SIM Career Guide 2022 by GTI Media Asia

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creativity that inspires. growth that propels. 2022 internship and graduate opportunities Technical Roles • • • • • •

• Mobile Engineer • Quality Assurance Engineer • Recommendation Data Engineer • Research Engineer • Site Reliability Engineer • Testing Engineer

Algorithm Engineer Backend Engineer Data Engineer Data Scientist Frontend Engineer Machine Learning Engineer

Business Roles • Data Analytics • Human Resources • Monetization Strategy

• Product & Process • Product Manager • Risk Operations

Recruitment Process

application period

online assessment*

interview*

offer

*Depending on the role and the team, additional rounds of interviews, assessments, tests, or tasks may be part of the process. Note: Only successful applicants will be contacted.

internship

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

INSIDE THIS GUIDE Career Connect Prepares You 5

A Message for Our Students

Your SIM Student Journey

How Career Connect Can Help You

Meet Our Team

Talent Development Programme (TDP)

Career Champs

360 Degree Development Programme

The SIM EDGE Award

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Discover Your Career Options 25

SIM Alumni

Project Protégé

SGUnited Skills Programme

Industry Insights

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

Exploring Internships

To Be or Not to Be a Graduate Intern?

Doing an Internship or Job Outside Your Field of Study

Tips to Help You Secure Your Dream Job Before Graduation

Management Trainee Programme vs Traineeships (SGUnited) vs Apprenticeship

Global Awareness Programme

How to Market Yourself to Employers 76

Job Searching: The Ultimate Guide

Top 3 Things to Look Out for in a First Job

Rules of Getting Hired

5 Essential Soft Skills

Develop Your Technical Skills

Emerging Skills for the Future World of Work

Crafting Effective Resumes

What is in a Good Cover Letter

LinkedIn for Career Success and Digital Networking

How to Write a Professional Email

Dress to Win

100

How to Look Confident in Your Interview

102

Networking for Success

104

Interview Tips

108

Acing Assessment Centres

110

Job Offers: Take or Wait?

112

Accepting Job Offers: Accepting and Declining

114

How to Cope with Retracted Job Offers

116

Preparing for the First Day

118

A Beginner’s Guide: How to Work from Home

120

How to Manage Your Mental Health and Wellness

124

Dealing with a Salary Cut

126

Scholarship and Bursary

128

How to Upgrade Yourself

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Jobs and Internships

Chief Editor Elliyani Mohamad Ali Editor & Editorial Sarah Si, Dawn Yip Design & Production A’liah Abdul Rahim, Allysha Puteri Harfaz Advertising Ron Ong, Joey Ng, The GTI Media sales team Marketing & Distribution Henry Ng, Siti Nurshabarna Anuar, Aisyah Sani Publisher Isaac Hee Printer Times Printer Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340 GTI Asia Pte Ltd, March 2022 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 publications, and do 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. *Disclaimer: Most photos were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A Message for Our Students

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

he past two years have been far from normal. The impact of Covid-19 has touched so many aspects of our lives, including the way we work and play. Economies have been shaken up, and many industry sectors have crashed. Yet there are quite a number that have thrived and, in fact, boomed during these strange times. Many have found themselves in unchartered waters, and have struggled to find their way. Yet there are also many who have emerged stronger and with clearer direction of what they want to do with their lives. We are also transforming at SIM, and we are confident that we will emerge better than ever. Our vision is to empower people and organisations to learn and thrive across life stages. To that end, we at the Learner Advisory and Career Centre (LACC) are continuously reinventing ourselves to better serve all our learners – whether they are undergraduates, Alumni or Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs), through our end-to-end services from profiling, coaching, career development and career exploration, through to job placements. In this SIM Career Guide 2022, we cover a broad range of topics from how we at LACC can help you prepare for that dream job, to how to discover your career options and how to market yourself to employers. We have also provided a number of articles where we show you how to thrive in the new normal, such as preparing for a video interview, working from home effectively and taking care of your mental health and wellness. We hope you will enjoy this issue, and we look forward to connecting with you at LACC.

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Your SIM Student Journey

Development

Now that you have good knowledge about yourself, and feeling the pulse of the industries, it is time to identify areas of development. You need to answer to the requirements of the working world. Develop by learning a new skill, and developing and demonstrating strong attributes about yourself.

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

Questions to ask yourself: • Who am I through the lens of others? • What are the career choices out there? • What are the careers suitable for me? • Where do I fit in? • How do I find my “sweet spot”? • How do I get there?

Questions to ask yourself:

• What are the skills required for my aspired career choice? • What are employers looking out for? • How do I make myself known? • How do I hone and develop these skills?

Deployment The finishing point is in sight, the end is near and it is time for the final push. Some rough edges need to be polished, and anxiety might start creeping in. Let us be with you on this finishing lap.

Questions to ask yourself: • 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 “blind spot” that I should be aware of? • Where can I find opportunity? • Is there a strategy in job hunting?

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

How Career Connect Can Help You

ave you wondered how the employment market has changed as we start moving to the endemic phase in our nation? According to statistics from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), 93.6 per cent of graduates in Singapore were employed within six months of completing their degree, where they are engaged in either fulltime, part-time, temporary or freelance work, while graduates who were successfully employed under a full-time permanent role staggered down roughly 12 per cent from 81 per cent in 2019. In today’s competitive job market, developing your competitive edge is no longer optional but essential. It is crucial that fresh graduates possess different sets of “jobreadiness” skills. According to a study in Great Britain (Goodwin, 2012), activities such as internships, job shadowing, identification of skills gaps and presentation skills proved to be beneficial in improving employability. Studies have also shown that hiring employers appreciate candidates who possess the right attitude and willingness to learn, as well as teamwork and effective communications skills. Read on to find what Career Connect has to offer to our students to boost your employability!

Career Guidance sessions

Young Graduate Career Forum

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SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Unlocking Doors – Career Competitive Edge At Career Connect, we believe in understanding each individual who approaches us for personalised support to achieve their career goals and aspirations. We strongly believe in instilling our students with relevant skills via career and skills-based workshops to prepare them for the dynamic working world. With virtual interviews the norm, Career Connect has moved our initiatives online to coach future graduates on polishing their resumes, acing their job interviews, as well as improve their personal branding to stay relevant through the global pandemic.

Career Coaching and Profiling With diverse backgrounds and rich career coaching experiences, our career coaches provide advisory on areas that include:. • Reviewing of cover letters and resumes • Facilitating career planning and job search strategies • Providing insights on current industry trends and hiring practices Profiling tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) are also administered to allow for the self-discovery of students, which aids in their career planning.

MBTI® Profiling Session

Career Workshops and Programmes Monthly career preparation workshops, also known as the Hire Me Series, are also conducted, and consist of a myriad selection of workshops such as: • Networking Skills • Resume and Cover Letter Writing Skills • Interview Skills and Assessment Centre • Professional Image and Personal Branding • Communications and Presentation Skills • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills • Managing of Personal Finance • Profiling: Understanding of self and suitable career paths

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To further support students in the developing their skills, Career Connect also organises many skills-based workshops at discounted rates, such as: • Digital Marketing and Digital Sales • UX/UI • Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence • Industry Masterclass Project Experiences and Hackathons

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UNICORN Career Portal

UNICORN is SIM’s one-stop portal for career services, where students can register for events and workshops and apply for internships and jobs. Students can also use the Resume Builder function to create resumes in an instant. Find out more about these opportunities on UNICORN here at http://qrco.de/sim-unicorn.

Learning Journey to OneConnect Financial Technology

Learning Journey to Shopee

Learning Journey to Kuehne + Nagel

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Building Bridges – Networking and Professional Connections Career and Internship Fair Career Connect offers multiple Career and Internship Fairs throughout the year, such as DREAMS in February and IGNITE in October, where students have the opportunity to find out information about prospective companies. SPARKS International Career and Internship Fair is conducted to allow students to find out about opportunities available in the various international markets, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Students also have the opportunity to network with companies across various industries, such as Shopee, TikTok, Cognizant, Ernst & Young, Ninja Van, L’Oréal, JP Morgan, DBS and more!

IGNITE Virtual Career and Internship Fair

Project Protégé The idea of entering the corporate world may be daunting for some, but this may not be the case for SIM students. Project Protégé is SIM’s four-month mentorship programme where participants learn from our alumni and industry mentors on achieving their career aspirations, and for the mentors to impart their experiences and knowledge. Participants can also expect to boost their career potential, discover unique strengths, and clarify career goals as they embark on this mentorship programme!

Learning Journey to the Supreme Court

Career Talk – DBS

Learning Journey to Asia’s Got Talent (Malaysia)

Learning Journey to AON Consulting

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Meet Our Team A message from the team The mission of SIM Learner Advisory and Career Centre is to empower students and alumni to confidently navigate their careers as citizens of a global world. We are committed to support 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 phone at 6248 0281 or email: • For Employers: employerengage@sim.edu.sg • For Internship Enquiries: intern@sim.edu.sg • For General Enquiries (GE Students): careerconnect@sim.edu.sg • For General Enquiries (SGUS): lacc@sim.edu.sg

Career Guidance

Employer Services

We create purposeful and engaging career preparation experiences that contribute to the learners’ development and enhance their employability. We aim to allow our learners to develop appropriate career-ready skills to best leverage career opportunities. These are achieved through career guidance, profiling sessions, resume reviews and mock interviews. Relevant career preparation workshops are also organised to help students gain a practical understanding and equip them with relevant skills for the working world.

We focus on building and deepening strategic partnerships with corporates/enterprises for long-term value propositions that enhance employability and employment of learners, as well as timely engagement and support to our partners’ talent acquisition activities by creating a pool of ready talents for various appointments, comprising of those in their early careers, as well as experienced hires. We create diverse platforms and opportunities for our industry partners and our learners to interact. These are achieved through industry-focused networking events, industry panel-sharing, career fairs, company talks, career/ recruitment talks and dialogue sessions with Associations, etc. We also provide insights to learners with the future ready skills required by the market and showcase our learners’ unique selling proposition to our industry partners as their choice talents for employment.

Research We organise and execute surveys to obtain data on graduate employability, Alumni career progress, and employers’ feedback to monitor learner outcomes. We analyse data and present information that will inform the development of strategies for continuous improvement in the learner experience. We also monitor and gather job market intelligence to inform career guidance and advisory to learners and employers.

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Career Guidance

Moira Lesslar

Karen Tang

Calvin Kong

Christopher Tan

Consultant, Career Guidance

Lead, Career Coaching

Lead, Profiling and Assessments

Lead, Career Development

Luo Jiantong

Ding Qian

Senior Specialist, Career Specialist, Profiling and Coaching Assessments

Employer Services

Michael Gomez Geraldine Woo Assistant Director

Lead

Lynnette Foong

Lead

Specialist

Research

Programme Administration

Suriani Binte Jamil

Priscillia Lee

Research Assistant

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

Josephine Zheng

Hiu Zi Xuan Senior Specialist

Lead

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Talent Development Programme (TDP)

he Talent Development Programme (TDP) is a structured in-house internship offered by the SIM Learner Advisory & Career Centre. Launched in January 2015, TDP has seen more than 200 interns go through the programme, with many 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 numerous projects and initiatives. With a structured development plan comprising of workshops, networking opportunities and onthe-job training, we give them a headstart and prepare them for

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the working world, as well as help them expand their professional networks. TDP is also a platform for likeminded interns to have a collective experience to learn and grow together. Essentially, we aspire to create an enriching journey for all interns to learn, discover and hone themselves for the dynamic working world ahead. With the TDP experience, our interns have successfully secured internship and full-time jobs in many prestigious organisations, such as Facebook, TikTok, the National Youth Council, L’Oréal, Cognizant, DBS, Shopee, PwC, Marina Bay Sands, and many more.

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

Headquarters

The Headquarters Cluster focuses on the aspects, namely Human Capital Development and Marketing Communications. The Human Capital Development aspect consists of management of TDP interns in respect of their deployment, development and welfare. Key responsibilities include: • Recruitment and selection of new interns • Organise and execute orientation programmes of new interns • Oversee and implement training programmes • Plan career development and progression of interns • Manage the overall welfare of interns

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

Marketing Communications

The Marketing Communications aspect focuses on the strategic objective of delivering marketing plans for the Career Connect Office. Key responsibilities include: • Carry out marketing campaigns for the office • Create marketing collaterals for career initiatives • Management of Career Connect social media platforms • Outreach to engage SIM students with the office’s initiatives

Business Development

The Business Development Cluster works closely with various stakeholders, including potential work employers and Career Champs. With this engagement, the cluster serves as a bridge to value add Career Connect initiatives. Key responsibilities: • Engage with potential employers • Management and development of Career Champs • Plan career events such as career talks and company visits.

