SIM Career Guide 2020 by GTI Media Asia

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

MCI (P) 001/12/2018

S I N G A P O R E

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 Financial Services Group Goods & Services Tax International Tax Structuring Management Consulting Private Client Services Restructuring & Forensic Risk Advisory Talent Consultancy Technology Risk & Advisory 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 #23-0͈ Parkview Square Singapore 188778 www.bdo.com.sg BDOSingapore

BDO Singapore LLP

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

INSIDE THIS GUIDE Career Connect Prepares You 3

A Message for Our Students

What is Project 1095?

Your 1095 Journey

How Career Connect Can Help You

SIM GE Career & Internship Fair

SIM GE Express Yourself

Meet Our Team

Talent Development Programme (TDP)

360 Degree Development Programme

SIM GE EDGE Awards

SIM GE Alumni

Produced by

Discover Your Career Options 28

Industry Insights

Career Chapters

Choosing What is Best for You: MNCs, SMEs or Startups

Exploring Internships

Budding Entrepreneurs

Project Protégé

Overseas Career Drive

Global Learning

Explore the World with AIESEC

The Global Experience

Editorial Anne Grace Savitha, Sarah Si Design & production Amirah Azlan Advertising Ron Ong, Terence Teo, The GTI Media sales team Marketing & distribution Shirlyn Ting, Tang Weishan, Cheryl Tan

How to Market Yourself to Employers

Publisher Isaac Hee International managing director and co-founders Adrian Wood, Mark Blythe

Student Care: Managing Your Wellness

Job Searching: The Ultimate Guide

Three Things to Look Out for in a First Job

Rules of Getting Hired

Five Essential Soft Skills

Technical Skills to Keep in Mind

Emerging Skills for the Future Workforce

Crafting Effective Résumés

How to Write Effective Cover Letters

LinkedIn 101: How to Optimise Your Profile

How to Write a Professional Email

Dress to Win

Networking at Events: A Beginner’s Guide

Types of Interviews

100

How to Succeed at Assessment Centres

102

Accepting Job Offers

104

Seven Ways to Make a Good First Impression on Your First Day of Work

106

How to Upgrade Yourself

108

Attain Professional Achievements with ISCA

Jobs and Internships

Editor Nor Atikah binti Abdul Wahid

GTI Asia Pte Ltd (Company number: 200301978M) 1 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh #05-04 Braddell House Singapore 319637 T+(65) 6294 6505 F +(65) 6294 1043 Printer Times Printer Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340 © GTI Asia Pte. Ltd, Mar 2020

110

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or storage in a retrieval system in any form without prior written consent of GTI. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and their publication does not necessarily imply that such views are shared by GTI. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such inaccuracies, or for any loss, direct or consequential, arising in connection with information in this publication.

*information is correct as of print

2 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

A MESSAGE FOR OUR STUDENTS

Dr Aaron Tan Director, Learner Advisory and Career Centre Singapore Institute of Management

t SIM (the Singapore Institute of Management), we are committed to our learnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal development and career preparation from the very start of their journey here with us. We set the stage for learners to embark on this journey, which can be classified into three stages: Discovery, Development and Deployment. Whether it is about special interests, sports, volunteering or career-related activities, university involvement can make all the difference when applying for internships or that first graduate job. Being involved in activities outside of their curriculum is a great way to develop key skills that employers are looking for as well as fostering a positive mindset and constructive attitude that employers value. Having genuine experiences to draw from to articulate their competencies provides them with a competitive well-rounded edge. As our learners discover their own unique interests, we envision everyone nurturing a motivation to be actively involved â&#x20AC;&#x201D; developing the capacity to make a difference, create improvements and bring fresh ideas to their university. Being involved in internships, volunteer work, extracurricular activities and competitions, and picking up additional skills will hone their time management skills and show recruiters that they can juggle competing priorities. As our learners reach the milestone of becoming graduates, it marks the beginning of their journey as young adults preparing to be deployed into the world while flying the flag of SIM.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 3

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

WHAT IS

ife is so much more than just books, exams and qualifications. At SIM, your education encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills and activities — both inside and outside of the typical classroom. The number 1095 is the number of days a typical student will spend in SIM, which equates to three years. Spearheaded by the Student Life Division, Project 1095 seeks to tailor programmes and initiatives specifically to help each student maximise their 365 days yearly. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities to ensure that they achieve a well-rounded student experience and, at the same time, nurture their global readiness for a future beyond SIM. Find out more at http://project1095.simge.edu.sg

Career Development

Global Learning

Career Connect aims to develop the competitive edge of students’ careers and help them build industry and professional connections while streamlining their career aspirations. This is achieved through:

The Office of Global Learning provides students with a wide array of summer abroad programmes, study trips, workshops and oncampus activities as a platform for personal training in global competence.

• Career guidance

• Develop your global competence

• Internships and job opportunities

• See the world as your neighbour

• Career workshops

• Discover your global responsibility

• Career events

• Learn who you are outside of your culture

Find out more about these opportunities on UNICORN at bit.do/simge-unicorn

• Bring the world to SIM

Student Development

Student Care

SIM Student Development is all about helping students achieve a rich colourful experience in their campus life and beyond. We believe that student life is a lifelong journey and that experience is not limited to the classroom only. With over 70 clubs and student councils, students are encouraged to explore leadership roles to develop their talents through full use of opportunities available.

Student Care organises programmes to encourage healthy living, wellness, stress management and the development of other soft skills. This will boost students’ well-being, as well as enhance effective living, and forge a balanced student life. We want to help students attain this experience through developing their Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength.

4 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Discovery

YOUR

he key to growth lies in the discovery stage. Discovery encompasses a blend of self-discovery as well as awareness of the market. Build on your strengths and navigate your weaknesses. As you learn more about yourself and the world around you, you will be better equipped to find your footing and have confidence in pursuing your aspirations.

Questions to ask yourselves: • Who am I through the lens of others?

JOURNEY

• What are the career choices out there? • Which careers are suitable for me? • Where do I fit in? • How do I find my “sweet spot”? • How do I get there?

Development Now that you have good knowledge about yourself, and feeling the pulse of the industries, it is time to identify the areas of development to answer to the requirements of the working world. Learn a new skill and develop strong attributes in yourself.

Questions to ask yourselves: • What are the skills required for my aspired career choice? • What are employers looking for?

Deployment The finishing line is in sight as the end is near and it is time for the final push. Some rough edges need to be polished while anxiety might start to creep in. Let us be with you during this finishing lap.

• How do I make myself known? • How do I hone and develop these skills?

Questions to ask yourselves: • How do I crystallise all that I have achieved during my time here? • Where can I build a network? • Am I doing it right or is there a “blind spot” that I should be aware of? • Where can I find opportunities? • Is there a strategy in job hunting?

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 5

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

HOW CAREER CONNECT CAN HELP YOU

n today’s highly competitive working environment, developing your competitive edge is not optional — it is essential. This is further amplified by the rise of artificial intelligence in the near future. According to an article written by Forbes, 47% of employment opportunities will be taken over by machines within the next two decades. Fret not — at Career Connect, we strive to help future graduates like you to remain relevant in the workforce by providing you with the necessary skills. We hope that these skills, coupled with your education, will open doors for future employment and help you realise your aspirations regardless of the working environment.

6 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Unlocking Doors — Career Competitive Edge At Career Connect, we strongly believe in instilling our students with relevant skills via career- and skills-based workshops to prepare them for a dynamic working world.

Monthly career preparation workshops, also known as the Hire Me Series, are conducted for students as part of the Project 1095 experience. This series consists of a myriad selection of workshops such as: • Networking Skills • Résumé and Cover Letter Writing Skills • Basic and Advanced Interview Skills • Assessment Centre • Professional Image • Communications and Presentation Skills • Managing Personal Finance • Profiling: Understanding Yourself and Suitable Career Paths To further support students in developing their skills, Career Connect also organises many skillsbased workshops at a discounted rate such as: • VBA Microsoft Excel and Data Analysis • Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator • Digital Marketing and UX/UI • Fintech Certification Course, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 7

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Fintech Certification Courses by Ping An Academy Jointly offered by SIM GE and OneConnect Financial Technology (Ping An Group), the Introduction to Fintech course was launched in March 2019 as part of a 3-course series, which also consists of the Blockchain Developer course and Artificial Intelligence course. Participants were exposed to an introductory but extensive exposition of the Fintech industry and were encouraged to share their views openly with the class after each discussion. They also had an eye-opening experience at the headquarters of OneConnect at Mapletree Business City where they experienced the latest Fintech applications. On the final day of the courses, participants had to pitch an “ideal” Fintech solution, using the tools they have learnt, to a panel of judges who played the role of a client company. Through these presentations and class discussions, OneConnect eventually offered outstanding students with internships, which may eventually lead to fulltime employment with the company.

Building Bridges — Networking with Professional Connections Career Connect provides students and graduates the platform to meet industry leaders and build meaningful professional relationships via career events and company visits.

Career and Internship Fairs

Career Connect’s highlight of the year is the various Career & Internship Fairs that are held throughout the year. The annual DREAMS: Career & Internship Fair in February saw a plethora of companies brought together to meet promising graduates for job opportunities. KPMG, Cognizant Technology Services, HAYS, SATs and Marriott International were among the 110 participating companies with over 1,200 students attending the event. In the second half of the year, we had the IGNITE Career Fair with 72 participating companies, such as Singapore Airlines, FDM Group, Changi Airport Group, Procter & Gamble and Shopee with over 700 students participating.

A Confluence of Influence — Zeles Roadshow & MOU

What creates influence? What makes something influential? How does it inspire you? And how does the same thing inspire someone else? The mind can go off into so many tangents that it can become lost from the original intent. What is a confluence? A confluence is a meeting point, a converging and a gathering at one point. This is the perfect word to describe what happens when we “meet” an influence. With a need to instil civic consciousness in students and to provide a wellrounded educational experience, Career Development took a leap of faith with a vision to influence and inspire our students. A milestone in Career Development was marked by a Memorandum of Understanding, signed between SIM and Zeles Network Ltd in the presence of representatives from nine partnering NGOs, such as AMKFSC Community Service, MINDS’ Me Too! Club and New Hope. Zeles is a social network enterprise that has 70 non-profit organisations and social enterprises under its wing. Training will be provided by the NGOs to students before they embark on their volunteering activities.

8 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Young Graduate Career Forum In conjunction with the SIM GE EDGE Award Ceremony, EDGE Award recipients were invited as panel speakers for the Young Graduate Forum. Students in attendance asked questions and gained substantial insight into the panel speakers’ Class to Work experiences. The key message of the forum: “a degree alone is not enough to guarantee a job but rather developing a wide range of skills and attributes is important and that the EDGE award validates our qualities to employers, giving us an advanced standing compared to other candidates in the highly competitive job market”.

Company Visits • Mandarin Hotel Learning Journey Glamorous! Luxurious! With award-winning restaurants, including Chatterbox, home of the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice, and two Michelin-star Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, it is none other than the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. 40 students embarked on their journey to the Mandarin Hotel in the heart of Orchard Road. The students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the back office of the hotel and explore the different facilities of the hotel. Participants who had this opportunity gained deeper insight into the hotel industry through the engagement session. • Sembcorp Marine Learning Journey Travelling deep into Tuas, our students embarked on a learning journey to understand how Singapore’s biggest shipyard operates. Students had the opportunity to see how rigs, floaters and ships are built from scratch as well as the maintenance work for the ships. They also went on an exclusive bus tour to witness unique sights around the entire shipyard and had the chance to learn more about the marine industry through engaging interactions with the Sembcorp professionals. • Kuehne + Nagel Learning Journey Organised by the Supply Chain Career Chapters, students were exposed to the rich background of the world’s No. 1 global seafreight forwarder and the world’s No. 2 global air cargo forwarder. Participants had the opportunity to tour around the various sections of their multi-storey warehouse and learned how their Warehouse Management System keeps their operations running smoothly and their inventory in check. They were also given access to K+N’s state-of-the-art innovation centre where they were awed by the various high-tech robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) equipment designed for the future of the logistics industry.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 9

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

SIM GE CAREER & INTERNSHIP FAIR 2020 The employability of SIM GE graduates is a priority for SIM. That was the message clearly brought across to students during the SIM GE Career and Internship Fairs 2019. Look out for our Career Fairs in February and October!

ver 2,000 students attended the annual Career and Internship Fairs, DREAMS: Make Today Count and IGNITE Career Fair in February and October 2019, respectively. Offering both internships and job opportunities, this year’s DREAMS Career and Internship Fair consisted a wide range of industries with over 110 employers including KPMG, Cognizant Technology Services, HAYS, SATs, Marriott International and many more. The IGNITE Career & Internship Fair during the second half of the year saw over 70 participating employers, such as Singapore Airlines, FDM Group, Changi Airport Group, Procter & Gamble, DBS Bank, Shopee and Singtel. Apart from engaging with employers during the fairs, students also had the opportunity to take part in activities, such as résumé photoshoots, and to know more about Career Chapters in order to equip themselves with the necessary skills to maintain their competitive edge in the employment market. Overall, the career fairs continue to serve as an excellent platform for both employers and students to network and foster professional connections. This year’s Career and Internship Fairs were another successful effort by SIM GE to help students ignite their dreams.

10 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

“FDM Group really enjoyed meeting with SIM graduates at the career fair. We met with a lot of students who are looking to pursue a career within the IT industry! The career fair is a great opportunity to meet with students to discuss their career paths and interests. Even if you’re not graduating until the following year, it’s a great opportunity to meet prospective employers to get guidance on the job market and understand what else you can do in your spare time to add value to your CV!” - Annika Kataria, Regional Recruitment Manager, FDM Group

“It was a fairly eye-opening experience whereby I was able to communicate directly with companies I am aiming to apply for when I graduate. As an international student, it helps set my expectations and motivate me to improve my skills in order to be a more employable person.” - Michelle, Year 2, SIM-RMIT Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)

“The career fair was a fantastic experience as it exposed me to a range of potential employers that I can approach for an internship or a graduate programme. Over the years, Career Development Office has been doing a great job by gathering more prestige firms from different sectors into the fair, which provides students with a platform to locate and communicate with potential future employers.” - Anthony Ang, Year 2, SIM-RMIT, Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 11

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

SIM GE EXPRESS YOURSELF

ommunication and public speaking — timeless recession-proof skills that employers demand nowadays. Skills that are above and beyond academic achievements. Launched in April 2019, the SIM GE Express Yourself is a public speaking and communication programme for students who are looking to be better communicators and improve their credibility and employability.

The Express Yourself Challenge is partially sponsored by Carrie Models International Pte Ltd. Throughout the journey of this programme, we provided a safe, fun and interactive environment for students to overcome certain obstacles that hinder their communication. The programme developed the participants’ ability to: build their confidence communicate messages effectively and clearly learn voice projection, pace and tone master stage presence and body awareness think critically and be authentic create a positive impression

Participants underwent a structured series of workshops and personal coaching: Stage 1: Powerful Personal Communication Professional Image and Personal Grooming Stage 2: Powerful Professional and Persuasive Communication Stage 3: One-to-one Personal Coaching This culminated into the inaugural “Express Yourself Challenge” in September 2019 where 16 students who had gone through the programme faced a panel of judges to speak on a topic of their choice in 90 seconds.

12 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Nina Lie Bachelor of Business (Marketing) SIM-RMIT Winner, Express Yourself Challenge 2019

“Before joining the Challenge, I attended the ‘Express Yourself’ workshops organised by Career Connect and found them useful and inspiring. I feel that improving and challenging myself are essential as I aspire to be a public speaker. Through this programme, I gained more confidence and learnt a lot of valuable lessons from the participants and the coach. Always believe in yourself and challenge yourself.”

Tan Ize Ian Ichiro Diploma in Management Studies SIM GE First Runner-up, Express Yourself Challenge 2019

“I personally had a huge interest in participating in public speaking-related training and competitions during my secondary school days. Unfortunately, I wasn’t given the best platform to enhance my skills at that time. Upon seeing the ‘Express Yourself’ banner back in March, I immediately signed up to participate in the programme as I find the training structure amazing and, most importantly, a great opportunity that I shouldn’t let go. Through this programme, I have not only improved in expressing myself and being more confident in public speaking, but I have also made many new friends! If you are passionate in public speaking or would like to be a better presenter, this is the best chance and the best platform for you to shine!”

Lin Shengqiang Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) SIM-RMIT Finalist, Express Yourself Challenge 2019

“The programme was an excellent opportunity for me to gain positive exposure to the art of rhetoric, to push my boundaries by facing any public speaking fears and to confidently voice out my thoughts with ease. Preparing a speech compelled me to take a step back and think critically about the effective ways to communicate. As public speaking is one of the most critical forms of communication, I believe mastering this lasting real-world skill will allow me to be a better collaborator in any field.”

Benjamin Soh Chief Coach Express Yourself Challenge 2019

"If you can present your ideas to others in a clear and impactful way, you will stand out and be remembered and admired. How this skill applies to you now is the ability to go for internship and job interviews with more confidence, achieve better results with offers or speak in public with more poise. The participants could see that the knowledge and skills are useful to them now and also, for their future careers. They were keen learners and were willing to challenge themselves even when feeling uncomfortable in front of audiences. With better presentation skills, they also developed more selfconfidence almost immediately. Some transformations were remarkable to see because of how much some of the participants improved in their ability to speak clearly and confidently in public. Take advantage of the workshops and courses that SIM GE offers you and you’ll enjoy a richer university experience."

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 13

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

MEET OUR TEAM Career Guidance

A message from the team The mission of SIM Career Connect is to empower students and alumni to confidently navigate their careers as citizens of a global world. We are committed to supporting you along the pathway of fulfilling your career aspirations, developing your career competitive edge and building strong industry networks. Reach out to us at Career Connect office located at SIM HQ, Block B Level 1 (opposite Food Fest). You may also contact us directly through our phone number 6248 0281 or email: • For employers: employerengage@sim.edu.sg • For alumni: gealumni@sim.edu.sg • For internship enquiries: intern@sim.edu.sg • For general enquiries: careerconnect@sim. edu.sg

14 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

We provide training programmes and opportunities for students to be careerready. This includes assisting students in their self-discovery as well as during the transition from academic life to their career of choice.

This is achieved through career guidance, profiling sessions, résumé reviews and mock interviews. Relevant career preparation workshops are also organised to help students gain a practical understanding and to equip them with relevant skills for the working world.

Employer Engagement We reach out to industry and corporate partners to create internship and employment opportunities for students while acquiring talents for companies. We offer platforms — such as the Career and Internship Fair, company talks and visits, and career chapters — for employers to network with our students and seek the right talents from our student pool.

Alumni Engagement We broaden and deepen alumni linkages to cultivate mentorship, internship and employment opportunities through progressive establishment of local and overseas chapters. Membership is automatic and free for life. Our alumni may tap into career support initiatives and networking platforms, access campus facilities or partake in reunions and gatherings.

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Employer Engagement

Albert Lim Senior Manager

Moira Lesslar Senior Career Development Specialist

Geraldine Woo Assistant Manager

Career Guidance

Lucy Low Karen Tang

Senior Executive

Manager

Ratna Juita Executive

Calvin Kong Assistant Manager Alumni Engagement

Luo Jiantong Senior Executive

Ding Qian Programme Executive

Tan Kong Soon Manager

Jane Goh Executive

Sabrina Chua Programme Executive www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 15

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (TDP)

he Talent Development Programme (TDP) is a structured in-house internship offered by SIM Career Connect. Launched in January 2015, TDP has seen more than 150 interns gone through the programme with over half of them graduating and moving on to the corporate world. In TDP, we aspire to empower our interns with skills and competencies vital for the corporate environment through many projects and initiatives. With a structured development plan comprising of workshops, networking opportunities and on-thejob training, we give them a head start and prepare them for the working world as well as expanding their professional networks. TDP is also a platform for like-minded interns to have a collective experience of learning and growing together. Essentially, we aspire to create an enriching journey for all interns to learn, discover and hone themselves for a dynamic working world ahead. Through the TDP experience, our interns have successfully secured internships and full-time jobs in many prestigious organisations such as NBC Universal, Rhenus Logistics, FDM Group, Google, Singapore Airlines, PwC, the US Embassy, Marina Bay Sands and many more.

16 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Human Capital Development:

Marketing Communications:

The Human Capital Development Cluster focuses on the management of TDP interns for their deployment, development and welfare. Key responsibilities include:

The Marketing Communications Cluster is a very diverse cluster with a strategic objective of delivering marketing plans for the Career Connect Office. Key responsibilities include:

• Recruit and select new interns. • Organise and execute orientation programmes for new interns.

• Carry out marketing campaigns

• Oversee and implement training programmes.

• Create marketing collaterals for

• Plan career development and progression of interns.

• Manage Career Connect’s social

• Manage the overall welfare of interns.

• Engage SIM students with the

www.sim.edu.sg

for the office. career initiatives. media platforms.

Business Development: T he

Business Development Cluster works closely with various stakeholders, including potential employers, Career Chapters and SIM alumni. With this engagement, the cluster serves as a bridge to add value to Career Connect’s initiatives.

Key responsibilities include: • Engage with potential employers. • Manage the development of Career Chapters.

• Plan career events such as career talks and company visits.

office’s initiatives.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 17

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Testimonies from Graduates of TDP Rachel Chua MSc in Management (International Business), Durham University Previous role in TDP: Cluster Leader, Intake 10 BSc in Business & Management SIM-UOL Class of 2019

“Joining TDP is one of the best decisions I ever made in university. It’s a journey filled with self-discovery, new adventures and lots of fun! I met many nurturing leaders and passionate pals who encouraged me to step out of my own boundaries. Being in the Human Capital Development and Marketing Communications clusters, I gained hands-on experience on the comprehensive range of HR functions, including payroll handling, recruitment, team building events planning and events management. This experience has empowered my critical thinking skills and problem structuring analysis. It has also provided me with a deeper understanding of what employers value in their employees. The great learning opportunities in TDP exposed me to different functions of an organisation and incentivised me to expand my knowledge on organisational behaviour and business strategies. Hence, without any qualms, I am certain that the practical experiences you gain in TDP will help enhance your career development!“

Charlene Foo Management Trainee, Rhenus Logistics Asia Pacific Previous role in TDP: Youth Director, Intake 4 BSc in International Relations SIM-UOL Class of 2018

“TDP has provided me a platform to discover and explore my skills, and learn in areas where I need improvement. I have definitely developed myself in both personal and professional aspects and I am definitely grateful for this journey. TDP is definitely a space for us to familiarise ourselves and transition to the corporate work environment. You might discover something in yourself that you never knew! Some of the skill sets that I have learnt in TDP have empowered me to perform better and TDP allowed me the space to mature and develop further into my budding career. Don't be afraid to fight for what you dream for! Allow yourself to make mistakes, so that you can learn to be better and remember not to make that same mistakes again. Work hard, fall hard and know that, at the end of the day, everything will turn out alright. Also, be open-minded and try out different areas — you might find something that suits you better than what you envisioned for yourself. Challenge yourself in new environments constantly to strive and be a better you!”

18 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Ong Wei Lin Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lions Home for The Elders Previous role in TDP: Officer, Intake 9 BSc in Economics and Management, SIM-UOL Class of 2019

“It was a pleasant journey for me to be a part of the TDP family during my university days! I have gained valuable skills and experiences, which will definitely increase my employability in the future. Throughout my journey, I have met diverse people who provided opportunities for me as well as expanded my knowledge through intercommunication. Moreover, the roles and responsibilities offered in TDP enabled me to hone my interpersonal, communication and time management skills while balancing my studies and internship life. I believe this work experience should serve me well before I embark on my journey towards the working life. To future TDP interns, grab hold of the opportunities that are offered in the programme and gain as much exposure as you can. Always keep your mind open to whatever challenges you face!”

