DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
PROJECT PROTÉGÉ
P
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