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

MIRA RANI DAS Operations Associate at Storm2 Previous Role in TDP: Youth Director, Intake 16 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Management SIM-UOL Class of 2021 SIM EDGE Award Recipient “I am deeply grateful to have chanced upon an internship with TDP, which allowed me to work remotely amidst the pandemic. It undeniably equipped me with relevant skills for me to apply and excel in the working world, and moulded me into a more confident individual. TDP has an array of rich experiences and learning opportunities for interns to tap into. From the planning and execution of Career Fairs, to learning effective marketing tools, to even conducting industry and market research, interns are well-guided by highly experienced and professional staff. There is also career progression, where interns who are recognised for their hard work and leadership get promoted. Joining TDP has opened plenty of doors for me – I had the opportunity to network with employers from reputable companies across several industries, as well as attend various skill courses such as Data Analytics. Moreover, I had the chance to forge friendships with likeminded individuals. All in all, TDP allowed me to excel in my academics during my undergraduate studies, and also primed me for the workforce. I cannot imagine my university life without TDP, for my career successes today are largely due to my growth there. Joining was one of the best decisions I have made!“

POH WEI WEN Audit Associate at Ernst & Young Previous Role in TDP: Deputy Youth Director, Intake 12 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance SIM-UOL Class of 2021 “My experience in TDP was a positive and memorable one. Throughout my internship, I had many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and gain various exposure to different industries and employers. This allowed me to keep up with the current trend of skills demand in the professional world. Because TDP equips interns with relevant and advanced careers skills by providing trainings, and public speaking and leadership opportunities, I gained a competitive advantage over my peers. Furthermore, TDP is an ideal platform for students who are still in the midst of their career exploration and preparation. My advice for all SIM students is to always be eager to learn new things, even when you are still studying. Start preparing for your future career early, and think of what skills are necessary for a career that you want, instead of waiting until you graduate. Cheers!“

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MAX ONG Audit Associate at Ernst & Young Previous Role in TDP: Officer, Intake 17 Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) SIM-RMIT Class of 2021 “During my time with TDP, I had multiple opportunities to lead teams to manage events, such as Young Graduate Career Forum, and the annual DREAMS Career and Internship Fair. Through such experiences, I learnt how to manage teams and projects using various project management tools, like Trello, to navigate the hurdles of meeting the needs of various stakeholders. Besides learning project management skills, I had the opportunity to meet motivated and career-minded students who guided me in using various digital marketing and video editing tools, such as Canva and DaVinci Resolve, to create digital content for TDP’s various social media platforms. Additionally, my fellow TDP interns gave me valuable feedback that helped me improve my interpersonal skills, which also instilled a drive in me to be a better version of myself. TDP was an enriching experience for me to broaden my horizons. I wish all potential TDP interns to seize any opportunities they have, and continuously grow and learn to be a better version of yourself!“

LI LIN Analyst, People Team at Shopee Previous Role in TDP: Deputy Youth Director, Intake 17 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management SIM-UOL Class of 2021 “TDP provided me with the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to different aspects of Human Resources (HR), Marketing and Event Management. The programme’s flexibility allowed me to acquire and apply problem-solving skills in the domain of my choosing, and many of these skills are transferable, as I discovered when I transitioned into the working world. Through the various projects, I learnt about what it meant to take ownership of projects, as well as hone my communication skills and leadership abilities. More importantly, the guidance of both the staff and my seniors in the programme provided a supportive and conducive learning experience for myself and other interns. It was definitely a fruitful internship experience, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to continuously seek growth and improvement. When opportunity presents itself, do not be afraid to go after it!”

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

IM Career Champs is a career-centric student volunteer organisation that is managed by Career Connect. We aim to equip students with pertinent skills to enhance their employability locally and internationally, as well as exposing them to current industry trends. By doing so, we hope to assist students in their transition from being undergraduates to dynamic working professionals. Career Champs aims to: • Accelerate your career journey through upskilling individual in the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) VUCA world; • Connect and Interact with alumni and professionals of your industry of choice; • Empower you as a student to discover your career interests and increase your chances of getting your dream internship or job. One key event organised by Career Champs is the SPARKS International Virtual Career Fair (IVCF), which caters to the needs of SIM’s international students by connecting them with overseas employers to learn more about career opportunities available regionally. Contact us at careerchamp@sim.edu.sg for further queries.

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ANUSHKA SHUKLA Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Political Science, SIM-UOL Director, Event and Logistics Department My role I started as a Subcommittee member, a role which allowed me to come up with various new ideas for Career Champs. After being promoted as the Director for Events and Logistics (E&L), the roles and responsibilities expanded vastly. I was responsible the planning and execution of events, efficient management and allocation of manpower and other resources, alongside coordinating with the other departments to organise career fairs and other various events.

my networking skills and build a new level of confidence through various opportunities like hosting and facilitating the events. Working with a group of like-minded and equally driven people made me a better team player, and constructive criticism by the staff improved my quality of work. Plus, it also gives me the opportunity to give it back to the SIM community in a very significant manner.

What motivated you to join Career Champs?

Some advice

I am extremely keen on exploring my interests in various fields so that I can make an apt decision for myself in the long run. In line with that, what attracted me the most towards Career Champs was their active initiative for the international students – being one myself. Through country-specific career fairs, we can get insights into popular MNCs and banks. This is advantageous, and serves the diverse population of SIM Students very well. The experience that Career Champs gave me was wholesome. Being in Career Champs helped me discover my potential, improve

Academics are essential, but they are not sufficient. To build a proper skill set, one needs to keep on exploring and breaking boundaries. The confidence and skills that I have discovered – taking part in various CCAs has helped me get out of my shell – is currently helping me with my applications for postgraduate studies, and will most certainly be helpful to me when I enter the professional environment of the corporate world. SIM has the most diverse number of CCAs available, so all you have to do is discover your interests, work towards it and make the best out of the opportunity given to you.

KHOR JEH RONG Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics, SIM-UOL Director, Marketing and Communication Department

My role As the Director of Marketing and Communications (M&C), I was given the opportunity to develop and execute marketing strategies, design marketing collaterals and create career-related contents for our students. Our department plays an indispensable role in elevating the awareness of SPARKS International Virtual Career Fair, as well as maximising the benefits of such career fairs for our students and fresh graduates. The objective of Career Champs is to serve the career needs to our SIM students and guide them to become a group of outstanding pillars in our society.

What motivated you to join Career Champs?

I got to make long-lasting friendships, and improved on my soft and hard skills. On top of that, I had many opportunities to engage with staff and work alongside them. By joining Career Champs, it helped me to train up my confidence in public speaking and get ready for the workforce. Furthermore, Career Champs has helped me strengthen my leadership skills. At present, I lead a team of 18, and ensure each member’s well-being. We celebrate our successes, work and play really hard, and most importantly, forge unforgettable bonds with the staff and the other members.

I chanced upon Career Champs through my classmate’s social media, and initially joined with the thought of filling up my time during the Home-Based Learning period. Interestingly, committing to Career Champs was the best decision made in my University life! SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

PATRICIA NATASHA Bachelor of Computer Science (Digital Systems Security), SIM-UOW Director, Partnerships and Engagement Department My role As the Director of Partnership and Engagement (P&E), I had the opportunity to lead a team to reach out to employers and getting them onboard to offer internships and job opportunities for students. Together with other departments in Career Champs, we also organised SPARKS International Virtual Career Fairs with the purpose of connecting students with the employers. During career fair preparations, my role is to liaise with companies that are keen to participate in our career fairs and to be the host, co-host, or even attendance taker on the day itself.

What motivated you to join Career Champs?

my skills in those areas before I graduated. I really wanted to make full use of my time in Career Champs to experience how organisations work, build my network and explore my weaknesses and strengths. I found that Career Champ’s purposes aligned with my goals. For instance, Career Champs gave me the opportunity to improve on my teamwork by working together with the other departments, and enhanced my communication skills by allowing us to engage with companies via email or video conference. I also got to make a lot of amazing international friends from countries such as India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, China, and many more!

I have a dream to establish my own business in the near future, which encompasses leadership, teamwork and communication skills. But since I did not have any experience being a part of any committee or organisation when I was in high school, I was committed to join Career Champs as I needed to enhance

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360 Degree Development Programme

esigned to provide an all-rounded experience, the 360 Degree Development Programme (360°) is open to selected final year student leaders of clubs and societies, who are deemed to be the best representation of SIM. The programme aims to enhance their development to become a sharp professional and employee of choice. Besides achieving academic excellence, selected student leaders must also demonstrate qualities of an all-rounder with leadership abilities and exemplary participation in their respective out-ofclassroom activities.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

Participants undergo a series of development training programmes and workshops, and opportunities are also provided to meet employers through networking sessions, as well as professionals through the mentorship programme. In addition, a career coach is assigned to provide guidance on career preparation techniques and career planning. Participants of this programme have benefitted greatly thus far, and many are highly sought-after by prospective employers.

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CAREER CONNECT PREPARES YOU

What was your role and involvement in CCAs and Societies? The moment I entered SIM, I set my mind to network and make friends. That led me to join a number of CCAs and Societies. My most significant one would be Student Ambassadors – it was the first society I joined, and the last one I left. As the Director of Student Engagement Division, I had the opportunity to plan and host large-scale events such as Teambuilding, Mass Training and Corporate Social Responsibility events. All the experiences polished my skills, and left me with a strong community spirit.

How did the programme benefit and better equip you for the working world? The programme consists a series of workshops touching on different soft and hard skills that helped me bridge the gap between academics and the working world. The trainers mapped out our career paths based on our unique personalities and interests, and helped us uncover our hidden potential. Later, the interpersonal skills I built during the programme helped me network right, and assisted me in job hunting.

HAY THI LWIN (HAZEL) BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN BANKING AND FINANCE, SIM-UOL Personal Wealth Associate, UOB

Some advice Many students are reluctant to join CCAs, Clubs and Societies at first due to time constraints and the challenges of settling into university life. But this is the sweet thing about being active; you learn to balance your studies and extra activities. I would encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and go out there and enjoy the world. After all, the time you spend engaged in activities are when you make precious memories, as well as gather hands-on experiences you cannot gain from academics.

• Director of Student Engagement Division, SIM Student Ambassadors • Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Leader • Student Involvement Representative, SIM Student Development • Research and Editorial Executive, Consulting Career Chapter • SIM EDGE Award Recipient

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The SIM EDGE Award

aunched in 2017, the SIM EDGE Award is a prestigious award developed in partnership with employers, to recognise your cumulative achievements in your learning journey. Through your journey at SIM, 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 and equip you with the ability to continue learning throughout your lives • 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 the 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/Voluntary Experience 4. Global Awareness 5. Additional Skills While this opportunity is open only to final year undergraduate students, you should start building your portfolio from Day One on campus in order to consolidate your best experiences.

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Your motivation in applying for the Award My motivation in applying for the award was to achieve some recognition for what I had done during my school life, and to validate the fact that hard work and tenacity do pay off. What I did in school – which I felt made me qualify to apply – was my academic contribution to others, in particular the juniors. For instance, being a PAL leader enabled several students to achieve distinctions, and hosting webinars during the global pandemic helped alleviate potential obstacles in their exam revisions.

One quality that you feel made you stand out from the rest of the applicants I will not say a quality made me stand out. Instead, I would say that it was through being creative in my academic contribution to others. Through PAL, I chose to forgo the provided materials and instead came up with a new set of learning materials that I felt would be easier for my students to understand. I also initiated hosting webinars for juniors and peers during the pandemic to help them with their revision, by designing my own slides and included my own perspectives and examples.

How do you think this award will give you a competitive edge?

LEE CHUN LEONG BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT, SIM-UOL Lee Chun Leong was part of the SIM-UOL Student Representative Council (SRC) as the Marketing Junior In-Charge in his first year. He was also a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Leader for the Introduction to Economics module where he designs a programme for 20 Year One students. He is now a Business Development Analyst at Swiss Re Asia Pte Ltd.

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If one has LinkedIn, this Award will definitely help to make their profile more attractive. The Award is also a sign of credibility in your resume, as you possess, and also demonstrate, the required attributes listed in the EDGE Award application. This makes one a more attractive hire. Nonetheless, the Award can only go so far in recognition of past achievements – do not forget to continue working hard and smart to reinforce to others why you managed to get such an Award!

My advice to students Be active and participate in school activities, as this award relies heavily on non-academic contributions and achievements. Also, do not be afraid to seek advice from people who have managed to get the Award. For myself, I sought advice from a trainer appointed by the school to help with my elevator pitch. Practise your elevator pitch – I practised mine while I was in reservist – because preparation is more important than presentation. Lastly, good luck!

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Your motivation in applying for the Award A cliché but succinct quote: If you never try, you will never know. Aside from academic pursuits, my role in leading various student clubs and active involvement in the community groomed me to be a well-rounded individual. As a finishing touch to my time spent in SIM-UB, the EDGE Award signifies the culmination of my very fulfilling undergraduate life.

One quality that you feel made you stand out from the rest of the applicants High self-awareness. During my time in SIM-UB, I knew what I wanted to pursue and achieve. Hence, the journey became a lot easier and enjoyable. Knowing what excites me, understanding who I am and leveraging on my strengths is a reflective process I constantly engage myself with. This clarity also empowers me to chase my goals confidently.

How do you think this award will give you a competitive edge?

YEO SHUN YUAN BACHELOR OF ARTS (SOCIOLOGY), SIM-UB Yeo Shun Yuan is the former President of the nowdefunct Public Sector Career Chapter with Career Connect. She was also an active member in AIESEC, and spearheaded several initiatives as a Global Ambassador and Wellness Advocate. She is now pursuing her postgraduate degree while running her own start-up.

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Being presented with one of the most prestigious SIM Awards is not only a testament to my holistic achievements, but also provides me a sturdier support for my next chapter in life. And not to mention, an additional accolade boosts my motivation to continue to strive better!

My advice to students Make the most out of your student life – try new experiences, embark on challenges and enjoy being a student! Rather than basing your identity on your resume or results, it is more important to find your sense of self. I believe that every flower has its season to blossom. Everyone has their own pace, and as long as you know what you want to strive for, you will naturally shine. Lastly, do not be afraid to reach out to past awardees, I am sure they will generally be happy to assist you in the application!