Connie Lim Programme Executive (Recruitment Group), Singapore Institute of Management Previous role in TDP: Youth Director, Intake 7 BSc in Business and Management SIM-UOL Class of 2019

“A place that focuses on developing and preparing students for the future working world, TDP played a great part in my university life! My two-year journey in the programme has changed me — from a student who didn’t know what the future holds to a graduate who knows what she wants in her future career. Project planning, problem-solving and team management skills are some of the skills that I have picked up through the programme. Most importantly, these are the skills that are currently helping me in my career as well! I may have faced challenges along the way but, with patience and guidance from the staff, I learnt how to conquer the issues that occurred and this has developed me to become the wholesome individual that I am today.”

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 19

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

360 DEGREE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

esigned to provide a well-rounded experience, the 360 Degree Development Programme (360Â°) is open to selected final year student leaders of clubs and societies. The programme aims to enhance their development to become sharp professionals and employees of choice. Besides achieving academic excellence, selected student leaders should demonstrate the qualities of an all-rounder with leadership abilities and exemplary participation. Participants undergo a series of development workshops. Opportunities to meet employers and professionals are also provided through networking sessions and the mentorship programme. In addition, a career coach will be assigned to take you through mock interviews and guide you on career preparation techniques until you secure your first job after your final year. Participants of this programme have benefitted greatly and many are highly sought after by prospective employers. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hear from a 360 from the 2019 intake on their experience.

20 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Lam Kar Yee BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL

President, Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail Career Chapter Student Ambassador Executive Committee, Global Learning Society Executive Committee, Canoe Polo SIM GE Edge Award Winner Current role: Digital Marketing Executive, Plexure Pte Ltd

My role and involvement in my CCA/ club/society

I joined the Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail Career Chapter (HLRCC) and was selected as the President. Our role for the Career Chapter was to advocate students better about the industries of Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail while also bringing employers from these industries to share their knowledge and offer job opportunities to SIM students. Some of the events that we organised include the Marriott Career Talk and Hotel G Learning Tour.

How has the programme benefit and better equip me for the working world

The programme contains workshops that are tailored for final year students, allowing us to be better equipped with skill sets required for the future. The 360 Programme also allowed me to understand my strengths, my weaknesses and how to improve myself before entering the working world.

Tips to be an all-rounded student leader

Don’t be afraid to take the first step. Always try out something new — be it a new club, competition or internship! Use your time wisely as SIM has all the resources ready for you to utilise, workshops for you to join, and the CCA for you to hone your leadership skills. You just need to be brave and step out of your comfort zone! You don’t want to look back and know you could have done better. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 21

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

SIM GE EDGE AWARDS

aunched in 2017, the SIM GE EDGE Award is a prestigious award developed in partnership with employers to recognise your cumulative achievements in your learning journey. Throughout your journey at SIM GE, we aim to provide a conducive and supportive environment by creating many opportunities to foster: • core attributes of resourcefulness, resilience and responsibility • deep professional competencies in your chosen disciplines by equipping you with the ability to continue learning throughout your lives, and • corporate-readiness by being confident leaders in your own right, being good team players, taking the initiative to solve problems, and being able to communicate effectively across all levels. While working towards this award, you will get the opportunity to demonstrate your learning experiences and skills to potential employers via: 1. University involvement 2. Community engagement 3. Work/Volunteer experience 4. Global awareness 5. Additional skills While this opportunity is open to final year undergraduate students only, you should start building your portfolio from Day 1 in order to consolidate your best experiences.

22 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Jessica Vania Bachelor of Business (Logistics & Supply Chain Management), SIM-RMIT Your motivation in applying for the award

A friend encouraged me to apply as she has seen me evolve tremendously in the time we have known each other. It was during the application process that I discovered my motivation for this award, which ultimately led me to submit the application. My motivation to apply for this award is to be a role model to my fellow students and friends to look beyond their achievements and recognise the friends that took the journey with them. Without the friend who encouraged me to apply for the award, I wouldn’t have known that I have the capability to be given the honour of this award.

One quality that made you stand out from the rest of the applicants

SIM provided me with the liberty to explore various options that put me beyond the walls of my comfort zone. As a firm believer in experiential learning, I attended an extensive attendance list of workshops hosted by Career Connect and industry partners. Through my openness to experiences, it led me to volunteer for the community, which provided me with valuable lessons about my specialisation and society.

Besides being in the Executive Committee of the Supply Chain Career Chapter, Jessica is also an active member of the Film and Performing Arts team. She is currently a Business Operations Analyst at Hewlett-Packard Inc.

How do you think this award is able to give you the competitive edge

One aspect of myself that I am aware of is that I lack confidence, especially when it comes to heading to a certain direction that is uncertain and unknown. My experience was unconventional and I did not take on roles in leading multiple associations or CCAs. I made the decision to volunteer instead of interning, which made people question why I did not follow the “formula”.

My Advice

Keep track of everything you do, whether it is a great achievement or just a small task. That will help you to reflect and see how much you have done and grown. Besides that, post your progress online (for example, on LinkedIn or a personal blog) and create an online presence.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 23

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Loo Xin Yi Bachelor of Science in Marketing, SIM-University of Southampton Your motivation in applying for the award

This award motivated me to push my boundaries by learning new skills and knowledge. During my studies, it was a challenge to manage my time well between my curricular activities and studies. I was also motivated to strengthen my blogging and communication skills so that I could portray myself confidently during the interview! It also gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I have done to build up my personal development.

One quality that made you stand out from the rest of the applicants

Perseverance – I always remind myself to never give up. If there’s no harm in trying, I will just keep trying. If I don’t try, I’ll definitely lose the opportunity that I’ve been waiting for.

How do you think this award is able to give you the competitive edge

This award demonstrates my achievements and the professional competency I have developed during my studies. It signals my hunger for learning, which is one of the key attributes that most potential employers look for.

My Advice

Step out of your comfort zone and be comfortable being uncomfortable. Always ask yourself: if you’re not going to try it now, will you regret it in five years’ time? Always remember to enjoy the process, not just the end result.

Xin Yi is currently the Marketing Director of SIM Photography Club and represented SIM in nationwide competitions. She is currently a Realtor at PropNex.

Kwek Xin Lin Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Events Management, SIM-University of Stirling Your motivation in applying for the award

The underlying motivation to apply for this award is to reflect on my accomplishments and evaluate my undergraduate journey with SIM. This award also serves as a validation to myself for the holistic experience I’ve had.

One quality that made you stand out from the rest of the applicants

Courage. Courage is what got me where I am today as I always remind myself to never look back and regret the things I didn’t try. The courage to stand up stronger after failing shapes who I am today.

How do you think this award is able to give you the competitive edge

With this award, it validates my competency and my character, which have opened many doors for me when I stepped out of my academic journey.

My Advice

One advice I would like to give to students who wish to apply for this award: be fearless even if you think you will fall short. Give it a shot and experience the entire process. You will definitely come out as a more confident individual than who you are today.

24 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Xin Lin was the Course Representative for the University of Stirling and represented SIM in nationwide competitions. She is currently a Delegate and Marketing Manager (in the Southeast Asia region) at FST Media Pte Ltd.

www.sim.edu.sg

We brew fresh career advice for you every friday. Be in the loop and subscribe to our newsletters to receive the best career tips. Create your free account now at

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

IM Alumni Office was started in 2011. Since its inception, we seek to broaden and deepen alumni linkages to cultivate mentorship, internship and employment opportunities. This is done through the progressive establishment of local and overseas chapters, from an alumni family of more than 158,000. Membership is automatic and free for life. Alumni may tap into career support initiatives and networking platforms, access campus facilities and partake in reunions and gatherings at our local events. Our events include Homecoming, CEO Dialogue and Overseas Alumni Chapters in countries such as China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Visit simge.edu.sg/alumni or contact us at gealumni@sim.edu.sg.

CEO Dialogue 2019

26 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Overseas Alumni Chapters

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 27

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Discover the different industries you can join in the job market and explore the various opportunities within.

Accountancy and Financial Management

ith accountancy and financial management qualifications, one 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 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 softwares and applications to increase efficiency for accounting and financial management. Accounting professionals are encouraged to upskilll constantly, picking up data analysis and mastering digital accounting. Accounting firms often 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. 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 Qualification Programme (Singapore QP) in order to practise as a chartered accountant here.

Job areas include:

• Financial consulting

Skills required: • Numerical skills • Commercial awareness • Strategic planning skills • Analytical skills • Decision-making skills • Good communication skills

Job areas include: • Business/Commercial banking • Consumer/Personal banking • Corporate finance • Foreign exchange trading • Marketing and communication

• Auditing

• Tax consulting

pecialising in different areas of banking and finance (e.g. asset management, hedge funds, private banking and equity, risk management, venture capital, corporate restructuring), employers such as retail banks and investment firms, offer a diverse range of roles for graduate hires. The competition is tough for the banking and finance sector in Singapore, as a regional and global hub for investment and finance. Improve your opportunities of securing a job in this sector by seeking out internships during your university days to gain relevant work experience and build your knowledge and networks. Employers appreciate candidates who excel in problemsolving and have excellent organisational and team management skills. You should also make it a point to read financial business news regularly to update yourself on any changes in the industry. While numerical and business degrees are preferred by employers, it is not a necessary requirement.

• Investment banking

• Assurance management

• Risk assessment

Banking and Finance

Job hunting tips: Get licensed, stay on top of your game in terms of accounting skills and network extensively in this professional circle.

• Operations and technology • Private banking • Private equity • Risk management • Treasury

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.

• Wealth management

Skills required • Numerical and analysis skills • Resilience, ability to work under pressue • Excellent communication skills • Strong understanding of financial markets • Decision-making skills

28 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Consulting

Education

raduates looking to break into this sector can choose from different areas of expertise ranging from human resource, integrated solutions, management, and strategy advisory work. They are also able to specialise in a particular sector, such as HR, IT, or finance, with finance consulting being the most popular choice among graduates. Many employers offer graduate specialist programmes, where you’ll be assigned to work in teams with a mentor. You’ll also be involved in projects and experience the day-today business to help you pick up skills on the job. There are numerous perks to working in this industry, such as a variety in job roles and travelling opportunities, but be prepared to work in a high pressure environment. As most roles in this field will require you to interact with clients, having good communication skills is absolutely essential. Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, as well as the capability to work effectively in teams, are also crucial skills, especially when you feel the crunch with impending project deadlines. 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.

• Integrated solutions • Management • Strategy advisory • Finance consulting

Skills required: • Commercial awareness • Numerical and analytical skills • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Job areas include: • Early childhood education • Primary education • Secondary education • Tertiary education • Teaching English as a Foreign Language • Education psychology

Job areas include: • Human resources

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 helping to prepare future generations to achieve their aspirations. Major employers include the Ministry of Education (MOE), public and private institutions, and tuition centres. Besides becoming a teacher, you may also consider roles such as a career counsellor, an educational psychologist, or corporate and administrative roles in the ministry. Upon graduating with at least a bachelor’s degree, those aspiring to teach with the MOE will need to obtain a postgraduate diploma in education at the National Institute of Education. Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

• Education assessment

Job hunting tips:

• Career counselling

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.

Skills required: • Passion and belief in education • Effective interpersonal and communication skills

Job hunting tips: Gain some teaching experience as a tutor, volunteer teacher or substitute teacher prior to applying if you can. Experience is not necessary but highly valued as it allows you to be exposed to different student behaviours, cultivating your own teaching style in the classroom.

• Organisational and time management skills

• Persuasion skills • Teamwork and self-motivation

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 29

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Healthcare

Hospitality and Tourism

mployment in this industry is not closed off to nonmedical graduates. While most medical careers will require specialist knowledge and training, applicants from other degree backgrounds can also explore a number of career options such as healthcare operations and management, medical and pharmaceutical sales and marketing, medical product management, and healthcare informatics. Depending on your role in the industry, you may need to be prepared for long hours and heavy workloads. However, those working in administrative or research roles typically have regular hours. Whichever role that you take on in this industry, it’s vital that you have a passion for serving and helping those in need, and are dedicated to your tasks. Being meticulous and patient are important traits as well. 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, medical robotics). You can also opt for a position with non-profit organisations such as Mercy Relief or the Mercy Corps.

Job areas include: • Clinical medicine • Allied health (e.g. nutrition and therapy) • Laboratory • Healthcare regulations • Manufacturing and supply • Quality management • Research and development • Sales and marketing

Skills required: • Resilience • Communication skills

Job hunting tips: Experience 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, as with obtaining the necessary qualifications.

ome to two integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, the hospitality and tourism industry in Singapore has experienced steady growth, even in the midst of economic downturns. Singapore, as a popular stopover location, also offers ample career opportunities for graduates, ranging from hotel management, leisure, and events management. The sector also requires manpower for support functions such as IT, marketing and HR. Working in hospitality and tourism requires much patience, energy and emotional intelligence. Shift hours 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.

Job areas include: • Food and beverage industry • Hotels and resorts • Leisure and recreation management • Meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) • Spa and wellness management • Tourism and attractions

Job hunting tips: Demonstrate a passion for the hospitality and tourism sector to show that you have the drive to go the extra mile.

Skills required: • Client-facing skills • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Organisational skills • Teamwork • Problem-solving ability

• Organisational skills • Teamwork • Excellent grasp of technical knowledge

30 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

IT and Technology

Legal

ingapore is a global IT hub with many technology firms establishing their offices here. Given the pervasiveness of technology today, the expertise of IT professionals is not only needed in the tech sector, but also in the nonIT industries as well (e.g. finance, health, media, and legal 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. Graduates without an IT educational background can take up technical modules in school or obtain professional technical qualifications part-time as they work. A common way into the IT sector is through graduate programmes, especially if you’re applying to major organisations, although many smaller employers prefer to hire directly. Employers greatly appreciate candidates with good problem-solving and time management abilities as these are vital to helping them meet project deadlines as well as good interpersonal and communication skills due to the team-based nature of this sector.

Job areas include: • Application development • Cloud innovation • Data analytics • E-commerce • Information security • Infrastructure • Project management • Systems administration

Skills required: • Adaptability • Commercial awareness • Technical skills • Problem-solving ability • Time management skills • Communication skills • Organisational skills

Job hunting tips: IT employers often stick to conventional recruitment methods such as job postings, campus events and recruitment fairs. Prepare digital copies of your necessary documents and materials for your online application.

pon obtaining your law degree, you’ll have to first undergo a training period — lasting between six months to a year — before you can go through the bar examinations and practise as a lawyer. In large law firms, there can be graduate trainee programmes with opportunities for you to be rotated across different departments, while smaller firms allow you to engage in a wider range of work once you hit the ground running. Law graduates can also consider roles such as an in-house legal advisor for commercial organisations, advising them on various legal strategies. Employers in the legal industry are also in need of support staff members for the finance, HR, and even IT departments. Depending on your role, your working hours can differ immensely. As a graduate lawyer, you may be faced with long and intensive hours at work, but job flexibility may increase with career progression. Legal advisors to commercial organisations, on the other hand, have a less hectic schedule. A second-upper class law degree is generally required to find work in local law firms and employers also look out for candidates with attention to detail and excellent problem-solving abilities.

Job areas include: • Arbitration and dispute resolution • Civil litigation • Conveyancing • Corporate and commercial • Criminal • Intellectual property

Skills required: • Analytical skills • Communication skills • The ability to work under pressure

Job hunting tips: Consider taking up paralegal jobs as a student to meet contacts and form n et wo r ks . Yo u can also intern or volunteer with an NGO or political organisation to get more exposure if you are interested in these aspects of the profession.

• To be highly committed • Good networking ability

• Teamwork

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 31

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain

anufacturing, logistics and supply chain is an essential part of many industries, especially in the fast-moving consumer goods and retail sectors. Manufacturing involves turning raw materials into products through valueadding, 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 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 employees 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.

Job areas include: • Operations manager • Assembly engineer • Customs management • E-commerce • Freight/Global forwarding • Logistics • Supply chain management and service • Supply optimisation • Transport management • Warehousing

Skills required:

Job hunting tips: Graduates hired in the sector are strong in planning and people skills, and have technical expertise in project and logistics management.

Media (Advertising, PR and Communications)

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. Other than traditional areas of work in this industry such as journalism, events and marketing, graduates need to be well-versed in social media management as well, adapting to ongoing communication trends. Despite the breadth of the industry, vacancies are limited, and getting into the industry entails some competition. 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 • Events management • Film/Stage production • Graphic design • Journalism • Media purchasing • Public relations • Social media management

Skills required: • Creativity • Teamwork skills • Strong analytical skills • Tenacity and resourcefulness

Job hunting tips: A solid portfolio can greatly increase your chances of a successful application. N e t wo r k i n g is immensely important and may help you find a way into the industry. For this reason, it’s a good idea to start taking up part-time work and internships even as a student in order to build your connections and portfolio.

• Data management

• Planning skills • Teamwork skills • Organisational skills • Leadership skills • Problem-solving ability • Attention to detail

32 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

NGOs and Non-profit Organisations

raduates keen on helping the community can find their calling in non-governmental and non-profit organisations. With around 140 international not-forprofit organisations having set up base in Singapore, catering to a variety of social, humanitarian, and environmental issues, there are plenty of options for graduate employees. Depending on the area of expertise and the role that you apply for, there may be a need for specialist knowledge and skill sets, if there are any certification criteria for instance. Whatever your role is, employers in this sector look for a few definite traits: passion and commitment to the cause. While salaried positions in this sector 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 • Environment • Services (children, youth, family, elderly, special needs, healthcare) • Social work • Volunteer development

Skills required: • Problem-solving ability • Organisation skills

Job hunting tips: Employers in this sector look for candidates who are able to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and contribution to the organisation.

Public Sector

he public sector is Singapore’s largest employer, consisting different ministries, statutory boards, and a variety of organisations such as the Public Service Division, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the Home Team. Engaged in public service, employees in this sector often find their roles to be a satisfying and fulfilling one. Depending on the role and ministry that you are hired into, your job scope and the skill sets required may vary. In general, though, all public sector employees must possess a passion to serve the community, good teamwork and communication skills, as well as the maturity in drawing up and executing national policies. As a public sector employee, you will benefit from frequent training for upskilling and job security, and may 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 graduate employees 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’re interested in for new positions available.

Job areas include: • Government agencies • Ministries • Statutory boards • Uniformed groups

• Communication skills

Skills required:

• Technical skills (depending on the role)

• Communication skills • Organisational skills • Teamwork • Good interpersonal skills

www.sim.edu.sg

Job hunting tips: Do your research thoroughly as this sector offers a wide range of positions. Find and identify the fields of work which interest you. Be prepared for a series of interviews and assessments, which may include a psychometric test.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 33

Wealth Accumulation

GREAT WEALTH ADVANTAGE

Get started on your wealth accumulation goals and be future ready

Invest on your own terms with affordable premiums

Boost your investment with Welcome Bonus & Loyalty Bonus

Enjoy coverage with no medical underwriting, at no additional cost

Start a conversation with your Great Eastern Financial Representative today. +65 6248 2211 | greateasternlife.com | wecare-sg@greateasternlife.com

GREAT Wealth Advantage is a regular premium whole life investment-linked plan that provides protection against Death, Total and Permanent Disability and Terminal Illness. Please refer to the product summary for details. Terms and conditions apply. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The above is for general information only. It is not a contract of insurance. The precise terms and conditions of this insurance plan are specified in the policy contract. As buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment, an early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value, if any, that is payable to you may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. Investments in this plan are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of the units in the Fund(s) and the income accruing to the units, if any, may fall or rise. Please refer to Fund Details and Product Highlights Sheet for the specific risks of the Fund(s). Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. Information correct as at 17 April 2019. GWAP / Ver1.0 / 201904 The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited (Reg No.1908 00011G) 1 Pickering Street, #01-01 Great Eastern Centre, Singapore 048659

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

CAREER CHAPTERS Keen to widen your professional network? Join our Career Chapters where like-minded individuals are given the opportunity to explore various industries!

Learning Journey to Sembcorp Marine

Sharing Session by Phaidon International

areer Chapters is a platform covering seven career chapters that streamline and develop specialised career interests of like-minded students. Our student-centric entities organise a myriad of services, which include industrial visits, employer engagements and networking events that allow students to gain a practical understanding of the working world. Also, like-minded individuals can immerse in the best practices and gain mentorship opportunities from senior industry practitioners. Essentially, through these opportunities, students will benefit by developing a career competitive edge by developing essential skills for the workplace, such as effective communication and negotiation skills.

www.sim.edu.sg

• Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail • Supply Chain • Banking and Finance • Human Resource • Consulting • Marketing and Communications • Public Sector

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 35

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

HR Career Talk - The Lungs of Corporations

Uniqlo Career Talk

Home Team Career Fair

36 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

DBS Career Talk

Roadshow

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Samiha Raida Barakat

Gwen Teh Jia Rou

BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL

Vice President, Human Resource Career Chapter

President, Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail Career Chapter

Events Director, Banking and Finance Career Chapter

My Role

As the Vice President of HRCC, I lead my team in the planning of events and oversee their smooth execution. I also liaise with Career Connect and various companies for our events. As the Events Director of BFCC, I conceptualise events and prepare event proposals for approval by Career Connect. I also take charge of event logistics and liaise with employers for our events. Some events my teams have organised so far include “Insights on Careers in the Finance Sector” and “CV Writing Workshop by Phaidon International”.

What motivated you to join as a Career Chapter Exco?

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said that “the only thing that is constant is change”. Hence, to remain relevant in this dynamic and competitive environment, I felt the need to improve my hard and soft skills. I was motivated to join as a Career Chapter Exco to further improve my soft skills and with the hope that, after improving my skill sets, it would boost my résumé and employability. I also hoped that, through my leadership, I would bring my Career Chapters to greater heights.

How will this experience make you more employable?

Being an Exco, I got the chance to improve my soft skills like interpersonal and leadership skills. I also learnt to work better as a team and accept diversity in working styles and group dynamics. I also learnt to manage my expectations and be more patient. Working under two Career Chapters, I also broadened my knowledge about the two industries as I had to do a lot of research along the way. Apart from that, I also learnt how to use Canva to create marketing collaterals and got the chance to network with high profile employers. All these experiences definitely made me more employable.

My Advice

I feel that students should constantly upgrade their skill set and be open to trying new things. In terms of hard skills, if a student does not become proficient in a particular skill, it does not matter. After all, it is better to know a bit of something than nothing.

www.sim.edu.sg

My Role

My role as the President of the Hospitality, Lifestyle and Retail Career Chapter is to be the bridge between students and employers with the goal of helping students further explore job and internship opportunities in these industries. We aim to raise awareness and expose more students to the broad possibilities available in these sectors. We collaborate with companies like the Marriott Group, Shopee and more for learning journeys and career talks.

What motivated you to join as a Career Chapter Exco?

Having previously worked and interned in the retail industry, I wanted to gain further insight into this fast-paced sector and be part of the team to share and spread awareness regarding these industries. Being part of the Exco team allows us to organise events and liaise directly with employers which, in itself, is a rare opportunity. This experience enables us to explore and acquire skill sets that are useful at work and in daily life.

How will this experience make you more employable?

Being part of the Exco team has equipped me with leadership skills and qualities in organising events, liaising with employers and ensuring the events are run successfully. From brainstorming to execution, I have the opportunity to learn and hone skills applicable to the working world. Teamwork is another skill that I have gained from being part of the Chapter as, without the team, we wouldn’t have achieved the success we had. Overall, this experience has shaped me into a more holistic individual.

My Advice

In this current age, it is not enough to only be academically capable as employers are also seeking individuals with a good attitude and skills. The Career Chapter is a good platform to learn and grow, with various opportunities that can only be gained through such exposure. Becoming a member or an Exco member is free — so be brave and take the initiative to join and flourish! There is everything to gain and nothing to lose, so grab the chance now and live in the moment!

