •
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ducation – This should appear at the beginning of your resume because it details your current pursuits and or most recent significant accomplishments. Do not list your primary and secondary school education. However, you can include your overseas exchanges, scholarships and academic awards. It is recommended that you state your latest and exact GPA
Example A: Employers will be more convinced that you are an “effective leader” if you have “led a highly-charged team of five members, which resulted in a per cent increase in sponsorship funds” or “proposed measures which led our team to shorten average delivery dates by 30 days.” However, do not exaggerate or over-claim your role.
dditiona infor ation – Your resume can benefit from this section as it allows you to paint a complete picture of yourself. Employers screen candidates for their technical skills and language proficiency. Additionally, it is advisable to highlight hobbies and interests in your resume if they reflect well on you
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e erse chrono ogica order
se er s Compelling verbs like “created”, “produced” and “implemented” demonstrate that you are a capable, assertive and result-oriented candidate. Avoid less assertive or weaker verbs such as “helped” and “assisted” as they may underestimate the responsibilities you undertook. Instead of “Helped my internship supervisor to complete a research project”, you can state “Collaborated closely with my internship supervisor on a research project”.
or atting Proper formatting allows employers to scan through the document effectively. Ensure that your formatting is clean and neat for ease of reading • O t for an eas to read font like Times New Roman or Arial, rather than a font with complex flourishes. You want your resume to stand out because of its content, not because of an oddly chosen font •
se s ace wise If you have numerous internship experiences and CCAs, do what you can to fit it in. You can consider dropping the font size in sub-sections or shortening some other sections of your resume. No matter what, avoid squeezing too much onto a page by using smaller margins
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tandard argins are inch a around There must be sufficient white space. Do not fill up the entire page to the point that your resume becomes unappealing
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Before c ic ing send
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A fresh set of eyes is much more likely to spot discrepancies that you have missed out in your resume. Send out your resume only after it has gone through extensive proofreading. Enlist the help of your friends and career advisers.
OI • Include industry terms where appropriate to demonstrate your depth of knowledge • Be careful not to be overly long-winded. Result-oriented statements are snappy and concise, and should ideally be one line long
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• Do not badmouth others as it will reflect badly on you even if you are not lying. Always ensure that the tone of your statement is positive • Do not oversell – use words that best express the value you added without misrepresenting your contribution to the outcome
Every line in the work experience and CCA section of your resume should be result-oriented. Result-oriented statements are the best way of communicating your achievements and your capabilities to any prospective employer. They underscore achievement, quantify performance and show impact. Additionally, they are also amazingly easy to read and understand. Result-oriented statements can be broken down into three components – Result, Situation and Action.
a
e As Business Manager in NTU Hall 6, my role is to source for sponsorships with my team members.
esu t Always begin your sentence with the result. Quantify these results wherever possible, using percentages, dollars or volume. The types of results that you should showcase generally fall into one of the following categories:
Actively canvassing for sponsors to roll out team-bonding activities through cold-calling and company visits.
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Successfully raised S$5,000 from corporate sponsors including StarHub, Lufthansa and BreadTalk.
irect financia i act – such as cost savings or incremental revenue
• O erationa enhance ents – improved efficiency, for example
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• Other – much much like improved customer satisfaction, employee morale, etc
e Planned weekly road shows to demonstrate product-usage for customers.
ituation Next, give your result some context by explaining the situation in which the result was achieved. What is a situation, issue or problem that you faced? How did the situation develop? For example, “Identified problem areas to address a 25 per cent drop in sales and 50 per cent rise in negative customer feedback”.
Executed four road shows per month and conducted product demonstration programmes. Generated sales of S$12,000 per road show from about 100 customers per road show.
3. Action With a complete picture of the situation and outcome, the recruiter will – hopefully – be sufficiently interested in the role you played. Describe the specific actions you took to achieve an objective or solve a problem, with a focus on highlighting skills that are relevant for the job (e.g. technical skills, transferable skills, desirable character traits, etc.).
esu e criti ues fro
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Recruiters comment on an actual resume from an NBS student to give you a better idea of what they look for! An interesting resume – with variations. •
uantified achie e ents erfor ance acco ish ents – Candidate tries to enumerate what he has done to showcase that he is meticulous and detail-oriented
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ariation – The candidate has more than just academic and internship accomplishments. Interesting work experience makes for interesting interviews
• O era a so id and high achie ing resu e – Candidate uses bullet points to good effect
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LISA LOW LYNN (+65) 91888480 | lisalowlynn1@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/lisa-low-lynn Futuristic | Strategic | People-Oriented| Putting my entrepreneurial spirits in all that I do EDUCATION Nanyang Business School (NBS), NTU Singapore Bachelor of Business (Honours with Distinction), Marketing - Strategy & Management o Dean’s List AY19/20 (Top 5%); Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Scholarship 2018 – 2021 o 1st Runner-up, NTU Inter-Hall tournament, Softball; 1 of 5 nominated NBS Ambassador, fronting NBS campaigns London School of Economics and Political Science, UK Summer Exchange o Foundations of Management, A+ (Top 5%), only 3 candidates awarded A+ in course o Managerial Accounting & Financial Control, A+ (Top 5%), MBA/MSc foundational course
Aug 19 – May 21
Jun – Aug 19
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Virtual Semester Exchange o Management Under Different Culture, 1 of 50 selected to represent NTU in APRU; 1 of 10 selected into Chulalongkorn’s global programme
Jan 21 – May 21
Tsinghua University, Beijing, Global Hybrid Classroom Programme o Foundations of Logic, selected to represent NTU to do a virtual exchange study in prestigious Tsinghua University’s logic class taught by Professor Dag Westerståhl, Jin Yuelin Professor at Tsinghua
Feb 21 – Apr 21
WORK EXPERIENCE SAP – STAR Early Talent Rotation Programme Dec 2019 – Present Selected into SAP’s coveted STAR Programme and partook in different rotations across SAP business. Select rotations: o Sales, Services (Singapore & Malaysia) Jan 2021 – Present Driving the Services business to business and IT customer leadership Currently partnering Global Services Partner and supporting 2 APEX SCP accounts in SG & MY o Sales, Key Accounts - Conglomerates & MNCs (Singapore) Sep 2020 – Dec 2020 Driving account research, planning and curating customised pitch decks. o Strategy, Office of the President & MD (SEA) May 2020 – Oct 2020 High-level management of key campaigns such as Forward Together and key regional deals Lisarte Singapore – Founder/Entrepreneur Jan 18 – Present o Responsible for end-to-end management of company, including customers, marketing, product innovation, website, logistics, and financials. Innovates services & products for consumers & businesses (B2C & B2B) May 19 – Dec 19 Schneider Electric – Regional Internal Communications Intern o Drove Comms strategies for key business campaigns & policies across the region o Executed localised strategies, establishing close relationship with leaders and employees PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES Financial Times X Bocconi University Global Talent Challenger Dec 20 – Feb 21 o Part of <8.3% selected globally out of 1,800 applications, chosen talent selected from over 51 countries. o Worked on global competition in team of 6 on Digital Transformation & reshaping the business world, given challenge statement on Entrepreneurship; Pitch solutions and ideas directly to Board Members, Academics, Journalists and more, held in London, Financial Times' Headquarters and Bocconi University in Milan, Italy o Mentored by Board Members and rising stars alumni like Mario Monti, previous Prime Minister of Italy Shopee Product & Design Competition Dec 20 – Jan 21 o Prepared research and solution pitch deck to Shopee’s case competition to enable online shopping to be more accessible, easy and enjoyable, pushing the boundaries of E-Commerce. Unilever Future Leaders’ League Competition Aug 20 – Sep 20 o Curated research and solution pitch deck to Unilever on how to protect consumers who are on-the-go Oct 19 – Mar 20 Deloitte Female Mentoring Programme o Nominated for 6-month one-on-one mentee to Manager (M&A) & Strategic Investments Sep 19 – Oct 19 Humint Executive Search – Web Creator o Worked directly with the CEO and produced end-to-end website creation for HES, including conceptualisation, implementing UI/UX features, web copywriting, SEO www.humintexecutivesearch.com
Her academic achievement is worth mentioning
As this is a strong resume, GCE A Levels qualification is irrelevant and should be excluded
Add a brief description on the organisations to attract international employers
Indicate total number of participating groups
Elaborate your takeaways from the competition
VOLUNTEERING & SOCIAL WORK SAP – Fundraising Artist and Volunteer Jan 20 – Present o Volunteered calligraphy works for International Women's Day 2020 at SAP, customised calligraphy pouches raising total of >SGD $2,000 for Apex Club Bukit Timah Food Distribution on behalf of SAP. Jul 18 – Present People’s Association (PA) – Youth Executive Committee (YEC) o Organise, plan and execute activities for Toa Payoh Central CC like season festivals and community events TPJC – Overseas Volunteer (Leader), Shandong, China May 16 – Nov 16 o Represented Tampines Junior College as selected overseas volunteer and Head of Economics for Shandong volunteering team, gave back to elderly citizens in Shandong Old Folks Home. o Organised peers on planning, brainstorming and executing of volunteering and cultural itinerary activities
Remove all full stops for descriptions. Be consistent
SKILLS & INTERESTS Languages: English (Native Fluent), Mandarin (Native Fluent), Malay (3rd Language, elementary proficiency) Skills: CRM, Account Research, Account Planning, Enterprise Sales, Customer Referencing, Harmony Insight, Harmony Opportunities, Innovation Review Dashboard, B2B Business Acumen, Marketing Strategy, Corporate Communications, Copywriting, LinkedIn Sales Navigation, Digital Marketing, Strategic Brand Management, SAP ERP, Python Programming (Basic), Microsoft Office, Web Design, Video Editing, Basic UX Certifications: Customer First Enterprise Success Methodology, LinkedIn Sales Negotiation, Big Data Interests: Calligraphy, Art, Watercolour, Softball (Represented Singapore), Design, Music (60s, 70s, 80s), Team Sports
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How to Write Effective Cover Letters If an employer requests a resume, they usually want a cover letter too. Do not let go of this opportunity to showcase your skills and enthusiasm — it can make a big difference to the success of your job application.