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Since its inception in 2011, SIM Alumni Engagement office seeks to broaden and deepen alumni linkages so as to cultivate mentorship, internship and employment opportunities for students and alumni alike. Membership is automatic and free for life for all SIM graduates, and alumni can tap into career support initiatives, networking platforms, access campus facilities or partake in reunions and gatherings at our local events – such as Homecoming and CEO Dialogue – and regionally through Overseas Alumni Chapters China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam. From 2021, all new and existing SIM alumni will be progressively onboarded to our newly-launched, one-stop community portal to connect with fellow alumni, access learner programmes, participate in alumni activities and receive latest updates on SIM. Visit www.simge.edu.sg/alumni or contact us at gealumni@sim. edu.sg today!

SIM Alumni Community Portal

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Overseas Alumni Chapter @ Myanmar

Overseas Alumni Chapter @ Vietnam

Overseas Alumni Chapter @ China

Overseas Alumni Chapter @ Indonesia

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Project Protégé

roject Protégé is a four-month mentorship programme for SIM GE students by the Alumni Engagement office. Since 2012, Project Protégé has been a platform for our alumni to make meaningful contributions to their alma mater by investing their time in shaping young minds, contributing to their juniors’ career journey. The mentors are from diverse industries and will share their professional expertise, career advice, as well as job search strategies. Students will be able to learn from our alumni and industry mentors on achieving their career aspirations, and for the mentors to impart their experiences and knowledge. In 2018, Alumni Engagement began to partner CPA Australia and Young NTUC to have their members on board this mentorship

journey to guide students in their career transition along with helping them to discover their career pathways and opportunities within the company and/or the industry. In 2019, the Project Protégé Alumni Edition was launched to provide career guidance to all young and mid-career alumni who are seeking career progression and/or changes. The Project Protégé International Edition was the latest edition launched in 2020 to help international students who are preparing to return home for their career development upon completion of studies. The alumni in their home country act as career mentors to help their juniors to ease back to home industry trends and demands.

Project Protégé International Edition

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Project Protégé Student Edition

Phase 2 Phase 1

• Joint Goal Setting

• Kick-off Event

• Contact Time with mentees (minimum four hours)

• Mentor-Mentee Pairing

• Career-related workshops/personality profiling (mentees)

Phase 3 • Culmination Event • Reflection • Mentor’s Appreciation

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SGUnited Skills Programme SGUS serves to get Learners market ready and land that dream job!

s Singapore continues to evolve into a progressive 4.0 industrial hub and global manufacturing centre, professionals seeking a fulfilling career in Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics sectors can expect a plethora of exciting career prospects via the SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Programme offered by SIM. The six-month full time programme supports adult learners in acquiring in-demand and emerging skills across growth sectors. Participants also have the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge by embarking on a comprehensive learning journey, which includes:

• Professional Career Coaching • Career Profiling with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality assessment tool to align their career preferences with professional goals • Career Preparation Workshops • Market-Relevant Modules designed in partnership with the industry and tailored to equip professionals with knowledge on the latest business trends and in-demand skill sets. • Industrial Attachment to gain exposure • Job placement facilitation

Find out more about the SGUS Programme at https://sgus.pd.sim.edu.sg/

S G U n i t e d Pr o g r a m m e

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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 also gives you a good perspective of how businesses and organisations are operated, opening doors to start your own company in the future. In recent years, businesses have started to use technology such as cloud accounting software and applications to increase efficiency for accounting and financial management. Accounting professionals are encouraged to upskilll constantly, picking up data analysis and mastering digital accounting. Accounting firms typically offer a diversity of services such as consulting, assurance, risk assessment, corporate recovery, tax and forensic accounting, aside from the customary accounting and auditing services. Due to the range of services they offer, employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates with good analytical skills, attention to detail and an ability to convey financial data clearly. Graduate accountants often join firms as trainees and will be required to take professional qualifications to enhance themselves. It is mandatory to go through the Singapore Qualification Programme (Singapore QP) in order to practise as a chartered accountant here.

• Auditing • Financial consulting • Risk assessment • Tax consulting

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

pecialising in different areas of banking and finance (e.g. asset management, hedge funds, private banking and equity, risk management, venture capital and corporate restructuring), employers such as retail banks and investment firms offer a diverse range of roles to graduate hires. Competition is tough in the banking and finance sector in Singapore, as the city-state is a regional and global hub for investment and finance. Improve your opportunities of securing a job in this field by seeking out internships during your university days to gain relevant work experience and build your knowledge and networks. Take note that employers appreciate candidates who excel in problem-solving 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 employers prefer numerical and business degrees, it is not a necessary requirement.

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

Job areas include • Assurance management

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 • Wealth management

Skills required • Numerical and analysis skills

Job hunting tips Score an internship and ace it! Networking is crucial in banking and investment. Research potential employers and send in your applications early.

• Problem-solving ability • Resilience • Able to work under pressure • Excellent communication skills • Strong understanding of financial markets • Decision-making skills

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Consulting

Education

raduates looking to break into this sector can choose between different areas of expertise ranging from human resources (HR), integrated solutions, management and strategy advisory work. They are also able to specialise in a particular sector, such as information technology (IT) or finance, with finance consulting being the most popular choice among graduates. Many employers offer graduate specialist programmes, where you will be assigned to work in teams with a mentor. You will also be involved in projects and have the chance to experience the day-to-day business to help you pick up skills on-the-job. There are also numerous perks to working in this industry, such as a variety of job roles and travelling opportunities as borders begin to open. But be prepared to work in a high-pressure environment, though! 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.

Job areas include • Human resources • Integrated solutions • Management • Strategy advisory • Finance consulting

Skills required

Job hunting tips 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!

• Commercial awareness • Numerical and analytical skills

espite the long hours and the need to juggle multiple responsibilities, a career in education is highly rewarding as it gives you the satisfaction of preparing future generations to achieve their aspirations. Major employers include the Ministry of Education (MOE), public and private institutions and tuition centres. Besides becoming a teacher, you may also want to consider roles such as career counsellor, educational psychologist, or corporate and administrative roles. 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 (NIE). Graduates from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

Job areas include • Early childhood education • Primary education • Secondary education • Tertiary education • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) • Education psychology • Education assessment • Career counselling

Skills required • Passion • A strong belief in education

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 it is highly valued as it allows you to be exposed to different student behaviours, and helps you cultivate your own teaching style in the classroom.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills • Organisational and time management skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Persuasion and negotiation skills • Problem-solving ability • Able to work in a team • Self-motivation

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Healthcare

Hospitality and Tourism

mployment in this industry is not closed off to nonmedical graduates. While most medical careers require specialist knowledge and training, applicants from other degree backgrounds can also explore 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, 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 is 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 and 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 work • Healthcare regulations • Manufacturing and supply • Quality management • Research and development • Sales and marketing

Skills required • Resilience • Communication skills • Organisational skills • Able to work in a team • Excellent grasp of technical knowledge

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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 too, as is obtaining the necessary qualifications.

ome to two integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore has a strong hospitality and tourism industry. Although the industry took a huge hit due to the global outbreak of Covid-19, this sector is set to be revived with the anticipated return of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE). Singapore has also retained its popularity as a stopover location as countries reopen their borders, and can offer graduates ample career opportunities, ranging from hotel management, leisure and events management. The sector also requires manpower for support functions such as IT, marketing and HR. Working in hospitality and tourism requires much patience, energy and emotional intelligence. Shift work and irregular hours during the seasonal peak periods are common. Most graduate employees start out from the bottom or through graduate programmes, obtaining training and professional qualifications on-the-job.

Job areas include • The food and beverage industry • Hotels and resorts • Leisure and recreation management • Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE)

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

• Spa and wellness management • Tourism and attractions

Skills required • Client-facing skills • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Organisational skills • Able to work in a team • Problem-solving ability

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IT and Technology

ingapore is a global IT hub and many technology firms have established 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 non-IT industries as well (e.g. finance, health, media and legal services). 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 educational background in IT can take up technical modules in school or obtain professional technical qualifications on a part-time basis as they work. A common way into the IT sector is through graduate programmes, especially if you want to apply to major organisations. On the other hand, many smaller employers prefer to hire directly. Employers greatly value candidates with good problemsolving and time management abilities as these are vital to helping them meet project deadlines. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also essential due to the teambased nature of this sector.

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

Skills required

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

Legal

pon obtaining your law degree, you will have to first undergo a training period – that lasts between six months to a year – before you can go through the bar examinations and practise as a lawyer. Large law firms may offer graduate trainee programmes with opportunities to rotate 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 ponder roles like in-house legal advisors for commercial organisations, advising them on various legal strategies. Employers in the legal industry need support staff members for the finance, HR and even IT departments too. However, depending on your role, your working hours can differ immensely. As a graduate lawyer, you may be faced with long and intense hours at work, though 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 problemsolving abilities.

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

• Adaptability

Skills required

• Commercial awareness

• Analytical skills

• Technical skills • Problem-solving ability • Time management skills • Communication skills

Job hunting tips Consider taking up paralegal jobs as a student to meet contacts and form your professional network. You can also intern or volunteer with NGOs or political organisations to get more exposure if you are interested in these aspects of the profession.

• Communication skills • Good networking ability • An eye for detail

• Organisational skills

• The ability to work under pressure

• Able to work in a team

• To be highly committed • Problem-solving ability

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Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain

anufacturing, logistics and supply chain are essential in many industries, especially in the fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail sectors. Manufacturing involves turning raw materials into products through value-adding, where engineering graduates would be responsible for the safe and efficient planning, management and maintenance of production methods and processes. In logistics and supply chain, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are developed for the prompt delivery of goods and services. Graduates in this industry use logistical software and tools to oversee the inventory, distribution of goods and services and cost management. Recommendations are then made to improve productivity and efficiency. The logistics and supply chain area of work typically welcomes applicants from all disciplines, and major organisations may even provide management training schemes to prepare their graduate hires for the job. These often include a series of job rotations so that they are able to better appreciate the processes that affect an organisation. However, those who are interested in manufacturing may need a relevant engineering degree and technical skills required for the role they are gunning for.

• Assembly engineer • Customs management • E-commerce • Freight/Global forwarding • Logistics • Supply chain management and service • Supply optimisation

he media industry is immensely vibrant due to its relevance to all businesses. Graduates typically find their calling across platforms of outreach, such as print, online and broadcast, where they can work in areas such as brand management, public relations, copywriting, database management and analysis, as well as market research and sales promotion. Familiarity with traditional areas of work in this industry such as journalism, events and marketing are essential, and graduates need to be well-versed in social media management and able to adapt to ongoing communication trends too. Despite the breadth of the industry, vacancies are limited, and competition to get into the industry can be stiff. While large organisations do run graduate schemes, most graduate applicants will likely have to apply directly for entry-level jobs.

Job areas include • Advertising • Copywriting • Digital/Web marketing • Events management

Job areas include • Operations manager

Media (Advertising, PR and Communications)

• Film/Stage production

Job hunting tips Employers usually keep an eye out for graduates who are not only strong in planning and people skills, but boast technical expertise in project and logistics management as well.

• Graphic design • Journalism • Media purchasing • Public relations (PR) • Social media management

Skills required • Creativity • Able to work in a team

• Transport management

• Strong analytical skills

• Warehousing

• Tenacity and resourcefulness

Skills required

Job hunting tips A solid portfolio can greatly increase your chances of a successful application. Networking is also immensely important and may help you get a foot in the door to the industry. For this reason, it is a good idea to start taking up part-time roles and internships even as a student in order to build your connections and portfolio.

• Data management

• Planning skills • Organisational skills • Strong communication skills • Interpersonal skills • Able to work in a team • Leadership skills • Problem-solving ability • An eye for detail

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NGOs and Non-profit Organisations

raduates keen on helping the community can find their calling in non-governmental and non-profit organisations. Singapore is home to around 140 international not-for-profit organisations, all catering to a variety of social, humanitarian and environmental issues. As such, there are plenty of options for graduates. Depending on the area of expertise and the role that you apply for, there may be a need for specialist knowledge and skills, and some organisations may impose certain certification criteria. Whatever your role is, employers generally look for a definite trait: Passion and commitment to the cause. While salaried positions tend to be on the lower scale compared to the corporate sector, employees working with NGOs and nonprofits derive their motivation from the satisfaction that they gain from serving and helping the community.

Job areas include • Community relations • Environmental • Services (children, youth, family, elderly, special needs and healthcare) • Social work • Volunteer development

Skills required • Problem-solving ability • Organisation skills • Communication skills • Technical skills (depending on the role)

Job hunting tips Employers look for candidates who are able to demonstrate their commitment to the cause and contribute to the organisation.

Public Sector

he public sector is Singapore’s largest employer, consisting of different ministries, statutory boards and a variety of organisations such as the Public Service Division, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team. Graduates engaged in public service often find their roles to be satisfying and fulfilling. Role, job scope and skills required may vary, as they hinge on the ministry that you are hired into. In general, though, all public sector employees must possess a passion to serve the community and have good teamwork and communication skills. A maturity in order to draw up and execute national policies is vital as well. As a public sector employee, you will benefit from frequent training for upskilling and job security, and may also be offered flexible working hours should the need arise. However, do be prepared for longer working hours during peak periods, such as before project deadlines and launches of new initiatives. Many graduates enter the public sector through graduate programmes organised by the individual bodies, but departments and organisations also hire graduates directly. Do make it a habit to check in with the ministries that you are interested in for new positions available.