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 37

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

CHOOSING WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU: MNCS, SMES OR STARTUPS When choosing a job, it’s important to find the right fit.

ithin the area of your chosen career, employers come in all shapes and sizes. Although they can be generally classified into multinational companies (MNCs), small or medium enterprises (SMEs), or startups, you will quickly find each company has a character and disposition of its own. It is important when you begin considering job offers — finding the right workplace is vital when you’re just first setting out your career.

Multinational companies (MNCs) Large firms that usually have one global head office and maintain facilities and assets in numerous countries other than its home country. MNCs are well-known companies with large operations bases and revenue. Some well-known organisations include Nestlé, Proctor & Gamble and Visa. MNCs tend to have strong and reputable brand value, and many graduates tend to attach a certain level of prestige to working for an MNC.

Positives of working for MNCs Opportunities As MNCs maintain a presence in numerous countries, there will be opportunities to travel and work around the world. This would give you the chance to work with diverse colleagues of different nationalities and backgrounds. Moreover, you can shift between departments within the same company, enabling you to update your résumé without having to search for a new job. Career progression is also fairly straightforward and you’ll be able to see the paths of progression ahead of you. Benefits MNCs, with their large revenues, can afford to spend. Due to this, they generally offer excellent benefits, from healthcare to corporate discounts. You may start off with a larger paycheque as well. Upskilling If moving between departments does not interest you, you can still hone your skills and master your trade as job scopes are more likely to be fixed. You can cultivate your expertise in one area of work as there will be training and upskilling provided as well. You will also be surrounded by successful experts who you can look up to as role models.

Negatives of working for MNCs Culture and opportunities Maintaining a shared culture is challenging in a company that sprawls across several countries with different values. As employees also tend to integrate into the company’s culture, some aspects of your individualism may get lost as rules and regulations are much stricter. While there are opportunities for cross-departmental tasks, most employees would find themselves moving within their own job scope with little reason to interact with other departments. Red tape Standard operating procedure (SOP), workflow and structure can be inflexible in a global organisation. The different levels of management also leave many MNCs resistant to change, which results in less autonomy for employees. On top of that, if you need approval for a decision or project, it may take some time for it to pass through all the required processes. Job satisfaction As one individual in a massive organisation, it can be hard to see how your work impacts the company. It can also be discouraging if you like to see the results of your work, leading to feelings of frustration and disconnect. Recognition is hard to come by and you may even end up feeling like an expendable cog in a large machine. Competition Graduates are not the only ones coveting positions in MNCs — so are experienced jobseekers. As such, competition for positions is fierce. Competition within large companies can be just as intense, if not more. Missteps may be used against you and, with countless jobseekers raring to join MNCs, a single mistake may endanger your career with the company.

38 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Usually with either less than $100mil in yearly sales turnover or a total employee headcount that does not exceed 200 people, SMEs in Singapore contribute to approximately 50% of the country’s GDP and provide some 70% of employment. Today, graduates and jobseekers alike are as keen to work in an SME as an MNC.

Positives of working for SMEs Experience Job roles are less specific and involvement in all areas of an SME is much higher. You may be required to take part in cross-functional tasks that are not part of your job scope. This exposes you to a range of tasks to develop various skills in different areas of expertise and also allows you to gain knowledge and insight beyond your role that can boost your résumé in the future. Flexibility Some SMEs can offer alternative work arrangements, such as flexible working hours. SMEs also tend to be less stringent on dress codes. Job preferences and personalities are taken into account, and you can use that to your advantage, such as exploring your own working style. Culture and environment Work culture in SMEs tend to be open with flat hierarchies and employees are usually encouraged to communicate with senior management, even as fresh hires. The environment is also more casual, yet still driven and integrated. Deep bonds are common in a smaller company, so expect to join a close-knit team of colleagues. Most managers would know employees by name and there are more chances to interact with colleagues from different departments. Job satisfaction Working in smaller companies gives you the unique chance of taking ownership of your work even as you drive them forward. Moreover, as your work is valued, your confidence in yourself and your abilities will rise, leading to better job satisfaction and enabling you to aim higher career-wise.

www.sim.edu.sg

Negatives of working for SMEs Resources and benefits Unlike MNCs, SMEs do not have the resources to bring on more manpower. Due to this, you will most likely find yourself juggling a variety of different jobs regularly, leading to a workload much bigger than those generally found in MNCs. At smaller companies, you will have to settle for fewer benefits than what you would be able to find for the same job scope in a larger organisation, such as retirement plans. Training SMEs do not usually offer training programmes and you can expect to learn on the job. If training is offered, there is a chance it would be informal. Therefore, you would need to be proactive and possess a streak of independence if you want to pick up knowledge and skills in smaller companies. Career progression and growth Although there may be fewer employees in a company competing for a promotion, the fact that the company is small means the number of positions available is limited. There may be fewer opportunities and growth can be restricted — assuming the company even grows at all. If there are no plans for company growth, you may well find yourself in the same position years down the road. SMEs that cannot grow usually end up closing down in the long run, leaving you unemployed. Small and unknown MNCs are known and respected, which can be useful when you begin looking around for your next role. However, if you come from a small company, you may have to talk about the company instead of yourself and presenting your achievements.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 39

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Startups Newly incorporated businesses that have not hit the five-year mark, startups depend on scalable business models. They have established a reputation for offering goods or services that cannot be found anywhere else on the market. Most of the time, the people who join startups are among the most talented and respected in their fields.

Positives of working for startups Creative and innovative The work environment in startups tends to be innovative and dynamic, always looking to break into new territory. You will have the space you need to create and innovate. The next new fresh design or concept could come from you. Flexible Hierarchy in startups is not very rigid and tend to be flat. They also offer flexible working hours and a casual environment. You will also have flexibility in your approach to work — how and when you do your work are up to you so long as you can deliver. As there are usually only a handful of employees in a startup, interactions with colleagues are also very casual. Career progression and recognition Although your managers or the founders of the startup will guide you along, you will most likely work without supervision in a startup. Startups are also excellent training grounds as you will have to learn how to do almost everything, especially if you’re planning to pick up a senior management role in the future. You will likely be hired for the skills you can bring to the table but, as startups expect more than that, your learning curve will be. However, the chance of recognition for a job well done is high, especially in startups. Opportunities and experience Startups grant you the opportunity to forge your own way rather than follow an established path. Startups are about your skills and don’t require experience as you’ll learn more on the job. Not only that, but you will also have the chance to work with other skilled entrepreneurs. Job satisfaction and ownership In such a small company, every bit of effort from you counts. You will also have a larger sphere of influence than in an MNC, or even in an SME, and your performance will have a direct impact on the startup. You may even get the chance to work on an entire project by yourself and will get all the credit if it is a success.

40 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Negatives of working for startups Job stability, structure and risk Many startups don’t succeed for a variety of reasons, such as facing bad economy. Startups are also known to switch strategies at the drop of a hat, which could lead to disorganisation and miscommunication if coupled with firsttime founders. Startup founders may have exceptional ideas and plans to succeed but this does not make them either good or experienced leaders. Remuneration and benefits SMEs do not usually offer training programmes and you can expect to learn on the job. If training is offered, there is a chance it would be informal. Therefore, you would need to be proactive and possess a streak of independence if you want to pick up knowledge and skills in smaller companies. Career progression and growth Your salary will not match the long working hours and commitment to working for a startup. Moreover, if there are gaps in resources or funding, you may find yourself with lower or even suspended salary for a time. However, there are certain perks to offset this issue, such as the chance to work from home and stock options. Work-life balance There is no such thing as a work-life balance — if you want to succeed with your startup, you will have to eat, sleep and breathe it. Bringing a startup to life requires a level of dedication and commitment not found in larger companies and, more often than not, the startup will take up all your time. Moreover, because of low employee headcount, you will find yourself working long and odd hours, perhaps even on weekends. Burnout from working in this high-stress environment is highly possible.

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

EXPLORING INTERNSHIPS Committing to an internship can give you an edge over other graduate applicants as it offers valuable experience and opportunities for you to develop the skills and qualities employers look out for.

Benefits of committing to an internship

Boost your employability

n internship exposes you to the working world and gives you a chance to see how things work in a corporate setting. With an internship under your belt, you can also demonstrate the relevant skills and knowledge you acquired beyond the classroom to prospective employers. Moreover, in the present economic climate, employers are on the lookout for candidates who stand out and can contribute to the company. Internships can set you apart from other applicants who do not have one under their belts.

Understand yourself better

Internships are the perfect avenue for you to experience the industry of your interest and find out if you can see yourself in that line of work upon graduation. Internships not only helps you to gauge your abilities and working style but also show you what aspects you need to improve on. With your preview of the industry, you can also better manage your expectations when you transition into the working world.

Connect to your chosen career

Employers often use internships and work placements to attract talents for full-time graduate hires. So, during an internship, try your best to shine! An internship in your chosen industry will not only help you grow your network of professional contacts, which can come in handy in the future, but may also give you an insider’s perspective into the industry.

www.sim.edu.sg

Ong Xin Shun BSc in Accounting & Finance, SIM-UOL Intern, Financial Services Assurance PwC Singapore “PwC Outstanding Award for Whole Leadership” Award Winner

1. My Role

As an intern in Financial Services Assurance, specialising in the Banking and Capital Markets sector, I assisted with the audit of a foreign bank through the performance of audit fieldwork in the form of Controls and Substantive Testing for several financial statement line items. This entails the execution of various testing methods, such as Reasonableness Tests to Test of Details, to achieve particular audit objectives. I was also involved in the statutory compliance review and the inspection of credit reports.

2. My Takeaway

I was fortunate to be part of a team that has given me the liberty to perform the work required on a fair allocation of the audit engagement. As such, I managed to experience a huge part of the auditing process, from the planning stage until the finalisation of the audited financial statement. This enables me to get a clearer picture of the external audit landscape and prepare me for what is to come in this field. I also learned that strategic thinking, being able to ask the right questions and communication skills are all key to being an auditor.

3. My Advice

Always keep an open mind and be receptive to constructive feedback. Remember the purpose of going for an internship in the first place, which is to learn! Be proactive and take on any opportunities available as this is a good time to not only experience the technical aspect of the job but also to establish your network in this field. Furthermore, this is a good chance for you to discover your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them before entering the workforce in the near future.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 41

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Ramzi Abdul Razak BSc in Business & Management, SIM-UOL Intern, U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) US Embassy

1. My Role

USCS promotes US exports and supports their business interests in Singapore and the ASEAN region as well as encouraging investments back into the US. My tasks mainly include shadowing a Senior Commercial Specialist for high-level industry engagements and business meetings with US companies that are seeking opportunities to expand into Singapore and the region. I also carried out market research on the ICT sector, specifically on Smart Cities and Cybersecurity, and submitted a research report on Smart Cities. Besides these, I also participated in major trade shows, such as ConnecTechAsia and RSA Conference APJ, providing support to the US Pavilion and USCS.

2. My Takeaway

This internship provided me with the opportunity to interact with people from different academic and industry backgrounds, such as company executives, directors and even government officials. Specifically, the most rewarding aspect of this internship is learning from professionals, bouncing off their opinions and ideas from years of experience. It was beneficial for me as I gained insightful knowledge and valuable advice from these high-level professionals in their respective fields.

3. My Advice

There are so many paths in life that you can take and you may be apprehensive of the paths that lie in front of you. But do not be afraid to take the first step because, ultimately, these paths in life are all interconnected. Relish the opportunities you take and learn as much as you can from each of them as the lessons you take away will only make you a stronger and better person!

Khairul Amirin bin Ab Rahman BSc in Economics and Management, SIM-UOL Trainee – Public Affairs Grabtaxi Pte. Ltd.

1. My Role

Being an intern with the Government Affairs team at Grab has exposed me to the inner workings of how a rising tech decacorn executes its Public Affairs stratagem. With Grab offering a slew of services beyond ride-hailing via one single mobile application, my internship tenure has been enriched with opportunities working with multiple business verticals within the organisation, serving an advisory role for government and regulatory affairs in supporting Grab’s operations in Singapore. This includes managing Grab's relationships and partnerships with key government and community stakeholders as well as leading an impactful engagement platform.

2. My Takeaway

Account management is the bread and butter for any Public Affairs department. Given my past internship with a government body, the Public Affairs department then is mainly positioned towards building a receptive standing. Interestingly, within the private sector, organisational sustainability (profitability) remains a key priority. Interning in Grab has introduced me to the concept of the double-bottom line approach where an organisation’s fiscal performance includes a social dimension where social impact is measured and pitted together with profit and loss. Beyond capitalising on profits, Grab takes into consideration the impact it has made in matters such as digital inclusion. E-hailing and mobile payments have boosted digital literacy in Southeast Asia.

3. My Advice

Repeating the same old adage of approaching every internship with an open mind. Be a dry sponge willing to absorb every ounce of experience even though you may have a certain level of fluency in it. Learning and re-learning practices and concepts through different organisational lenses will sharpen your toolkit in the corporate world.

42 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Pat Kah Suen, Jerryl BSc in Business Management with Communications and Year in Industry, SIM - UOB Business Analyst Intern Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte Ltd

1. My Role

I was a Business Analyst Intern for a Travel and Expense Transformation Project to drive cost savings, productivity and corporate governance for Razer. This project consisted of two phases. Phase One includes revamping the current Travel and Expense Policy into a single Global Travel Policy for all Razer entities worldwide. Meanwhile, in Phase Two, I was tasked to source for a reliable Travel and Expense Management Platform that will help to streamline the travel booking, claiming and reimbursement process for employee business travel.

2. My Takeaway

Through this internship, I was able to develop my analytical and problem-solving skills. This includes gathering, documenting and analysing data to create technical solutions. By working with stakeholders from different departments, I was able to be part of a cross-functional project team. This form of collaboration allowed me to gain new insights in ensuring that all requirements are well understood and considered in a global context. Being in such a dynamic team also allowed me to have a well-rounded perspective on the project’s relative importance to the different departments.

3. My Advice

Approach your internship with an open mind! Take the initiative and do not be afraid to push yourself to take on some responsibilities that go beyond your job description. Cheers!

Gerald Wong Yip Shang BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Intern – HR Marketing & Sales Daimler South East Asia Pte Ltd

1. My Role

Mainly, I manage the recruitment for the Daimler South East Asia entity, which includes the initial screening of applicants’ résumés and communicating with the hiring managers. Following that, I also did the onboarding and, subsequently, offboarding of local and foreign interns. I provided administrative support to not just the interns, but the entire local workforce of around 600 employees. I was also part of the planning team for the New Hires Induction Programme, which was an orientation programme for full-timers.

2. My Takeaway

My internship experience was eye-opening. It made me aware of the various operations that an HR department is responsible for. At any moment, we always have over 40 interns and having to support the entire interns force was definitely challenging. I remember, on a single day, I had to onboard eight interns. Despite it being stressful, I enjoyed the interaction I had with people. Being the first point of contact for new interns, especially foreigners, was definitely fulfilling.

3. My Advice

Have a positive attitude and be respectful to everyone you meet. Even when your tasks as an intern may seem mundane, remember that you are contributing to the operations of the company. There is something to be learnt with any task given. You are no less important than anyone else.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 43

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Wilson Cai Chuanbang (2nd row, 1st from left) Bachelor of Business (Marketing), SIM - RMIT Account Management Intern Dentsu Aegis Network Singapore

1. My Role

I worked closely with a few clients, such as M1, Shiseido, LTA and Channel News Asia, to turn their business challenges into solutions. My responsibilities involve managing clients’ expectations as well as our internal parties’ expectations to prevent any unforeseen unhappiness that might happen along the way. This involves managing the day-to-day execution of clients’ briefs as well as the disking out process of the whole advertisement for the clients while coordinating with the relevant teams for a smooth transaction from start to finish. In this 6-month internship, I was empowered by my supervisors to run projects on my own and assist them with bigger projects.

2. My Takeaway

The reason why I took up this internship is to see if I am a good fit for what I have been studying without the worry of making mistakes since, as an intern, we can make mistakes and learn from them. I was challenged to stay sane and cool while juggling multiple projects and also dealing with clients at the same time. I was expected to complete the projects through any means necessary, which meant that I needed to have good time management.

3. My Advice

I strongly encourage my peers to challenge yourself because if you can overcome difficult challenges, you will be able to handle any tasks. The secret is in the mind and staying positive. Also, you wouldn’t know if you are suitable for something until you try it out and the best time to do it is through an internship even though the duration may be short. I took a gap semester for this 6-month internship and never regretted my decision. It was a fantastic experience that made me realise what I want after I graduate.

Seah Si Jia BSc in Computing and Information Systems, SIM-UOL Intern, Regional Project Management Ninja Van

1. My Role

I was tasked to manage everyday order procurement processes from China and coordinate the processes. The processes include procuring, shipping and invoicing many teams, like the China warehouse partner, Ninja Van Malaysia team and Ninja Van Indonesia team, in which the orders procured will be shipped to resellers from various Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, I conducted data analyses to track the performance of sales from all the orders data obtained.

2. My Takeaway

My biggest takeaway from this internship is that I have a deeper understanding in regards to how operations work in a logistic company like Ninja Van — from order creation to customer delivery. Also, the importance to coordinate with different people to make the whole process turn out smoothly. Without the help of the people from different country teams, it is impossible to complete all these processes on a daily basis.

3. My Advice

Keep a positive and open mind throughout your time as an intern. There may be hardships and challenges at any point in time but don't be afraid of them and just ask for help from your colleagues. Learn from them and you will gain more experience by learning something new through the internship. This way, you can make your internship journey more fruitful and meaningful.

44 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Izni Hazwani BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Events and Experience Intern CNBC Catalyst

1. My Role

Being part of the Events and Experience team in CNBC Catalyst, I am given the opportunity to curate guest lists, liaise with vendors and delegates, help with event concepts and even help with the events on the ground! We are currently working on CNBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship event, East Tech West 2019, and it has been a rewarding journey so far. My supervisor has given us a lot of autonomy and freedom, and this allows me to learn and develop numerous skills during my internship journey.

2. My Takeaway

My biggest takeaway from this experience is the ability to manage stakeholders. Planning large scale events requires handling multiple stakeholders at the same time, which can be a daunting task. However, this also helps me to hone my skills such as time management, business communication and crisis management. I feel that developing expertise in these areas is critical to thriving in the current job landscape as numerous roles these days require the tactful management of clients.

3. My Advice

Take ownership over your internship journey. After all, attitude makes the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

Ashley Ong Sishi BSc in Business Administration, SIM-UB Project Manager Intern IBM

1. My Role

As a Project Manager Intern, I encountered countless challenges and difficulties, such as tight deadlines and meeting schedules clashing. I also had to create an event from scratch with a budget of over S$100,000. Besides that, as part of the summer internship programme, I had to give presentations to all the leaders and organise round table sessions. I managed to overcome obstacles and successfully invited Abraham Thomas, Managing Director of IBM Singapore, to share with the interns about his 33 years of experience in IBM.

2. My Takeaway

IBM has really widened my perspective regarding the technology industry on how open and receptive you have to be towards change. Despite being in the Human Resource department, I have learnt so much about technology as a whole: the upcoming cognitive era and how such a big company functions worldwide. I am also extremely thankful to my three bosses for giving me the chance to be exposed to different functions. I was initially hesitant in taking up this internship as it would mean missing one semester but I definitely have no regrets with all the opportunities I had in connecting with the leaders at IBM.

3. My Advice

Always be hungry for success and do your best in every task that you are given, no matter how small it is. It really speaks volumes and people do see the effort you put in. Managing your time is also important. Always be hungry for new knowledge. Also, never be afraid of what is coming ahead for you! If you did not manage to secure an internship, there will be other opportunities that await you. Most importantly, tell yourself that you can do it and that nothing can stop you. Nobody should tell you what to do.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 45

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Tan Zhi Rong BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL Intern, Group Operations (Wealth Management) UBS

1. My Role

I had the opportunity to work on many interesting projects targeted at optimising processes and increasing overall efficiency, which mainly involve robotic process automation and optical character recognition. I also collaborated with different stakeholders that led to great learning experiences. Besides that, I attended sessions conducted by senior management from different departments, which increased my exposure to the bank.

2. My Takeaway

The biggest takeaways will definitely be the amazing people that I met and the exposure to different functions. The open and collaborative culture in UBS provided me with many opportunities to learn and grow. Moreover, there is a huge emphasis placed on challenging the norm, achieving the best results and performing effective collaborations. The trust that UBS placed in me empowered me to take ownership of my projects and make an impact on the organisation.

3. My Advice

To achieve a holistic and fulfilling internship, it is very important to be inquisitive and proactive in the workplace. Do not be afraid of asking questions and getting to know the people around you such as finding out more about their experiences or the projects they are working on. The connections you make will last a lifetime. Seize the opportunities when they come by and make the most out of them to maximise your experience. Most importantly, always have an open mind and be willing to learn.

Dominic Seah Yong Ming BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL

Intern, Global Investment Banking (Corporate Finance) OCBC Bank

1. My Role

I assisted the team in the structuring and execution of live mergers and acquisitions as well as equity capital markets deal transactions. My responsibilities included conducting due diligence, managing investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; database, carrying out company and industry research as well as preparing marketing materials and financial models.

2. My Takeaway

The biggest takeaway is learning to be independent and resourceful. Even as an intern, I was required to take up ownership of my own work and take a huge responsibility for it. Since the senior bankers are usually busy and have lesser time to guide us, I had to pick up things quickly on my own and ensure that the work produced is of high quality. Handling multiple tasks simultaneously while being in a fast-paced environment has also taught me to manage my time more efficiently.

3. My Advice

Adopt the mindset of a strong willingness to learn. It is normal to make mistakes but remember to learn from them at the same time. Be proactive in your learning journey and always be ready to do more than what is required!

46 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Poh Wei Wen BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL Audit Intern BDO LLP

1. My Role

I was assigned to several engagements and had the opportunity to perform actual audit procedures for the clients coming from different industries. My job scope included compiling and analysing financial transactions to ensure that the transactions matched the provided detailed records and supporting documents. Occasionally, I was tasked to check the additions of books accounts and financial statements, and provide assistance preparing draft financial papers and working papers.

2. My Takeaway

The biggest takeaway from this internship would be the friendships I forged with my colleagues and interns. In addition, this internship has broadened my horizon on the audit industry and the importance of audit procedures in an organisation. It was challenging to work in the Audit Division as auditing is a complex process that covers all business aspects extensively. At the same time, auditing provides great insight into how a business works. To perform auditing procedures for various engagements, I was required to have advanced skill sets and professional knowledge, which were not taught in the general school curriculum. However, the seniors were amiable and patient in providing their guidance and advice to help me overcome these challenges.

3. My Advice

Always take the initiative and do not wait for work to be assigned to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are in doubt during the internship as it is the best time to learn. Try to mingle around by talking to people you have not met before, be it seniors, managers or fellow interns, to learn new knowledge and skills.

Chancellor Leow Jun Leong BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Intern, Client Management Services United Overseas Bank (UOB)

1. My Role

As part of the Client Management Services department, I assisted the Relationship Officers and the Client Service Leads by carrying out clients’ transactions and ensuring their accounts and transactions are in accordance with current laws. In addition, I carried out quarterly Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and Common Reporting Standards exercises as well as compliance audit reviews.

2. My Takeaway

One of my key takeaways is that employers value drive and motivation. If you have the correct attitude and are constantly on the search to improve your skill set, it makes you even more valuable to the employer. Being independent is an important trait that you must develop as there will always be moments when you can only rely on yourself to get the job done.

3. My Advice

Always be proactive when it comes to making yourself more employable. It would be a good investment to pick up skills such as advanced Microsoft Excel functions and VLOOKUP, which are common tools used in the office. Do not be afraid to clarify doubts. Employers value commitment as well as the initiatives that you’ve taken!