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convincing cover letter should always accompany your resume when you apply for a graduate job. It is an extra opportunity to highlight your most relevant skills to recruiters and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the job. Here is our four-step guide to effectively sell your skills through your cover letter!
et our o ening right After your salutations, inform the recruiter which job, internship or scheme you are applying for, where you saw it advertised and why you are applying. If the position has a reference number, it is always good to include that for their easy reference.
Always address your cover letter to a named contact. Give the organisation a call to find out who you should address your job application to if a name is not given on the job advertisement or their website. Ensure you correctly address the person’s title, e.g. Mr, Miss, or even Dr. Some recruiters may feel quite strongly about how they are addressed.
nswer the uestion h ou The first paragraph or two should be about you. Convince the employer why you are well-suited to the role by referring directly to the job description and concentrating on how you have the skills, abilities and/or knowledge to excel in the role you are gunning for. Mix evidence of specific skills and knowledge related to the job with anecdotes from your personal experience. At the graduate level, it is still fine to refer to work experience that is not directly related to the profession you are applying to, as long as you can show how that experience or skill can be transferred to the prospective job. Use examples from your experiences doing part-time jobs, extracurricular activities and academic work to demonstrate how you developed and practised skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and commercial awareness.
hen answer the uestion h the The next paragraph or so should explain why you are interested in both the job and the organisation. What is it about the employer and/or the job that made you apply? This is your opportunity to customise your cover letter so that the recruiter knows your interest in the position, instead of blasting out cookie-cutter resumes and cover letters to a dozen different companies. Re-read the job ad and make sure you have done some background research into the organisation. This will help you tell the recruiter why you want to work for their company and why you are interested in this particular role. If you prefer, you could even switch steps #3 with #2 around and write about why you are applying to the employer first. As long as you answer both the questions of “Why you?” and “Why them?” in your cover letter, the exact order does not matter. Provide specific reasons when discussing your motivations for applying, such as the training they provide. Avoid unnecessary statements that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as “because you are a prestigious company”.
Ha e a c ear ending Your closing paragraph should be strong, clear and short. Reaffirm your suitability for the role and your enthusiasm about working for the employer. State that you look forward to hearing from them and will be happy to provide any further information they need. Do not forget to sign your letter as if you are sending it through the mail or delivering it in person! Likewise, remember to type out your name if you are sending your cover letter by email. A cover letter should not be longer than one page. Brush up on modern trends when it comes to writing business letters. For letters addressed to a named contact, finish with “Yours sincerely”. If you are addressing an unnamed contact, end with “Yours faithfully”.
Avoid copying statements word-for-word from your resume. Think about how you can rephrase the information or expand on specific skills and achievements that match the needs of the role.
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o er etter e a
e
Alexandra Chong 1 Jalan Tambur Singapore 303098 Phone: (+65) 6099 2424 Email: alexchong@gmail.com
1 Make some calls to nd out who you can direct your letter to. If you are unable to nd a name, then use a speci c ob title instead e.g. To the Recruitment Manager .
17 January 2022 The Campus Recruiter XYZ Bank 456 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 2 Singapore 089089 Dear Sir 1 I am applying for a position in your graduate management programme, as advertised on X ank’s website. I will graduate in April with a achelor of Science in usiness Analytics ons from SIM niversity of ondon and a pro ected CG A of . . I was encouraged to apply a er speaking to Ms Tan, your Recruitment xecutive, 3 at a talk given at my university. My interest in business analytics was greatly increased during my second year internship with MN Company, a local SM that specialises in bespoke analytics. The stint was an eye opener that exposed me to the variants of analytics theories and models used in the industry, such as investment analytics and enterprise optimisation. 4 I further developed my expertise by attending various lecture series and panel talks organised by the university, such as those given by ruce ueno de Mesquita and oug aney 5 in the ig ata, Game Theory, and usiness Analytics Today lecture series. My part time role as a customer service o cer at eynM Co. has also equipped me with good R, communication and negotiation skills. As a pro ect support in several investment pro ects, I was given the opportunity to liaise directly with customers and to assist in understanding their needs. Most memorable was my involvement in preparing a service and product recommendation report for a notable client a er researching their por olio. The skills I picked up and re ned over the course of my part time ob will certainly lend themselves to the position in question. 6 I am also deeply involved in the conomics Society, where I work closely with a team of eight people to organise and execute promotional campaigns for our society’s events. My position as treasurer in the society also allowed me to develop and showcase my numerical abilities and understanding of business, especially in terms of nancial planning and resource management. I am sincerely excited to work for XYZ Bank because of your commitment to socially responsible investments, which I myself strongly believe in. I believe I will also bene t greatly from the rotational approach of your graduate management trainee programme as well as the overseas placements it o ers. Attached is my resume for your consideration. I am sure that you will nd me to be an asset to your company. I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Thank you. Yours sincerely Alexandra Chong
o
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co er etter
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Introduce yourself clearly in the rst paragraph. Be sure to state the exact position that you are applying for.
3 It is all right to name drop if you have had prior contact with the company’s representatives as this shows continuous interest. But be sure to get their business card!
4 Always mention speci cs when promoting your skills and experiences. In this case, Alexandra gave some examples of analytics theories to show that she knows her stu .
5 se argon and names of industrial gures sparingly, unless they are extremely well known.
6 Alexandra is selectively vague here since she may have to protect the con dentiality of these pro ects, but she boosts her credibility with details about her role. It would, however, be more e ective if she could link it to the skills that she had listed before.
unders
1.
Shows no knowledge of the role and the company
6.
Self-centred rather than employer-centred
2.
Addresses the letter to the wrong person or company
7.
Looks unprofessional and/or informal
3.
No date
8.
Merely duplicates content from resume
4.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
9.
Too brief – Fails to add value to your application
5.
Use of bombastic words and an aggressive tone
10. Too lengthy – Your letter will be tossed out
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How to Write a Professional Email When contacting recruiters, you should always use effective, simple and natural language to come off as mature and graceful. Follow this guide to use the email platform with elegance.
se an a ro riate e ai address If you do not have a professional-sounding email address hosted on a credible domain, it is time to create a new account. The new email address will need to contain your initials, either your surname or full name, and be free from references to your favourite puns, cartoons or games.
rite a c ear su ect ine A good subject line states the purpose of the email with the recipient in mind. An ideal subject line will be “Application for (Role) – (Your Name)”. Make sure you do not have typos in the subject line as that will make a very bad first impression!
ddress our e ai to the right erson You can either call the company or find out online who you should address the email to, instead of just stating “Dear Sir Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Most of the time though, the name of the hiring manager is often on the job description and hiring notice. You can also make a phone call to enquire about who you should be addressing the email to before sending it out.
ee our essage rief and rofessiona Your email should be succinct. Avoid smileys, emojis and exclamation marks in your emails to recruiters and prospective managers even though you may be excited about applying for your dream job. Keep the note brief, respectful and professional. Be sure to avoid using acronyms like “btw” and “FYI” as well.
NBS CAREER GUIDE 2021
hec for errors Do not just rely on autocorrect to spot your typos. Always re-read your email draft for grammatical mistakes. Also, read it out loud, thinking from the recipient’s point of view.
anage our e ai attach ents effecti e Remember to enclose your attachments, whether they are your cover letter, resume or other documents requested for! When it comes to sending out a few large attachments, you can place them in a zip folder, or create links for downloads.
u
o ow ro t
Besides replying to emails from prospective employers swiftly, you should send them a follow-up note if you have not heard from them within the stated period in which you are expecting a reply. Similarly, you do not want to miss out on an interview opportunity or potential job offer just because you forgot to check your inbox!
raft an effecti e signature Lastly, your email signature should contain a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio as well as your mobile number, especially for the first email to any professional contact.
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O o ca ro
usrecruiter
OO
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I
an co
a e chong g ai co
u ect
ication for the graduate
anage ent rogra
e
e andra
hong
Dear Sir, I am interested in the graduate management programme at XYZ Bank, as advertised on LinkedIn. I have a 6-month internship experience at MNF Company, and related experience at FeynM Company. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualifications for the role. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. Yours sincerely, Alexandra (+65) 6099 2424 LinkedIn: @alexandra_chong
O o ca ro
usrecruiter
B
I
an co
a e chong g ai co
u ect
ing for the graduate
anage ent rogra
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Dear Sir, I want to apply for the graduate management programme at XYZ Bank, as advertised on LinkedIn. I think I am one of the best candidates for this position, as I have internship and other related experiences. My resume and cover letter are attached and show that I am qualified. Thank you, and I hope to hear from you sometime. Yours sincerely, Alexandra
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WE VALUE WHAT’S WITHIN
At Income, our people are not cast within the same mould. We embrace every individual’s unique traits and perspectives. Collectively, we create a positive spark as we work towards a common purpose: making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Find out more: income.com.sg/working-at-income
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Teams behind SNACK! At Income, we value collaboration. For successful innovation, we see various departments coming together to create breakthroughs in the industry.
ACTUARIAL MADE DIFFERENT
Adaptable | Tech Enthusiasts | Fun Seekers The team developed a new pricing model for this industry-first design of issuing micro-policies tagged to lifestyle triggers.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MADE DIFFERENT
Visionary | Opportunity Seekers | Swift Responders With their technical expertise, the team built a robust infrastructure to support and enhance the SNACK app.
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Relentless | Disruptive | Agile Thinkers By examining and understanding modern attitudes towards financial planning, the team conceptualised SNACK and its unique proposition!