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

Skills required • Communication skills • Organisational skills • Able to work in a team • Good interpersonal skills

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Job hunting tips As this sector offers a wide range of positions, do thorough research and find and identify the fields of work which interest you. Be prepared for a series of interviews and assessments too! Keep in mind that psychometric tests may be included in your recruitment process too.

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

When choosing a job, it is 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 corporations (MNCs), small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or startups, you will quickly find each company has a character and disposition of its own. This is especially important when you begin considering job offers – finding the right workplace is vital when you are first setting out on your career journey.

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

Pros Opportunities As MNCs maintain presences in numerous countries, there will always be opportunities to travel and work around the world. This will 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 resume without having to search for a new job. Career progression is also fairly straightforward and you will 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 will have the chance to cultivate your expertise in one area of work as training as upskilling will be provided. Successful experts will also be around you more often, so you can look up them to as role models.

Things to consider Culture and opportunities Maintaining a shared culture is challenging in a company that sprawls across several countries with different values. Rules and regulations are also much stricter, so as you integrate into the company’s culture, some aspects of your individualism may get lost. Although there are opportunities for crossdepartmental tasks, most employees find themselves moving within their own job scope with little reason to interact with other departments. Red tape Standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflow and structure can be inflexible as well. The different levels of management also mean many MNCs are 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 jostling for limited positions in MNCs – so are experienced jobseekers. As such, competition is fierce. Competition among co-workers 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.

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Small-to Medium-sized Enterprises Companies with either less than $100 million in yearly sales turnover or a total employee headcount that does not exceed 200 people are considered SMEs. These enterprises contribute more than 50 per cent to Singapore’s GDP and provide some 70 per cent of employment. Today, graduates and jobseekers alike are as keen to work in SMEs as they are MNCs.

Pros

Things to consider

Experience Job roles are less specific and the chance to be involved in all areas is much higher. You may also 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 allows you to gain knowledge and insight beyond your role that can boost your resume in the future, too.

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 workloads much larger than those generally found in MNCs. You will also have to settle for fewer benefits than what you would be able to find for the same job scope in a bigger organisation, such as retirement plans.

Flexibility Some SMEs offer alternative work arrangements, much like flexible working hours. They 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. For example, you will likely get the opportunity to explore your preferred working style.

Training Because SMEs do not usually offer training programmes, you can expect to learn on-the-job. If training is offered, there is a chance it would be informal. You would need to be proactive and possess a streak of independence if you want to pick up knowledge and skills.

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, but still driven and integrated. Deep bonds are common, 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 co-workers from different departments.

Career progression and growth Although there may be fewer employees competing for a promotion, the fact that the company is smaller means the number of positions available is limited. There may be less 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 wind up closing down in the long run, leaving you unemployed.

Job satisfaction Working for SMEs will give you the unique chance of taking ownership of your work even as you drive the company 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.

Small and unknown MNCs are widely known and respected, and this can be useful when you begin looking around for your next role. However, if you come from an SME, in future interviews, you may have to talk about your former company instead of yourself and your achievements.

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STARTUPS

Startups Newly incorporated businesses that have not yet hit the five-year mark, startups depend on scalable business models. They have also 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 considered the most talented and respected in their respective fields.

Pros Creative and innovative Work environments in startups tend to be innovative and dynamic, as they are always looking to break into new territory. You will have the space you need to create and innovate, and the next new fresh design or concept could even come from you. Flexibility Hierarchies in startups are not very rigid and are usually flat. They also offer flexible working hours and casual environments. 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. Startups are also excellent training grounds as you will have to learn how to do almost everything. This is especially useful if you are 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 very sharp. However, the chance of recognition for a job well done is high. Opportunities and experience Startups grant you the opportunity to forge your own path rather than follow an established route. Startups are about your skills and do not usually require experience as you will learn on-the-job. Not only that, but you will also have the chance to work with other skilled entrepreneurs.

Things to consider Job stability, structure and risk Many startups do not succeed for a variety of reasons, such as facing bad economies. 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. Keep in mind that although startup founders may have exceptional ideas and plans to succeed, this does not necessarily make them either good or experienced leaders. Remuneration and benefits Your salary will not match the long working hours and commitment you have to plunge into a startup. Moreover, if there are gaps in resources or funding, you may find yourself with lower, or even suspended salary, for a time. There are certain perks to off-set this issue, though, such as the chance to work from home and stock options. Work-life balance There is no such thing as a work-life balance in a startup if you want to succeed. 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 highstress environment is highly possible.

Job satisfaction and ownership In such a small company, every bit of effort from you counts. Because your performance will have a direct impact, you will also have a larger sphere of influence than in an MNC, or even in an SME. You may even get the opportunity to work on an entire project by yourself and will get all the credit if it is a success.

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Exploring Internships Committing to an internship can give you an edge over other graduate applicants; on top of giving you the chance to gain valuable experience, it is also an opportunity for you to develop the skills and qualities employers look out for.

Benefits of committing to an internship

1. Boost your employability

An 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 acquired beyond the classroom to prospective employers. Moreover, in the new normal and present economic climate, employers are on the lookout for candidates who stand out, are adaptable and able to contribute. Internships can also set you apart from other applicants who do not have one under their belts.

2. Better understanding of yourself 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 can also help you gauge your abilities and working style, and help you realise how you can further improve your skills. This preview of the industry of your choice may help you better manage your expectations when you transition into the working world, too.

3. Connect to your chosen career

Employers often use internships and work placements as means to attract talents and later convert them to 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.

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Gordon Neo Bachelor of Arts (International Trade), SIM-UB Quantitative Analyst (Innovation and Insights), NielsenIQ

My role My role as a Data Analyst in NielsenIQ is to analyse large scale datasets and understand the story behind the forces driving business opportunities for brands in different markets globally. I have had the opportunity to work and lead several projects with global titans such as Unilever and Glico.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I would think I am luckier than most other candidates, as I managed to secure this internship. But behind this, there were countless rejections. I applied to more than 50 companies, and every rejection hurt more than the last, with some companies not replying at all. So, what made me stand out was my tenacity – not giving up in the face of countless rejections just because the process has become harder due to the global pandemic. To further boost my chances, the staff team from Career Connect helped me with drastically refining my resume, and also identifying some jobs I might be interested in, as well as my strengths.

My takeaway Beyond the experience of being a part of an industry leader like NielsenIQ, one thing I discovered is how essential it is to find a company that supports your growth, and how invaluable it can be in pushing you forward as an undergraduate. While I was a full-time intern at NielsenIQ, I also held the position of Vice-President of the Sociology Club and volunteered with two different non-profit organisations. My seniors at NielsenIQ provided me with guidance and were incredibly patient with my mistakes and provided me feedback on insights on how to grow and balance my work and personal life.

Some words of advice Firstly, apply for the internship, even if it looks daunting and you do not check all of the boxes. Look at the job description and not the title. Speak to the recruiter and do not be afraid to explore different opportunities if the job scope seems like something you would be keen in. That is the best thing about being an intern – you are allowed to dip your toes in different roles to explore. You never know what you may end up liking or disliking!

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Chang Zhi Yi Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science and Business Analytics, SIM-UOL Product Strategy and Operations Intern, ByteDance, TikTok

My role As a Product Marketing and Product Analyst Intern at ByteDance and TikTok, I mostly worked on technical projects and handled data-related requests for the Product Strategy and Operations department. Some projects I was involved in were Market Basket Analysis for APAC transaction data to predict which advertised products were likely to be sold and targeted together, as well as managing onboarding programmes for advertisers across APAC.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic Being prepared and doing ample research on the company was a factor that made me stand out from the rest of the applicants. Having to go through four rounds of interviews for an internship was tough, so it was vital to have a good understanding of the company and the role. For me, it successfully demonstrated my interest in the role, and also helped me craft meaningful questions at the end of the interview.

My takeaway I learnt the importance of managing expectations, because juggling my internship with a full-time university course along with two CCAs and various other side jobs was not easy. Handling many commitments at once comes with opportunity costs, be it less time or less energy for each commitment. Letting teammates and supervisors know what was on my plate and how I was prioritising my commitments helped plenty.

Some words of advice A piece of advice I would give students would be to start working on your portfolio as soon as possible, ideally from your first year. Consider joining CCAs that can help to value add to your portfolios. If needed, approach your friendly Career Coaches for career advice, too. As for internship applications, there will definitely be rejections. However, after securing the first internship, it is easier to get invited for interviews subsequently. Do not let setbacks define you, and keep a growth mindset. It will go a long way!

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Jonathan Yeoh Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science and Business Analytics, SIM-UOL Regional Business Intelligence and Project Management Intern, Bolloré Logistics

My role My role in Bolloré involved conducting data analysis and visualisations for our business activities. This included many regional projects for our big customers where I reviewed sales and shipment performances. An interesting project was our company’s annual budget forecasting. I helped to build a Tableau Dashboard that could review the past year’s sales performance, and simulate growth for the next year. This helped our Regional Account Managers to discuss strategies and plan for the year after. I was also involved in project management, and facilitated the launch of a new delivery service across South East Asia for a global luxury goods conglomerate.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I spent a considerable time building a presentable and professional resume and LinkedIn profile. As a student with hardly any experience, it was very important for me to make a good first impression with interviewers. I also took up relevant professional courses to boost my credentials and upgrade my skills. I also applied to many roles early and aggressively. I had suffered multiple rejections before being offered the role at Bolloré. Conducting research on the companies also helped me in interviews, as being able to ask the interviewers various questions undoubtedly impressed them as well.

My takeaway I learnt a lot working in a regional role, being able to interact with customers across Southeast Asia. This made me more confident in my communication skills. Learning new skills and picking up industry knowledge on top of my academics was also very beneficial. Throughout most of my internship, I worked from home. This was challenging as there was lesser interaction and guidance. The internship also clashed with school, and while the company was flexible in allowing me to attend classes, I still had to catch up over the weekends. I had to remain disciplined throughout, and thankfully, I managed to do so.

Some words of advice Do not be afraid to ask questions! As an intern, you are still not expected to know everything, and most supervisors are very willing to help you grow. By asking questions, you learn the most, especially in this climate where we work from home most of the time. Be proactive, try to offer more than what is required and always present your best work. Your supervisor’s and colleague’s impressions of you are important, and you never know what opportunities may arise from them!

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Suu Waddy Soe Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), SIM-UB International Brand Intern (North Asia Region), Love, Bonito

My role As an International Brand Intern, I led and localised several campaigns for the Hong Kong market, while generating creative ideas within the department. Along with my team, I contributed towards new content ideas each month for the Electronic Direct Mail (EDM) newsletter, social media and content angle for influencer postings. I even got the opportunity to coordinate influencer collaborations from their outfits to the final end product of their post, IGTV, or YouTube videos! In the e-commerce backend, I set up promo codes, gift card codes and loyalty rewards for our consumers and influencers in the Hong Kong region. At the end of each campaign, I would analyse brand launch performance to ensure improvement for upcoming campaigns.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I felt that what made me stand out from the rest of the applicants was my mindset of growth and passion for fashion. Although I had no experience in marketing and had no idea what I wanted in the future, I was eager to learn and would take up any opportunity to do so. I also ensured what I learnt from my previous experience, such as being a sales associate, was transferable to my new placements.

My takeaway My biggest takeaway was the chance to work in a global team and coordinate Love, Bonito’s first pop-up café in Hong Kong, Caffe LB! It was a mind-blowing experience where we planned and prepared a festive café for our Hong Kong customers – and we did it all virtually! Although we could not be in Hong Kong physically to witness our plans and preparations coming to life, the experience taught me how the world has become more interconnected, and how technology has made these events possible. Another skill I took away was the ability to negotiate and deal with our partners, which I did not realise was such an essential skill in the working world. A challenge I faced was balancing my studies during my internship. Although I took lesser modules that semester, it was overwhelming when there were peak periods such as 11.11 sales and midterms during the same week – which lead me to my final takeaway, why it is essential to work under pressure to meet deadlines!

Some words of advice Take the time to explore your passion and career aspirations. Start being proactive in your career goals, have a mindset that is always eager to learn and be bold to take any opportunity available! As an intern, always have an inquisitive attitude and do not be afraid to make mistakes, as they help you learn and grow!

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Justin Hu Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing and Information Systems, SIM-UOL Software Engineer Intern, TreeDots

My role I had the privilege to work on both the backend and frontend of the web application which I was assigned to assist the team in developing. As TreeDots is a company that focuses on selling cosmetically imperfect groceries to consumers all around the island as part of an effort in reducing food wastage, not only did I have the opportunity to learn about the modern tools used by software engineers, knowing my contribution would help in operating this business operation to promote a sustainable lifestyle in the community made my internship experience a meaningful one.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I think the two factors that made me stand out from other applicants were my interview preparation and a well-formatted resume. Interview preparation includes having adequate knowledge of the company’s motto and vision, and you apply that in your interview to keep your responses more relevant to the company’s interest. I also researched on potential questions and tests that may be asked or given. A well-formatted resume clearly illustrates your suitability to a role, and how your past working experience can contribute to it. It also shows any past project experience.