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 47

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Lee Jia Ying (Right) BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Revenue Intern, Revenue Management The Westin Singapore

1. My Role

My role as a Revenue intern was to assist the Revenue Team in managing inventory to maximise room revenue, correcting system errors to enable room revenue growth and preparing documents for the weekly Sales and Strategy meeting. In addition to that, I also conducted weekly market research of our competitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pricing and data extraction to track the pick-up pace for special events as well as compiling group pace and daily pick up reports.

2. My Takeaway

My biggest takeaway would be the new long-term relationships and connections forged with my colleagues. I am very grateful to be a part of the Revenue Team and also, for my colleagues who have shown great kindness and patience when it comes to imparting their knowledge on revenue management and hotel works! These four months are more than just an enriching experience! I was able to discover my interest in Revenue Management, so I can now focus and do things related to Revenue Management to amplify my opportunities when I graduate.

3. My Advice

Never be afraid to try out new things! Taking a step into the hotel industry and becoming a Revenue intern have truly opened my eyes to the endless opportunities that await all of us. If you have a path in mind, seek an internship for it and discover if it is what you would like to do in the future. After all, this is where you will discover what is for you!

Tung Mei Yuan BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Accounts (Marketing) Intern Gushcloud

1. My Role

I liaised with clients to curate a deck of influencer profiles for marketing campaigns, executed campaigns by managing and coordinating with influencers, and prepared reports to measure the success of the campaigns. I also brainstormed creative marketing strategies for clients. In addition, I was given various opportunities, such as shadowing my supervisor to external meetings and attending various media events as well as workshops, to gain a deeper insight into influencer marketing.

2. My Takeaway

I have learned the importance of being time-sensitive as the timing for engaging influencers is extremely crucial. The nature of this fast-paced environment has propelled me to take ownership and make sound decisions. I was also able to sharpen my management and communication skills as I had to be competent with every campaign that I was working on concurrently, to prevent any hiccups and miscommunications among the stakeholders, especially with clients. I stayed up-to-date with the influencer marketing scene in order to successfully generate buzz for brands.

3. My Advice

It is important to know how to be indispensable to a company by learning skills that add value and will land you a full-time gig upon graduation. Stay curious, take ownership and be responsible for your tasks. Always exchange feedbacks with your supervisor to improve yourself and take advantage of all the opportunities! Have confidence, be independent in a fast-paced environment and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to ask questions because this is the chance for you to grow.

48 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Lee Mei Ying Roxanne (right) BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Intern, EY People Advisory Department Ernst & Young

1. My Role

I was assigned to an HR Transformation project where a client wanted to redesign its HR Operating model to improve its HR process efficiency. In this project, I was involved in developing the deliverables for the client, such as graphic scenario walkthrough slides for each HR functions to allow the client to better visualise the changes in their employees’ role functions.

2. My Takeaway

This internship provided me with invaluable insight into the consulting industry as I was fortunate to have experienced an end-to-end cycle of a project phase. The learning curve was steep but my seniors were really patient in guiding me throughout my internship. I think my biggest takeaway is seeing how professional my seniors were towards their colleagues and clients despite their heavy workload.

3. My Advice

Be open-minded and proactive, and do not be afraid to ask questions! Also, if opportunity allows, try to seek advice from your colleagues or superiors and ask them for their feedback on your performance.

Lim Pei Ting Sharon BSc in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL Corporate Secretarial Intern TMF Singapore H Pte Ltd

1. My Role

I was assigned to three teams to handle legal documents for various companies. I was exposed to legal documents such as Directors’ Resolutions, Annual Returns and Annual General Meetings, and I got to prepare for the incorporations of a few companies. Besides that, I also assisted in research and administrative work from time to time.

2. My Takeaway

I learnt how to be more meticulous in handling the work given to me — to double-check every work and meet deadlines at the same time. As I handled urgent documents of high importance, there was little room for errors. I also learnt from my mistakes quickly and adapted to handling work in stressful situations. Overall, I feel that my verbal and written communications have improved significantly.

3. My Advice

Have an open mindset to new tasks. It is good to have a notebook to take down notes of important learning points and as a record of your current workload so that time can be managed better. I believe that, to get the most out of an internship, students can be more proactive and offer to help others more.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 49

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Ngooi Zhuang Jie Nelson BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL Intern, Human Resource Field Solution Johnson Controls (S) Pte Ltd

1. My Role

My role as an HRFS employee was similar, in most parts, to being a Human Resource Business Partner. I gathered information from employees to ensure that their personal files are always updated. I also learnt how to use the SAP software and tried out the Workday programme, which is an on demand (cloud-based) financial management and human capital management software vendor. I coordinated workshops for employees as well.

2. My Takeaway

My main takeaway from this internship is how to be independent in the workplace. It is true that, as an intern, we expect to have a mentor in the workplace who will be beside us all the time, guiding and answering all our doubts and questions. But I learnt that, most times, I had to find out the answers myself. Being willing to go around different departments to ask and find relevant information helped. Doing so allowed me to make connections with others that are not within the HR department, too.

3. My Advice

I feel that, as an intern or even a new hire entering a new company, it is crucial to have a learning mindset, to not be afraid to take in constructive criticism, and to always strive to be better than what you were yesterday. Mistakes are bound to happen when you are new to a procedure in the company but I learnt not to be too hard on myself when it happens and to take ownership in ensuring it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen again instead.

Lin Jia Fa BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL Estate Analyst Intern Bequest Pte Ltd

1. My Role

As an Estate Analyst, I engaged with mass market affluent and high-net-worth individuals on matters relating to management or distribution of their assets in end-life scenarios. At the same time, I performed financial analyses and identified key pressure points and catastrophic failure events. I proposed cutting-edge and sophisticated solutions, melding finance and law to create value propositions that optimise the management and distribution of assets in an end-life scenario.

2. My Takeaway

I feel that working life is a lot tougher and more tiring compared to school, which is why it is important to find something that we are interested in doing every day. I have also learnt how to not be too affected by setbacks as they are just part and parcel of the learning phase. What is most important is that you must learn how to recover and keep moving forward. For example, I conducted a public survey for my group project during the internship. I was rejected many times initially and felt very demoralised but, after a while, I got used to it and carried on approaching more strangers.

3. My Advice

My advice is to always be prepared to learn and be exposed to new stuff. Keep an open mind and take everything in as a learning experience. At the same time, do not give up so easily because the more setbacks you have, the easier the same tasks will be in the future because you have learnt.

50 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Loh Jia Min (Front row, 3rd from Left) Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, SIM-UB Intern Next Age Institute

1. My Role

The main project that I am working on is the Singapore Curriculum on Financial Capability and Asset Building (SG FCAB), which equips social workers with the knowledge and skills in assisting low-income families. I am responsible for data entry, the drafting of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) questions and the downloadable resources that will be placed on an online website.

2. My Takeaway

This internship has exposed me to social work, social research areas and the efforts of many in improving lives, uplifting the low-income with regards to financial capability and asset building.

3. My Advice

Be brave. Be kind. Be you.

Converting an Internship into a Full-time Job Aaron Lee Bing Qian BSc in Business Management with Industrial Placement, SIM-UOB Otis Elevator Company (S) Pte Ltd Previous role: Human Resources Intern Current role: Human Resources Officer

My Role

I have been assigned a wide range of tasks, covering several areas of Human Resources. This mainly includes leadership succession planning, managing and conducting interviews for new hires as well as selecting the best candidates for the company’s Graduate Engineer Programme, and HR data analytics. As some of the main projects had been completed during my internship, I am currently more focused on arranging interviews and merging the company’s e-leave database. However, I constantly look out for opportunities to assume new responsibilities.

How has your internship experience helped you in the transition of your current role?

My internship experience was very helpful in the transition to my current role. I picked up a variety of HR-related skills during my internship with constant support from my supervisors who always provided me with many opportunities to learn new things. This was essential in my transition as it allowed me to be more familiar with the day-to-day HR activities and avoid the “culture shock” of entering the workforce as well as being comfortable working with my colleagues. This also helped me improve my communication skills, which I have learnt to be very important in the workplace.

How did you manage to secure this conversion? I believe that the key lies in your willingness to learn and a level of diligence. As an intern, you should expect to receive a wide range of tasks. However, you should not be discouraged by this and consider each task as an experience instead. At the same time, I feel that these tasks provide interns with various opportunities to learn as long as hard work is put into the personal development of skills.

My Advice Always enter the role with an open mind, stay hardworking and be open to learning, even if the tasks may not be specifically listed as part of the job requirements. This allows interns to learn more and make full use of the limited time available due to the typical short internship durations. This is especially important as the average intern typically begin to familiarise themselves with the job around three months into the internship. This leaves interns with less time to go more in-depth and to further develop skills unless they take the extra measures to learn more.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 51

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Shepherdson Cassandra Mae Bachelor of Business (Marketing), SIM-RMIT

The Nielsen Company Previous role: Intern, Analytic Consulting – Consumer Insights (Quantitative) Current role: Executive, Analytic Consulting – Consumer Insights (Quantitative)

My Role

During my internship, my task was to assist the team in ensuring that we deliver customised solutions with concise and actionable findings to address the clients’ needs. I had the opportunity to work on projects from different industries, such as FMCG and technology, and was given the chance to communicate with internal stakeholders and be present at client meetings. My current role is similar but with greater depth in responsibilities as I am entrusted with more projects. Instead of merely assisting in project execution, I can manage my own projects and connect with the clients directly.

How has your internship experience helped you in the transition of your current role?

Throughout my internship with the Consumer Insights (Quantitative) department, I was extremely fortunate to be in a team that allowed me autonomy, even though I was just an intern. Initially, I was hesitant to consider an industry that is not quite relevant to my major as I was afraid that I would not be able to perform as well as my peers or apply what I have learnt in school to the programme. Thankfully, my mentors at work guided me patiently through the different processes of a project.

How did you manage to secure this conversion? At the start of my internship at Nielsen, I indicated my interest in a full-time role at the company should the opportunity arise. As such, I was considered for the position when there was an opening midway during my internship. My eagerness to learn and being proactive at my work are likely some of the traits that put me in a favourable position. I consistently reached out to my team for more work and assisted whenever and however I could. Having a good mentor at work provided a good foundation for my learning, which helps to strengthen my understanding and boost my confidence.

My Advice I believe that we should create our own opportunities and not wait for them. Being proactive in your own learning and exposure is fundamental in both personal and career growth. It is important to keep a positive mindset, be curious and ask questions. Reach out to your peers and supervisors for feedback in order to develop yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and not view them as roadblocks in your path. Most importantly, learn how to handle setbacks and progress from there.

52 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS If you fancy starting your own business or working in a young and dynamic environment, entrepreneurship may be for you. You can begin preparing yourself for it in school, but keep in mind though — while this path may not be for everyone, it still offers a valuable unique experience and opportunities for growth.

Benefits of entrepreneurship

Available incubators and limitless opportunities

With entrepreneurship now more viable to students and graduates than ever before, there is no shortage of opportunities and incubators available to students. Hopefuls can turn to Platform E for a one-year programme called IntensE — which integrates idea incubation, entrepreneurship and startup acceleration —and leverage on one-to-one mentorship from venture investors and early-stage venture companies.

Becoming a jack of all trades

As the job descriptions in startups are so fluid, you will quickly learn how to wear many hats and try different job roles. This serves as good exposure at the beginning of your career, so take the chance to learn as much as you can while gaining experience. More than that, the opportunity to be part of something new, exciting and possibly big can open doors for you in the future.

Networking

Getting involved in the scene brings a myriad of peers and mentors who have similar careers and lifestyles. You will get to expand your professional network by leaps and bounds — not just with like-minded individuals but potential partners and clients, too!

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 53

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Hannah Lo Shu En Bachelor of Business (Management), SIM-RMIT Your motivation to be an entrepreneur?

I’ve always enjoyed making and selling things since young. My friend and I used to sell painted rocks and drawings to our neighbours when I lived in America. Later, when I returned to Singapore, my sister and I set up a “business” making useless crafts and knick-knacks and tried to sell them to relatives and friends. We weren’t much of a success but we had fun. I just enjoy making things, being creative and challenging myself. It makes me really happy when I see that people like what I make.

What were the challenges faced? How did you overcome them and what are your greatest learning points?

I handle everything myself: sourcing of materials and tools, planning, designing and making

Hannah started her handcrafted jewellery and accessories brand, Goodbyejohanna, focusing on polymer clay earrings. She developed a hobby in making handcraft jewellery five years ago and has explored several techniques and styles over the years, which eventually led her to develop her own brand.

the products, product photography, social media, setting up the website, interacting with customers, and packing and mailing orders. It’s a very time-consuming process as I have other commitments. I set deadlines for myself and try to work with realistic goals. I’ve learned that I can innovate and improve in other areas to compensate for my manpower shortage. I appreciate conversations with and feedback from customers, despite being an introvert and often finding such interactions tiring. Customers often have interesting ideas and viewpoints that I can learn from and it can be very rewarding to meet new people.

What do you think is necessary to be a student entrepreneur? Good time management is essential to maintain not only their business matters but also their studies and personal lives. Student entrepreneurs should also be self-motivated and driven to overcome the struggle to make their dreams a reality.

Your advice to budding entrepreneurs

Work with something you’re passionate or excited about. Entrepreneurship requires strength and determination even in the face of setbacks and discouragement. If you love what you do, it’ll be easier to keep persevering even when things are uncertain or difficult.

Shynn Tay Shi Ying (Left) Bachelor of Business (Management), SIM-RMIT Your motivation to be an entrepreneur?

At the age of 11, I started working for my uncle at events and enjoyed interacting with people. I moved on to selling painted seashells to peers and thought that it was so cool to get paid doing what I enjoy. When I failed my O Levels, my brother gave me a book, Why "A" Students Work for "C" Students and Why "B" Students Work for the Government by Robert Kiyosaki, as a form of encouragement. From then, my focus in life switched back to wanting to be an entrepreneur. I haven’t flipped a single page of the book to date but I was deeply motivated by his gesture. For years, I was trapped in the bubble that I have to do well in my studies and become a doctor just like my brother to make my parents proud instead of pursuing my dreams.

What were the challenges faced? How did you overcome them and your greatest learning points?

Floristry is a highly saturated and competitive industry to be in. I overcome challenges by being different from other budding florists, such as giving away single stalk roses at the Orchard Road to build our brand image and providing fast responses and quality customer service.

Shynn met her partner, who was teaching flower arrangement workshops, while working as a florist. They started off with a handful of workshops and weddings together and then realised they share the same vision of bringing bespoke flower arrangements to everyone at an affordable price. This led to the birth of LilasBlooms.

What do you think is necessary to be a student entrepreneur?

To have patience and perseverance when facing obstacles and setbacks. It is necessary to stand true to your aspirations and fight for them even when the odds are stacked against you.

Your advice to budding entrepreneurs

Do it NOW. Don’t let fears cloud your mind. Have self-belief and be a giver. Work with like-minded people and collaborate to contribute to a collaborative community. Set plenty of reminders to remind yourself about certain things because we can be forgetful when it gets busy.

54 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

PROJECT PROTÉGÉ

roject Protégé is a four-month mentorship programme for SIM students. Through this collaborative partnership between the Career Development Office and Alumni Engagement, students can learn from our alumni and industry mentors on achieving their career aspirations while the mentors can impart their experiences and knowledge. Project Protégé is a platform for our alumni to make meaningful contributions to their alma mater by investing their time in shaping young minds and contributing to their juniors’ career journeys. The mentors, with multitudes of experience from diverse industries, would share their valuable professional expertise, career advice and job search strategies. Since June 2012, there are about 100 mentors and 300 students who have participated in this programme. In 2018, Alumni Engagement partnered with CPA Australia and Young NTUC to have their members on this mentorship journey in guiding students with their career transitions along with helping the students to discover their career pathways and opportunities within the industry. The ultimate aim for Project Protégé is to enhance personal developments, career readiness and employability of our students as well as develop the SIM professional network among students, alumni and the industry.

www.sim.edu.sg

Wang Bang Hong Mentor, SIM Project Protégé

Assistant Director Monetary Authority of Singapore University of London, Class of 2014 (Second Upper Class) Information System Module Achiever for 2014 SIM IT Club, Development Director (2012)

What encouraged you to decide to be a mentor?

Being a part of Project Protégé is an honour and I enjoy the journey of reaching success together with my mentees. During my university days with SIM-UOL, there were no programmes like this that students can leverage on. I took the initiative to apply for an internship, which was uncommon back then. I completed my three-month internship with a German MNC and was eventually offered a full-time position with international travel opportunities. I have a strong passion for finance and my internship mentor encouraged me to explore my options; my journey has accelerated since then. My mentor, who ultimately became my boss, inspires me to lead by example and share my expertise to benefit my mentees in achieving their aspirations.

2. What is one message that you could give to SIM students who are considering joining the Project Protégé programme?

Keep an open mind about the idea of mentorship so that you will not restrict yourself to a narrow path in your career or future. Choose a mentor who has faith that you can achieve your goals and sincerely wants to help you along the way. Think about why you want a mentor and how a mentor could provide his or her unique perspectives to your situation. Embarking on Project Protégé is a two-way street where mentees learn from their mentors’ experiences and guidance while, at the same time, mentors grow from the knowledge exchange with their mentees — a rewarding experience for helping someone.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 55

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Gary Shen Mentor, SIM Project Protégé

Corporate Banker University of London, Class of 2007

What encouraged you to decide to be a mentor?

I have benefitted greatly from my lifetime mentor for the majority of my career. I would like to help to pay it forward by sharing my professional experiences and career advice to SIM students. As Oprah Winfrey so aptly put it: “Helping others is the way we help ourselves”.

One message to SIM students who are considering joining the Project Protégé programme

Keep an open mind. Being able to learn from people who have walked the path before you is valuable as one could expand their knowledge and skills, and build their professional network.

See Too Yong Kit Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Economics and Politics, SIM-UOL (final year)

“I gained new knowledge on my preferred career path and that the HR industry is much broader in scope than I originally thought. The best piece of advice my mentor gave me is not to give up on my studies despite the difficulties faced and also, to step out of my comfort zone. Till today, I still keep in touch with my mentor to share our perspectives and updates on the industry. I am thankful for her kind advice, support and encouragement throughout this journey.”

Tay Siew Hwee Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Current role: Country HR Operations Coordinator

“I learned how to do effective reflections on my actions when solving problems so that I will know myself better as to why I use certain methods to solve problems or react to things. Other than that, I learned more about my limitations and strengths, which I did not notice before meeting my mentor (my mentor would use the phrase, ‘room for improvement’). The best piece of advice given to me is to be more confident and open to different choices rather than limiting myself to just one type of job.”

Janessa Low Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL (final year) Current role: Intern, Ernst & Young, Advisory (Core) Executive Management

“The Project Protégé experience was fulfilling and rewarding. My mentor played a vital role in helping me identify and achieve my career goals while developing me personally as well. Through a series of insightful meetings, she shared her personal experience — the struggles and rewards in her career and personal life as well as tips and pointers to look out for when job hunting. The takeaways are helpful as they are relevant and relatable. Her guidance has given me a broader perspective on career opportunities and options, and made me think of my life goals as well. Her advice and questions for me were thoughtful and understanding. I am grateful for this experience as I have gained a caring and helpful mentor!”

56 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

OVERSEAS CAREER DRIVE

ollowing the successful conclusion of the Myanmar and Shanghai Career Drives in 2017 and 2018, the Overseas Career Drive in Yangon took place for its second run in the summer of 2019. 18 of our Burmese students had the opportunity to meet over 10 companies in seven different industries — such as banking, auditing, FMCG, telco, marketing and media, logistics, etc — and explore job and internship opportunities. Among the home-based enterprises and MNCs visited were CB Bank, PwC Myanmar, Telenor, Mango Media Group and Unilever. Besides the company visits, the students also had the opportunity to meet and network with the SIM alumni community in Myanmar as well as our industry partners at the annual Overseas Alumni Chapter @ Yangon event. Let us hear from two of our students, Hnin A Kery and Wai Wai Myint, on their enriching experience!

Hnin A Kery

Wai Wai Myint (right)

BSc in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL

Diploma in Management Studies,

Intern, Finance Department

SIM

Yoma Bank

“I had the opportunity to represent SIM Global Education by giving a presentation about SIM to my future employers. This experience taught me how to present professionally, which I believe is an essential skill set to acquire. I managed to secure a two-month internship with Yoma Bank, eventually.”

“As I am currently still doing my diploma, my objective of joining this career drive is to know more about the job market in Yangon, such as the working environment of the companies in Myanmar, and to secure an internship for the 2020 summer break.”

This career drive was definitely an eye-opening experience as I got to see the trend of the job market and how I should prepare myself to secure a job after I graduate.

Besides visiting companies and meeting employers, we also attended the Overseas Alumni Chapter networking event where the alumni shared their working experiences in the companies in Myanmar. I learnt that the working culture in Myanmar is very different from Singapore.

Through the guidance from the staff of the Career Development Office, we had our résumés prepared beforehand and applied for internships in the companies we were interested in. Besides having the opportunity to meet the top management of some of the companies, we also attended the Overseas Alumni Chapter networking event where our seniors shared their career success experiences with us. I am grateful to have the exposure as they shared their experiences and provided useful advice for our careers. From this career drive, I learnt that Myanmar is actually developing at a fast pace and leaning towards using Fintech in the financial sectors. This made me realise the importance to be equipped with relevant skills to have a comparative advantage in the job hunt.

www.sim.edu.sg

Through this career drive, I understood that Myanmar is still a developing country and the country needs talents who have studied abroad to bring in new skills. The country is also in need of people with IT skills to help the banks move towards Fintech. Therefore, I realise that having solely academic knowledge is insufficient as we need to equip ourselves with relevant IT skills to remain competitive.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 57

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

58 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

GLOBAL

Global Learning Starts With You Global Learning refines each student’s global edge across five categories, which are Global Competence, Creative Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence and Digital Intelligence. Through experiential learning, students from all around the world co-create learning opportunities to understand the globalready mindset, knowledge and skills. These dynamic hands-on programmes disrupt traditional learning models to empower every student to achieve day-to-day excellence in all aspects of life — educational, vocational and social.

LEARNING

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER PROGRAMME@SIM (On-campus Programme)

Be amazed over and over again by this three-week journey of self-discovery. Revisit your concept about the world around you. This on-campus programme will enable you to understand and apply the academic concept of Global Competence as well as the attitudinal factors, skills and knowledge of Creative Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence and Digital Intelligence. Beyond the theories, you will be engaged in an intensive fiveday live company consulting project that gives you a first-hand exposure to sharpen your business acumen and expand your business network. Developed through a rigorous methodology of project-based learning and work-based integrated learning, these projects are designed to put classroom learning to practice and broaden your horizon.