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Join us to experience innovation, growth, performance and impact. income.com.sg/working-at-income
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What to Expect in Job Interviews Not all job interviews are the same. Know what to expect and be prepared to face iffic lt estions from recr iters
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s the saying goes Preparation is half the battle won. By knowing what to look out for in the different types of interviews and how to manage the tough
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questions, you can be one step closer to your first job. Here are some popular job interview types and questions, and ways to tackle them.
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One on one inter iews
ideo inter iews
Otherwise known as personal or face-to-face interviews, this involves your interviewer asking a series of questions to evaluate your suitability for the job. Although present circumstances mean that one-on-one interview sessions usually take place virtually, it is still common. Some companies prefer using several rounds of one-on-one interviews for different department heads to meet with the potential candidate before deciding on his or her fate with the company.
The most common interview type in the new normal, video interviews are conducted by almost all employers. However, due to the potential technical pitfalls and how different they may be depending on the platform used by each employer, they tend to intimidate graduate job seekers. Video interviews may take place “live” (e.g. through Zoom) or pre-recorded (e.g. video submissions).
Inter iew ti s
Inter iew ti s
• Show your interviewer that you are interested in the job by asking relevant questions. Some simple ones include asking about the role’s day-to-day tasks, the work culture, or the role’s career path • You should also talk about how the job role matches your aspirations, career plans and relevant interests. Enthusiasm is key • Demonstrate specific examples of the skills required for the role you are applying for and discuss relevant transferable skills you obtained from any school or work experience • Also note that body language is just as important as verbal communication. Maintain a decent level of eye contact throughout the interview, sit upright to exude confidence and remember to smile!
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• Practice makes perfect. Start by getting used to appearing onscreen. Switch on your computer’s webcam and record yourself as though you are running through a practice interview • Set the scene by dressing smartly and making sure the area where you will be carrying out the interview looks like a professional workplace • If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, make sure you have good signal strength so that the video conference does not drop midway through your interview. A good way to check this is to stream a video over YouTube • Lastly, if you are taking the call on a laptop, remember to plug it in to a power source – you may be online longer than you think
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I o ane inter iews Panel interviews typically involve anywhere from three to eight interviewers – usually three for graduate interviews. They will likely consist of a mix of HR personnel, business managers and some departmental specialists. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security if these interviews are held over video! They tend to be more rigorous and meticulous than individual interviews as you will be juggling questions from multiple sources. Although this may sound intimidating, there is no need to fret. The interviewers are out to find out the same thing as at any other interview Whether you are a good fit for the company!
etenc
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IO uestions
Competency questions are usually open-ended in nature and used to gauge candidates’ personalities. They help recruiters to evaluate if you are suitable for the role and the broader company culture. Interviewers will ask you to draw on examples from your life which have demonstrated that you have shown a particular skill or ability. They may also ask you to give an opinion on specific topics. Come prepared with a list of your experiences where you faced difficult situations, and how you managed to overcome through your skills, talents and abilities. Tie those experiences back to how they can meet your potential employer’s needs and job requirements.
Inter iew ti s • Maintain direct eye contact with the interviewers. If your interview is taking place in-person, answer them while making eye contact. If it is over video, talk to the camera instead of the video feed on-screen • Address the interviewers by name when speaking to them. If your interview is taking place face-to-face, one little trick is to get their name cards at the beginning of the session, and then arrange them in front of you according to the interviewers’ sitting arrangement • Stay calm if one of the interviewers looks bored. Given their different backgrounds, not every member on the panel may be interested in your response to a question asked • You will sometimes be asked the same question twice by mistake. Do not second-guess yourself, and always keep to the same version of your story
ituationa
uestions
Situational interview questions usually involve hypotheticals. Your interviewers are trying to assess how you might react in a reallife workplace scenario. More often than not, the scenario will be something you have no experience in or more complex than you can realistically prepare for. The goal here is not to give the “right” answer, because there often is none. What your interviewers really want to see is your thought process when tackling ambiguous scenarios with limited information. The method is a great way to help you organise your thoughts and structure your response to this type of question. • Recap the context of the S ituation • Describe what you believe is your T ask • Describe the A ctions you would take in this situation • What are some desired outcomes and R esults?
echnica or industr s ecific uestions
hone inter iews A phone interview is often used as a screening exercise where employers check some basic information prior to a face-to-face or virtual interview. It is also used to sieve through suitable candidates early in the recruitment process. The relative anonymity of a phone interview may allow you to speak to your interviewer without the stress of travelling to an unfamiliar place in professional attire, but avoid letting your guard down!
Inter iew ti s • Much of the impact you make will come through your voice, so sounding attentive and enthusiastic is important
If you apply for job roles with a heavy technical bent (such as the ST M sectors), you can definitely expect questions that test you on your technical skills and proficiencies. You should also expect questions about your chosen industry sector at large. Brush up on any knowledge related to the field you are pursuing, particularly specific areas that are mentioned in the job post. Be prepared for the questions posed to test your logic and reasoning capabilities. Once again, it is not about giving the “right” answer, but about walking the interviewer through your thought process. Likewise, read up on emerging trends or current news in the industry sector you aim to get into. These questions are meant to test how well you know the industry beyond what your textbooks cover, as well as how commercially aware you are (i.e., do you know how your work will help the company make or save money?) .
• Take note of the keywords of the questions asked for reference when responding to your interviewer • Do not be distracted by your surroundings or lose track of what you want to say next. Avoid filler words such as “umm” and “uhhuh” or constant requests to repeat the questions • Have your resume and completed application form next to you in case you need to refer to them during the phone interview • Choose a conducive, quiet environment for the phone appointment to prevent background noise from ruining your session
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Dealing with Live Video Interviews Live video interviews over Zoom or other conferencing apps have become the new normal. Now, learn how to handle them with ease!
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t goes without saying that the COVID-19 outbreak has changed many of the ways we interact with other people. And one of the major changes is an increase in interviews over live video conferencing as recruiters have to practise social distancing too.
A regular interview may already seem nerve-wracking enough to you as a graduate jobseeker, but now you need to figure out how to deal with one over a video call too? Do not fret – here are some handy tips on how to tackle these “new normal” interviews with ease.
Preparing for your live video interview Going into a live video interview is not just as easy as signing in, turning on your webcam and talking. You will want to do a bit of prep work beforehand to ensure you set the right tone. Here are a few pointers: • Spend some time before the interview familiarising yourself with the platform your interview will be conducted on – whether it is Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, or any other video conferencing platform the recruiter prefers • Conduct research on the company you are interviewing with. Interviewers will know if you have not done your homework and are reading stuff online over the call – it is very obvious. They can even hear you Googling questions! • Get comfortable talking formally in front of the camera. Turn your webcam on and try rehearsing some of your possible responses to interview questions. Do not forget to pay attention to how you come across on camera too! If you can, run through some practice video interviews with friends or career advisors
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• Dress like how you would if you are going for an in-person interview, and that includes the parts of you that are offcamera! Dressing right will help get you into the right headspace, and you also will not be left embarrassed if you have to move around for an unexpected reason • Your interviewer would have agreed on a time slot with you for the interview. So block out a quiet spot in your house or room for that time in advance. You do not want roommates or family members walking in or distracting you in the background during the call • When picking a spot for your interview, try and find somewhere reasonably quiet and well-lit, with a tidy background free of clutter. You will want to project a professional image, so make sure you do not have anything too personal or inappropriate lurking around behind you!
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How to nai our i e ideo inter iew Once the big day comes, it is time for you to shine! Here are some tips on how to present yourself effectively over that live video call: • Before you even get down to your interview, check your Wi-Fi, webcam and microphone. An easy way to check how strong or spotty your Wi-Fi connection is for a video call is to stream a HD YouTube video. Observe how the video loads – does it play smoothly, or does it keep buffering? • Start off by greeting your interviewer as you would in real life. Just because you are talking online does not mean that you can drop social niceties! • Try and get to know your interviewer before jumping into the interview proper. Make some small talk, or ask them a bit about themselves and how they have been doing. Video conference calls are always slightly awkward for everyone, so your interviewer may appreciate you trying to break the ice • When talking, try to speak slightly slower than usual and put extra effort into choosing the right words to get your points across. The biggest difference in a live video interview and a real-life one is that nonverbal communication does not translate as easily. So remember that your words are all you have to rely on • If the call glitches, freezes, or lags, do not panic! Keep calm, wait for the call quality to be restored, explain that the call glitched up for a bit and check with your interviewer if they heard everything you said before • Try your best to look at the camera rather than the video feed on screen. Even though this feels rather awkward, one of the best things you can do in a video interview is to maintain eye contact!
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o e tough uestions to oo out for Just because your interview is not physical does not mean that you are excused from tricky questions. In fact, you will be getting the exact same questions you will get inperson. Some more timely examples of these questions may include: • How do you think our business has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic this year? • Which of your achievements or experiences best demonstrate your key strengths? • What has this pandemic and ensuing recession taught you about yourself? • What steps have you been taking to stay informed and relevant amidst all the uncertainty this year? • How do you see your career developing over the next few years in a post-coronavirus world? Some of these questions may seem like real headscratchers, but it is not about getting the “right” answer. Remember that recruiters just want to get a better sense of who are and how you approach difficult situations that do not have one right answer. Take time to do your research beforehand on how the recruiter’s industry may have been affected. Make sure you put in the extra effort during the interview to talk through your thought process to explain how you arrived at the conclusions you did. And last but not least, remember to come prepared with questions of your own. This is the perfect time to hear recruiters’ insights on where they see things going during this time, and how their companies have responded to the pandemic. It might also give you some fresh talking points if you have other interviews lined up.
• Most importantly, just like you would do with an inperson interview, do not forget to follow up with your interviewer afterwards, whether with a thank-you email or by connecting over LinkedIn
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How to Succeed at Assessment Centres You will not be “seen” in the board room, and you will not be the victim of an on-screen sacking. So do not feel obliged to behave like you are taking part in reality TV.