My takeaway Throughout the internship, I built more technical knowledge and project working experience that could not otherwise be picked up in school. It definitely added value to my learning journey in SIM-UOL. Nonetheless, there were frustrating times when I had to do lots of research in order to use the correct codes to achieve the desired output. In these times, perseverance to do my best, and seeking help from colleagues helped me overcome the challenges. Time management was another skill that I took away, as I did this internship while studying for my final year examinations.

Some words of advice Believing in yourself is crucial to power through during the internship-hunting period. Be it before you have secured an internship, or you have gotten an offer, always make full use of your free time to improve yourself. Securing an internship is not the destination; it is just a part of your journey in figuring out what you truly want to do in your life.

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Eileen Ang Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Events Management, SIM-University of Stirling Events Intern, Directions Group, Inc

My role As an Events Intern, I played a supportive role on the team. My day-to-day task differed according to the projects we handled – which ranged from private events like weddings and charity galas, to corporate events such as product launches or store activations for luxury brands. I mainly managed the groundwork of the projects such as venue sourcing, vendor management, logistics procurement and scheduling. Besides that, I was also involved in the creative ideation and overall conceptualisation of each project.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic One of the main reasons was my willingness to extend my internship to a six-month affair. Personally, as an events major, I felt that I did not have sufficient industry experience in my portfolio to give me job security when I graduated during the global pandemic. Hence, I decided to take a leave of absence from school and focus on my internship, and which also allowed me to see through a number of projects. This gave me good exposure to the industry, as well as the range of different projects the company handles, something I would not have been able to experience if I kept my internship to three months.

My takeaway Compared to what I am studying, which focuses more on the management side of the field and the bigger picture in the events industry, my time in Directions provided me with a clearer understanding of the demands of an Events Associate. This really helped me to paint a more realistic picture of the working life that awaits me beyond this internship, and helped me visualise the kind of work environment that I wish to work in. It helped me to hone skills such as attention to detail, time and people management, corporate branding guidelines and requirements, as well. I also had the chance to build up my vendors and resources database, which is extremely important for this industry. However, one of my biggest takeaways would be learning how to manage expectations of the different stakeholders, which is a useful skill across all industries. I really struggled with having a work-life balance during my internship. While it is important to be accountable for all my responsibilities and balance my other commitments alongside my workload, I found it difficult to “stop working” with pressing deadlines, and that left me in a terrible headspace. Progressively, I learnt how to draw my boundaries respectfully, and make time for myself to still do things that I love.

Some words of advice Never see yourself as just an intern. Take pride in your work and present them with confidence! Always take the initiative and be willing to learn. If you are interested in an area or task that is not delegated to you, ask to be involved in the spirit of growth and improvement. Be humble in your asking. No question is ever too stupid, and it is always good to over-communicate to avoid any misunderstanding!

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Lawrence Choy Bachelor of Science (Honours) Data Science and Business Analytics, SIM-UOL Business Development Intern, ShopBack

My role Being part of the ShopBack Go department, my main role was to support the Business Development Managers operationally as they brought on board more in-store shopping, dining, and entertainment merchants. I also had the opportunity to perform other job functions such as marketing and analytics.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic Due to the global pandemic, it was a difficult period for everyone and I am grateful to have secured an internship. I had applied for the role twice, and was only accepted on my subsequent application. After I was rejected on my first application, I identified some gaps in skills I had, worked on them and applied again. It is also important to persevere and stay positive during your internship or job search!

My takeaway My biggest takeaway was one of the company’s values: “Own the change you seek”. It was a privilege to be part of a start-up, as there were always new challenges to take on. Initially, it was difficult to get used to the fast-paced environment, but as time went by, I found myself taking on these challenges, taking ownership and implementing new initiatives to improve work processes.

Some words of advice Stay positive and do not give up when applying for internships or jobs. Identify any gaps you may have and learn more about the company to ensure you are in line with what you are applying for. Always ask and clarify if you are unsure, because it will help you understand what you are tasked with. Be open to learn and adapt to changes because it will help you grow!

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Beatrice Chow Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Talent Acquisition Intern, Siemens

My role My day-to-day tasks involved sourcing and interacting with potential candidates on platforms such as LinkedIn, shortlisting candidates for interviews with the respective hiring managers and providing assistance throughout the entire recruitment cycle for interns. On top of that, my core duties also included generating monthly recruitment reports, creating talent pipelines for current and future hires and assisting in the organisation’s employer branding campaigns and activities, such as career fairs.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I did prior research on the company and read the job description carefully to ensure its alignment to my personal and professional goals before I applied. I felt that it was extremely essential to ensure that I had a clear goal in my application, as well as to allow myself the chance to articulate that during the interview. Besides that, I also tailored my resume according to the job description, and made sure to include the relevant skills and experiences to increase my chances of getting shortlisted. During the interview, I maintained an enthusiastic attitude and mindset, and also asked questions that reinforced my interest in the role.

My takeaway As Talent Acquisition was a relatively new field for me, it was initially challenging to learn about the processes behind the role, and utilising the company systems. However, it gave me a better understanding on how such processes contribute to the successful hiring of candidates. Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to have a patient team and line manager who always guided me and constantly encouraged me to ask questions. My internship also enabled me to connect with experienced professionals at Siemens, which enriched my learning experience when they gave advice and shared about their past experiences.

Some words of advice Never be afraid to take the first step to apply for an opportunity even if you do not feel qualified. You never know how it will turn out, or how far you will go! Take the initiative to learn and be proactive at work. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and ensure you grow and learn. Lastly, do remember to set aside some time to check in with your line manager and colleagues to align expectations, and be receptive to feedback given to you.

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Ashley Ong Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), SIM-UB Business Development Intern, Porsche Asia Pacific Ltd

My role I worked closely with the Director and Managers of the Business Development team and my main responsibilities included supporting strategic business development projects such as Market Development Strategy, Wholesale Consulting and the Operational Business. The team I was in focuses on the Singapore market, as well as markets in 12 other ASEAN regions. The bulk of my work also involved assisting in the Market Business Plan for 2022 for the APAC region. Additionally, I prepared and supported KPI reporting and presentations

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic Truth be told, I only got this internship when I applied for the second time. In this pandemic, great internships are scarce and highly competitive. I believe what made me stand out could be broken down into three factors. Firstly, I placed a big importance in suiting my abilities to what they were looking for in my cover letter and resume. Secondly, communication with your future employers should have high standards of enthusiasm and politeness. So, I did a very thorough follow-up before and after the interview. Thirdly, I studied very hard for the interview to ensure I had an edge over others.

My takeaway You cannot fathom the speed Porsche employees work at! Porsche’s culture is spectacular. They inspire me every single day. They are extremely passionate, productive and disciplined. What struck me the most was their ability to remain composed in the most stressful of times. I love challenges; Porsche was no short in pushing me to extend my limits. They groomed me to always be on the ball, engineering my stamina to keep going forward. Tiny details count, and they showed me how to take great pride in your work. Porsche is not just a company that manufactures and sells cars; they are the elite specialists behind the automotive industry and the driving force behind innovative change for a sustainable tomorrow.

Some words of advice Know yourself very well, and always strive for self-improvement. Kickstart that by taking online certifications in the fields of study you are interested in. Have proper time management and trust in your abilities. Be genuine and you will surely succeed. If you are unsure, ask. It is your keenness to learn that sets you apart from the pack. Stay highly motivated and do not put yourself down. Life is a game!

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Siew Jia Yi Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL Compliance Intern, Capital Governance

My role As a Compliance Intern, my role included conducting in-depth regulatory research on topics like Anti-Money Laundering or the Payment Services Act. I also assisted with policy reviews of our clients, ensuring that their regulatory policies comply with the MAS regulations. There was a lot of reading and writing involved in this role.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I believe having the right attitude and a proactive mindset are keys to creating opportunities for oneself. I also had relevant past experience as a law programme student during my Junior College days, which was an added bonus as an applicant for this position.

My takeaway My biggest takeaway is that I had first-hand experience in the field of compliance. I have also learned to become a more meticulous worker which has been my weakness. Having my first internship also prompted me to start thinking more seriously about my future and my career goals. One of the challenges I faced was juggling my CCAs and with my full-time internship. However, I overcame it by sticking with my timetable and taking proper breaks in between to avoid the possibility of burn out.

Some words of advice Always maintain the positive mindset you have on your first day of your internship! Stay curious and do not be afraid to ask questions. My advice to internship-hunting is to be courageous and proactive by making use of all available resources around you. Attend workshops provided by Career Connect, or hone your technical skills online to be more employable. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain!

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Jonathan Lim Bachelor of Arts (Economics), SIM-UB Special Projects Associate, Grain

My role As a Special Projects Associate, I was Grain’s versatile arm. I supported the various leaders and departments and filled holes wherever they were. This included leveraging data to derive insights and make recommendations for improvements across functions. I was even given the opportunity to lead a $1M/year product launch, and worked hard on iterations to achieve product-market fit and profitability. My role heavily involved coordinating between stakeholders to ensure that all the pieces were set for success.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic One word: Versatility. Be open-minded and accepting to take on tasks outside your pre-defined job scope. Especially in a growing start-up in the middle of a global pandemic, everyone takes on multiple hats. You should not be afraid to do the same. Being versatile exemplifies your growth mindset and willingness to learn. Also, a bonus would be that you get to experience and learn different things!

My takeaway The value of work ethic, specifically on maintaining trust and being accountable. Essentially, always do what you say you would do. This might sound easy, but people rarely achieve this, even C-suite leaders. Accountability breeds trust, which will lead to more outcomes and growth when you are allowed to take on higher-level projects.

Some words of advice Do away with the “internship” title – it often acts as a shield for you to do a job half-heartedly and make mistakes. Instead, go beyond what you are expected to do and learn to love your company, its people and your position!

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Lydia Ho Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), SIM-UB Marketing Intern, Sodexo Singapore

My role I have been able to do a wide range of different tasks over the course of my six-month internship as a Marketing Intern in Sodexo. Working in a company that provides a spectrum of services for clients mostly in MNCs, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, allowed me to execute and support marketing campaigns across these diverse groups. I had also managed relevant social media pages, like starting Sodexo Singapore’s TikTok account, while also creating both written and visual content.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I had been blessed to have been able to secure this internship, and a future conversion to a full-time position! I would say the first thing I did was actively source for internships on various platforms and websites. My resume was also constantly tweaked and updated to include improvements that I received from career workshops and seniors. Although I did not think that my resume was something that was too stellar, I made the effort to actively take up opportunities both in school and externally to improve myself.

My takeaway During the course of the six months, I juggled my internship and schoolwork while still maintaining my attendance for my CCA. It was definitely a struggle, and at times I felt so drained that I thought of giving up. Time management was my biggest obstacle and 24 hours always seemed to pass by too quickly. Even now after completing my studies, I cannot say that I am a master in time management, I have definitely learnt how to better set my priorities and also boundaries when needed.

Some words of advice Take chances and just try. An internship is where you can really immerse yourself into the corporate world to explore what it is like in a particular industry or job function. I found that many of the opportunities that I have had so far seemed to be unplanned, but I always adopt an open-minded attitude to be willing to try and learn along the way.

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Vince Gan Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOB Audit Associate Intern, Audit Alliance

My role My primary responsibility was to detect materiality misstatements through the audit stages, such as client acceptance, audit planning, the gathering of audit evidence, completion and auditor’s reports. During my projects, I spent most of my time gathering proof – documents – to test the effectiveness of control smoothly. It is essential to provide a thorough check; we can promptly detect and highlight the errors if our client has an effective internal control process

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemicc When I was accepted into the internship placement, I always kept a “learn as much as I can” attitude. I appreciated, and was grateful, to have secured a placement, what with the scarcity of internship positions during this time. A positive attitude and proactiveness in work also helped me stand out from the rest of the applicants.

My takeaway One of my biggest takeaways was meeting employers from different industries, as the projects are usually involved with various sectors. It further expands my knowledge as I communicate with my clients. However, there were times when I faced challenges. Due to safe distancing measures, we would have to perform our tasks and duties remotely, over Zoom. There are protocols to, and we have to accommodate our clients’ office protocols, which increased the difficulties of performing my duty. Despite the situation, I learnt how to encounter and adapt myself to a new working model, and it sharpened my virtual skills for my future employment. It also minimised the chances of clarifying my doubts with the seniors and managers.

Some words of advice Keep your mind open, be humble when you are good at something and be curious when you want to learn something. Most importantly, be fearless when you make a mistake. Keeping these pointers in mind not only kept me motivated at the workplace, but also made me a better person.

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Theresa Nadia Tjitrosantoso Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL Finance Intern, Circles.Life

My role As a Finance Intern, some of my major responsibilities included assisting with month-end closure and group consolidation for assigned accounts, reconciling intercompany balances and transactions, as well as working on special projects such as developing and implementing internal rules and procedures. I was also given the opportunity to collaborate with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and legal team on the company’s internal controls.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, even with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic Finding an internship during the pandemic was difficult, since several companies reduced their internship positions. But I feel that perseverance and an open mind toward learning are crucial qualities to possess while applying for internships and even jobs. Furthermore, I always liked the firm’s ideals and goals, and I feel that demonstrating genuine interest in the company and position would set you apart.

My takeaway My best takeaway is to not be hesitant to ask questions. My first week was a tough learning curve, but my colleagues encouraged me not to be afraid to ask questions and clarify my doubts. The company culture also increased my enthusiasm for learning new things and working under pressure. I was able to enhance my time management abilities in my studies, internship and even my lifestyle, by taking one thing at a time.