STUDY ABROAD (SA) (Overseas Programme)

Engage with our list of highly ranked Partner Universities worldwide (LSE, UCLA, Berkeley, Cambridge, Seoul National University, Korea University, etc). Explore diverse courses and engage with discourses in international and intercultural academia. Immerse yourself in new cultures, scenes and way of life. Offered all year round — for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Abroad editions — Study Abroad is an experience of a lifetime to behold!

www.sim.edu.sg

GLOBAL LEARNING SOCIETY (On-campus Programme)

Create your global edge with the Global Learning Society (GLS)! Join like-minded change-makers on campus to extend Global Learning@SIM opportunities to your fellow peers, whether through structured volunteer opportunities with the Office of Global Learning or your own project. Be part of a community that is close to 1,000 strong! SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 59

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Law Mei Ting (Left)

Natalie Anthea Ow Ying Ting

BSc in Business & Management, SIM-UOL

Bachelor of Arts in Communication, SIM-UB

Destination: Canada (The University of British Columbia)

Destination: South Korea (Korea University)

My Experience

Science, during my time at the University of British Columbia (UBC). It was an unforgettable and fruitful experience as not only we attended lessons, we went on field trips to beaches, museums, the Vancouver Aquarium and labs. We also did a group research and presentation on one of the marine animals: the blue whale. On weekends, I went mountain hiking and sightseeing around the beautiful city of Vancouver.

knowledge in areas such as Korean history and new media through specialised modules offered. I also forged lifelong friendships with fellow students from around the globe. We bonded over riding thrilling amusement rides at Lotte World, playing futuristic virtual reality games at the Monster VR park and watching an entrancing hologram musical at the SMTown Coex Artium. Fond memories of feasting on sumptuous ddeokbokki (Korean rice cakes) and belting out notes at noraebang (karaoke) together with newfound friends will forever remain etched on my mind

I took two modules, Marine Biodiversity and Earth and Atmospheric

My Takeaway

I learnt to overcome several phobias — one of them is insects as they were everywhere around us, especially because we lived near the woods. I also learnt how to handle multiple tasks such as budget planning, daily chores, schoolwork and culture differences. Furthermore, I learnt how to maintain relationships back home while nurturing new ones. It can be overwhelming at first but supportive roommates and loved ones do ease the transition.

How has this experience equipped you better for the working world?

This experience has taught me three things: adaptability, determination and embracing failures. I think, in our Asian culture, we see failure as a bad thing. However, from a Western point of view, failure is a stepping stone to success. In addition, adapting quickly to a new environment will hone one’s self-reliance, and resilience is important in any job. This experience has shaped me to be a more confident, resilient and competent person in the working force.

60 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

This experience provided me with opportunities to broaden my

My Takeaway

Studying in South Korea opened my eyes to not just the country’s deeply rooted culture, but also widened my horizons beyond Singapore’s borders. I learnt to acclimatise and adapt to the local way of life through honing my Korean language skills and picking up social etiquette such as bowing to greet elders. Navigating through unfamiliar grounds not only allowed me to explore new sights but it also instilled independence, resilience and self-confidence within me. Encounters with locals and fellow international students also gave me insight into diverse world perspectives and deepened my understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

How has this experience equipped you better for the working world?

Above all, Korea University provided me with experiences that allowed me to spread my wings and grow personally through developing valuable life skills. I have become more independent and adaptable to new and unexpected circumstances through living abroad. Interactions with individuals of diverse backgrounds built invaluable friendships and I developed deeper cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, my communication skills and selfconfidence have been boosted by learning a new language. This made me realise that the world is truly our oyster and that adventures out of our comfort zones are the best way to learn about ourselves and the world around us.

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Yeo Shun Yuan Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, SIM-UB Destination: The United Kingdom (London School of Economics and Political Science)

My Experience

I had the opportunity to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in Summer 2019 and it was one of the best experiences in my life. Situated in Central London, I got to see how vibrant and diverse the city is, from watching world-renowned West End musicals to experiencing the colourful nightlife in Piccadilly Circus. During the weekends, escaping city life was a refreshing experience. The Brighton Pride Parade was eye-opening, seeing Stonehenge and the City of Bath was exhilarating, and, as a Harry Potter fan, going to the Warner Bros Studio was a dream come true!

My Takeaway

I took the Public Policy Analysis module and gained a lot of valuable insight into what goes on during policymaking and the many considerations of a government. Learning in a world-class institution together with classmates from all over the globe was incredible. Not only did I get a glimpse of their cultures, but making international friends and bonding over food and activities were the highlights of my summer exchange. One of my Italian friends was so surprised to learn that Singapore has restricted areas for smoking and that we cannot drink in public after 10.30pm!

How has this experience equipped you better for the working world?

Having a global exposure has definitely broadened my horizons: the knowledge I acquired gave me a better understanding of my career goals and expanded my experiences beyond Singapore. Doing projects with friends of different nationalities gave me a taste of overcoming differences because of our varied social backgrounds. Outside of school, I learnt the art of having a worklife balance and I was impressed by how other people could creatively and freely express themselves. Above all, I realise we have more similarities than differences even when we are miles apart on the globe.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 61

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH AIESEC

IESEC is the world’s largest global youth-led organisation, striving to achieve peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential by developing youth leaders in support of the United Nation’s Global Goals. AIESEC is a non-governmental not-for-profit organisation in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and a member of the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organisations (ICMYO). AIESEC provides a platform for youths to undergo cross-cultural exchanges in the form of volunteering projects and professional internships.

For enquiries, email us at aiesec.sim@aiesec.net or aiesec@mymail.sim.edu.sg.

Global Volunteer (GV) programme is an opportunity for students to make a social impact through overseas volunteer projects based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This involves working on diverse community projects in various organisations. Projects include teaching, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, working in human rights, environmental sustainability, leadership development, and more.

Global Talent (GT) and Global Entrepreneur (GE) programmes are overseas professional internships for students aiming towards professional career development in a global setting in established companies and startup firms, respectively. Working abroad also allows students to expand their network and develop themselves on a personal and professional level in a foreign environment.

Jonas Ho Jia Hao BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL Destination: United States of America Global Talent programme

My motivation to participate in an AIESEC programme

AIESEC has a global reach so it provides a good opportunity to be involved in a global network of people. Most importantly, AIESEC promotes the mobility of people around the world, which is valuable, especially for students who are just experiencing adulthood.

My most memorable experiences and challenges

Travelling to many of the places that I have dreamed of seeing! I remember walking up a flight of stairs from the subway onto the streets of New York and thinking to myself: “This is it!” Living in a foreign country can be frustrating such as dealing with official documents for the government. Some examples are the social security applications and taxes. Many of us had issues with our official names on government papers because we mixed up the middle and last names. We also had problems filing taxes because the tax laws are complicated.

62 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

My Takeaway

Due to interactions with many nationalities within AIESEC at my job and also from travelling, I have come to appreciate that the world is vast — customs and traditions of another person from another country can be foreign, yet we are all really the same as humans. We have dreams, we love, we hate, we cry, and we laugh in the same way regardless of geographical differences.

My Advice

Work hard, be prepared and be kind to one another. Opportunities will come and when they do, grab them!

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Edric Tan Chin Yuan (left)

Christine

BSc in Business Administration, SIM-UB

BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL

Destination: Romania

Destination: Thailand

Global Entrepreneur programme

Global Volunteer programme

My motivation to participate in an AIESEC programme

Life is what you make of it. It’s very easy to sail through life but when you look back, have you truly lived a life worth living? Money can buy many material things and we would get so caught up in the hectic rhythm of life in Singapore that we forget experiences are what makes the journey worth it. This GE programme allowed me to experience an internship, my first experience in Europe, and an integrated experience with people from all over the world all in nine short weeks.

My most memorable experiences and challenges

I recall going out to a bar for a drink one night with some fellow EP when a random guy just came over and asked if he could join us, explaining that he was alone and wanted to get to know us. It happened again with two other people on another occasion and it made me realise how our perceived differences are just a state of mind. That, if we are willing to try, we can connect with people in more ways than we ever thought before.

My Takeaway

A close friend of mine told me, “participation = value”. He told me a story to illustrate his point but I never really understood what his words really meant until I experienced something so far out of my comfort zone myself. Value in life is truly what you create for yourself by putting yourself out there. Seeking discomfort will push you to grow beyond your arbitrary limits.

I have always loved volunteering and I wanted to join AIESEC since the start of my first year in university.

My most memorable experiences and challenges

Since I stayed just beside the school, I would wake up in the morning only to realise that the students were already beside my window, saying “Good morning, Teacher!” It made me feel warm and loved!

My Takeaway

My students are the ones who remind me that happiness is simple. It is not about the material things that you have or other external factors that could give you a peace of mind but, really, happiness is within you.

My Advice

Make an in impact in society while you still can. The feeling is just amazing when you can share what you know and what you can do for other people. At the end of the day, the memories that you make will never be forgotten for the rest of your life.

My Advice

Be open-minded to different cultures and possibilities, and be patient and polite in explaining your personal views.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 63

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

THE GLOBAL EXPERIENCE The world is your oyster, so do not limit yourself.

re you limiting your opportunities by only looking at positions available in Singapore? What could motivate you to take the plunge and explore opportunities overseas? Your mindset — a simple word with profound meaning — is the key. While moving and living abroad will have a huge impact not only on your personal life but your professional life as well, earning a living in another country can be the start of an international career with a professional network to match!

Experience the global marketplace As e-commerce and international trade continue to evolve into major players in the business world, working overseas will allow you to connect the dots and see the global marketplace from another perspective. This will add another “expertise” to your portfolio, especially regarding the country you work in. Your professional network will no doubt be enhanced.

Explore cross-cultural communication Living in a different environment may sound daunting to some but if you grab such an opportunity, you will find yourself navigating the working world through a different language and culture. This will not only help you to become a better communicator and boost your profile, but it will also allow you to be more aware of the different ways an email or conversation could be interpreted.

See the world For those with wanderlust in your veins, there is nothing better than working abroad. You will get the opportunity to experience the country you are working in at a deeper level and you will get paid to do so! Instead of being a simple tourist glossing over a country’s culture, you will get to immerse yourself in it. The global perspective that you could develop will become a huge asset in your career.

64 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Overseas Internship

Rachel Set Aung BSc in Business Management with Industrial Placement, SIM-UOB HR intern, Unilever Myanmar

My Role

I was given the opportunity to lead in several organisation-wide short burst projects as well as managing Unilever Myanmar's career social media pages. Projects ranged from improving employee engagement and encouraging a more plastic-aware work culture to recruitment. Apart from that, I was also able to play a part in many different events such as designing and producing blood donation drive promotional cards, making videos for town hall assemblies and designing internal laptop screensavers to promote companyprovided resources for e-learning.

My Takeaway

In such a fast-paced environment, this entire experience has been invaluable. However, my most memorable experience was the support I received whenever I proposed anything out of the ordinary. It helped me to recognise my learning agility, enabling me to learn skills like Photoshop and video editing from scratch. I’m thankful to have been involved in one of the biggest backstages of the FMCG industry and I am keen on working in HR again. This experience taught me that behind every success is a meaningful purpose. As the motto goes: “Companies with purpose last. Brands with purpose grow. People with purpose thrive”.

My Advice

Working is not only about utilising the knowledge that we already have but it is also about upskilling ourselves. If we’re good at what we do — great! There’s always room for improvement, however. If we’re not so good — that’s okay! What’s most important is the willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn. If you don’t know something, make sure you do when someone asks about it the next time. No matter where you are, always give your absolute best. Good things will follow. You need to do new things and make a difference. Be prepared to go beyond your comfort zone. It’s never easy but “people with purpose thrive”.

www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Ervina Chandra BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL Management Consulting (Finance and Risk Intern) Accenture

My Role

During the internship, I assisted in conducting meetings and interviews with clients to identify and analyse the current pain points and develop plans for future enhancement. Besides, I was also given the opportunity to evaluate existing characteristics and performances of many financial products from different corporate functions used for transformation.

Overseas Internship

My Takeaway

Throughout the internship, I was assigned to different tasks and it was a steep learning curve. At the same time, I am truly grateful for supportive colleagues who guided me in enhancing both my analytical and interpersonal skills. Moreover, being able to work with people from different backgrounds as a team made me learn to appreciate diversity more.

My Advice

Keep an open mind, follow your passion and never stop learning!

JENESYS 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ASEAN and TimorLeste Youth Leader Exchange Launched in 2013 by the Japanese government with the intentions of raising awareness and understanding of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the JENESYS programme aims to provide a platform for youths from Asian and Oceania regions to further deepen mutual understanding and foster friendships. Participants have the opportunity to visit facilities, communities and organisations in Tokyo and other prefectures as well as attend lectures and home visits. The programmes are focused on cultural exchanges to encourage youths to learn more about Japanese culture. 10 youths were selected to represent Singapore in this exchange programme. Let us hear from the two students representing SIM on their experience!

JENESYS 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ASEAN and TimorLeste Youth Leader Exchange

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 65

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

Hazeera Bi DO Abdul Wahid (centre) BSc in International Relations, SIM-UOL SIM GE EDGE Award Recipient

Rivik Paul BSc in Economics and Finance, SIM-UOL SIM GE EDGE Award Recipient

My Experience

The programme was a delightful opportunity for me to experience Japanese culture firsthand and interact closely with fellow youth leaders from around ASEAN and Timor-Leste. Our group’s theme was “Environment and Manufacturing”. This theme definitely gave us an in-depth understanding of Japan’s position in the two aforementioned sectors. Japan has successfully established itself in these sectors due to three key reasons: its culture, its people and its technology. We also learned various policies that the government has implemented for the economy to thrive and maintain social stability.

Memorable Experiences and Challenges

The most significant experience in this trip was the homestay where we stayed over with a Japanese family. We had the chance to meaningfully interact and grow closer to our hosts, and participated in various activities including hiking, farming and learning the traditional Gujo dancing. The late-night conversations exchanging perspectives among our respective countries really let me understand perspectives from a world I never knew. The language barrier was a challenge but, through an electronic translator, we managed to communicate and discuss a great array of topics. Our host was a solar farmer and he described to us the current and future challenges and opportunities of this sector. We loved every moment of this unique experience and, to top it off, we woke up to a picturesque snow-capped scenery right outside our cottage.

My Experience

The programme was the cliché “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. What made the entire trip memorable were the Japanese people, their food and, undoubtedly, my newfound friends. Being piled into the bus or the train with a bunch of young adults from all over ASEAN and Timor-Leste felt like a learning journey. The highlight of my trip, as part of the Disaster Prevention group, was travelling to Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture to learn more about their recovery from the catastrophic 2011 tsunami. Learning that my ASEAN friends had also experienced natural disasters — which to me, was just something I saw occasionally but a normal occurrence to them — allowed me to learn from their experience, be aware of my privileges and reflect on the roles we should take on as individuals.

2) Memorable Experiences and Challenges

Being from sunny Singapore, I remember distinctly the freezing cold wind that blew my petite friend off her feet when we were at the site of a tsunami-damaged primary school. In the chilling wind, I learnt about how the community rebuilt their city and their disaster prevention plans to mitigate potential tsunamis and earthquakes. I was also honoured to live with a local family. My Oto-san and Oka-san (“father” and “mother” in Japanese, respectively) were accommodating, kind and humorous — I gathered all that through conversing with them through the Google Translate app. Despite struggling with the language, we prepared a five-course meal, played in the snow and learnt more about each other’s cultures. These small moments, and the warmth that emanates from the Japanese people, are what makes Japan great.

3) My Takeaway

This trip was an eye-opening experience and it has given me great knowledge of the ASEAN region and Japan. This was my first trip to Japan and there were many learning experiences, especially about the Japanese culture. Their innovative spirit, in terms of Japanese technology, and warm hospitality are so deeply rooted in their culture, it allows the nation to bring about a unique value proposition by the way they attend their manufacturing sector. Being able to fully immerse myself in a foreign culture has definitely broadened my horizon. Most importantly, the friendships that I have built with my fellow youth leaders across the region has been a blessing and we remain close till this day.

As an international relations student, I believe this has opened my eyes about my fellow ASEAN friends and how we can play a part in making a change. During the visit to the Ishinomaki Community and Info Centre (ICIC), I learnt about a British citizen and long-time resident, Richard Halberstadt. Although he was urged by the British embassy to leave due to a potential nuclear fallout, Halberstadt decided to stay behind and help his adopted community. He channelled the media attention on him to garner assistance in its recovery and reconstruction. Now, as the director of the ICIC, he uses his bilingual prowess to serve as an international booster for the city and to spread a better awareness of disaster preparedness. Seeing his enthusiasm in sharing his journey left an impressionable impact on me.

My Advice

4) My Advice

My Takeaway

Always stay on the lookout for these global experiences! Personally, this is my third one while in university and each has developed me holistically. I find myself having a new edge with each travel venture. Step out of your comfort zone — you will learn the most about yourself and experience a greater purpose. Be open to interacting with people all across the world and gaining valuable perspectives that other global citizens could share. 66 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Always try new things. If you don’t try, the answer will always be “no”. I was not 100% sure that I would be chosen to go on this trip but I took a chance and signed up anyway. Taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone can be extremely destabilising and terrifying at first, but I truly and honestly feel that these choices will lead to experiences that add value to your life. So, take a chance, put yourself out there and live your best life. www.sim.edu.sg

DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

The Cross-cultural Internship Programme - NYC Summer Internship A Summer Exchange Programme in New York for future-minded young professionals, CCIP is characterised as a holistic experience, encouraging participants to maximise professional opportunities in networking, media exposure and leadership — an opportunity beyond simply interning. Characterised as a cohesive living culture and a holistic approach to internships, CCIP offers a unique edge over any conventional internship programme. CCIP is organised directly by a US Government designated visa sponsor in collaboration with SIM Global Education, allowing a streamlined visa application process. During the programme, students live together and receive on-the-job training at one of over 25 host organisations. After working hours, they maximise their NYC experience with exceptional professional and leisure activities.

Poddar Muskan Bachelor of Business (Marketing), SIM-RMIT Intern Djam Insurance Brokerage

My Role

I interned at Djam Insurance Brokerage firm, a private firm dealing with all types of insurances. Unlike in India, people insure everything in America. My job included liaising with brokers, clients and banks as well as maintaining the database, drafting insurance applications and ensuring that all the documents provided by the clients are up to date.

The Crosscultural Internship Programme - NYC Summer Internship

Memorable experiences and any challenges faced

My most memorable experience would be getting appreciated by my boss for getting everything right during the insurance process. It took me a while to actually get used to the legal terms, numbers and the procedure as a whole. In the beginning, I made a lot of mistakes and this was a challenge for me because the field of insurance was totally new to me. I had to prove to my boss that I was better than that. As time passed, I was able to catch up to everything that I was supposed to do successfully.

Your takeaway

The biggest takeaway from my experience of working in America is that nothing in life comes easy. Every day is a new day to hustle and achieve something in life. My monotonous work life made me realise how important it is to manage life in all aspects. No work feels good at the beginning because you feel as if you aren’t good enough. But, as time passes, you get better. Thus, my other takeaway is to be patient and confident enough to encounter any challenges upfront.

How has this global experience prepare you for the working world?

I have to admit that the working world isn’t as easy as I had expected it to be. Just two months of working and I was already feeling the pressure of work. Through the global experience of work, I now know that, in the future, I have to be prepared mentally and physically to handle the stress and pressure. Just like how every coin has two sides, work life also consists of two sides. With the pressure handling, comes the satisfaction of learning something new, completing goals, developing the mind and so on. My biggest lesson would be to work in a field that actually fascinates me. I want to pursue marketing and I know I can handle the stress while having fun at my job.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 67

SET YOUR CAREER GOALS ON OUR SOLID FOUNDATION

To build real estate of the future, we have to first build our people. CapitaLand Graduate Development Programme is designed to bring in the best people, and bring out the best in them. CapitaLand’s diverse portfolio of integrated developments,

CapitaLand Graduate shopping malls, serviced residences, offices, homes, real estate Development Programme investment trusts and funds provides the global stage on which any dream can take flight.

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS • SHOPPING MALLS • SERVICED RESIDENCES • OFFICES • HOMES • REITS & FUNDS

Connect with us

WHY GDP

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 the business, with opportunities to gain insights from CapitaLandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior management.

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S START BUILDING

Think you have what it takes? We are looking for graduates with the right attributes, including:

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

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

STUDENT CARE: MANAGING YOUR WELLNESS

esearch shows that oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to manage the changes arising from the transition to university or work can affect their quality of academic or work performance. It has also been found that students with larger support networks tend to be successful in their higher education. Students with better stress management skills are also found to be more successful in higher education. On the other hand, the lack of fitness may contribute negatively to academic performance. Increased overall levels of wellness may be related to overall successful relationships.

Student Care Department is committed to promoting student wellness based on the belief that wellness is the key foundation for academic, career and life success. We aim to develop resilient individuals who lead healthy, effective and balanced lives through our various initiatives. We strive to help students understand and value wellness in these four dimensions: physical, mental, emotional and social. We hope that students cultivate attitudes and behaviours that foster healthy lifestyles. Structures are also in place for counselling services or peer support for students who face challenges and need help.

Enhancing physical wellness by having a balanced diet, regular exercises and adequate rest

Bukit Timah Reserve Walk

Zumba Session

Smoothie-making Demonstration

70 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Being equipped at workshops to enhance mental and emotional wellness

Quality Relationship Workshop Series

StrengthsFinder Workshop Series

Self-discovery through Art Workshop Series

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 71

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships

Tea Party – Diwali Special!

Tea Party: Happy National Day!

SIM Peer Mentors SIM Peer Mentors’ mission is to promote a culture of care and support and to facilitate social integration among students through initiatives and programmes. We aim to: • be the eyes and ears to students who are in distress or need help • be the bridge between the students and the counsellors • befriend and provide support to new international students in their transition and integration into life in Singapore and SIM

72 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

MENTORING

KNOWLEDGE GROWTH

IDEAS

NEW GUIDE, WHO DIS?

INTERNSHIP GUIDE 2020

The Comprehensive Guide for Internship

With our brand new guide, your dream internship is now within reach. Grab your copy at:

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

JOB SEARCHING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE As you step out into the working world as a recent graduate, make sure you know the various job portals and routes available, and explore all your options to get the best chance of finding what you are looking for.

here are a number of paths you can look at when looking for a job as a graduate. While one of the most common methods for applying for jobs is undoubtedly through the internet, there are a variety of other options available, so do not be afraid to make use of them too.

Go online With so many online career portals, you can take your pick, though you should ensure that the ones you join and subscribe to are the ones that suit you best. Gradsingapore.com, for instance, curates both jobs and internships, and is considered a beneficial and helpful resource for those who are both in the early stages of their career or fresh graduates. There are other sectorspecific portals as well, such as cultjobs.com, which offers an accumulated trove of roles only in the fields of advertising, media and design. Otherwise, there are company websites and company social media pages to turn to as well, and they can be more useful as they often offer a peek into the organisation’s work culture as well as first-hand information regarding positions and vacancies. Websites such as glassdoor.com give insider information about a company’s culture and recruitment process, and LinkedIn is particularly useful for figuring out hiring trends around the world while also granting exposure.

Career services on campus There is no need to be afraid of approaching your career centres on campus grounds – after all, these centres, especially ones in the universities, have a wide range of contacts and resources you will be able to leverage on. Moreover, resources may not only be more specific and targeted to your course of study, but are also connected to employers in these areas. When you speak to your career counsellors on campus, make your aspirations and career goals clear and known so they have a better idea on how to help you. If you are facing any challenges concerning your hunt for a job, they are the best people to turn to for guidance. Some career service centres even offer networking sessions for graduates to get to know employers as well as mentoring.

Go old school Although not a popular method of looking out for jobs any longer, employers do still place advertisements for various positions in newspapers and magazines. On top of that, graduate hiring schemes are also occasionally featured in these publications.

74 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Career fairs Whether you choose to attend career fairs on campus or in public, go in with a strategy in mind. Find out which employers are going to be there before the fair itself, and prepare some questions you would like to ask. Bring copies of your resume to hand out to prospective employers, as well as name cards, if you have any, and, after the event, be sure to email your new contacts to establish your connection with them. In the note, include any interesting points of conversation you may have had to help the recruiter remember you out of the many faces they may have met that day. Send your resume across one more time over the email, and add in the links to your online portfolio or LinkedIn profile as well.

Internships Work placements and internships can lead to full-time positions, especially if you have proven yourself to be a good fit for the company and get along with your co-workers.

Apply speculatively Writing to prospective employers – even if they are not advertising vacancies – to enquire about available job positions is known as applying speculatively and has the potential to show your interest in a company. However, you will also need to indicate your understanding of their field and why you are what they are on the lookout for.