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ou are thrust into a room with a group of strangers, asked to play games and then observed to see whether you are put through to the next round or if your progress is halted. The situation is ripe with uncertainty, and it sounds just like a scene from The Apprentice. Unfortunately, that’s where some participants at assessment centres take their cue from, and that is also where they come undone. But an assessment centre is, frankly, not at all like being in a reality TV show. First of all, and most importantly, there is usually more than one winner at an assessment centre – you are not in direct competition with the other candidates. You are being assessed against the employers’ criteria, and it is important for you to show how well you can work in a team. Secondly, remember that assessment centres are also a two-way street – this is your chance to evaluate a prospective employer and see if the shoe fits.
Know the difference! ea it
show
ssess ent
entre
There are group tasks for you to complete You need to strike a balance between fitting in and standing out form the crowd You entertain a mass market
You entertain no one
Your master reveals the rules of the game
The task is described, but not the underlying rules
At some point, you will be tried by a judge
You will probably never meet the people who wrote he assessment
You will need to get on the right side of the judge
You are judged by how you reveal who you are through doing the tasks. There is no boardroom “execution”
You are tempted into undermining your colleagues
The secret is to be who you are and get along with your colleagues
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So how do I know if it is all going well? ou now ou are on trac when
hings are not going so we if
You entertain a mass You have achieved a mix of taking charge and taking a back seat
You do not meet anyone – fellow candidates and assessors – whose company you enjoy
At the end of the day, you realise you have actually managed to enjoy yourself
You walk away feeling suspicious, judged and anxious
hat shou d I e ect fro assess ent centre
an
Graduate employers design their assessment centres to test for skills and aptitudes that are right for their own organisations. However, most of these assessments typically contain similar elements and exercises. You can expect to do a combination of the following in most assessment centres: • Group work exercises • Presentations • Aptitude and psychometric tests • In-tray/e-tray exercises • Case studies linked to the job function Recruiters will assess you for a number of things, including how you demonstrate core graduate skills and competencies such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. The group setting also makes it much easier for them to assess how well you work with others, how you influence and persuade, as well as how others respond to you. The good news is that these exercises make it much easier for you to showcase a broader range of skills and competencies than you would have the opportunity to demonstrate in one interview alone (most assessment centres will also include at least one solo interview). This is why some employers feel they are a much fairer and more effective way to select graduates than traditional interviews. Feeling worried? Do not be!
How to eha e at an assess ent centre Though assessment centres may seem artificial, your goal is to show what you would really be like if you landed a role in the company. Here are some tips on how you can be your best self on the spot!
o not ose concentration It is going to be a long and tiring day, so try to make sure you have a good night’s sleep beforehand, as you will need to stay alert and engaged. Even if you are assured that the informal food and drinks do not play any part in the selection process, you should be careful not to gorge yourself. It is best to assume that if you let your hair down too far, someone will notice.
et our hands dirt Do not stand back and turn your nose up. Group exercises are designed to see how well you work with others, so make sure you take part. Be enthusiastic and make an effort, whatever the task. Besides, concentrating on the task in hand will help you to forget your nerves.
Be rofessiona Arrive on time and look the part. Be friendly but polite. The assessment centre is partly a social exercise, so do chat with the other candidates at breaks and over lunch. Be prepared to initiate conversations. While it is fine to make small talk with assessors, do not be over-familiar.
o not act a art Be yourself, but be the most positive version of yourself. Try to relax and behave naturally. You might even find it is possible to enjoy yourself despite the inevitable nerves, and a smile is more likely to make a better impression than a face frozen in fear!
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YOUR ACTION PLAN
Dress Your Way to Success
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our personal brand paves the way to career success. Whether you are interviewing to be a banker, a marketer, or an accountant, your personal brand comes to life through the way you dress, behave and present yourself in front of others. It conveys your fit for the role you are interviewing for. What is your current image and the impression that you portray as a young professional? Think about how you can
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enhance your professional image and personal branding. Professionalism is not limited to the knowledge, skills and abilities that you possess, but also expressed in the way you dress and carry yourself. Once you have found and created a suitable image and style that you are comfortable in, you are set for making great first impressions. Bear these Fs (Fit, Fabric, Fine tune) in mind to dress your way to success for job interviews
FABRIC
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• Tapering torso
• Wool – most versatile fabric
• Darker colours – navy blue or charcoal grey
• Jacket length should cover 3/4 of the rear
• Cotton – more pocket friendly
• Solids over patterns
• Shirt sleeve extends half an inch beyond jacket sleeve
• Polyester – not recommended
• Avoid bulky shoulder pads
• Pants break on shoe line • Slim, but not a skinny fit
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n outfit
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YOUR ACTION PLAN
ressing right Practical tips to dressing professionally.
I • Matching suit jacket and pants in a conservative colour (navy, grey or charcoal are recommended)
ATTIRE
• Suit with either a matching skirt or pants • Blouse that complements the suit (neckline no lower than collarbone)
• Long-sleeved collared shirt • Conservative tie
• Skirt hem should be no more than two inches above the knees
• Polished leather shoes with matching colours socks
• Low medium closed-toe heels or flats with neutral hose
• Leather belt to match the colour of shoes
• Well-groomed with short hair
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• Good-quality briefcase or portfolio to hold papers
• Neat, professional, and polished • Hair away from face
• Clean shaven
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• Minimal jewellery, such as a small pair of earrings or a simple necklace • Professional bag or small purse
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NBS ALUMNI
Alumni Affairs Office Contact us
Alumni Affairs Office Nanyang Business School Nanyang Technological University 50 Nanyang Avenue, Block S3 Level B3B Singapore 639798 Tel: +65 6790 5715
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Website: NBSAlumniOffice@ntu.edu.sg
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he NBS Alumni Office manages the linkages between the University, NTU NBS Alumni Association and Alumni Advisory Board. As such, our activities include supporting alumni, while also ensuring they are aligned with the objectives of NBS. Moreover, we empower alumni to engage in continuous learning, expand professional networks, as well as give back to the university.
Presenting Our Distinguished Alumni
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BS alumni go on to do incredible things. After all, graduating from a top business school in Singapore carries a certain standing that opens doors and shows others what you are capable of. These are just some of NBS’ amazing alumni, working in areas as diverse as banking, marketing, non-profit and entrepreneurship. Here are some advice and words of wisdom they shared:
ADIBAH BINTE ASRI Division Controller (Brussels, Belgium) Etex Group NV I started off my career in PwC Singapore as an auditor back in 2009, and then moved on to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) a capital markets intermediaries regulator. In 2014, I relocated to Belgium and got a finance role in a Belgian manufacturing company, C.P. Bourg, where I was a business controller for five years. I joined my present company last May in the midst of the pandemic, so I am still fairly new in this role. I am part of the Global finance leadership team of the company, overseeing a portfolio of more than 15 entities around the world and with more than €500m in turnover. I am responsible for monthly performance analysis, rolling forecast and target setting. I am also currently working on various projects to develop financial tools and dashboards in order to support the harmonisation of financial reporting across the organisation. But although I live in Brussels, Belgium, now, I am a true blue Singaporean at heart, and really enjoy eating and having scrumptious meals with family and friends. A piece of advice I would like to give is to never be afraid to ask questions.
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ANNABELLE LIN Investment Banking Associate BNP Paribas My specialisation in Banking & Finance (platform-based learning) in NBS adequately prepared me for future opportunities. Upon graduation, I started my career in Goldman Sachs as a Credit Analyst, when I obtained a return offer from my summer internship the year prior. Currently, I am working as an Investment Banking Associate with BNP Paribas, with a focus in the transportation sector. Outside work, I enjoy playing the ukulele and practising yoga. A word of advice I have to juniors is to invest in yourself and your future – there is no better investment than this. Set personal goals, build confidence, read widely, embrace new experience, develop new skills and hobbies and take good care of your health. Invest and prioritise yourself to become the best version of yourself, and a world of opportunities will open up for you.
ASHLEA MOK Senior Actuarial Associate EY I started my career in the actuarial consulting field at PwC in July 2018, before moving to EY in late 2019. As an actuarial consultant, I have worked with numerous insurance companies in Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Malaysia to provide various solutions to them. Despite the challenging nature of the work, it has been a fruitful journey as I have had the chance to experience a wide spectrum of actuarial work ranging from valuation, pricing, regulatory advisory and more. When not working, I enjoy yoga and catching up with friends. A word of advice I have for juniors is to take every opportunity that comes your way – this could range from an overseas exchange experience to a part-time internship, or even a networking event. In my final semester, I attended an actuarial career fair and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to network with the recruiter, which led to an interview and eventually a job offer. It pays to attend recruitment events to get to know as many people as you can!
BERTRAND CHIN Global Wealth Management Analyst JPMorgan Chase I come from a different path, having chosen to leave junior college for polytechnic. Thankfully enough, I was accepted so I did not have to delay my studies in Banking and Financial Services. Upon entering NBS, I was exposed to many different opportunities within the financial sector, and got quite confused! Nevertheless, I took various internship opportunities to try different things. In fact, I took a leave of absence for six months just to be a business development analyst at Fundnel, a Fintech start-up. The experience opened my eyes to the world of entrepreneurship, and I learnt how to manage projects, stakeholders and hunt for new leads. Following that, I secured a summer internship with Adam Street Partners, a private equity firm that expanded my understanding of different streams of private equity strategies. Now, I am fortunate enough to be at JPMorgan Chase, where I advise the clients around Asia Pacific, and have been given numerous projects on business strategy, speaking and advising clients on their investment portfolios and wealth succession plans. Although ample training was provided, JPMorgan Chase constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone. This translated to a steep learning curve – I had never been in Private Banking – and long nights. But I received immense knowledge, as well as an attitude for ownership and great communication skills! Away from work, I love the excitement of adventure and love seeing the world with different lenses. I strongly believe that travelling around our tiny planet will help one attain “fresh” eyes. I advise juniors to always ask! Always keep asking, be curious about the world and understand more things in life, in and out of work. Network with people to understand their work culture, daily routines and tasks and ask your tutors about their journey.