Some words of advice As an intern, you will be given responsibilities that you have never had before. Take it as a chance to learn more about the industry in which you work in. Do not be scared to provide feedback and own up to your mistakes, too! Remember to take notes during meetings and be receptive to feedback as this will be extremely beneficial once you enter the workforce.

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Ichiro Tan Bachelor of Business (International Business), SIM-RMIT Intern (Malaysia Representative Office), Singapore Institute of Management

My role The responsibilities for my role as an intern for the Malaysia Representative Office include providing assistance in administrative matters, event planning, conducting market research and analysing the Malaysia market. During my internship journey, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to participate in the planning process for several of the office’s events, such as, Education Fairs, Malaysia Virtual Open Houses, Malaysia Educators Conference, Malaysia Agents Workshop, Build Your Own University Challenge and Career Month Series.

What made me stand out from the rest of the applicants, what with the tough competition to secure an internship in the present pandemic I believe the factor that made me stand out is my spirit of proactiveness, as well as my strong background knowledge and understanding of SIM Global Education. During the interview process, I expressed to my interviewers with confidence that I would be able to provide insights and recommendations on the aspect of academic courses and CCAs that may be beneficial to the office, based on students’ viewpoints as supported by my strong student life background during my education journey with SIM.

My takeaway My utmost takeaway from this internship was being able to work with a team that was professional and helpful. I was extremely fortunate to have received their guidance throughout my entire internship journey. It really helped me a lot in my transition, familiarisation and growing process for my role. However, there was also a challenge I faced, which I have managed to overcome. It helped me learn the importance of cultivating good time management and finding a balance between my internship, academic courses and involvement in several CCAs, as to not overwhelm myself throughout this internship journey.

Some words of advice As the proverb says, “When life gives you sour lemons, turn it into a sweet lemonade!” Do not be discouraged and held back when you face difficulties in your internship search. Instead, take this as a precious once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity to enrich yourself and be a person with a stronger will. “When there is a will, there is a way”. I can assure you the outcome of your journey will be a rewarding one when you have reached your desired destination!

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Converting an Internship into a Full-Time Job

Chee Guan Jia Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL J.P. Morgan Previous role: Intern, Corporate Analyst Development Programme Current role: Graduate Analyst My role I joined J.P. Morgan back in 2020 as a summer intern under the Corporate Analyst Development Programme. During my internship, I was tasked with two projects. The first was a case study where I had to leverage disruptive technologies such as blockchain and intelligent automation to improve the Wholesale Payments business. The second was a social impact project where I had to devise a growth strategy to help the firm’s non-profit partner – a large NGO based in India – better attract funding and volunteers. I am currently in my first rotation under the Asia Spread Middle Office team, where I support the sales and trading desks across a full spectrum of products. This role is extremely dynamic as no day is ever the same. Depending on the needs of the business, I could be involved in anything from trade allocations to projects spanning global and regional strategic business initiatives.

How my internship experience helped me transition into my current role Although my internship was virtual in nature due to the global pandemic, I managed to forge many strong connections within the firm. That definitely helped me assimilate into my full-time role as I was already familiar with the people, as well as the culture and dynamics within the bank.

How I managed to secure my conversion Interns at the firm were assessed based on various key competencies, from commercial acumen to teamwork and leadership. To secure a full-time conversion, one has to demonstrate the ability and aptitude to learn and grow throughout the course of the internship. We were not only expected to absorb but to also inquire, network, deliver, give back and lead during our short stint with the firm. It was a challenge to juggle between studying for my exams, leading a student club and taking on a full-time internship. Thus, I would say the “magic” factor that led to my conversion was the ability to remain resilient. Rather than worrying about things beyond my control, I shifted my energy to what I could create instead.

What impact my non-academic involvement in SIM had on my conversion For some context, I was actively involved in the school’s business case club – SIM Business Strategy – for about two-thirds of my university life. During my time at the club, I managed to pick up both soft and hard skills which are essential for the working world. From financial modelling with Excel, creating impactful PowerPoint decks, to business case analyses. All these experiences helped me ace the two biggest deliverables of my internship, where I had to craft and execute convincing business pitches to a panel of senior leaders.

Some words of advice Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter. What are they looking out for? Simply put: Relevant achievements, experience and skills. As much as we would like to deny it, the world of hiring is actually quite fair. If we possess the same pedigree as our competitors, we also stand a fighting chance at landing our dream roles. With that said, my advice is to start early. Formulate a plan which would enable you to acquire some form of achievements, experience and skills. Most importantly, believe in yourself and stay positive! The journey ahead will not be easy, but we are all rooting for you!

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Henry Ng Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL GTI Media (gradsingapore) Previous role: Marketing Intern Current role: Marketing Executive My role As a Campus Marketing Executive, my role is to bring knowledge to students about gradsingapore’s products, and support students in their journey to find, and settle in, their careers. I was previously a Marketing Intern before converting to my full-time role. Definitely, as an intern, my workload was only at the tip of the iceberg, and I was not fully accountable for the work that was pushed out. When I took on my full-time role, I was given the empowerment to launch marketing campaigns to aid in my work. However, as cliché as it seems, with power, comes responsibility. I have to be accountable for the projects which are very much needed to keep the company functioning efficiently.

How my internship experience helped me transition into my current role I gained experience and knowledge about my current role through my mentor during my internship. She taught me the craft of being a marketer, and on how to approach my target audience as well as my team. After gaining experience and skills, my transition into the full-time position was relatively smooth. I had already known how to do my daily tasks efficiently and work well with my colleagues, as I was already familiar with their working styles. Work was pushed out more efficiently and with lesser conflict. I am very fortunate to have both work from home and work in office experiences, despite the safe distancing measures. Equipped with Zoom and Discord skills, I could work from home effectively and without much guidance from the first day I joined.

How I managed to secure my conversion During my internship, I realised that I was able to fit into the work environment well and that my team is very supportive of one another. I also managed to help my mentor lighten her workload without conflict. By the end of the internship, the marketing department was working well and my mentor suggested that I be converted into full-time staff. I believe that the magic factor was being able to gel well with the team and improving their work efficiency. Communication is key and I was able to connect well with my colleagues, so work feels much lighter.

What impact my non-academic involvement in SIM had on my conversion As a student, I was given the opportunity to intern under the Talent Development Programme (TDP) by Career Connect. In the programme, I worked with teams to host events and was given the chance to communicate with the student body, and pick up teamwork and communication skills. I believe that these skills helped me hone my craft in becoming a Campus Marketer as I understood the problems of students and what they would be interested in during events. Through my days in the programme, I learnt that having a positive attitude and staying driven are very important. I believe that my drive and positive attitude are what helped me secure the conversion.

Some words of advice Knowing what keeps you driven is important; it is the positive attitude that will get you through your worst days. What will make you stand out from the crowd is the way you treat work and how you communicate with your team. Being a problem-solver is a pro-tip, as you do not wish to add on to the current problem. Be polite. Stay driven.

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James Koh Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), SIM-UB Grasshopper Previous role: Investor Relations Intern Current role: Business Analyst My role As an intern, my role was to support the full-time analysts on strategy decks, data cleaning and client liaising. When I was converted to a full-time staff, I was tasked with building full-fledged monthly investor reports on Google’s looker platform for our fund. I am also involved in a few trading strategy discussions where I follow up with various traders to collate information about their trades, new strategies as they learn about our niche and leading the investment team on a crypto investment strategy. Overall, I would say it is more stressful as a full-time employee because your work now holds a lot of weight.

How my internship experience helped me transition into my current role It gave me a headstart in understanding the jargon and strategies the firm uses. During my internship, it was a new environment for me and it was super exciting, so I was pretty keen to probe and ask more about the things I did not know about. The good thing about transitioning from an internship is that I had worked with everyone before, so the trust is there, and there is no need for me to assimilate into a new environment.

How I managed to secure my conversion I think it is important to show that you are more than just an intern. Show that you buy into the projects you are working on, be proactive, take the initiative and help out any way you can. People will remember you and recommend you for conversion.

What impact my non-academic involvement in SIM had on my conversion Being in CCAs taught me how to be flexible. CCAs in SIM especially have a very diverse crowd. We have people from all over Asia, so you definitely learn to work with different people. Another aspect is that all project groups naturally have teammates who are cooperative, as well as others who require some nudging! However, full-time employment is a huge difference from academic projects because first and foremost, we do not get to choose our teammates. Secondly, there is no added incentive of a high GPA if you put in more effort and most CCAs events are more about community engagements than scoring a 4.0. Thus, you will learn how to manage and incentivise your team in a different way – similar to how it is at a typical working environment. Overall, these experiences helped me adopt a more flexible working style, which helped me adapt better in my internship, and now in my full-time work.

Some words of advice My advice is to be okay with projects moving slowly, as long as you make sure you get your work done right. As students, we experience a fast-paced timeline, as projects have timelines that stretch two to three months. There, everything moves quickly and sometimes we skim through the process. When we transition to working full-time, it is very important to take a step back and be meticulous to your best ability – being too much of a perfectionist may stifle your progress – and understand that while timelines are important, they should not be met at the expense of detail. Because once you have made a mistake, it is real money that is on the line!

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To Be or Not to Be a Graduate Intern? Before applying for that graduate internship, take some time to reflect on these pros and cons.

t long last, you are done with school – congratulations! You have got your prep game on, and equipped yourself with your resume, cover letter and portfolio. It is the perfect time to dive straight into the deep end of the professional pool… Or is it? If you do not have any work experience under your belt, this jump might not be the best decision as employers may be hesitant to bring in an applicant without prior experience in the working world. It is not the best idea for yourself either, to enter the workforce without having exposure to the industry or the job you are applying for. For example, what if the job is not actually what you imagined it to be? One solution to this sticky situation is to start from the shallow end of the workforce and dip your feet into the pool by taking up a graduate internship. While there are many benefits to doing an internship after you graduate, there are also drawbacks you have to consider.

The pros: Why you should do it 1. To get your foot in the door Regardless of whether you do an internship before or after you graduate, you can get your foot in the door at the company and/ or industry you want to work in. Think of this as a long-term strategy – apply as a graduate intern, and give the internship your all to make an exceptional impression with your employers. If your manager likes you, you may just get a full-time job offer at the end of your internship! It is not uncommon for graduate interns to be converted into full-time hires if they perform well. In fact, many employers find former interns a “safer bet” compared to external candidates. After all, those with prior experience with the company already have an understanding of the office culture, and have demonstrated their capabilities. Even if you do not land a full-time position when your internship wraps up, the experience will still look great on your resume, and you can use the experience as a stepping stone to explore opportunities with other firms in the same industry. You will also walk away at the end of your internship with the relevant experience and skills, not to mention positive testimonials and/ or recommendations from your co-workers or manager. But you will need to perform well in the first place! SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

2. You can expand your professional network An internship is a golden opportunity to grow your professional network as you will get to work alongside professionals in the industry you are interested in. Not only will you get to learn about what they do, you may even get the opportunity to get to know them personally. This can later be helpful for your future job search. To maximise your internship experience, participate in as many physical or virtual networking events as you can – such as company or office events – and make a good impression by putting the best version of yourself forward. For all you know, someone who you introduced yourself to at one of these events may be looking for someone to fill a full-time position in their department! Put yourself out there, and be on the radar. Making a positive impression is a good start, but making a lasting impression is something you should aim to do as well. Keep yourself in their minds by adding the people you networked with on LinkedIn, but do not forget to ask them if it is alright to do so beforehand. Drop them a personalised message to thank them for their time and for sharing their insights with you.

3. For an insider’s point of view Doing an internship will help you discover the kind of roles in the industry that align with your personality, skill set and even long-term career goals. It is a great way to learn about how the industry works, and what is expected of the different roles within the industry – especially if you are shadowing a senior coworker or manager who has rich experiences to share with you. However, the onus is on you to be proactive and make use of the resources available. You may not always be assigned to a mentor explicitly, but you can always ask someone friendly in the office to share their work life stories with you, or to answer any burning questions you have about the industry and workplace. Avoid grilling a co-worker or manager when they are busy, though. You do not want to annoy them! Office lunches, gatherings and networking events are typically good opportunities for you to ask questions.

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4. To bulk up your resume If you did not spend enough time on CCAs or gaining other work experience that can help build your resume with relevant points for the industry you want to work in while you were still in school, it is not too late to start after you graduate. An internship is the perfect way to develop the required skills and gain the necessary experience to make your resume attractive to recruiters. As the saying goes, better late than never!

Pro tip: Get a notebook and jot down your objectives as an intern at the beginning of your internship, as well as your achievements over the course of your internship. This will make it easier for you when you update your resume and cover letter. You can earn some brownie points by mentioning them during your job interviews as well!

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The cons: What you should consider 1. The pay It is no secret that as an intern, you will be paid significantly lesser than your peers who hold permanent jobs. If you are living independently and supporting your own expenses, it may not be a good idea to pursue an internship. You also have to think about any commitments you may have. Did you take up a student loan that requires immediate repayment upon graduation? Or have a family that requires your financial support? These are questions you need to ask yourself if you are considering an internship upon graduation.