Recruitment services Another way to get suitable job offers is to engage recruitment consultation services. Although you have to fork out some cash, you will be able to meet up with them for consultations to discuss your professional goals and use their connections to potential employers. Moreover, you can use them as a source of information to prepare for prospective assessments and interviews.

Network Many young jobseekers and graduates profit from networks, both personal and professional, when looking for a first job. It is not just about what you know – it is about who you know, so keep in touch with old contacts, make new ones, avoid burning bridges, and never turn down a chance to network, whether it is in a personal setting or a professional one.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 75

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A FIRST JOB The right first job can kick-start a successful career journey ahead.

ou’re just about to finish your final semester in university. Your parents have been pressuring you to start job hunting while your friends are already knee-deep in churning out multiple job applications. You’ve decided it’s time to think about what you want for your first job. But where should you even start? Getting your first job right, without knowing what to expect, can be daunting. Start your job search with a clear mind. Otherwise, you might find yourself approaching your job search process the wrong way. So, don’t panic and take your time to really think about what you want. To help you get started, here are three considerations you should make when taking your first step into the professional world:

2. Professional Training and Growth

1. Future Opportunities “Where will this career path or job lead me?” is a question that you should ask yourself before you decide to apply for a job. Your first job is a stepping stone and how it pans out may pave the way for your career ahead. It is crucial that your first job can lead you to more opportunities in the future and help you achieve your longterm career goals. This usually means career advancement opportunities and higher levels of responsibilities offered to you as you progress on with your employer. You can start by researching the typical career progression pathways for the job you want to pursue and the specific field you want to work in.

76 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

If you already have a specific employer in mind, you can do some background research of its employees that currently work or have worked in the company. One way to do this is to go on the company’s LinkedIn page and check out its employees’ profiles to look at their career history. You may be able to see the progression pathways among its employees and get an idea of the kind of opportunities that lie ahead if you do land the job. Alternatively, during the job interview stage, you can ask the recruiter about career advancement routes offered internally.

Another thing to consider is how the job or your prospective employer can help you grow professionally. Your first job should be a chance for you to learn as much as you can, so you might want to look for a company that provides training or mentorship to graduates and newcomers. You can ask about training opportunities straight off the bat during the job interview with your prospective employer. Does your employer believe in spending the time and effort to show and teach newcomers how to succeed at what they do? Or do they think that it is more effective for fresh recruits to learn on the

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

3. Other Skill Sets job by throwing them into the deep end and let them swim on their own? Some fresh graduates may prefer the former way of learning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but you must first figure out which method you prefer. Whichever you prefer, it is still important to understand the initiatives the employer practise to ensure that their employees are learning and growing professionally.

www.sim.edu.sg

Coming straight out of university or college, your course of study may have equipped you with a specific skill set, such as SEM skills for marketing or programming languages for software engineering. While it is beneficial for you to expand on your existing skill set on the job, it is also crucial to think about building other transferrable skills. For instance, communication skills and teamworking abilities. As mentioned before, your first job is your golden opportunity to gain as much knowledge and skills as you can. You need to think about diversifying your skills, especially transferrable ones, so that you can become a more well-rounded and

marketable individual. This is especially important if you are looking to join another company in the future. One way for you to find out if your prospective employer or role will allow you to pick up other competencies outside your current skill set is to ask about how teams work in the company. Do departments work independently or together as a collaborative effort? Will your role involve interacting and working with other departments? Exposure to cross-departmental tasks will allow you to learn different skills while routine tasks may limit you to only one specific skill set. Hence, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the role on offer.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 77

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

RULES OF GETTING HIRED It is important to do the necessary groundwork before you start your job search.

inding promising job leads through various platforms is the easy part of the job hunting process. Attracting recruiters and successfully getting hired is a different ball game altogether. Besides impressive paper qualifications, you will need to prep, plan and take positive action in order to boost your chances of standing out among other candidates and grabbing recruiters’ attention.

Job searching is so much more than just churning out applications to prospective employers. Your preparation should begin even when you are still in school as it will take time for you to gain industry knowledge and build the right connections that will greatly help you get hired.

Research is important • Don’t wait until the application process to do your research. Start early and maximise as many sources as you can. For instance, talk to seniors who are already working to find out about their experience thus far.

RULE 1:

START YOUR PREP WORK EARLY

• Understand the job market and manage your expectations about different roles. This will help you plan your education and career, especially when you’re applying for internships or picking majors. • Keep abreast of both local and international current affairs, as well as industry-specific news. Awareness of these will showcase your genuine enthusiasm and interest in the job during your job application process.

Networking is a great way to learn about a particular industry and to look for job opportunities that may not be advertised. It is also a great way to meet people with similar professional interests and career goals.

Widen your network • Families and friends are the easiest way to start growing your network. You can tell them about your career plans and who knows – they might connect you with an important contact that could help you in your job application.

RULE 2:

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

78 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

• Keep in touch with contacts from past work experiences or internships through platforms like LinkedIn or even email. • Attend networking sessions organised by student clubs or societies, or look at event platforms that promotes sessions based on collective interests.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

To truly optimise your job searching process, don’t limit yourself to specific employers or roles. Be open to different job opportunities, while still keeping in mind that they should also match your ultimate career goals.

Don’t limit your job search • Instead of staking all your hopes on big and popular employers, consider applying for roles in both big and small companies. As a fresh graduate trying to get ahead in your career, you may want to accumulate as much relevant experience and skills as you can, which can be acquired regardless of the size of the employer.

RULE 3: EXPAND YOUR JOB SEARCH

• Consider different roles that may have a similar job scope or those that may help you develop skills that you’re keen on learning. List them down for reference as you trawl through job sites while doing your research. • Not all job vacancies are advertised, so don’t restrict your search to just job portals. You could look for leads on the employers’ websites, or send in a speculative application to showcase your interest in working for a specific employer.

Job opportunities will not be handed to you on a silver platter. There is no other way to get yourself out there except to be proactive and take action throughout the process. So work hard and don’t let opportunities slip away!

Persevere • Regardless of the economic climate, you should remain positive about your job hunt. Be patient and keep a positive mindset.

Follow up

RULE 4:

BE PROACTIVE

www.sim.edu.sg

• Follow-up emails after a meeting or a networking session with a potential employer can influence a recruiter's decision to shortlist you as a potential candidate. • Reply to prospective employers promptly as some employers may be rushing to fill the position, so don't risk losing out.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 79

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

FIVE ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS As a graduate fresh out of university, there is a tendency to focus on sector-specific and academic skills. However, remember that graduate recruiters are looking beyond that: it’s the non-academic soft skills — “transferable skills” — that’ll make you stand out from the rest.

ranferrable skills are skills that can be used in every sector, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Here are five transferrable competencies that most recruiters look for as well as tips on how you can demonstrate each of them!

Teamwork skills Aside from a few notable exceptions, modern employment largely involves team-based work. Effective teamwork means knowing how to operate smoothly and efficiently with others as a collective group. This will call upon your capacity to communicate well, negotiate and compromise as well as encourage and inspire your team members. Good teamwork isn’t about having similarminded people working together but motivating people with different strengths to work towards a common goal. It’s fine to talk about your personal contributions during a project but make it a point to talk about how the team managed to work together to achieve results as a group. If you have anecdotes about how your team pulled through a particularly difficult undertaking (eg tight deadlines), then all the better! Stories from your sports clubs, student societies, part-time jobs or any other experience will make for good accounts.

80 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Commercial awareness In essence, commercial awareness is the intersection between two areas of understanding: familiarity with a company or organisation (ie its goals, objectives, products and services) and a grasp of broader industry trends out there in the market. Recruiters want graduates who can put both of these factors together and figure out how external market forces may influence the organisation as well as how the organisation can best thrive in the current market situation. That said, commercial awareness takes time (and plenty of research!) to build. Here are some tips on how you can build up your knowledge on the employers you want to work for as well as the industries they operate in!

The company Find out:

• what the company does (products made/services provided) • its history and defining moments • who its clients/customers are • who its main competitors are

The industry Find out:

• how the major players in this market are performing • how to speculate intelligently about the future • the past to predict future trends When speaking with interviewers, use words like, “I noticed some discussions about X trend and did some research on it”. Your initiative will definitely set you apart from other applicants.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Problem-solving skills Problem-solving ability may not be a criterion that employers will explicitly state as a job requirement but it is something that they will expect out of all their applicants. Someone with problem-solving skills will also generally have superior analytical and logical thought processes along with the capacity to think outside the box to find solutions to problems they encounter. Recruiters will usually test for problemsolving skills during various stages of the application process such as through psychometric tests. If you are asked to recount past problem-solving experiences, provide concrete examples to show recruiters how you resolved a situation. Your interviewers will be looking for an insight into your thought process, so they won’t be able to properly evaluate your ability if you are vague! The STAR Method is a great way to help you keep your responses succinct when you need to showcase your problem-solving skills in your applications:

S Describe the Situation. T Describe the Tasks involved. A What Actions did you take?

Emotional intelligence No matter how gifted you may be, you’ll never get anything done if you don’t know how to get along with your colleagues! That’s why recruiters keep an eye out for emotional intelligence (also known as EQ) in graduate applicants. Emotional intelligence is all about your ability to perceive and evaluate other people’s emotions, and to assess and control your own under a variety of circumstances. If the job you are applying for is a customer-facing role, then good emotional intelligence becomes even more important. Even if your job keeps you away from customers or clients, recruiters need to be reassured that they are not hiring someone who does not know how to deal with others or, even worse, disruptive in the workplace. For this particular competency, employers will be observing the way you conduct yourself — from the way you introduce yourself to others to how you cope in social situations. Be prepared to be tested through psychometric tests, role plays and group activities.

Managing ambiguity A major part of your responsibilities at work will be making decisions even if you only have uncertain or incomplete information to go by. That’s where the ability to manage ambiguity comes in: recruiters want to see that you are bold enough to take action in uncertain situations, instead of sitting around paralysed waiting for help. This quality is crucial in fast-changing environments, such as the FMCG, where decisions have to be made in a snap even when you don’t have all the details yet. If you can make relatively accurate decisions even without the whole picture and adapt to the changing environment as you go along with your plan, then that is a good example of managing ambiguity. Draw examples from your studies, extracurricular activities and previous work experiences. Was there an emergency where you had to make a snap judgement? Be flexible during assessment exercises or case studies. Always be prepared to modify your plans to accommodate any new information or ideas. Come up with contingency plan Bs, Cs, and Ds, too, if you can!

R What Results did you achieve?

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 81

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

TECHNICAL SKILLS TO KEEP IN MIND Although technology almost seems to be exclusively the purview of IT graduates, there are still some tech skills you should take the time to build.

hile much emphasis is usually put on soft skills, technical skills related to IT are given less prominence, though they are no less important. However, with technology playing such a vital and pivotal role in business today, it would be wise to pick up these skills.

</>

{}

Coding Today, coding is almost as important as literacy, and knowledge of programming languages from HTML to Java can go a long way in helping your application. While you will not need to be able to actually code – understanding the principles behind it is enough – employers prefer graduates who have an awareness of what goes on “behind the scenes” in applications and websites. An ability to communicate with and relate to programmers would also be a huge point in your favour as well.

Computational thinking Computational thinking – or programmatic thinking – is not a new concept, and if you have made use of big data, you have likely engaged in computational thinking. Although often thought to have robust links to the IT sector, this methodical and logical way of thinking is becoming increasingly common in industries such as marketing and advertising. Someone familiar with computational thinking will have the habit of analysing and organising data in a logical way when reacting to a problem. As this method of thinking relies on data analysis and reason to resolve problems, you can start picking up this skill by viewing issues in a tactical, structured and organised manner. An example of this method of thinking is to jot down all your concerns, separate them categorically, and then thinking of, and finding ways, to solve them as soon as possible. After that, gather data on the most effective and efficient methods that will help you realise your goal of resolving your concerns.

82 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Data management and analytics The term “big data” is bandied around almost everywhere today, but do you know what it even means? Quite simply, big data is the colossal amount of data companies generate from their hardware, apps and websites to interpret and use. Data management skills will be incredibly useful in this area, and can give you an edge over the competition as you will be able to assist companies in turning their big data into information they can use. If you are more proficient at managing big data, you will also be able to help businesses predict future trends. However, data management and analytics extend beyond understanding how to use different software to analyse data, and employers may wish to find out if you are capable of guaranteeing data probity, developing reliable tracking systems, and planning and designing basic databases.

Data visualisation A branch of visual communication, data visualisation helps others understand data with the use of visuals. It includes a solid understanding of a number of things, from the details of the data you are trying to pass on, to how the target audience would consume this information, and which visual would comply best with its purpose. Though it sounds much like plugging numbers into a graphs and charts, data visualisation is more than that, and people with skills and knowledge in this area can often be found exploring new methods of simplifying and conveying complicated results and trends – culled from big data – to decision-makers and managers.

www.sim.edu.sg

Needs analysis Companies able to cater to the everevolving needs of customers are the ones who will be able to withstand the test of time. With this in mind, organisations seek out graduates able to offer extensive insights into what their customers need, whether through quick chats, surveys or interviews. Employers also value graduates who can help them identify what their employees need and understand what is needed to maintain their level of job satisfaction through organisational analysis or person analysis. Knowing how to pair various assessment models with different situations and industries as well as getting the right information is a skill that employers find increasingly valuable, so any ability in this field will give you a leg up over the competition.

User experience User experience, or UX, is far more than making sure a product is palatable to the eye. It is about knowing how design plays a part in customer interaction, as well as improvement, and denotes an understanding of how customers use and value a product or service, as well as their limitations and abilities. A strong grasp of a company’s brand, aesthetics and usability is also needed, as is an awareness of current concepts and trends.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 83

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

EMERGING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE WORKFORCE We’re living in a time of revolution — the market is changing and so are the skill sets employers are looking for.

ccording to Oxford Economics’ Global Talent 2021, shifts in the global market structure are transforming business landscapes around the world and altering both demand and supply of talents as employers begin to look for new skills in employees. The International Labour Organisation has put the global unemployment rate at 5% — a number that is expected to remain consistent in 2020 — but employers often cite an inability to find people with suitable skills for the jobs they’re offering. Moreover, the global market is expected to adjust further as competition intensifies and technology continues to advance.

84 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

As these alterations pick up the pace, sweeping through industries and adding another layer of complexity, companies will quickly change hiring strategies as they turn more attention to the changing business landscape. According to Global Talent 2021, 41% of organisations around the world have either initiated a notable change or have already undergone one. In the future, employers will look for four fundamental qualities in candidates: agile and nimble thinking, digital skills, global skills and interpersonal and communications skills. While you do not need to master all these skills, the more you can offer, the more in demand you will be.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Agile and nimble thinking

Digital skills

Ability to deal with complex and potentially ambiguous issues

Social media savvy

Innovation and creativity

Data analytics

Diverse thought process

Understanding of software and systems

Foresight and ability to prepare for numerous scenarios

Coding and programming

Flexible

Digital design, management and analysis

Global skills

Interpersonal and communication skills:

Cultural awareness

Relationship building and teamwork skills

Understanding of international business

Brainstorming and co-creativity

Linguistic knowledge

Ability to collaborate

Adaptable and able to work overseas

Networking skills

Ability to connect with and manage diverse colleagues

www.sim.edu.sg

Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of cultures

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 85

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

CRAFTING EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉS Here's a guide to writing effective résumés and putting together attention-grabbing applications.

ésumés can come in a variety of formats, such as the chronological, skills-based, combination, and alternative résumés. The most commonly used format is the chronological résumé as it is reader-friendly and easily customisable. However, each format has its pros and cons, so do your research and find out which one can best serve your needs before deciding on one. Regardless of which type of résumé you choose to use, the idea behind its presentation remains the same. What’s more important is to adapt the various elements of the format and tailor its content to highlight your skills and distinguish yourself from other applicants. Here's a sample chronological résumé to help you get started:

Wong Kok Wah Mobile: 8765 8903

E-mail: kwwong@gmail.com

EDUCATION University of London Singapore Institute of Management • Bachelor of Science (Banking & Finance) • GPA: 3.7

Aug 2017 - May 2020

RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Research Assistant, Fiber Optics Lab Aug - Dec 2019 Assisted on research into power fiber laser systems and their practical industrial applications • Set up, maintained, and catalogued equipment used in research experiments. • Coded programme to filter and analyse gathered data, in order to assist with interpretation of research and findings. 2 May - Jul 2019 Future Electronics Singapore, Intern • Actively sourced for potential Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suppliers of key components in Malaysia. • Identified more cost-effective alternatives to key components used in company products. Theoretically reduced production costs by 5% as a result. • Communicated directly with senior management during the sourcing process, and submitted report of findings to them.

OTHER EXPERIENCE Two Geeks, Raffles Square store, Sales Representative Aug - Dec 2018 • Successfully promoted digital products, and was awarded "Best Sales Person" within first month on the job for exceeding sales target by 15% • Assisted customers with relevant queries on hardware and software products. • Reconciled cash at daily close of business.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Chairman, Public Relations, Investment & Networking Club Aug - Dec 2019 Singapore Institute of Management • Led a group of eight committee members to publicise club events, which successfully increase club membership by 20%. 3 • Encouraged club members to actively participate and help out in club events. Soccer Team Captain, Singapore Institute of Management Jan 2018 - Present • Currently playing on university team's first division. Led team to win the inter-university Lion Cup in 2019. • Responsible for selecting and motivating team members, and organising and conducting bi-weekly training sessions. • Liased with team captains at other universities to coordinate practice matches.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 4 • • • •

Proficient in Microsoft Office. Languages: fluent in English and Mandarin (both spoken and written). Enjoys outdoor sports, particularly soccer and ultimate frisbee. Regularly participates in volunteer work.

REFERENCES 5 • Dr. Edwin Wong, senior lecturer, school of Business, Singapore Institute of Management Tel: 9085 6721 Email: edwin.wong@sim.edu.sg

• Mr. Thomas Kumar, operations manager, Future Electronics

86 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Tel: 9983 7832

Email: kumar.thomas@future-e.com

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Make your name stand out 1 Use a different font for your name, or enlarge and bold it, so that the first thing a recruiter will see when they pick up your résumé will be your name. Putting it in uppercase is a good move, too, as it will make your résumé easy to find amidst a stack of other documents.

Verbs are your best friends 2 Always use action verbs whenever possible, focusing on your role and the results you achieved.

Other elements that you should consider: What's in a font?

Personal statements

While you may think a unique font may make you stand out, it may put off employers instead, unless you’re going for an alternative résumé. Here are some examples of fonts that you should use and some that you shouldn’t.

Graduates are often in doubt about personal statements (also known as a career aim, profile or mission statement). What purpose does it serve and should it be included in their résumé? Our answer: a graduate’s résumé typically does not need a personal statement because an effective personal statement requires details that fresh graduates could not provide. Typically limited to only two to three sentences, good personal statements summarise your career goals as well as unique experiences, achievements and knowledge or skills that you can offer to your prospective employer. These are details that you can only provide after having been in the workforce for some time.

Fonts to use:

Results speak for themselves

Avoid self-promotion. That’s just patting yourself on the back. An effective résumé lets the candidate’s results speak for themselves.

Be more than a worker

Feel free to use your résumé to reveal the breadth and depth of your skills, interests and hobbies that frame you positively. Do not, however, let your résumé exceed two pages.

Arial: The standard sans-serif font. Arial’s clean, easy-to-read feel makes it ideal for a résumé. The font sizes 10 to 11 work just fine. Tahoma and Calibri are decent substitutes, too. Times New Roman: The standard serif font, Times New Roman is another safe bet that looks slightly more elegant than Arial. Some of the more “easy-going” industries, like IT and media, might find Times New Roman to be too formal, however. Verdana: Another common sans-serif font. If done correctly, Verdana can be used for a very classy effect even if you plan to create an alternative résumé.

Fonts to avoid:

Check with your referees

Whenever possible, always include references as an indication of credibility. Also, be absolutely sure to consult all your referees before you nominate them. Nothing ruins an application like an unprepared referee or an unfavourable reference.

www.sim.edu.sg

Comic Sans MS: The red-headed stepchild of modern fonts, the quirky but dreadfully overused Comic Sans has no place on a résumé. Monotype Corsiva: Unless you’re applying for a job as a dramatic actor, Monotype Corsiva's fancy flourishes are difficult to read and are more likely to annoy than impress a recruiter.

Bridging offline and online With the job search process and recruiters moving online, it’s a wise move to link your offline résumé to your online profile, especially your LinkedIn profile or sites containing your work. It allows you to start interacting with potential employers even before the job interview, giving them an early overview of your past achievements. When including the link of your LinkedIn profile to your résumé, make sure to use the public profile’s URL address instead of the link in your browser’s usual URL box when you’re logged into your account. You can also customise your LinkedIn profile’s URL address to build your personal brand and make it more memorable to recruiters and networking contacts. You can do this through the “Privacy & Settings” section of your LinkedIn homepage.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 87

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

HOW TO WRITE EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS If an employer requests a résumé, they usually want a cover letter, too. Don't let go of this opportunity to showcase your skills and enthusiasm — it can make a big difference to the success of your job application!

convincing cover letter should always accompany a résumé when applying for a graduate job. It’s an extra opportunity to highlight your most relevant skills to recruiters and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the job. Here’s our four-step guide to effectively sell your skills through your cover letter!

STEP #1

STEP #2

STEP #3

Get your opening right

Answer the question “Why you?”

Then, answer the question “Why them?”

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’s always good to include that for their easy reference.

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 this job. Mix evidence of specific skills and knowledge related to the job with anecdotes from your personal experience. At the graduate level, it’s still fine to refer to work experience that isn’t 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 experience doing part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities and academic work to demonstrate how you have developed and practised skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and commercial awareness.

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 you are interested specifically in the job position, instead of blasting out cookie-cutter résumés and cover letters to a dozen different companies. Re-read the job advertisement 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 job. If you prefer, you could switch steps #3 with #2 and write about why you’re applying to the employer first. As long as you answer both “Why you?” and “Why them?” in your cover letter, the exact order doesn’t matter.

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 isn’t given on the job ad or their website. Ensure you correctly address the person’s title, eg Mr, Miss, or even Dr. Some people may feel quite strongly about how they are addressed.

Avoid copying statements wordfor-word from your résumé. Think about how you can rephrase the information or expand on specific skills and achievements that match the needs of the role.

88 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Provide specific reasons when discussing your motivations for applying, such as the training they provide. Avoid turgid statements that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as “because you’re a prestigious company”.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

STEP #4

Have a clear 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. Don’t forget to sign your letter 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 shouldn’t be longer than one page.

Make some calls to find out who you can direct your letter to. If you are unable to find a name, then use a specific job title instead (e.g. “To the Recruitment Manager”).

Carol Sum 17 Brooke Road Singapore 421564 Jonathan Han Recruitment Manager HR Department AX Bank 38 Marina Boulevard Singapore 018598

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”.

17 JANUARY 2020

Introduce yourself clearly in the first paragraph. Be sure to state the exact position that you are applying for.

Dear Mr. Han I am applying for a position in your graduate management programme, as advertised on AX Bank’s website. I will graduate in April 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics (Hons) from SIM-University of London and a projected CGPA of 3.5. I was encouraged to apply after speaking to one of your representatives at a talk given at my university. My interest in business analytics was greatly increased during my second-year internship with MNF Company, a local SME 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. I further developed my expertise by attending various lecture series and panel talks organised by the university, such as those given by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Doug Laney in the “Big Data, Game Theory, and Business Analytics Today” lecture series. My part-time role as a customer service officer at FeynM Co. has also equipped me with good PR, communication, and negotiation skills. As a project support in several investment projects, 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 after researching their portfolio. I am also deeply involved in the Economics 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 financial planning and resource management.

It’s alright to name-drop if you have had prior contact with the company’s representatives as this shows continuous interest.