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CALVIN TEH Vice President, Global Corporate Banking Bank of America Before I graduated with my double degree in Accountancy and Business, I had already started in Bank of America as a summer intern in 2012! I returned to the company as a fulltime employee in 2013. I then spent the next seven years working in the Corporate Banking team covering Southeast Asia Corporates and Financial Institutions. I also went to the United States (U.S.) to work in the San Francisco office for two years from 2017 to 2019, where I covered technology companies on the West Coast. Off the clock, I can be found hunting down good food, and burning off the extra calories playing soccer every week. I encourage juniors to step out of your comfort zone. It is easy to feel comfortable in your job after some time, but always look for new challenges wherever possible. This can come in the form of new responsibilities or opportunities. Invest time and effort to differentiate yourself early in your career, and it will go a long way. Also, do not forget to live your life while you are at it!
CHARIS LIAU Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Minterest I co-founded Minterest in 2016, a leading non-bank financial technology (fintech) group with dual licences from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Ministry of Law, that is focused on bringing financial inclusion to corporate and individual borrowers. My role is to lead, drive and deliver on the Group’s business strategy, initiatives and technology innovation. I also have 20 years of professional banking and finance experience in Asian markets where prior to founding Minterest, I was with a regional boutique consultancy. I had also spent over a decade with Standard Chartered Bank, spanning relationship management (Singapore and China), structured and asset finance for large and local corporates across Asia. My interests include embarking on new experiences, such as learning new skills and technology. Some advice I have is to keep on learning and growing. No matter how difficult things may seem, it is just temporary and will pass. Take time to appreciate the people around you along life’s journey, too!
CHLOE LIM Senior Associate Consultant Bain & Company Management consulting drew me in because I liked tackling problems I could get my hands on, and I knew it would expose me to a diverse set of industries. The two consulting internships I completed with KPMG and Kearney affirmed my interest, and I joined Bain & Company after graduation. Within Bain, I have worked across projects in Consumer Products, Retail and Tech, as well as numerous commercial due diligences in the Private Equity Consulting group. When off the clock, I can be found listening to random podcasts and learning about rather disparate topics, such as the history of MLMs, state of healthcare innovation and economics of sports gambling. I would like to tell juniors that we seldom have it all figured out. Rather than trying to ponder about the ideal path now, actively prototype and find out what engages and energises you. Along the way, so much can be gleaned from having conversations and connecting with people, so invest the effort and these may come in very helpful. In your day-to-day, remember that your work may not always speak for itself, know your strong suits and make sure others recognise them too.
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CHEN PEIQI Country Manager, Taiwan (Hong Kong) Bloomberg Finance LP I started my career with Bloomberg in Singapore through their Sales & Analytics graduate programme right after graduation. This programme was designed to give us first-hand customer service experience as well as to learn all about the financial industry. I witnessed first-hand how companies with access to high quality financial data and technology were able to take their investment goals to the next level. With more than 190 offices worldwide, Bloomberg gave me the opportunity to be part of a diverse yet inclusive team, work and live in different countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan. As the Country Manager of Taiwan, I am responsible for the sales revenue across all product lines. Most of my time is spent on managing relationships and expanding Bloomberg’s businesses with financial institutions and government agencies along with my team of talented relationship managers. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a leader is in talent acquisition and people development – I get a great sense of gratification from helping people hone their professional skills and progress through the organisation. Even though I have spent my entire career with Bloomberg thus far, I am learning new things every day, constantly being challenged and definitely still as excited as my first day at work! Outside of work, I enjoy being around people with a good sense of humour. I have a lot of respect for stand-up comedians in particular because they need to think on their feet and tend to get very direct feedback from their audience. At the height of the global pandemic when I was staying indoors a lot, I started writing a comedy script. I hope one day I get to perform in front of a small audience just as a challenge to myself! A piece of advice I have is to keep in mind that interesting people are interested, so always be curious. It is more important to ask good questions than to have the right answers.
CHESTER CHEN Commercial Operations and Analytics Manager LingoAce After graduation, I spent a year at Nielsen, where I deciphered consumer insights for FMCG companies and Financial Institutions. After that, I joined Lazada as their Management Associate and rotated across marketing analytics, commercial account management and projects before finally settling down at the group strategy team. There, I mainly working on external intelligence gathering, strategic projects and business partnering and key management meeting preparations. This stint really exposed me to the digital economy and how a tech company works, all while setting my career in a direction working closer with China. I stayed in Lazada for three years, before I moved over to my current company, an edutech start-up called “LingoAce”, where we digitalise and transform education for everyone. When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and loved ones, playing basketball and reading. A word of advice I have is to stay open! As an accountancy student in year one, I thought my career was stuck within the banking and financial services sectors. I am thankful for the chance I had to pick up a second specialisation in analytics, where I discovered my passion to decipher insights for businesses, and leading me to where I am today. I also applied for many internships during my school days, even resorting to taking a sixmonth leave of absence (LOA) for one! So stay open and discover more about yourself during your school days, before heading out into the real working world.
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DARREN TAN Group Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President OCBC Bank I got my start in the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), where I worked for more than a decade years. My last position there was Head of Money Markets. Then, I joined OCBC Bank in March 2007 as Head of Asset Liability Management in Global Treasury. Between May to November 2011, I also assumed the role of Deputy Chief Financial Officer. At present, I am the Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of OCBC Bank, where I oversee financial, regulatory and management accounting, treasury financial control, corporate treasury, funding and capital management, corporate development and investor relations. I also serve as a Director of OCBC Overseas Investments Pte Ltd, OCBC Sigma Investment Pte Ltd, Lion Global Investors Limited, OCBC Bank (China) Ltd, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad and OCBC Pearl Limited. When not at work, though, you would most likely find me de-stressing by enjoying a good game of tennis with good friends. A piece of advice I would like to pass down would be to be the best you can be, and always aspire to make a difference!
DOREEN LIM Analytics & Insights – People (London, United Kingdom) TikTok I kickstarted my career journey in the Google Squared Data & Analytics programme, where I remained for eight months. After that, I decided to go into consulting. Subsequently, when I was offered an analytics consulting role, I made a move to the United Kingdom (U.K.). With around four and half years’ experience of consulting in data analytics under my belt, I moved to TikTok, as I have always wanted to return to the technology industry and watch a start-up grow. As I am now living and working full-time in the U.K., my biggest hobby has become cooking Southeast Asian cuisine! The advice I would like to share with juniors is that your current GPA is not the main factor to your future success – there are many other variants that will shape your future career. Instead, take on as many internships as possible to expose yourself to the real working world; this will help you learn more about the corporate world. Also, do not be too caught up with academics, focus some of your attention on other soft skills that you can build up in your co-curricular activities.
GOH DUO GENG Chief of Staff Glints After I graduated, I took a semester off to pursue entrepreneurship in Shanghai with Rocket Internet. After that, I started my career at Bain & Company, where I opted to do a secondment with Glints. At present, I am currently helping to scale Glints to become the foremost talent platform in Southeast Asia. Later this year, I will be heading to Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, for graduate school as a Schwarzman Scholar. Activities I enjoy in my off time include exercising and reading. A bit of advice I would like to share is to be curious! Start exploring your interests, whether they are career, personal hobbies, or side-hustles early. Do not let detractors discourage you, and pursue them relentlessly!
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FONG KAI YIN Assistant Manager, Actuarial NTUC Income As a pricing actuary, I am responsible for ensuring that customers find good value in the insurance products they purchase. At the same time, I also ensure that the financial interests of the company are protected. One my roles involves the use of statistical methods and models to understand customer needs and transform them into actionable insights. It is exciting to be in this industry because it is transforming so quickly – such as plans on making insurance affordable for the under-served and employing advanced tools such as Machine Learning to deliver greater value to customers! During my off-time, I enjoy going for runs and recently picked up cycling. A word of advice I have is to never stop being curious, and be empathetic. By constantly asking “why”, you will find it easy to keep up with developments around you. Also, be humble and constantly put yourself in shoes of the party whom you are working with. By doing so, you will achieve great things together as a team.
JIMMY ONG Technology Consulting Partner and APAC Blockchain Leader Ernst & Young Advisory Pte Ltd I graduated from NBS with an Accountancy degree and started my career in consulting. My early years in consulting were spent on information technology (IT) projects to re-engineer processes, design job roles and integrate systems. Right now, my current role in EY is to help clients with their digital transformation agenda. This entails looking across their digital strategy, organisation structure, business processes and enabling technologies. What is most satisfying about a career in consulting is seeing the positive impact of the work on people and enterprises. On weekends, I enjoy running at East Coast Park, where I chase my one-year-old boy on his scooter. A piece of advice I would like to pass down is to stay curious and keep learning!
JOANNA CHIN Associate, Southeast Asia Corporate Banking Bank of America I joined Bank of America in 2017 as part of the Global Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst Programme. As part of the Southeast Asia coverage team, I primarily support the Singapore and Philippine markets by driving the client relationships alongside relationship managers across multiple products. Off the clock, I love yoga, working out at the gym and genuine catch-ups with people that matter! I would like to tell juniors that I know your university days may seem long, and it can feel like no amount of preparation is enough to make that leap into the Corporate world. But the truth is no one will know what is enough, apart from yourself! Moreover, no matter what you choose or end up doing, when things get tough – it is important to never lose your inner tenacity and grit that propelled you to do whatever you wanted to do in the first place.