2. The intern role Your internship role will likely not be as focused and specific as that of a graduate recruit on a training scheme. Instead, you will be given a variety of tasks that may seem insignificant, and you may find it difficult to develop key industry skills. If you feel that you are not gaining the exposure you were promised, you could ask your manager or co-worker to assign you tasks that are more relevant to your ideal job. Showing initiative and requesting for more responsibilities will not only help you grow professionally; it may also impress your manager and improve your chances of being offered a permanent role at your company. You should also make sure that you are not simply treated as cheap labour. Interns are protected under the Employment Act just like other employees under a company’s contract, and should not be made to work more than 44 hours a week, or more than 88 hours for two continuous weeks. While it is good to demonstrate that you value the opportunities given, it is also important to stand your ground if you are being mistreated. The trick is to strike a balance between knowing your rights and doing your job as an intern! That said, best of luck on your internship journey and maximise the experience as much as you can!

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Liow Qian Qing Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Politics, SIM-UOL Education Intern, Edible Garden City My role Edible Garden City is a social enterprise that advocates the growing your own food movement. My role was to provide support to the educators in their work, such as preparing for logistics and farm tours. Some other roles included providing technical support and feeding chickens in the farm.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate internship, rather than a full-time/contract job or traineeship? Firstly, I knew that I may not enjoy the full-time job I applied for and landed. And the thought that I would have to spend so much time being interviewed for something I may not like in the long run was a little depressing, to say the least. And of course, it was difficult to successfully apply for full-time roles, especially during this global pandemic. That was another reason why I decided to pursue an internship. I also did not have much working experience when I graduated, so doing a graduate internship slowly exposed me to working life, and showed me that it was not so daunting. Most importantly, it gave me the time I needed to figure out what I wanted to do next.

What are some of your takeaways? Although my internship experience with Edible Garden City was short, it exposed me to different experiences, and allowed me to grow as a person. It even made me more appreciative of the food I have on my table! Other things it exposed me to was harvesting, something most people would not have done before. For instance, I would harvest flowers under the sun at eight in the morning – and find it therapeutic. Apart from harvesting, I also learned how to be more detailed in my work. As I had to prepare the logistics, it could be challenging, especially when I did it alone.

What were some challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? There are chickens in the farm located at Queensway, and I have a strong phobia of them! Once, I even had a breakdown. Fortunately, my colleagues understood that I needed some time to get used to the chickens. Over time, I slowly began to approach their coops and interact with them. I later came to the realisation that they are actually harmless creatures, and very cute, too! Although I still have the phobia, it improved considerably. Another challenge was adaptation. I am sure most people have not been exposed to farms, and I was one of them. My work and responsibilities were exactly the same as what farmers literally do; weeding, harvesting flowers and braving an ice-cold container – that makes you feel like you are in the Arctic Circle – to harvest vegetables. I also had to prepare the logistics for workshops and farm tours independently. This was a bigger challenge, because in this age, we use computers so much, we forget how to use our hands. Once, I even packed 400 packets of seeds on my own for an event! Moreover, as a university graduate, the department expects you to act in a certain way and know your stuff. But a clueless creature like me had to ask questions for clarification, and then learn from doing it myself.

Some words of advice My colleague told me, “Walk before you run”. I believe that starting small is better than going fast. When you start small, you can accumulate skills and knowledge. You can continue learning and accepting that making mistakes are alright. Just take it one step at a time, and take the chance to do what is meaningful. Pursuing a graduate internship does not mean you are losing out – it is just taking a different path to explore what you want to do in the future. Experience is greater than money. If you are willing to put money aside for a while, a valuable graduate internship is one that you will learn a lot from, and to become a better person who is more empathetic and understanding of the people around.

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Amirah Zakiyyah Bachelor of Psychological Science, SIM-UOW Marketing Associate, Wantedly

My role As a Marketing Associate Intern, I supported my marketing lead in managing Wantedly’s social media platforms, as well as crafting our weekly newsletters, and creating and launching digital ads. Other than that, I also assisted with submitting weekly monthly reports of key campaigns and executing marketing campaigns.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate internship, rather than a full-time/contract job or traineeship? I decided to embark on a graduate internship because I have been interested in marketing since I reviewed books on Instagram with @watermelonreads. I discovered I enjoyed the process of content creation. However, I also knew that there was a whole world of marketing out there that could not be learned on Instagram alone. Wantedly’s Marketing Intern opportunity came my way and I have never looked back since! After this internship, I would like to do something related to social media and writing – two things I find great joy in doing.

What are some of your takeaways? My biggest takeaway is that the world of marketing is so vast and ever-evolving. Technology and trends change rapidly, so it is essential that I keep myself up-to-date with the latest happenings. Another takeaway is the plenty of opportunities I have had to develop myself personally and professionally. I found strengths I was not aware of, and worked on areas that require improvement.

What were some challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? Asking questions was something I found difficult at the start. However, marketing was entirely new to me, so I could not let my burning questions go unanswered. To beat this fear whenever I debated with myself on whether or not to ask a question, I would ask myself whether I was more afraid of not getting the right information, or being judged based on how silly my question was. Small talk is not my forte either, but I found preparing potential topics of conversation way ahead helps! Practising plays a part as well, and before we officially start a meeting, we share about how our day went.

Some words of advice What you are doing is very brave of you! There will be instances where you feel as if you are stretched to your limit, or you feel uncomfortable. Take these experiences as a way for you to polish yourself professionally. You will be surprised by how much you have grown since beginning your graduate internship!

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Doing an Internship or Job Outside Your Field of Study

This is not a foolish undertaking, as it can actually boost your career opportunities after graduation and enhance your self-development.

n internship is meant to help you learn more about corporate life outside academia, network, gain working experience, as well as in your desired future area of work. These can later be translated into a competitive edge when you join the ranks of jobseekers upon graduation. Then, when you have landed a role, your job helps you expand your network and pick up numerous professional opportunities to broaden your experiences. However, as you go through university, doing an internship, or landing a role unrelated to your field of study may sound entirely impossible, or at least something you might be better off not dabbling in…right? Although true, the flip side is that while you may not be building specific knowledge, you will have the chance to pick up other skills and valuable experience. There are actually numerous benefits to doing an internship, or getting a role, outside your field of study, so read on to get to know some of them!

Experiment with your interests and passion If you are having second thoughts of whether you want to continue in a field related to your studies post-graduation, internships can act as an ideal safety net to test the waters. There is nothing wrong with using the time spent as an intern as a platform to explore other options open to you! If you are studying graphic design but maintain a blog on the side, you can consider internship roles in publishing houses that entail editing, copyediting, or content creation. Alternatively, if you enjoy a broad range of music, you can ponder the option to join radio stations where your knowledge of artists and songs can come in handy. So, take the chance to pursue your interests and passion – unrelated to your studies or not – and see if they can work out as a viable area of work for you in the future.

The chance to acquire new skills When you take on an internship unrelated to what you are studying, you are going to pick up a completely new set of skills unique to the area you are in. Although some skills may be more niche and specific, you will definitely pick up transferable skills. For instance, as you will have to learn on-the-job or take cues from colleagues on how to recognise and resolve problems, in a practical manner, you will build problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. Moreover, just moving into a completely unknown field is already a study in adaptability. Add these new skills to the skill set you already have courtesy of your field of study, and you will have an edge over other candidates when applying for roles in the future! SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

Strengthen your resume Even if you are not thinking of pursuing a multifaceted career in the future, a range of core skills listed on your resume will not hurt your chances of successfully landing a role. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who show potential to be all-rounders, so your resume will help you stand out from your peers with your variety of skills and experiences!

Broaden your career opportunities The jobseeking landscape has become incredibly competitive over the past few years, and the uncertainty brought about by the present pandemic has had a hand in heightening it as well. So, instead of competing for a single area of work, you can boost your chances to land a full-time role by creating more options for yourself. Moreover, in a time when many roles are being introduced or newly defined, you will find that your experience in different areas and a wide variety of skills will definitely come in handy! Employers prefer candidates who have broader perspectives and can focus more on building their capabilities, as they do not need to spend the time and resources training them.

Opportunity to build a diverse network Creating and maintaining a mutually-beneficial network is crucial in any industry, and it is impossible to stress the importance of building connections. The broader your professional network is, the more valuable tips and opinions you can get to improve your chances of landing a full-time job in the future. Moreover, you will be able to leverage your contacts to keep abreast of market trends and industry developments. You can even ask around for different perspective and insights to various areas of work. Your network may even help you land opportunities you may have no access to otherwise as well!

Although the decision to complete an internship outside your field may be a smart one, it requires you to be brave enough to venture out of your comfort zone. Chances are, if you are willing to grab the bull by its horns and charge ahead giving your all, you will benefit from the experience and boost your chances of easing your entry into the workforce after graduation!

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Dominic Wong Bachelor of Business (Accountancy), SIM-RMIT Key Account Manager, Lazada

What is your role? As a Key Account Manager (KAM) within the Fashion category of Lazada, I plan and execute the category’s strategies of my accounts. A typical day to me involves negotiating for more competitive promotions from my accounts and providing commercial insights to assist them in scaling their business. For example, during the recent 11.11 campaign, I ensured that sellers provided me with the most competitive deals and promotions of the year. This also meant checking on other online marketplaces to ensure that Lazada has the best prices across all platforms. All in all, it was my largest campaign to date, which I derived huge satisfaction from. Aside from this, I also assisted in several live streaming sessions in LazLive to engage consumers.

Why did you decide to venture outside your field of study? Having majored in Hospitality and Tourism when I was in Polytechnic, I realised early on that I liked to communicate with people from all walks of life. Hence, I decided to venture into Lazada as a KAM as I believed that it would allow me to communicate with different parties on a daily basis. During my time in SIM, I actively joined the career programmes available, such as Project Protégé, where I found my mentor, who provided me with a clearer perspective of my career prospects. Subsequently, my internship at Ernst & Young gave me a glimpse of the audit industry and made me realise it was not really what I desired. I wanted to pursue a role that was more front-facing and analytical.

What were some challenges you faced? How did you overcome them? As the role requires negotiation skills, I had to gain a good understanding of my counterparts to have a better awareness of their situation to propose tailored solutions that are mutually beneficial. Additionally, working in the Fashion category, I had to research on the latest fashion trends and how consumers react to the products and offerings that my sellers have. I am very thankful to have helpful colleagues and superiors who helped me address the challenges, and who are prompt in assisting me. Such challenges allow me to grow to become a better KAM in the future.

What did you do outside your academic life that help you switch fields? Prior to my current role, I completed a KAM traineeship at L’Oréal where I managed two brands within the Active Cosmetic Division. I believe that the traineeship equipped me with core business development and communication skills. The mentorship within L’Oréal from my manager was also insightful and helped me with the transition from Accountancy to KAM. Amidst the pandemic, I also maintained an online store on Amazon with a schoolmate, where I sold mask strips. This allowed me to gain a better understanding of the e-commerce industry, and sparked my interest to pursue a career in this field. I was also previously a certified swimming instructor. On weekends, I conducted swimming lessons and this helped me to build my confidence, which prepared me for a front-facing role.

Some advice My advice is not to limit yourself to what you have studied in school. While you are still a student, you should be open to exploring different fields. Only then can you make an informed decision for your career. Also, start building your resume writing and interview skills early, as this will allow you to gain a headstart before you graduate. Participating in the career workshops organised by SIM is a great way to start.

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Lyn Teoh Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL Performance Marketing Trainee, Carousell

What is your role? My main role as a Performance Marketing Trainee is to support the Merchant Acquisition team by generating leads through running different paid ad campaigns. On a daily basis, I would monitor campaign performances and do optimisation accordingly in the form of audience targeting or testing out the campaign on different channels, such as Google or Facebook ads. Aside from this, I have weekly reporting, where I share performance updates with my stakeholders to ensure that goals alignment and targets are met.

Why did you decide to venture outside your field of study? During my penultimate year in university, I joined a tech and innovation CCA, Innovation and Networking Society (IONS), to ride on the ever-blooming technological wave and explore other career choices. I participated in the IONS Ambassador programme, where each team was tasked to create prototypes to solve problems. My team built an app prototype to make the lost and found process in university more efficient by utilising the student community to help others. This project piqued my interest in marketing and community building, as my team created a telegram group chat to attract new members and partners, who could engage with existing members.

What were some challenges you faced? One of the biggest challenges I had when I applied for marketing roles was the large gap in skills compared to what I had learnt throughout my accounting and finance degree.

What did you do outside your academic life that help you switch fields? Aside from participating in university clubs, I actively attended networking events related to my field of interest – marketing in the tech scene. Through these networking events, I met different working professionals and would speak to them to gain a better understanding of their roles and job scopes. I was even able to secure a remote marketing internship during this pandemic with the help of a connection I met during a networking event!

Some advice Take proactive steps in understanding your career interests and options. This can be exploring clubs to join that best suit your interests, as well as to meet like-minded individuals. Also, I found that the workshops organised by CareerConnect were really helpful, as I picked up relevant skills and industry knowledge. This will help you to have a better headstart in your career preparations within this increasingly competitive job market. Thanks to the global pandemic, attending virtual networking events on platforms such as Eventbrite and Linkedin have become more convenient and accessible within the comforts of your home, so do so!

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Tips to Help You Secure Your Dream Job Before Graduation Here are some great ways to hone your skills while you are still pursuing your degree!

tudying for your degree is more than just acing your assignments and examinations. Do not miss out on the many co-curricular opportunities to pick up skills that can enrich you as a person and future employee – and make you more attractive to employers!

Join clubs and societies

If you are passionate about something, do not wait too long to master it. The best time and place to start is when you are still in school. Employers value candidates who have a life outside of work and do not hesitate to pick up new skills and hobbies – or even venture into new territory fearlessly. It will also cost you more resources if you pick up a sport, art form, dance or musical instrument after you graduate from university. On the other hand, when you are in school, you just have to allocate your time efficiently for these CCAs. A side benefit is that they can also spruce up your otherwise monotonous school life!