Always mention specifics when promoting your skills and experiences. Carol could give some examples of analytics theories here to show that she knows her stuff. Use jargon and names of industrial figures sparingly, unless they are extremely well-known.

Carol is selectively vague here since she may have to protect the confidentiality of these projects, but she boosts her credibility with details about her role. It would, however, be more effective if she could link it to the skills that she had listed before.

I am sincerely excited to work for AX Bank because of your commitment to sociallyresponsible investments, which I myself strongly believe in. I believe I will also benefit greatly from the rotational approach of your graduate management trainee programme as well as the overseas placements it offers. Attached is my résumé for your consideration. I’m sure that you’ll find me to be a committed, driven individual who can become an asset to your company. I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Thank you. Yours sincerely Carol Sum

www.sim.edu.sg

Cover letters should be treated as a formal business correspondence. Avoid contractions at all times, and get someone to proofread your letter for errors. Also, try to omit clichés such as “committed, driven individual”.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 89

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

LINKEDIN101: 101: LINKEDIN HOW TO OPTIMISE YOUR PROFILE Time to step up your LinkedIn game and attract more recruiters to your page.

t’s no secret that LinkedIn is now one of the primary means employers use to look for recruits. With over 93% of companies globally using LinkedIn to make hiring decisions, it is critical for jobseekers to have an account on the site to put themselves on the radar and also apply to specific jobs. However, simply creating a LinkedIn profile isn’t quite enough to make yourself stand out from millions of other users. You have to take things a step further to make your profile more attractive and searchable for recruiters. Here are some basic tips for those who are just starting out on LinkedIn and some additional tips that will help give your profile that coveted “wow” factor:

Pick professional profile pictures

Always remember that LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking platform, so make sure to choose your profile photo wisely. A professional-looking headshot is always a safe bet.

Include relevant information

The Basics

Just like what you would do with your résumé, curate your achievements, qualifications and work experience that are relevant to the industry you wish to pursue your career. For instance, if you are interested in digital marketing, you should highlight skills such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). There is a specific section in your LinkedIn profile where you can list down your other skills as well. On the other hand, if you are looking to join a specific industry, such as the retail industry, it may be a good idea to emphasise your work experience as a sales promoter, for instance.

Grow your connections

Once your profile is all set up and updated, the next step for you is to expand your connections. LinkedIn will prompt you to connect with people who you might know through the email account you use to sign in to LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Take advantage of this function and explore the possible contacts you can connect with. When sending an invitation to connect with someone, give it a nice touch by dropping the person a personalised message. Also, if you have pending connection requests, remember to respond promptly and send them a thank you message for reaching out.

90 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Get recommendations and endorsements

If you have previous professional work experience, you can get your former manager or supervisor to write you a recommendation for your LinkedIn profile. Alternatively, you can get your peers or lecturers to write you one if your work experience is limited to school-related activities, such as school projects or student organisation activities. You can further boost your profile by getting your former co-workers or peers to endorse the skills that you’ve added to your page. Don’t forget to return the favour by endorsing theirs, too!

Use the professional headline function

The professional headline is located right underneath your profile picture. This function presents the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal brand by putting in keywords that best define you. Examples: • If you are a computer science graduate with work experience: “Tech whiz — Former programming & web developer intern — E-commerce industry” • If you are a student or graduate without professional work experience, you can include information about your degree and field of study. You can also specify the line of work and industry you aspire to be in: “English language graduate — Aspiring writer — Media industry”

Level Up Your LinkedIn Game

It is important to keep your headline succinct so that viewers can simply take one glance at your profile to get an idea of who you are professionally and whether you’d be a useful connection to have, both for recruiting and networking purposes.

Personalise your summary section

Similar to the headline function, you should include keywords in your professional summary that align with your personal brand. However, the difference between the two functions is that there is more room for you to sprinkle some personality in this section. Make this section sound interesting while remaining authentic. Here is an example of a summary for an engineering graduate: “I’m an electrical and electronic engineering graduate with an interest in making the world a better and safer place through automation and robotics. I’m keen on an engineering role in the robotics industry where I’m able to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve learned in university and my internship experience. Aside from my interest in tech and robots, I enjoy competitive running and have won several medals in multiple marathons across Singapore and Malaysia. The tenacity and mental endurance I possess when I run are traits that I believe I can bring to the workplace. I enjoy the thrill of being challenged and I look forward to the challenges that my future employer will present to me. If you’d like to learn more about how my skills can bring value to your company (or hear about the 68 marathons I’ve participated in), please send an email my way.”

Participate actively

Search for relevant groups such as organisations or interest groups that align with the causes you care about (e.g. animal rights group, alumni groups) to get updated on the latest news and trends. However, you should make it a point to chime in on discussions if your opinion or the information you provide can be of use to other users. You never know — a group member who happens to be a recruiter may find your thoughts to be insightful and may want to connect with you on LinkedIn for a chat. Also, you can interact with your connections by commenting on their statuses or simply start a discussion by posting a status. These activities will pop up on your connections’ newsfeed and will keep you on their minds. Remember to keep topics strictly professional and civil, though!

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 91

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

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 medium with elegance.

Use an appropriate email 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.

Write a clear subject line 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!

92 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Address your email to the right person You can find out online who you should address the email to, instead of stating “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”. The name of the hiring manager is often on the job description and hiring notice. If it is not, you can look it up on LinkedIn or the online directory of the organisation you are applying to. You can also make a phone call to enquire about who you should be addressing the email to before sending it out.

Keep your message brief and professional 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.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Check 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 recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view.

Manage your email attachments effectively Do not forget 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.

www.sim.edu.sg

Follow up promptly 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!

Craft an effective 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.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 93

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

DRESS TO WIN If you want to win, you have to dress the part first.

our résumé and skill set are important but, because first impressions are usually formed minutes into meeting someone, your presentation — from your posture to handshake — can make or break your application in an interviewer’s or recruiter’s eyes. First impressions often stick and they can be formed through a multitude of ways: from your attire, appearance and even the way you approach others. This is often true in the case of recruiters who usually start assessing your suitability for the job right from the start. Immaculate ensembles imply enthusiasm for the position while sloppy attire may suggest disinterest — some interviewers may even interpret it as a form of disrespect. This makes dressing well to win all the more vital during networking sessions and interviews in order to leave an impression that is not only good but lasting as well.

General Guide Him Hair and makeup

• Keep your hair short, tidy and well-kept with your fringe out of your eyes. Refrain from dyeing it in shocking colours or putting it up in outrageous styles. • Keep your nails trimmed down to an acceptable length and consider investing in some lip balms if your lips are prone to cracking when dry. • If you intend to keep facial hair, keep it neat. Otherwise, go with a clean-shaven look. • If you had a meal prior to your interview, check your teeth and breath. You should carry some mints, just in case.

Attire

• Keep it classy and sophisticated with a fitted cotton shirt and a suit and tie. Match your ensemble with plain dark socks and shoes. • Make sure the jacket of your two-piece suit fits your shoulders and waist snugly. While there is nothing wrong with wearing the classic blackand-white combination, you can also consider other dark colours such as navy blue and grey. When you sit down, your pants should cover your ankles. • Take a look at the environment during your interview or networking session. Add or shed layers depending on how casual or formal your surroundings are.

94 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Her • To stay presentable and professional, keep your hair close to its natural colour and avoid adding eye-catching colours. Keep it neat by brushing it out or retaining your hair in a ponytail. Ensure your fringe does not fall into your eyes by styling or pinning it back. • If you’re putting on makeup, go for a natural look as putting on too much makeup may unsettle or distract those around you. • Invest in some mints and make sure to check your teeth and breath before your interview.

• Wear dresses suitable for office wear. If you rather play it safe, choose dark pantsuits or skirt suits. You may wish to bring along a blazer or jacket to complete the look but when you get to the interview or networking session, observe the surrounding atmosphere on how casual or formal it is before adding or shedding layers, if need be. • Make sure you can sit comfortably in your slacks and that it isn’t too tight. Blouses or shirts should be light-coloured but not faded. Avoid wearing spaghetti or strapless tops. • If you’re wearing a skirt or a dress, make sure the hemline is slightly above the knee with a respectable length remaining when you sit or bend down. For dresses, ensure the fabric isn’t too sheer or bright in colour. Look out for low necklines or gaps in between buttons.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Accessories

• Ensure the colour of your shoes matches your belt if you’re wearing one and that the buckle is plain and not too flashy.

• Forgo gaudy accessories as they tend to be distracting and do not wear more than a pair of simple earrings.

• Wear dark- or neutral-coloured ties that do not fall past your belt when worn.

• If you know you will either be standing or walking a lot, favour comfortable footwear options like flats or two- to three-inch heels in plain colours.

• If you want to primp up your outfit with cufflinks or tie clips, choose simple designs so that you do not distract the interviewer or recruiter. • Do not wear more than one ring and stay away from earrings or studs completely.

• Nails should be neatly trimmed and if you are planning to wear nail polish, stick to a colour that matches your lipstick. • Avoid backpacks and clutches and opt for messenger, satchel or tote bags instead.

Dressing Up Smart Casual When the occasion does not call for formal wear but still requires you to look presentable, follow this dress code. Commonly found in the engineering and IT industries, employees in startups and R&D roles often opt for this style of dress as well.

Him

Her

• Polo tees or shirts

• Dresses

• Pants, jeans or chinos

• Shirts or blouses

• Dress shoes or loafers

• Skirts or jeans • Wedges, flats or low-to-medium heels

Business Casual In the event you still need to look presentable but the occasion calls for more than the smart casual style of dressing, go with business casual. This dress code can be found in the public sector, media and FMCG industries as well as marketing.

Him

Her

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Dresses

• Pants

• Tops or shirts with long- or three-quarter-sleeves

• Dress shoes

• A-line or pencil skirts

• Cufflinks, ties and jackets are optional

• Dress pants • Wedges, flats or low-to-medium heels

Business Formal Usually found in industries such as the banking and finance sector, this style of dress is usually meant for networking sessions and job interviews with potential employers.

Him

Her

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Work dresses

• Pants

• Tops or shirts with long- or three-quarter-sleeves

• Dress shoes

• Pencil skirts

• Cufflinks

• Dress pants

• Plain ties

• Flats or low-to-medium heels

• Dark-coloured suits

• Business suits or blazers

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 95

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

NETWORKING LINKEDIN 101: AT EVENTS: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE Networking can be pretty confusing: where to start, what to do, where to go? Here are some ideas for you to explore!

s a graduate jobseeker, you’ve probably already heard of your fair share of seniors, peers and career advisors chanting: “Network, network, network if you want to succeed!”. Yet, ironically, networking events can be incredibly daunting, turning even the most eloquent of us into awkward stutterers. After all, aside from the need to obtain information from new acquaintances, you’re also pressured to juggle building new connections, strengthening old ones and maintaining a professional image in front of potential employers. With so much multitasking going on — with your future at stake, too — it’s understandable why you may find yourself so anxious during such events. How do I start a conversation with someone? Can I join that group that started their conversation fifteen minutes ago or would it be rude? Wow, that’s a big shot CEO — should I even approach him for a conversation? Ack, awkward pause — what do I say now?! That said, the rewards you reap from good networking are definitely worth the effort it takes to overcome all this apprehension! Here are some tips to help you boost your networking skills:

Prepare and Practise Networking is not something that comes naturally to anyone, not even the most extroverted of us. It is, in fact, a learnable skill that requires constant practice. Of course, that’s not to say that you should start talking to your reflection in the mirror! Most of your contacts can typically be divided into the following categories: Casual networks: contacts who you've met at open networking events or mixed industry events Knowledge networks: contacts from professional associations that cater to the improvement and regulation of a specific industry Strong contact networks: contacts from groups established exclusively for building professional relationships Online networks: contacts who you know from social media platforms

Use these categories as a guideline to help you expand your networks but remember: you don’t necessarily need to collect contacts in all four categories to succeed in your job search. Instead, expand the different categories according to the need of your desired job. For example, if you’re looking for employment as a social media strategist, you might find it more beneficial for you to 96 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Focus on your “VCP” have more contacts from the knowledge and online networks instead of casual networks. Alternatively, marketing people might find the opposite to be more useful. That said, you can flex your interaction and networking muscle with any of these contacts as you’ll be using the same skills. The ability to make small talk, for instance, is a crucial skill that you’ll need to have when networking. You can start by practising with friends, people you meet during student club activities or recruiters at career fairs. Try to keep abreast of current issues as they are good conversation starters. When in doubt, ask the other party questions about themselves. We all love talking about ourselves, after all! Your university’s careers services centre may also organise workshops or courses on successful networking. These events are almost always free to current students, so why not attend one or two to clock in some hours of guided practice? Start early because you can’t learn how to be a good networker overnight. It takes plenty of trial-and-error to find an approach that works best for you. Ultimately, it’s all about rehearsing to the point that you’re confident enough to carry a conversation during any networking session while still being yourself.

Although it’s true that the purpose of networking is for you to obtain a favour or opportunity from your contacts but the sentiment behind these relationships is very real. You need to develop not just familiarity with your contacts but also trust before you can request anything from them. In other words, networking is a long-term investment of trust and confidence between individuals. There are three primary components to this: Visibility: your contact needs to know who you are Credibility: your contact needs to know your intentions, character and capabilities Profitability: your contact needs to know that they can trust you enough that they’re willing to help you

Recruiters don’t expect new graduates to be overachievers but they want to see your interest in them and their company as well as your sincerity in applying. Make it a point to show up at multiple company events. Approach them and make your interest in the company clear and consistent. If possible, always take the time to catch up with the same individuals who you’ve approached before so that you can develop a rapport with them.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Who knows? They might be the one to put in a good word on your behalf when the time is right! The same basic rules of building relationships still apply: never lie and avoid “overselling” yourself. Not only it is detrimental to your relationship if they discovered your falsehood but it also damages your professional reputation as well!

Open with an “elevator pitch” The average person’s attention span while performing a task lasts no more than 10 to 20 seconds. So remember that you only have a limited time span to highlight your selling points before the other party’s focus turns elsewhere. Come prepared with a 30-second “elevator pitch” so that when recruiters ask you the ubiquitous “so what do you do?” question, you won’t be floundering around for an answer. Be sure to include the necessary information — who you are, what you’re studying or where your interests lie — and keep it concise. Alternatively, prepare two or three introductory points about yourself if you don’t feel like giving a 30-second pitch. It’s really not that hard, too. Just choose something that you would be excited to talk about and portrays you as a knowledgeable and capable person.

Sustaining conversations with the “ED” rule Introducing yourself is only the easy part. Once you’re done with that, you’ll be faced with the next challenge: sustaining a conversation. It can be quite a draining experience in itself. There are a lot of ways to go about this but one of the key suggestions is the “ED” rule. Rather than trying to

www.sim.edu.sg

make yourself interesting, be interestED instead in the other party. Remember, you’re here to learn, gain information and to build connections, so it’s always advisable to listen to other people instead of talking about yourself. “But hang on a second,” you might say. “Aren’t we supposed to promote ourselves at networking events?” Well, do you think that recruiters would forget a polite and attentive graduate who’s always interested to hear more about their company? Promoting yourself and standing out are not solely a verbal exercise. Sometimes your actions speak louder than words. That said, don’t get too star-struck at networking events either! Be sure to chime in with clever quips now and then to showcase your intellect. You want to show your interest and learn a thing or two from them but do not let them undermine your competency either.

Talk beyond business Another way to establish your reputation as a great conversationalist is also by connecting with others on a level beyond business. Recruiters and company representatives are also people with hobbies and interests and are often happy to meet others who share the same passion. Bond over common interests, such as food, movies, fashion or sports teams. Put your observation skills to use, too. Distinctive cufflinks, keychains and jewellery can evoke interesting topics that leave an impression on your contacts! Use this opportunity to also show your keen eye for details. If you’re nervous, speak to the other students, interns or the event organisers to test the waters first. Find out what are good small talk topics that you can use to approach the “big shots”. If no one seems interested in your talk about Jane Austen’s Pride and

Prejudice, then maybe you should leave that out. It may be a good idea to stay away from touchy subjects like politics and religion, too. These are topics reserved for deep discussions over a cup of coffee between close-knit friends, not new acquaintances.

Follow up This is one of the most important aspects of a networking session and yet the one most often forgotten! Remember, there is really no point in attending a networking session if you’re not going to make the effort to follow up with any new contacts you’ve made. If you’ve promised to do something for someone, such as to give them a call, send an email or connect person A to person B — do it as soon as you can. There cannot be more emphasis placed on this. Keeping your promises in a timely manner helps you build your reputation as a prompt and responsible character. Also, if you helped connect a contact in your network with someone else who can benefit them, they’re bound to return the favour in the future too! Put the business cards you’ve collected to good use as well, especially ones from recruiters. Write a proper email thanking them for their time and insights, and sign off with a memorable detail from your conversation so that it leaves an impression on them. This way, they’ll be less likely to forget you if you bump into them again in the future.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 97

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS We’re living in a time of revolution — the market is changing and so are the skill sets employers are looking for.

One-on-one interviews Likely the most familiar scenario to all jobseekers, one-on-one interviews are fairly clear-cut. Interviewers would ask a series of questions to assess your suitability for the position in question. On occasion, organisations will use a few rounds of personal interviews with various heads of departments before arriving at a decision.

Tips • Show your interest by asking simple yet relevant questions, such as questions about daily tasks, career path and work culture. • Refer to how the job position aligns with your career plans, aspirations and interests. • Discuss any transferrable skills you’ve picked up and demonstrate them. • Keep in mind that body language is just as vital as verbal communication, so maintain a level of confidence throughout the interview with eye contact, smiles and sitting upright.

Panel interviews While panel interviews typically consist of three to eight interviewers, graduate panel interviews usually only involve three interviewers, consisting of HR personnel, managers and some department heads. As it is not a one-on-one interview, panel interviews tend to be more vigorous and fastidious as there are multiple interviewers. While the prospect of sitting through a panel interview can sound daunting, they just want to evaluate if a candidate would be a good fit for the company.

Tips • When talking, address the interviewers by name. A common trick is to get their name cards before the interview starts and arrange them in front of you according to the sitting arrangement of the interviewers. • If an interviewer looks bored, don’t worry — different interviewers would have different areas of interest, so not everyone would be interested in the topic you’re discussing. • On occasion, you may be asked the same question twice. If this happens, stick with your earlier answer. • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer talking to you, but don’t ignore the others!

98 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

Video interviews Typically used to filter out candidates at an early stage of the graduate recruitment process, video interviews are a fairly new trend. Though it may look intimidating with various platforms and potential technical issues, it is simply part of the recruitment process. These interviews may take place “live” on real-time, or pre-recorded, such as through video submissions.

Tips • Get comfortable being on screen first. Switch on the webcam on your laptop and pretend you’re sitting for a video interview. • Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong so that the interview will not be cut off halfway. • Dress smartly and make sure your surroundings are suitable for a video interview. • If you are having the video interview through your laptop, ensure it has been connected to a power source. The interview may go on longer than you thought.

Phone interviews A phone interview is often a screening exercise where employers check some basic information before a face-to-face interview. It is also used to filter 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 that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down!

Tips • Before the phone interview begins, choose a quiet and conducive environment with little to no background noise. • Keep your résumé or application form in front of you for the duration of the phone interview in case you need to refer to them. • Any impact you’re looking to make will come through your voice, so ensure you sound enthusiastic and attentive. Avoid getting distracted by your surrounding environment as to refrain from asking the interviewer to repeat the question.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 99

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

HOW TO SUCCEED AT ASSESSMENT CENTRES Assessment centres are not reality TV shows — you won’t be seen in the boardroom a la The Apprentice and you won’t be the victim of an onscreen sacking, either. So don’t feel obliged to behave like you’re taking part in a television show.

ou’re put into a room with a group of strangers, asked to play games and then observed to see whether you will go through to the next round or if your progress ends there. 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’s also where they come undone. Here's why being at 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, not against each other, and it’s important for you to show how well you can work in a team. You need to find a way to work together with your “colleagues” to achieve the goals and tasks set. 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. Better to find out now than a few months down the line!

Know the difference! Reality TV Shows

Assessment Centres

There are group tasks for you to complete

You need to strike a balance between fitting in and standing out from the crowd

You entertain a mass audience

You entertain no one

Your host reveals the rules of the game

The task is described but not the underlying rules

At some point, you will face a judge on the show

You will probably never meet the people who write the assessment about you

You will need to get on the right side of the judge

You are judged by how you performed doing the tasks. There isn’t a boardroom “execution”

You are tempted into undermining your colleagues

The secret is to be who you are and get on with your colleagues

100 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

So how do I know if it's all going well? You know you’re on track when: • You’ve achieved a mix of taking charge and taking a back seat. • At the end of the day, you realise you actually managed to enjoy yourself. Things aren’t going so well if: • You don’t meet anyone, fellow candidates and assessors, whose company you enjoy. • You walk away feeling suspicious, judged and anxious.

How to behave at an assessment centre • Don’t lose concentration It’s going to be a long and tiring day, so try to make sure you have a good night’s sleep beforehand as you’ll 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’s best to assume that if you let your hair down too far, someone will notice. • Get your hands dirty

What should I expect from an assessment centre? Graduate employers design their own 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 skills. The group setting also makes it easier for them to assess how well you work with others, how you influence and persuade and 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 could at a one-on-one interview (most assessment centres will also include at least one personal interview anyway). This is why some employers feel that assessment centres are a fairer and more effective way to select graduates than traditional interviews. Feeling worried? Don’t be! We’ll show you how you can get past these various exercises and even have some fun in the process!

www.sim.edu.sg

Don’t 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 at hand will help you to forget your nerves. • Be professional 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 during breaks and over lunch. Be prepared to initiate conversations. While it’s fine to make small talk with assessors, don’t be too familiar with them. • Don’t fake it to make it Be yourself but be the most positive version of yourself. Try to relax and behave naturally. You might even find it’s possible to enjoy yourself despite the inevitable nerves. A smile is more likely to make a better impression than a face frozen in fear.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 101

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

ACCEPTING JOB OFFERS Congratulations, you’ve been offered a job! Now, how do you say yes (or no)?

he thrill of finally receiving a job offer after a gruelling process of job search can be one of the greatest moments in your life. It means security and the start of a journey towards your dreams. So, you say yes with no second thoughts and that’s the end of it. Easy, right? Except no, not really! There’s a lot more to the process than you think. Accepting a job calls for another round of formal processes and you’ll have to be aware of what goes on to ensure that you’re on the right track! Your job acceptance can be complicated by other factors as well, such as discovering the particular employer or position isn’t quite suitable for you after all. Read on to find out what goes into a job offer and how you should respond to it.

How offers are made In many cases, the recruiter will make a job offer to you through an email or a phone call, informing you that they’re “very happy to offer you X position”. However, job offers — whether conditional or unconditional — are not considered formalised until they are produced in writing, i.e. an offer letter. It will normally contain a copy of the terms and conditions of employment. This document acts as a binding contract once you sign it, so make sure to go through the printed details thoroughly and check that everything is as you’ve discussed with the recruiter (usually during your second or third interview). Look out for: • Job title • Salary and benefits (including travelling, phone, and entertainment allowances) • Additional incentive compensation • Employee education • Probation period • Notice period (the length of time between tendering your resignation and the actual time you stop working) • Hours of work • Holiday, sick pay entitlements and insurance • Starting date In some cases, the recruiter might hand you the letter during your second or third interview. If this happens, don’t feel pressured to sign on the spot. If you need some time to go through the document, ask if you can take some time to read through before you get back to them. Most employers will understand and won’t mind giving you the extra time needed.

102 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

When things aren’t clear Some of the details in the offer letter can be quite technical and you should nitpick the specifics as you go through the document. If there is something that you don’t understand or that is different from your agreement made during an earlier discussion, such as salary matters, be sure to clarify with the employer as soon as you can. If you’re applying into a graduate programme or scheme, check if your offer is conditional on gaining a specific degree classification. It means that you’re temporarily accepted and will be confirmed only when after achieving a particular result or degree. Make sure to iron this out with the recruiter before you sign your acceptance: what if you missed out on the specified degree level? Some recruiters may be willing to overlook this if they were impressed by your interview performance.