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JOHNSON CHNG Senior Partner, Asia Head of RBB Oliver Wyman Over the past 20 years and more, I have worked in consulting and investment, specialising in building businesses across Asia. Because of that, I have gathered experience with working with clients ranging from North America and Europe, to South Africa and Asia Pacific. My clients normally include banks, insurance companies, asset management companies, government investment corporations, FMCG companies, and more. I typically advise them in a range of areas, including strategy, organisation design, capital and risk management, compliance and governance, process re-engineering, digital transformation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). I now am also looking to passing down my knowledge, so I took up posts as a visiting lecturer at several universities, where I teach MBA and EMBA courses. I am also invited as a speaker to the World Economic Forum (WEF), Wealth Management Summits, Harvard, London Business School and London School of Economics, among others. However, when I am not travelling and working, you can often find me adding to my watch and antique collection. Some advice I would like to pass down to my juniors would be to be globally, or at least regionally, minded, and think and dream outside the box. Be willing to take risks and try new ideas. Last but not least, always give your best and work hard, especially when you are still young – money and credit can be taken from you, but your experience will stay with you and become assets at some point.
KAREN TAN Chief Risk Officer, Re Asia, Head of Life and Health Reinsurance Risk Management, Managing Director Swiss Re I am currently the Chief Risk Officer for Asia Pacific for Swiss Re Reinsurance based in Singapore, and we have around 30 risk professionals spread across the region. I have additionally a global role where I am responsible for risk management of our Life and Health business globally. Before this, I was the Chief Actuary of Zurich Life Insurance Company, based in Switzerland. I am passionate about enabling resilience for individuals, societies and organisations and supporting long-term growth! As a typical Singaporean, I love good food, and – pre-COVID, of course – particularly enjoy travelling to different countries in the world and sample local cuisine and fresh local produce. So far, I have visited almost 60 countries and hope to soon be able to travel again. Some advice I would like to pass on to juniors is to be curious. This is the basis of continual learning and understanding others.
MARCUS LAM Partner, Head of Assurance PwC Before getting to where I am today, I spent more than a decade gathering professional experience in audit and advisory services to listed companies, multinational corporations and government agencies across different industries and sectors in Singapore. Right now, I am PwC Singapore’s Assurance Practice Leader, the firm’s largest practice in terms of revenue and headcount, and am also part of the Singapore Leadership Team. Outside of PwC, though, I am very passionate about community work and enjoy making my mark in the non-profit and government sectors. As such, I am a member of the DesignSingapore Advisory Board (Economic Development Board), Vice President of Parkinson Society Singapore, member of Singapore Polytechnic Board of Governors, member of the Accounting Standards Council (ASC), and council member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA). Some advice that brought me to where I am today, and which I would like to pass along is to treat everyone with respect, be curious and do not take yourself too seriously.
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LEON CAI Regional Director (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Enterprise Singapore I started my career journey with Unilever as a Trade Marketer before moving to Sime Darby Plantation in a regional sales and marketing role. In 2013, I joined Enterprise Singapore (ESG) to develop assistance programmes targeted for SMEs. Accordingly, I started the Plug & Play Network initiative in 2017 to provide easy marketaccess for Singapore companies looking to expand to SEA, China and India. Now, I facilitate Singapore businesses and startups to help them enter Vietnam through government lobbying, identification of local partners and wholly-owned foreign set up. Although I am the Regional Director of Enterprise Singapore (ESG), I am also concurrently the Consul (Commercial) of the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When I am not working, though, you will find me engaging in my favourite sports – namely football and tennis! I advise juniors to expand your network in school, company and industry to unlock career opportunities. Say yes when you are given opportunities to attend events or networking sessions, and use these events to build your connections – more people are willing to share their experiences and knowledge to the younger generation than you think.
MELISSA TAN Regional Marketing Manager, YouTube APAC MakerLab Pte Ltd I always been curious about consumer behaviour and how things work, especially with technology. This led me to explore a career in digital marketing and I was fortunate to be part of the pioneer cohort of the Google DIGITIZE programme. The programme ignited my passion for the media advertising and tech industry, as well as instilled my values for lifelong learning and growth. My interest helped me attain a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of paid digital marketing during my time in dentsu Aegis Network and Publicis Groupe. I even put my hand up at most projects to get a varied and wide exposure across multiple marketing campaigns! I have come full circle since and today, I am a digital marketing manager who manages the advertising for YouTube Premium on owned and operated channels in Asia Pacific, covering over 12 countries. Outside of work, I enjoy working out at the gym. Last year, I decided to take my passion to the next level and got certified as a personal trainer. In addition, I am also a digital marketing trainer at a local digital academy and teach on an ad-hoc basis. I believe in giving back and helping make an impact on others. My advice to juniors is to focus on a growth mindset, learn to embrace challenges, be intrigued by mistakes and always be learning and growing. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You will be surprised by how much you can achieve. Most importantly, learn how to reach out and ask for advice. We do not do this enough as we may be intimidated or too afraid to ask. But we all started as undergraduates and made our way through with some help. You will find that many alumni will be more than happy to share their experiences and help you.
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NICOLE TAN President and Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific Shiseido My first job out of school was with Gillette Singapore, before it was acquired by the P&G Group as a Management Trainee in the brand marketing division at Oral-B. Later, I entered the beauty industry with L’Oréal Singapore, where I was the Brand Manager for L’Oréal Paris makeup. After that, I spent almost 15 years with Estee Lauder Companies, working across different brands and geographies, prior to joining Shiseido Asia Pacific in October 2020, When I am not working, I enjoy reading, and try to do a fair amount of it daily. I read different things, not just business-related material. I also run regularly to clear my mind – running alone helps me to clarify my thoughts and restore balance in my life. The advice I would like to pass down is that I think it is important to be open to trying different things, and maintain an interest in active learning as well. Do what you love and work hard at it!
RIKA TANDEAN Senior Director, Customer Success (California, United States of America) Exabeam Inc. After having spent 15 years in Customer Success and Account Management in both the Softwareas-a-Service space and Financial Services, I am now the Senior Director of Customer Success at Exabeam Inc., a startup based in Foster City, California, United States. There, I lead a team of Customer Success Managers who manage the post-sales relationship of large Enterprise accounts and drive enablement and adoption of the company’s product suite. Prior to joining Exabeam and building a new life and career in California’s famous Silicon Valley, I was Director of Customer Success at 8x8 where I built up the Customer Success programme. I also worked at Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan in Electronic Trading Sales for over 8 years in both Singapore and Hong Kong. There, I worked with institutional customers to provide foreign exchange electronic trading solutions. When I am not at work, you can find me spending time with my family and enjoying leisurely hikes, or simply relaxing by the beach. A word of advice to juniors is to maintain an inquisitive mind and keep learning – knowledge will pave the way for more opportunities. Also, always be kind to others and yourself!
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SHERIE NG General Manager, APAC Public Sector Microsoft Over the past 25 years, my career has spanned the high technology environment across banking and finance, telecommunications, government and oil and gas industries, and across various management and global leadership capacity. Now, as General Manager, APAC Public Sector in Microsoft, I spearhead businesses and partnerships with public sector institutions across APAC. As part of public sector motions, I also champion social impact engagements delivering on “National Empowerment Programmes” for countries in APAC, such as Digital Skills for Generations, Sustainability and AI Country Plans. Prior to Microsoft, I was the Managing Director for NICE Systems. There, I was responsible for driving top-line growth via customer acquisition and growing an ecosystem of partners, whilst managing the bottom-line commitment. I was also with Citi for a while, and strove to change the way people banked in Asia with voice biometrics authentication systems innovation. When I am not working, though, you will find me cooking for friends and family, and cycling to keep in shape. To juniors, I would like to say that we are all entering into a very different era with industry 4.0. To that end, I would encourage you to reimagine the future and be bold and courageous – you should know that you have a role in shaping the future of our world, one that is inclusive, sustainable and purpose-driven!
SHRUTI KAPOOR Global Order-to-Cash Business Process Owner (Paris, France) Sodexo Although I remained in the field of finance and accounting over two decades of my career, I moved across multiple areas, such as mergers and acquisition, strategy, finance business partnering, financial planning and analysis, and even controlling! I also had the privilege to gain diverse exposure, as I was given opportunities to move across several industries, from consultancy and banking, to FMCG and even steel manufacturing and services, spanning a number of countries, of which I lived in four. I maintain an interest in inflight deejaying as well. In the pursuit of my passion, I recorded audio entertainment shows for Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. In total, I have recorded more than 90 programmes. A little piece of advice I would like to pass on is that technical skills get you invited to the table, but it is soft skills that allow you to win.
THANH CUNG Portfolio Manager (London, United Kingdom) Julius Baer I started my career with the Julius Baer Graduate Programme in Singapore, as part of the Investment Specialist Team. After a short secondment with the Investment Management team in London, U.K., I was extended an offer to stay on as a full-time portfolio manager. Even as an equity specialist, I often find myself looking through the multi-asset lenses, with a voting seat on the U.K. Portfolio Construction Team. Currently I am looking after around CHF500m of private client assets. Before Julius Baer, I first ignited my interest in financial markets during a stint with the Investment Counselling team at DBS Private Bank, and subsequently working part-time at a hedge fund doing long-short Asia ex-Japan equities. Since moving to the U.K., I decided to make the best out of the – gloomy – weather here and became a white-water kayaking enthusiast. Being in my role, I often get asked what young people should invest in, given their long time horizon. My advice is always “invest in yourself” and grow your “personal capital”, which will convert into financial capital over time.
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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS LEADING EMPLOYERS WITH VACANCIES AND INTERNSHIPS WHO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Employers (IBC) 106 .......................................................................................................... BDO LLP (108, 109) 107 ............................................................................. CapitaLand Limited (111) 110 ..................................................................... Central Provident Fund Board (113) 112 ................................................. Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (IFC) 114..................................................................................... Ministry of Education (116) 115 ........................................................................... Ministry of Foreign Affairs (84, 85) 115.............................................................................................NTUC Income
[ ] = advertisement; IFC = inside front cover; IBC = inside back cover
BDO LLP
FACEBOOK @BDOSingapore
600 North Bridge Road, #23-01, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778 TEL +[65] 6828 9118 WEB https://www.bdo.com.sg/en-gb/careers EMAIL career@bdo.com.sg
LINKEDIN @bdo-singapore TWITTER YOUTUBE
@bdoaccountant https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBblycqXBZ7YhP8hSauj6Lg
LOCATIONS
DEGREE DISCIPLINES
• Singapore – Central • International – BDO’s global organisation extends across 167 countries and territories, with 91,054 people working out of 1,658 offices – and they’re all working towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service.