Accepting the job offer If everything goes well, and you’re keen on the job, then go ahead and sign your acceptance on the contract. Generally, that will be sufficient but in some cases, you may be asked to put your acceptance in writing as well. This will require a short acceptance letter or email, mentioning that you’re formally accepting their offer to join the company. If you find that you need help with this, feel free to refer to your career advisors for assistance. Think you’re done after you’ve sent your acceptance and offer letter out? Almost there, but not quite yet! Don’t forget those who have helped you along the way, such as your contact who recommended you to the job in the first place and your referees. Nothing too long — just a simple thank you note or email will do. You can also ask for further advice on how you should prepare to enter the organisation.

Declining the offer In the off-chance that you think the job is not suitable for you, then you will have to decline them properly. Don’t just ignore any job offers if you’re uninterested in them — recruiters won’t know that you’re declining their offer. Instead, they will only think that you’re being rude for leading them on. On the contrary, responding will help prove your integrity as a responsible individual. In your email, make sure to thank the recruiters or interviewers for their time and tell them clearly that you’re unable to accept their offer. Explain your reasons, too. Recruiters deserve to know after all the time and effort that they’ve invested in you. Be honest and polite about it, and always keep your tone professional. “I don’t think your offer is good” is definitely a no-go! Again, don’t forget the network contacts who’ve helped you up till this point. Send them a brief email to inform them of your decision as well, and thank them for their assistance and guidance all this while. If handled properly, job declinations can become a good networking opportunity too! Some recruiters may be impressed by your sense of responsibility and keep you in their circle of contact. In some rare cases, the recruiter may call you back for a round of re-negotiation. This will be up to you to accept or decline, depending on the reasons why you rejected the job offer in the first place.

Getting a job offer even before the job hunt! Sometimes, you may be given an offer before you even start on your job hunt, especially if you’ve been interning over the years and have impressed your (ex-)employers (well done!). Most recruiters will understand if you want some time to attend other interviews to compare your prospects, but do not drag their job offer on for too long without getting back to them. This is just plain rude, and will only spoil their good impression of you. Don’t neglect your responsibility to contact them once you’ve come to a decision, and be tactful about the way you juggle your (multiple) job offers!

Other don’t-dos Take note also of some actions that are considered unethical by recruiters – make sure that you don’t do these: Sign and accept multiple offer letters that you receive, and not turn up at work on the first day. Delaying your response to your multiple job offers for a long time in order to compare your prospects, but not informing the rejected recruiters after you’ve made your decision.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 103

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

SEVEN WAYS TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF WORK Kick-start your budding career by creating a positive impression on your first day at work.

ou’ve sent out multiple job applications, braved through several job interviews, successfully secured a couple of job offers and finally, made the decision on which job offer to accept. Since that’s all over, it’s time for you to prep for another big day — your first day on the job! Going to work for the first day of your first job can be nervewracking. You want to create a good impression at the office among your co-workers and, most importantly, you want your boss to like you. Here are seven things you can do that will make your colleagues remember you on your first day — and all for the right reasons!

Be punctual Get the first thing right by getting to your workplace on time. Showing up late on your first day is one of the worst things you can do. After all, latecomers are often perceived as unreliable. Make sure you are well-rested the night before your big day and of course, set your alarm early so you will have ample time to get to your workplace.

104 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Prepare an elevator pitch An elevator pitch is not reserved for job interviews or networking events only. It will also come in handy when you have to introduce yourself on your first day of work. Prepare a concise, 30-second introduction of who you are, when and where you graduated as well as what you majored in. Your new co-workers who are unaware about your employment will most likely ask you about the position you are filling in for as well so you may want to include that in your introduction, too.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

4 3

Expressing curiosity by asking questions related to your position and the company demonstrates that you are truly interested in understanding your job expectations. Embrace your curiosity. Be open about what is on your mind by suggesting new ideas and methods — in a respectful manner, of course. Make sure to think things through before saying or asking anything.

Get to know people An important factor in succeeding at a job is getting along with your co-workers. As such, it is never too early to lay the groundwork for good working relationships with your co-workers. Utilise your lunch break and get to know people at the office. Ask about what they do and how long they’ve been working at the company. However, remember to keep the questions courteous or you’ll risk making the wrong kind of first impressions.

www.sim.edu.sg

Remember your colleagues’ names This might be tricky, especially on your first day, but getting your co-workers’ names right will show your effort to know them better. They’ll be pleasantly surprised that you've learned their names so quickly and will instantly be impressed.

Take initiative Show that you are a proactive person by asking your co-workers or boss if there’s anything you can help them with. Typically, your first few days on the job would consist of very few tasks as employers would want newcomers to get a hang of the office dynamics first and also, understand the overall business of the company better. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t extend a helping hand to a co-worker who is swamped with work. If you feel that you are ready for more tasks, you could also speak to your immediate boss to ask for more responsibilities.

Ask questions

Express gratitude You should thank anyone who helped you get acclimated at the office throughout the day. Before going home, you can also thank your new boss again for giving you the opportunity to join the team.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 105

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

HOW TO UPGRADE YOURSELF Lifelong learning is important to keep yourself relevant in today's fast-paced world.

oday’s sluggish economy has made the job market even more competitive than it has been before. Many graduates who are about to hit the job market would feel the pressure of setting themselves apart from their peers who are also looking for jobs. In times like this, postgraduate education has become a popular means to give students an advantage in the job market. While it is common for students to think of a Master’s degree or a PhD when talking about postgraduate options, there are also other postgraduate qualifications available. Here’s a brief overview:

Online courses If you want to gain new skills or brush up on existing ones, short courses that are available online may be a good option. Online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer a myriad of short courses ranging from new language skills to specialised courses such as application development. This option may appeal to graduates who are looking to be more competitive in the job market. Having a new skill will not only impress your prospective employers, it may also help you meet certain technical requirements for a role that you’re interested in.

SkillsFuture The Singapore government has rolled out the SkillFuture initiative with an aim to encourage lifelong learning. It is an initiative that includes subsidies for courses, study awards and fellowships not just for graduates, but also mid-career professionals. With these extensive monetary incentives and aid, students can upgrade their skills without having to break the bank.

Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) With the aim to enhance professionalism of the workforce in Singapore, the WSQ system trains, develops, evaluates and certifies skills that are validated by employers, unions and professional bodies. The WSQ framework covers a wide range of sectors, offering training in both technical and soft skills that can help graduates boost their employability. The training modules provided by WSQ are bite-sized, making it easier for individuals to learn at their own pace.

106 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

SIM Postgraduate Courses If your aim is to acquire more in-depth knowledge in a certain field, a postgraduate course such as a Master’s degree could be the option. SIM offers overseas academic programmes through its partnership with various established international universities, including:

The University of Warwick The University of Warwick is one of the United Kingdom's (UK) leading research universities with an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, innovation and established links to business and the industry. Ranked 62nd in the QS World University Rankings 2020 Top 10 of the UK league tables (The Complete University Guide 2019/The Guardian University League Table 2020) A member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 UK research-intensive universities WMG, an academic department of the University of Warwick, is a leading multidisciplinary group making a real impact on the industry, companies and organisations through collaborative R&D, and technical and management education WMG offers a range of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes in SIM, Singapore campus:

Master of Science/Postgraduate Award Cyber Security and Management Engineering Business Management Programme and Project Management Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Vahid Hadimanesh Graduate, MSc in Engineering Business Management (2015 Intake) Product Development, Illumina

“Having industrial experts from WMG as lecturers enables students to develop a good conceptual understanding of industrial management systems and learn proven concepts that are close to what we see or expect in the majority of engineering firms.”

University of Birmingham The University of Birmingham, founded in 1900, is one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom, offering degrees across a wide range of disciplines. It is a major centre of research and academic study with an established international reputation for excellence with 11 Nobel Prize winners among its staff and alumni. Gold-rated university for outstanding teaching and learning in the UK (Teaching Excellence Framework 2017 – 2020) Third most frequently targeted university among UK’s top employers (The Graduate Market in 2019, High Fliers Research) A member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 UK research-intensive universities Birmingham Business School—a triple-crown accredited school by the AACSB International, the AMBA and the EQUIS—offers a range of full-time Master of Science (MSc) programmes in SIM. MSc International Business MSc Management (with specialisms in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Organisational Leadership and Change, and Strategy)

Luke Soekwanto Graduate, MSc International Business (2016 Intake) The health and wellness industry, Indonesia

“Through the interaction and exchange of ideas with lecturers and peers, the study experience in SIM was enriching and it has allowed me to adopt an innovative mindset towards international business practices.”

Frederick Fung Graduate, MSc (Economics) (2018 Intake) Regulatory Task Force, ACCESS

“The programme can be challenging but also, rewarding. The emphasis on foundations from the lecturers has allowed me to easily grasp more advanced concepts on how things work in the real world.”

Harshita Udaya Kumar Participant, MSc in Supply Chain and Logistics Management (2018 intake)

“The interactions with different people and activities conducted in class for our modules have been very enjoyable. Working on a project under SIMTech has been a huge learning opportunity as well.”

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 107

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

ATTAIN PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS WITH ISCA Learning doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop upon graduation; in fact, post-graduation is the perfect time to attain professional certifications. Read on to find out how ISCA encourages accountancy graduates to develop professionally.

pskilling to increase employability is not a new concept, and it is becoming especially vital in the accountancy profession, where digital innovations are changing the very nature of the industry on a global scale at an ever-accelerating pace. Now, more than ever, accountancy professionals have to continuously upskill and update their technical knowledge and skill sets. Recognising the value employers put on lifelong learning and the desire of accountancy professionals to upskill, ISCA offers accountancy graduates pathways for professional development. Interested accountancy graduates are welcome to apply for the ISCA Associate Membership. Associates (ISCA) are professionals with an accountancy degree or an equivalent accountancy qualification, working in the accountancy profession across diverse sectors and industries. After becoming an Associate (ISCA), they can enhance their designation with the recently launched ISCA Professional Business Accountant Programme (ISCA PBA) or embark on the Chartered Accountant of Singapore Pathway.

108 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

Chartered Accountant of Singapore Pathway Chartered Accountants are qualified accountancy professionals equipped with financial expertise and business acumen. They are valued by employers and recognised as holding the highest standards in ethical and professional conduct. Chartered Accountants of Singapore, or CA (Singapore), can be found across industries in various job roles from finance managers to audit partners and C-Suite executives. A Trusted Mark of Excellence and Distinction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chartered Accountants are often entrusted with key positions to lead organisations as they possess the skills and foresight to add value to businesses. The CA (Singapore) designation remains the highest form of professional designation conferred by ISCA.

Did you know? ISCA is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore, or CA (Singapore) designation, a prestigious title accountancy professionals strive to attain and distinguish themselves with in their journey towards professional excellence.

www.sim.edu.sg

HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS

ISCA Professional Business Accountant Pathway Professional Accountants in Business (PAIBs) who do not intend to take the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) and become Chartered Accountants have an alternative pathway to build competencies for their career progression. Aligned to the ISCA PAIB Framework, the ISCA Professional Business Accountant (ISCA PBA) Programme is tailored to equip accountancy professionals in business with the emerging skill sets and knowledge needed to handle dynamic business situations by focussing on practical business cases. The key feature of the ISCA PBA Programme is its online learning. Run on an e-learning platform, this 30-hour course will cover topics in the areas of Professional Values and Ethics, Technical Excellence, Leadership and Personal Empowerment, Business Acumen, and Future Finance skills. The ISCA PBA designation validates the expertise and knowledge that ISCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Associate members have acquired as accountancy professionals highly valued by employers and the industry.

About ISCA The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. ISCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is to be a globally recognised professional accountancy body, bringing value to the members, the profession and wider community. There are over 32,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants 60 Cecil Street, ISCA House Singapore 049709 Tel: 6597 5533 Website: isca.org.sg Facebook: fb.com/isca/official For membership enquiries, please contact membership@isca.org.sg

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 109

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS LEADING EMPLOYERS WITH VACANCIES AND INTERNSHIPS WHO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Employers BDO LLP.............................................................................................................. (1) 110 CapitaLand Limited.................................................................................. (68, 69) 111 Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) ........................................................... (IFC) 111 Great Eastern Singapore................................................................................. (34) 112 Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd....................................................................... (114) 113 NTUC Income.......................................................................................... (116, IBC) 113 The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).......................................................... 115 SMRT Corporation Ltd............................................................................................... 115

[ ] = advertisement; IFC = inside front cover; IBC = inside back cover

BDO LLP

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 FACEBOOK @BDOSingapore LINKEDIN @bdo-singapore TWITTER @bdoaccountant YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBblycqXBZ7YhP8hSauj6Lg LOCATION

• Singapore – Central • International – BDO’s global organisation extends across 167 countries and territories, with 88,120 people working out of 1,809 offices – and they’re all working towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service. BUSINESS FACTS

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 wellknown, 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. 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.

110 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Accounting • Business Administration • Finance • IT & Computer Sciences CAREER SECTORS

• 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.

www.sim.edu.sg

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

CAPITALAND LIMITED

168 Robinson Road, #30-01, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 TEL + [65] 6713 2849 WEB capitaland.com/careers FACEBOOK @capitaland TWITTER @capitaland LINKEDIN @capitaland YOUTUBE @capitaland INSTAGRAM @capitaland LOCATION

• Global – Singapore & International BUSINESS FACTS

CapitaLand is one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, it owns and manages a global portfolio worth S$131.7 billion as at 30 September 2019. CapitaLand’s portfolio spans across diversified real estate classes which includes commercial, retail; business park, industrial and logistics; integrated development, urban development; as well as lodging and residential. With a presence across more than 200 cities in over 30 countries, the Group focuses on Singapore and China as its core markets, while it continues to expand in markets such as India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe and the USA. Our competitive advantage is our significant asset base and extensive market network. Coupled with extensive design, development and operational capabilities, we develop and manage high-quality real estate products and services. We also have one of the largest investment management businesses in Asia and a stable of eight listed REITs and business trusts as well as over 20 private funds. Since it pioneered REITs in Singapore with the listing of CapitaLand Mall Trust in 2002,

CapitaLand’s REITs and business trusts have expanded to include Ascendas REIT, CapitaLand Commercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaLand Retail China Trust, Ascendas India Trust, CapitaLand Malaysia Mall Trust and Ascendas Hospitality Trust. Working at CapitaLand provides you the opportunity to work alongside a vastly talented international workforce, while you gain access to skills and development programmes aimed to promote continual learning. This happens through strategic, integrated and quality learning programmes for professional and personal development, at all stages of your career. 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.

CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND BOARD

238A Thomson Road, Novena Square Tower A, Singapore 307684 WEB www.cpf.gov.sg/careers EMAIL hr@cpf.gov.sg

LOCATION

Singapore – Central BUSINESS FACTS

We help more than four million Central Provident Fund (CPF) members save for their retirement, healthcare and housing needs. Our schemes touch our membvers across various life stages, and we serve knowing that we can 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:

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Open to all disciplines CAREER SECTOR

• Public Sector APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply online at www.careers.gov.sg. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

• Agency Services • Customer Service • Enforcement • Information Technology • CPF Schemes Management • Policy and Corporate

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 111

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

GREAT EASTERN SINGAPORE

1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-01, Singapore 048659 TEL +[65] 6828 9118 WEB https://www.greateasternlife.com/sg/en/careers.html EMAIL career@greateasternlife.com LOCATION

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Singapore

• Open to all disciplines

BUSINESS FACTS

CAREER SECTORS

A market leader and a well-established trusted brand in Singapore and Malaysia, Great Eastern was founded in 1908. With S$85.0 billion in assets and over 4 million policyholders, it has three successful distribution channels – a tied agency force, bancassurance, and a financial advisory firm, Great Eastern Financial Advisers. The Group also operates in Indonesia and Brunei and has a presence in China as well as a representative office in Myanmar. The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited and Great Eastern General Limited have been assigned the financial strength and counterparty credit ratings of “AA-” by Standard and Poor’s since 2010, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies. Great Eastern’s asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors Limited, is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia.

• Insurance and Risk Management APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Financial Representatives Online Application Corporate Positions Online Application Interview

As a LIFE company, inspiring people to LIVE GREAT, we believe every employee is a talent and can make a difference. We are constantly building an engaging environment that fosters effective synergies, creating a place for our employees to discover and develop their potential to the fullest.

@gradsingapore

112 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020

www.sim.edu.sg

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

MANULIFE (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

8 Cross Street, Manulife Tower, #15-01 TEL + [65] 6833 8188 WEB www.manulife.com.sg EMAIL sgp_rep_career@manulife.com LOCATION

Singapore – Central BUSINESS FACTS

Manulife Singapore provides insurance, retirement and wealth management solutions to meet the financial needs of our customers across various stages of their lives. With over 600 staff employed locally, our diverse presence is bolstered by our multi-channel distribution network which is made up of our agency force, bank partners and financial advisory firm. Join our team of financial planners As a Manulife financial planner, your efforts and success will be well-recognised, with opportunities for fast-track promotions and access to a range of incentives and benefits. Starting from your sixth month, you will have the chance to qualify for overseas conference trips and be recognised at our yearly Agency Awards Gala Night. As part of our team, you will be provided with comprehensive benefits such as dental and medical coverage, insurance, and training and development support. Our Corporate Office Careers You can gain access to invaluable experiences across multiple disciplines, and with ongoing development and experiences, will be prepared to get ahead.

What you do each day will make a difference, helping our customers achieve their dreams and aspirations. With limitless opportunities, leader support and innovative work arrangements, you can be at your best and achieve success in a meaningful way. DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Finance • Maths CAREER SECTORS

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Banking and Financial Services • Insurance and Risk Management • Investment Banking and Investment Management APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Application through www.manulife.com.sg

NTUC INCOME WEB https://www.income.com.sg/careers/working-at-income

LOCATION

Singapore BUSINESS FACTS

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.

Roles you can look at include: • Operations • Actuarial • Finance • Information Technology • And many more

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.

We welcome all graduates to explore and indicate their interests on our career site.

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.

CAREER SECTORS

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.

Apply online via https://www.income.com.sg/careers/working-at-income

www.sim.edu.sg

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Open to all disciplines • Insurance and Risk Management • IT and Technology APPLICATION PROCEDURE

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 113

Reimagining Ancient Tragedies with Manulife Protection Plans

manulife.com.sg Manulife (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Reg. No. 198002116D). This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Buying a life insurance policy is a long-term commitment. There may be high costs involved if you terminate the policy early, and your policyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrender value (if any) may be zero or less than the total premiums paid. This policy is protected under the Policy Ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact us or visit the LIA or SDIC web-sites (www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE (RSAF)

3 Depot Road, #01-43, Singapore 109680 TEL 1800 270 1010 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm) WEB http://careers.rsaf.gov.sg EMAIL afrc@defence.gov.sg LOCATION

Singapore BUSINESS FACTS

We believe that given the right opportunities, your passion can be transformed into a truly exceptional profession. Our training opportunities transcend borders. The RSAF collaborates with our counterparts all around the world, allowing our team to train with the world’s best. Passionate professionals. Technologically advanced aircrafts and weapon systems. Together, they make us what we are today – a First Class Air Force that stands ready to defend Singapore and her interests. The RSAF is a First Class Air Force, always ready to deter aggression and defend Singapore and its interests. We will respond decisively to the full spectrum of missions from peace to war as part of an integrated Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). We will be superior in the air and decisively influence the ground and maritime battles.

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Engineering • Finance • IT and Computer Sciences • Maths • Sciences • Social Work • Teaching and Education CAREER SECTORS

• Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain • Engineering, Design and Manufacturing • Public Sector APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply online via careers.rsaf.gov.sg

The RSAF is founded on the core values and competencies of its World Class People We are committed to the nation, the SAF, the RSAF and to one another. Together we will overcome adversity with courage and fortitude. Above all, our people are the heart of our organisation.

SMRT CORPORATION LTD

Paya Lebar Quarter (Tower 3), 2 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437161 TEL + [65] 6671 7373 WEB http://www.smrt.com.sg/ EMAIL graduates@smrt.com.sg LOCATION

Singapore BUSINESS FACTS

In line with Singapore’s goal to build a car-lite society by 2030, we envision our rail network to be longer than networks in major cities such as Hong Kong and Tokyo, and comparable to current lengths in London and New York City. With existing rail lines now resourced through the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF) and timelier investments in capacity expansion: replacement and upgrading of operating assets can be expected. With higher operations and maintenance standards, commuters can look forward to smooth and reliable rides. Here in SMRT, we are committed to nurturing and developing rail professionals with the right competencies, operational exposure and mission-oriented mind set. We are looking for young and passionate individuals who want to make an impact in Singapore’s rail industry by taking care of the needs of commuters and providing them with safe, reliable and customer-oriented train services.

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Business Administration • Economics • Engineering • IT and Computer Sciences CAREER SECTORS

• Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain • Construction and Civil Engineering • Engineering, Design and Manufacturing • IT and Technology • Media and Advertising APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Visit SMRT’s website at http://www.smrt.com.sg for more information.

Come on board as a Rail Engineer and join us on this meaningful journey!

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 | 115

Hello undergraduates, your journey starts here.

Internship Programme 12-week programme Real, fulfilling work on projects Hands-on experience and exposure

Programme Benefits Turn your internship into a career opportunity Top performing interns will be accelerated through the application for our Graduate Trainee Programme or granted opportunities as direct hires.

Start learning immediately You will get the most from your internship, being assigned to a department and acquiring new knowledge and skills working on projects.

Expand your knowledge through structured training Learn the fundamentals of insurance through in-house training conducted by financial experts.

Hone your business acumen You will also learn from our very own Graduate Trainees, who will mentor you and enhance your development.

Maximise what you learn and make use of it You will get the opportunity to attend exclusive workshops that will bring you far on your future career.

Chloe Tan Human Resource

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

My internship at Income allowed me to gain invaluable insights and experience. As a member of the Talent Acquisition team, I interacted with people from both inside and outside the organisation, and the experience helped to hone my communication and interpersonal skills. The internship programme has a strong focus on personal learning, which encourages me to take charge of my work and to create opportunities for myself. Income has a highly collaborative culture and, my opinions are always valued and taken into consideration. Given my meaningful stint at Income, I decided to further my career with the company as a Graduate Trainee, which, I believe, will expose me to even more opportunities to learn and make positive contributions to the projects I am involved in.

Learn more at income.com.sg/careers/internship-programme

Whatever career you choose, we'll be there for you.

Find career advice and opportunities at

SIM Career Guide 2020

Articles inside

Accepting Job Offers

Seven Ways to Make a Good First Impression on Your First Day of Work

How to Upgrade Yourself

Attain Professional Achievements with ISCA

How to Succeed at Assessment Centres

Types of Interviews

Networking at Events: A Beginner’s Guide

Dress to Win

How to Write a Professional Email

LinkedIn 101: How to Optimise Your Profile

Crafting Effective Résumés

How to Write Effective Cover Letters

Technical Skills to Keep in Mind

Rules of Getting Hired

Five Essential Soft Skills

Three Things to Look Out for in a First Job

Job Searching: The Ultimate Guide

The Global Experience

Global Learning

Explore the World with AIESEC

Overseas Career Drive

Budding Entrepreneurs

Project Protégé

Exploring Internships

Choosing What is Best for You: MNCs, SMEs or Startups

Career Chapters

360 Degree Development Programme

How Career Connect Can Help You

Industry Insights

A Message for Our Students

Talent Development Programme (TDP

SIM GE Career & Internship Fair

What is Project 1095?

Your 1095 Journey