• • • •
BUSINESS FACTS
CAREER SECTORS
Established in 1972 and a member firm of BDO International since 1979, we offer a full range of services including audit, corporate finance and risk advisory. Our clients are from most fields of business in Singapore and include subsidiaries of multi-national corporations, public and private companies operating in diverse industries, including transportation and publishing. Some of our clients are well-known, while many are medium-sized emerging businesses. Our size is at its optimum, it is large enough to enable us to provide the full range of world-class services and at the same time allows clients to benefit from our breadth and depth of expertise as the world’s fifth largest accounting network.
• • • •
Accounting Business Administration Finance IT and Computer Sciences Accountancy and Financial Management Banking and Financial Services Consulting IT and Technology
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
BDO provides a culture that emphasizes career growth, professional development, collaborative culture, workplace flexibility and global opportunities. If you believe you have the right values and attitude in wanting to be part of our big BDO family, send in your detailed resume and a recent photograph to career@bdo.com.sg.
Simply, our services begin with your needs. Whether you are a start-up or an established enterprise looking to take the next step up, we are well equipped to assist you from ground level to the highest stratosphere of success.
NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
www.nbs.edu.sg
JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
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CAPITALAND LIMITED
168 Robinson Road, #30-01, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 WEB
https://www.capitaland.com/careers
buildyourdream@capitaland.com @capitaland INSTAGRAM @capitaland LINKEDIN @capitaland TWITTER @capitaland YOUTUBE @capitaland EMAIL
LOCATIONS
• Singapore • Global BUSINESS FACTS
CapitaLand is one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, it is an owner and manager of a global portfolio worth about S$133.3 billion as at 30 September 2020, comprising integrated developments, retail, commercial, business park, industrial and logistics, urban development, lodging, residential, 6 listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and over 20 private funds. Present across more than 220 cities in over 30 countries, CapitaLand focuses on Singapore and China as core markets, while continuing to expand in markets such as India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe and the USA. Cultivating a Strong Workforce As a multi-national company, CapitaLand stands by its credo ‘Building People. Building Communities.’ Its success is built on its strong infrastructure and its diverse and inclusive workforce – which consists of more than 12,000
employees from over 80 countries. CapitaLand is always on the look-out for people of high calibre with strong potential to support and grow with the Group. Talent Management CapitaLand believes that a company is only as extraordinary as the people who contribute to its culture and success. It focuses on hiring the best people, and have strategic, integrated and quality learning programmes for continual learning and development in all career stages. CapitaLand offers opportunities for challenging and rewarding careers where employees are able to continually learn and develop their personal and professional capabilities, all while working alongside a talented, international and diverse workforce. DEGREE DISCIPLINES
• Open to all disciplines CAREER SECTOR
• Property and Real Estate APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Apply online via capitaland.com/careers and shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Create your free account now at
www.nbs.edu.sg
NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
SET YOUR CAREER GOALS ON OUR SOLID FOUNDATION
To build real estate of the future, we have to first build our people. Our CapitaLand Graduate Development Programme is designed to bring in the best people, and bring out the best in them. As one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups,
CapitaLand Graduate with a presence across more than 200 cities in over 30 cities, Development Programme CapitaLand provides the global stage to take your career dreams to the next level.
• BUSINESS PARK, INDUSTRIAL & LOGISTICS • COMMERCIAL • INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT & URBAN DEVELOPMENT • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT • LODGING • RESIDENTIAL • RETAIL
Connect with us
WHY GDP
The CapitaLand Graduate Development Programme nurtures promising young graduates with less than two years of working experience for a rewarding, accelerated career journey. The holistic programme offers prospects for personal growth and development, with a comprehensive learning roadmap. Gain global exposure through job rotations to various real estate sectors and countries. You will also be actively involved in various aspects of our business, with opportunities to gain insights from CapitaLand’s senior management.
Think you have what it takes? We are looking for graduates with the right attributes, including:
LET’S START BUILDING
Leadership qualities Aptitude to articulate a vision and lead people toward achieving it Resilience Tenacity to thrive and perform under pressure Drive to succeed Enthusiasm to take on varied tasks with a desire to excel Team player Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others
Building People Building Communities
capitaland.com
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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND BOARD
238A Thomson Road, Novena Square, Singapore 307684
WEB
@CPFBoard/@PantryTalk @cpf_board
www.cpf.gov.sg/careers
hr@cpf.gov.sg DEGREE DISCIPLINES
LOCATION
• Singapore BUSINESS FACTS
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board helps 4 million members save for their retirement, healthcare and housing needs. As the trustee of the nation’s retirement savings, we serve CPF members knowing that we make a difference. As long as you have the passion and commitment to serve the public, you will find your niche in our big family that consists of more than 50 departments in the following job families: • Agency Services • Customer Service • Enforcement • Information Technology • Management of Schemes • Policy and Corporate Development
• Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Engineering • Finance • Humanities, Art and Social Sciences • IT and Computer Sciences • Law • Maths • Property and Built Environment • Sciences • Social Work • Teaching and Education CAREER SECTOR
• Public Sector
Management Associate Programme (MAP) The CPF Management Associate Programme (MAP) offers you a head start in this meaningful career, equipping you with opportunities to interact with senior management and accelerated growth through structured rotations, mentorship and leadership programmes. If you are driven, innovative, and a team player, join us to make a difference to the lives of CPF members. Application for the MAP opens from August to November 2021.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply online at www.cpf.gov.sg/careers. We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
REALISING POTENTIAL THROUGH EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES NAME: Xia Yin DEGREE: Bachelor of Business (Honours), Actuarial Science specialisation, NBS, 2015 ROLE: Senior Manager (Collection Services Department) EMPLOYER: Central Provident Fund Board MY JOB After a five-year stint in the actuarial team, where I developed the Board’s risk management framework and oversaw the solvency of CPFB’s insurance funds, I was given the opportunity to rotate to an operations department to broaden my skill set. My current role in the Collection Services department includes gathering feedback from employers to support the Board’s review of policies related to CPF contributions, as well as implementing changes that arise from it. In addition, I am also one of the Product Owners of an Agile project team working on a system revamp to deliver greater value to employers. HOW I GOT MY JOB When I was interviewed for the role of Actuarial Analyst in the Strategy and Planning Department, there was a written test and two rounds of panel interviews with four interviewers, including the Group Director. A good mix of technical and situational questions were asked to understand the level of my Actuarial knowledge and interpersonal skills. Despite facing some tough questions during the interviews, I was able to maintain my composure and answer them in a logical manner. I also built rapport with the interviewers through engaging in two-way conversations and through non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact and smiling.
NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
THE HIGHS AND LOWS It might be challenging to step out of my comfort zone to venture into areas that I am not familiar with, as well as to manage multiple projects at the same time. However, I was rewarded by the different experiences and opportunities that allowed me to stretch my potential. In addition, the support and guidance from bosses keep me motivated during challenging moments, and the friendships that I have forged with my colleagues give me a sense of comradery. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK I always feel a great sense of satisfaction when I see through my ideas from the start till the final implementation, and get recognised for my work. I remember being the pioneer batch within the organisation to use data analytics and visualisation tools, such as Python and Tableau, to create an Actuarial claims dashboard that moulds data into actionable insights. The management applauded this initiative and it motivated me to upskill myself, and to apply new skills to my work. SOME ADVICE Be open-minded, have the thirst for knowledge and always strive to improve whatever you are doing. Be curious and always consider new ideas and fresh insights, as being able to step out of your comfort zone to try new things not only improves your work, but helps with your personal development too.
www.nbs.edu.sg
What you do secures the future for
4 million people At CPF Board, our work enriches the lives of our members and helps them meet their retirement, healthcare, and home ownership needs. The CPF Management Associate Programme (MAP) offers you a head start in this meaningful career, equipping you with opportunities to interact with senior management and accelerated growth through structured rotations, mentorship, and leadership programmes.
To learn more, visit cpf.gov.sg/map
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CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
Singapore Changi Airport, PO Box 168 , Singapore 918146 WEB careers.changiairport.com EMAIL careers@changiairport.com LOCATION
DEGREE DISCIPLINES
• Singapore – East BUSINESS FACTS
As the airport company managing Changi Airport, Changi Airport Group (CAG) undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. We operate Singapore Changi Airport, the world’s most awarded airport, and our subsidiary, Changi Airports International, helps develop and manage airports worldwide. Our people are our most important asset in our mission to be the world’s leading airport company by nurturing a vibrant air hub in Singapore and enhancing the communities we serve worldwide. We aspire to build a company where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. Our people have a passion for service and are committed to teamwork, integrity and excellence. Working together with colleagues and partners to achieve the best outcome, we deliver innovative services and create a world-class experience for our customers.
• Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Engineering • Finance • Humanities, Art and Social Sciences • IT and Computer Sciences • Law • Property and Built Environment CAREER SECTORS
• Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain • Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply online at careers.changiairport.com.
Changi Airport Group offers a unique work environment in a global, vibrant and exciting airport community. With a set-up of multiple businesses, we present challenging work and diverse opportunities for our employees to further their personal and professional growth, providing a platform for them to develop and see through their ideas and contributions, making an impact on our organisation and the communities we serve locally and globally.
KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT SHINES NAME: Lee Yun Qian DEGREE: Bachelor of Business Management (Banking & Finance), Nanyang Business School, 2017 ROLE: Assistant Manager, Pricing and Commercial Strategy EMPLOYER: Changi Airport Group
MY JOB As part of the Pricing and Commercial Strategy team, our key role is to price services offered by the airport and safeguard our revenue streams. These include aircraft landing fees in Changi and car park fees, among others. My role is largely project-based (e.g., price reviews and initiatives to strengthen revenue), which gives me the opportunity to work with many stakeholders. I love that this role allows me to have a bird’s eye view of the overall business from the revenue perspective and making an impact on them. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was accepted for an interview with Changi Airport Group on my second application. The selection process involved a written test, followed by interviews with the hiring manager and the division head, and then a peer-interview with future team mates. As a rather fresh graduate with no prior understanding of aviation industry, the process was tough, but I believe that my attitude and willingness to learn was what landed me the opportunity. THE HIGHS AND LOWS The part I love most about my job is seeing the impact of my projects on both our customers (delighting them with a new service) and the company (increasing revenue)! However, this is also the most
NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
challenging aspect as we must carefully balance both and find the sweet spot of maximising value for our customers while protecting the interests of the company. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My most memorable project is ‘Park & Fly’, which is a long-term car parking product which I had the opportunity to be part of since joining in 2018. With the guidance of my team, I had learnt a lot and gained many new experiences throughout the project development – from conceptualisation and pitching, to operationalisation. It was truly a moment of pride for me when we launched the product and received positive feedback from delighted customers who had benefitted from the new service. SOME ADVICE Do not be defeated by the fear of rejection and self-doubt. As fresh graduates, although lacking in relevant experience, we possess the vigour and eagerness to learn which is often an edge over the others. Be confident, be humble and I believe you will shine in the interviews. All the best!
www.nbs.edu.sg
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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
contact@moe.gov.sg @moesingapore INSTAGRAM @moesingapore
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
1 North Buona Vista Drive, Singapore 138675 TEL +[65] 6872 2229 WEB moe.gov.sg/careers
Education Officer/Teacher
LOCATION
• Singapore
If you are passionate about developing our next generation, join us as a teacher to spark the joy of learning and grow the next generation of leaders.
BUSINESS FACTS
Our mission is to mould the future of the nation by shaping the people who will determine the future of the nation. MOE aims to provide our children with a balanced and well-rounded education, develop them to their fullest potential and nurture them into good citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to family, community and country. At MOE, you will work with a strong and dynamic team of teachers, executive and administrative staff and allied educators in supporting our education network in Singapore. We are looking for dynamic and forward-thinking individuals to serve as members of our executive and administrative staff, to be involved in formulating, implementing and managing education-related policies.
Teaching as a career is an exciting journey filled with challenges and rewards. You will play a pivotal role in equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need, grooming them into well-rounded and responsible citizens of tomorrow. As we know that our teachers – like the students they groom – are talented individuals with different aspirations, opportunities are provided to develop your potential to the fullest with the following three career tracks – the Teaching Track, Leadership Track or Senior Specialist Track. Management Executive As a Management Executive, you will have excellent career opportunities in areas such as policy formulation and implementation, organisational administration and operations both at the Ministry’s headquarters (HQ) and in schools.
If you are passionate about developing our next generation, join us as a teacher to spark the joy of learning and grow the next generation of leaders.
CAREER SECTOR
We will provide you with the resources and the environment to do your job well. We will look after your development and well-being so that you can give of your best. Join us and work with passionate individuals to mould the future of our nation.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• Public Sector Apply online at Careers@Gov. Shortlisted applicants will be notified for interview(s) APPLICATION PERIODS
Graduate jobs: Please refer to moe.gov.sg/careers for the application deadlines for the respective positions.
FULFILLING A CALLING WITH “HEART WORK” NAME: Ng Jieying DEGREE: Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons), Nanyang Business School, 2009, National Institute of Education, 2013 ROLE: Level Head, Mathematics EMPLOYER: Ministry of Education MY JOB As the Level Head of Mathematics, I specialise in teaching Maths and lead my department in the planning of Mathematics education in our school. I also lead the timetabling team. Though this role may seem unrelated to the teaching of Math, I appreciate the opportunity to understand the larger picture of balancing the teaching periods, number of subjects, teachers and facilities. I am also involved in professional learning teams, committee meetings or professional development workshops. These discussions help me hone my craft as I tap on the collective wisdom of fellow educators. HOW I GOT MY JOB After graduating from NBS, I first worked as an auditor at one of the Big Four accounting firms, while also volunteering at a non-profit organisation, working with under-privileged children. Through the weekly interactions with them, I discovered my calling to work with children and decided to join the teaching service. Upon graduating from the National Institute of Education (NIE), I began my teaching career focusing on teaching gifted learners Mathematics at the primary school level. THE HIGHS AND LOWS As a teacher, I enjoy daily interactions with my students and honing my teaching skills. Later, I was offered a stint at the Ministry of Education Headquarters (MOE HQ) in the Curriculum Policy Office. Though I missed my students, it allowed me involvement in policy NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
planning and implementation. My team represented Singapore at international conferences, learning about the best global educational practices while receiving feedback from international experts. This humbling experience was a high point in my career. After returning to teaching, I had the opportunity for an eye-opening overseas exchange in the United Kingdom (U.K.), observing how their schools execute experiential learning and assessment practices. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK Having been through three rotations in my seven years of teaching, I see how each experience has shaped my beliefs and built my capacity as a teacher and a leader. My time in HQ was extremely fulfilling and stretched me in many ways. As a teacher, I am particularly heartened when students show appreciation for the effort I put in to make learning more meaningful and joyful for them. I still have the thank-you notes from my first batch of Primary Six students and it is the students’ heartfelt gratitude that often fills my tank and keeps me going! SOME ADVICE Fulfilling our responsibilities as a teacher takes a lot of hard work, and even more “heart work”. This job can be so draining, yet also so fulfilling when you witness that Eureka! moment, or that smile from the child whom you have just helped. Do not expect teaching to be easy, rather, come with an open mind to discover how much the next generation can surprise us. www.nbs.edu.sg
JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FACEBOOK @MFACareers
1 Sherwood Road, Singapore 248163 TEL +[65] 6379 8000 WEB www.mfa.gov.sg/career EMAIL mfa_career@mfa.gov.sg
INSTAGRAM @MFA_SG
LOCATIONS
• Singapore • International – 50 Overseas Missions BUSINESS FACTS
A Foreign Service career is more than just a job. To be effective, Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) need to have a good grasp of world affairs and a firm understanding of Singapore’s position. As a FSO, you are Singapore’s bridge to the world. You will be involved in the formulation, review and implementation of policies related to your assigned portfolio. You must be versatile, be able to analyse issues critically, strategise and achieve outcomes. You need to be able to persuade and assert, and cultivate good interpersonal relations while keeping Singapore’s interests at heart.
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LINKEDIN @Minstry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
DEGREE DISCIPLINES
• Open to all disciplines CAREER SECTOR
• Public Sector APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply online at Careers@Gov. APPLICATION PERIODS
Graduate jobs: Applications accepted all year-round Internships: Applications open in the third quarter of the year. Visit our website for more details.
With 50 Overseas Missions around the world, a career with MFA offers unique opportunities and rewards. Throughout your career as a FSO, you will alternate between Singapore (HQ) and our Overseas Missions. Depending on your competency and inclination, you can develop your career in either the Functional and Corporate track or the Political and Economic track. As you progress within the Ministry, a series of varied and enriching assignments and milestone programmes will groom you for future leadership roles. An exciting career of unparalleled opportunities on the frontline of global development awaits. For those of you who are up for the challenge, come join us at MFA!
NTUC INCOME
75 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189557 WEB https://www.income.com.sg/careers/working-at-income The only insurance co-operative in Singapore, NTUC Income was established in 1970 to make essential insurance accessible to all Singaporeans. We are now the leading composite insurer in Singapore offering life, health and general insurance. Our wide network of financial advisers and partners provide value-added financial advisory that complements today’s digital-first landscape, offering insurance products and services that serve the protection, savings and investment needs of customers at different life stages and across all segments of society. As a company that is made different, we believe in attracting capable and dynamic individuals like you to transform Income. We are ‘In With You’ for your performance, growth, innovation and impact. Discover how you can develop professionally and personally as you build a meaningful career with us. Job Roles At Income, we value what’s withIN. We’re made different, right from the very people who work here. Our folks aren’t cast from the same mould and we embrace everyone’s unique personality, including their core attributes and quirky interests.
www.nbs.edu.sg
Roles you can look at include: • Operations • Actuarial • Finance • Information Technology • Business Excellence • Marketing We welcome all graduates to explore and indicate their interests on our career site. DEGREE DISCIPLINES
• Open to all disciplines CAREER SECTORS
• Insurance and Risk Management APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply online at https://www.income.com.sg/careers/working-at-income
NBS CAREER SERVICES GUIDE 2021
SINGAPORE
AUDIT. TAX. ADVISORY.
Tailored events & opportunities
Learning & Development
We are part of the 5th largest network
Our team with exceptional experiences
A global mindset Our services • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Audit & Assurance Business Services Outsourcing Corporate Advisory Corporate Finance Corporate Secretarial Services Cybersecurity Financial Services Group Goods & Services Tax International Tax Structuring Management Consulting Private Client Services Restructuring & Forensic Risk Advisory Talent Consultancy Transfer Pricing
A variety of services Apply now If you share our values and have the skills, ability and ambition it takes to succeed here, we want to hear from you. Whether you join Assurance, Tax, Consulting or Advisory Services, you will enjoy early responsibility, rewarding challenges and exposure to a variety of businesses across a range of sectors. To explore a career path with us, please email your detailed resume and cover letter to career@bdo.com.sg
BDO LLP 600 North Bridge Road #23-00 Parkview Square Singapore 188778 www.bdo.com.sg BDOSingapore
BDO Singapore LLP
*Photos were taken before the Heightened Alert measures took place