Participate in competitions

Winning should not be your only motivation for taking part in competitions. Instead, if you focus on your preparation and giving it your best shot, you can dispel any self-doubts. On your resume, participation in competitions also show that you are unafraid to work diligently towards your goals. Sports enthusiasts can compete in the annual Universaide Games, and there are other competitions that cater to a wide range of interests. You can even pick and choose which events to compete in according to your strengths and weaknesses. Employers want to see dedication and commitment to a cause or goal in potential employees, and having a track record of taking part in competitions will strengthen your application.

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Attend talks and forums

Find out about talks and forums held on campus, and attend those featuring speakers from the industry or society you are interested in. Do not miss out on the chance to listen to unique stories on personal career journeys, or insights on the latest industry trends. At forums, do not hesitate to speak up if you have anything important to share on any topic or issue close to your heart. Most importantly, listen and soak up the insights which will provide useful fodder for you to form your opinions and worldviews in time to come as a young jobseeker.

Land an internship

Although getting the internship of your dreams may be tough, the process can be made easier by preparing early. So, before you start looking, identify your goals and interests so that you will have a clear target to work towards. Get your resume ready afterwards. Do not worry if there is limited experience to jot down – it is expected! Instead, include some modules or areas of study that make you a qualified candidate. When you begin your search proper, visit your friendly career coaches in your career centre. They will be able to get your acquainted with internships on offer, as well as dispense with crucial advice on how to successfully apply for them. You may also network and apply speculatively, as not all internships are advertised.

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Consider volunteering

As volunteering is an opportunity to freely give back to the community without monetary remuneration, it is an easy and obligation-free chance to gain experience in a particular area, or develop new skills you may need. Because you will be exposed to opportunities and challenges you may never come across in a corporate setting, you stand the chance to gain valuable experience employers are usually on the hunt for. Volunteer experience is also a great way to start meaningful conversations with recruiters, and will help you stand out as an interesting candidate when you start your job search process before graduation!

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Build your skills

With the global pandemic keeping us at home, there is no better time to start building your skills through webinars and online courses. They are now much easier and convenient to attend – and some are even free! As most webinars and courses are held over online platforms in real-time, make the most out of every event and make your presence felt by asking questions over the live chat, or leverage the live video feed and microphone to boost your profile. With so much to learn and acquire, CCAs serve as a critical platform that you can leverage to strengthen your skills and position yourself in the job market after graduation!

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Management Trainee Programme vs SGUnited Traineeship vs Apprenticeship Find out what sets these different programmes apart from each other, and find out if you are suited for them!

coping out full-time positions and settling in to a coveted role is a common route many choose upon graduation. But although that is the most well-trodden path, there are other options as well, such as apprenticeships and trainee programmes. Read on to find out about these programmes, their differences and how they may benefit you in your career journey!

Management Trainee Programmes Typically designed to develop future managers, Management Trainee (MT) Programmes place emphasis on developing the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective manager. Although it is a fairly new concept, many top employers have picked up this technique in order to train employees within their ranks. Although this sounds very similar to that of an internship, it is important to note that if you are accepted by an MT programme, you will be recognised as full-time staff, with the accorded benefits, and will be often asked to helm projects essential to the firm’s success. Because you will often find yourself in positions of leadership, though, you will also be frequently evaluated, though these assessments tend to be industry-specific. Evaluated progress normally dictates the duration of each phase of training.

SGUnited Traineeships Programme Open to graduates and students who will soon be convocated, the SGUnited Traineeships Programme aims to develop skills in a professional environment over a period of up to nine months, even in the current economic climate. Like MT programmes, trainees will be equipped with valuable industry experience, though unlike MT programmes, they may not be converted to full-time staff upon completion. However, the skills and experience gained through the traineeship will help you gain a firmer foothold in the in the job market. On top of valuable skills, experience and knowledge, you can also look forward to receiving a training allowance over the duration of their programme.

Apprenticeships Like MT programmes and the SGUnited Traineeships Programme, apprenticeships also aim to impart professional skills and experience. Where they differ, however, is that apprenticeships prepare graduates for specific, highly-skilled roles within a company. Should you choose to immerse yourself in your chosen field from the very beginning and pursue an apprenticeship, you will quickly find yourself in role that combines paid work with intensive on-the-job training. As firms normally create their own apprenticeship programmes, you will find yourself deeply involved in the business side of things alongside related instruction, whether on-the-job, in the company’s own classroom, or even online.

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Management Trainee Programme

What was the selection process like, and how did you ace it? There were three rounds to the selection process. The first two rounds were behavioural and fit interviews, where I was asked to walk the interviewers through my resume and my experiences. Situational questions were also posed, and I was assessed on how I would handle and respond to different situations that may happen on-the-job. For the final round of interviews, I was given a case study to prepare a proposal for, and then I presented it – physically – to the co-founders of the company. In my experience, to ace the selection, align your preparations to the job description so that you can demonstrate to the company that you can add value in a relevant way.

Competition is tough, especially in the present environment. What you think made you stand out from the other applicants?

Evelyn Ong Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Management Trainee, Oriental Remedies Group SIM EDGE Award Recipient

My role My responsibilities as a Management Trainee (MT) are multifaceted, which include: front end, client facing servicing and partnerships, and back-end operational activities, such as sales analysis, reporting and even talent acquisition. In one of my recent project participations, I had the opportunity to work on the development of a new consumer line. This involved setting up of the website in the backend, including UI/UX inputs, product listing, crafting of product delivery terms and much more.

Why did you opt to apply to an MT Programme over other roles? My choice to apply to an MT Programme was motivated by the mobility and opportunity to rotate across different and diverse departments, which allows me to get hands-on experience across different roles. As a fresh graduate, the flexibility to rotate and try different things was an important factor to me, as I would get to uncover my strengths and passion. The opportunity to rotate also meant that my job will not be confined to a job title, and there would always be chances for learning and growth. www.sim.edu.sg

Throughout my interviews, I presented myself as being able to effectively adapt in different situations through my past leadership and teamwork experiences. I also showed that I constantly seek to try out things that are foreign to me, and am receptive to feedback. From my previous CCAs and work experience, I had the opportunity to interact with people of various personalities, and had a strong understanding of how to work effectively in groups. Most importantly, I demonstrated my passion for the healthcare and service industry, which showed my interest in a role where I could help others and see an impact. I believe it was my commitment and willingness to put in the effort to contribute which made me stand out.

What were some challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? Because I work in a fast-paced environment, I have the pleasure of meeting and speaking with patients from all walks of life on a daily basis. Patient requests and appointment rescheduling are also part and parcel of my daily routine in my workplace. From this experience, I have learnt to juggle various deadlines and priorities on top of problem-solving, while trying to deliver the best experience possible to the customers. One valuable tip I can share is that I actively plan my calendar ahead of time so that I can manage my workload effectively.

Some advice One important tip is to actively participate in CCAs, find internships and take part in different competitions that will help to hone your hard and soft skills. They will be able to better prepare you for MT/MA programmes, which are fast-paced and require you to think quickly on your feet. Additionally, I believe it is important to first find out more about the company to determine if a company’s background and culture is the right fit for yourself, and showcase to interviewers that you have done your research. Lastly, do not be disheartened if you face rejections, as every failure is an opportunity to learn. Keep a positive mindset and never give up till you reach your goal!

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SGUnited Traineeships Programme

Why did you opt to apply to an SGUnited Traineeship over other roles? My job search was certainly not easy as a fresh graduate with little experience. So, I decided to apply for a traineeship programme, as I saw it as a stepping stone for me to grow as an individual, as well as learn as much as possible to help build a foundation for my career path. Moreover, accepting this role would allow me to gain exposure to data analytics while learning about e-commerce and digital management, as the organisation provides the opportunity for me to explore and learn how best practices are created.

Competition is tough, especially in the present environment. What you think made you stand out from the other applicants? It was certainly not easy securing a full-time job! I faced many rejections due to my lack of experience in the e-commerce field. In the end, what I think made me stand out was my perseverance and constant drive to not give up on myself, and the time I took to acquire new skills through free online resources. The skills and knowledge I have gained from my previous internships and CCAs helped, too.

Amanda Soh Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Management and Digital Innovation, SIM-UOL Digital and E-commerce Data Anaylst, Menarini

My role My role as a Digital and E-commerce Data Analyst involves working with data sets from different APAC regions, ranging from traffic flows from e-commerce platforms – such as T-Mall and Shopee – to digital media buys. Some tasks I worked on also included creating dashboards to tracking e-commerce traffic, and liaising with marketing teams from the APAC region and third party data providers to acquire datasets and managing Google Analytics.

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What were some challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? There were numerous things that I was unfamiliar with, so I had to keep my motivation in taking time to do my research and learn. I also learnt to ask when in doubt, as there was, and still is, no shame in not knowing.

Some advice If you are unsure of what you want to do, try out different internships and take note of what sparks your interest. Then, look at job descriptions for similar roles from different companies, and identify the skills required. Work on building up those skills – it will help increase your chances of landing the job! Do not be discouraged if you do not get your dream job. Instead, grab any opportunity that is in front of you and work your way there. Take it one day at a time and believe in yourself!

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Apprenticeships

What attracted me to L’Oréal was its commitment to developing its people. Therefore, it felt like the stars were aligned when I came across the opening, and it was without hesitation that I applied for the apprenticeship.

What was the selection process like, and how did you ace it? I submitted my resume along with a short statement I had written about why I wanted to join the company. This was followed by a screening call with L’Oréal’s human resources department. Later, a video interview with my hiring manager was conducted. Personally, I feel that when applying for traineeships and apprenticeships, it is important that you highlight your strengths and soft skills. It can be your interpersonal and communication skills, resilience, or agility, as it is understandable that you may not possess the technical skills required.

Competition is tough, especially in the present environment. What you think made you stand out from the other applicants?

Tung Mei Yuan Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Media and Marketing Apprentice (SAPMENA), L’Oréal My role My role as a Media and Marketing Apprentice for the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region offers an introduction to the beauty industry, as well as insights into life at L’Oréal. Mainly, I am involved in driving the adoption of a new data-driven influencer marketing platform across markets. On top of optimising the influencer marketing process, the platform benchmarks L’Oréal’s share of influence against competitors in the market. I also analyse data to ensure that market spending on advertising and promotion is within global targets. Some interesting projects that I have worked on include coordinating with TikTok to host upskilling sessions about running effective marketing campaigns on the platform, and designing and implementing regional guidelines to streamline processes.

Why did you opt to apply to an apprenticeship over other roles? I discovered my passion for marketing in the beauty industry through my internships. However, it was difficult to apply for permanent placements during a pandemic, especially when my background is in business development rather than marketing. Furthermore, I was not eligible for SGUnited Traineeships as my exam results were only released in August, when I was applying for jobs upon completing my papers in June. www.sim.edu.sg

My hiring manager was pleased with how I demonstrated my eagerness to learn and grow during the interview, as well as my passion for the role and the industry. My professional experiences as a stakeholder and project manager was also essential in helping me stand out, even though I did not have a background in media and marketing. Other tips are to conduct research on the role you are applying for, and display qualities that highlight to the hiring manager your drive to pick up the job responsibilities, as well as the agility to overcome challenges. Adopting a growth mindset is very important!

What were some challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? One challenge I faced was the communication barrier that comes about when working from home. I struggled with asking questions at the start of my apprenticeship because I was afraid that my questions would sound stupid, and there was no colleague next to me that I could literally turn to and ask a question face-to-face. Conversations must be intentional now that we are working remotely, and some questions would be difficult to clarify over a message or email; so it is better to do it over a call. However, I overcame my fear and started to initiate calls with the different stakeholders when I had doubts to clarify after realising how much more efficient it would make my work.

Some advice It is important to start exploring your career options while you are still in university! Take up internships or networking opportunities so you can be exposed to the many different industries and job functions available out there. You can also take up courses that provide professional certifications to enhance your employability. Otherwise, apprenticeships are good stepping stones to kickstart your career if you are not equipped with the essential hard skills required for full-time permanent placements. Always be proactive and stay curious to learn – you will be surprised by the opportunities that may come your way! SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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Global Awareness Programme

n this time of heightened interconnectivity, whether virtual or physical, the world has become smaller, and different nations and cultures often come together to work towards a common goal. Because of this, global awareness is necessary, as students need to be aware of their civic duties – both internationally and locally – and respect and understand the diverse cultures, races and religions they will come into contact with in order to be academic and social successes.

Thus, the purpose behind the Global Awareness Programme is to create global citizens among SIM students in a move to ensure a more inclusive, just and peaceful society, whether it is in daily, mundane decisions, or actions that can make a difference in the lives of people across the globe.

Summer Exchange Programme SIM offers exchange programmes with many partner universities worldwide, where students have the opportunity to explore diverse courses and engage in discourse with an international pool of academics. Let us hear from two students on their Summer Exchange experiences!

Vaithyanathan Soundarya Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics, SIM-UOL Programme: London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School

What was your experience like? I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship by the Office of Global Learning at SIM for completing a Financial Markets at the London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School. My experience during the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School was one of the most fruitful experiences in my student journey, and the best way for my summer holidays to start off. The presence of experienced faculty and interactive classes and lectures over the course of the programme enhanced my learning journey and improved my understanding about various subject matters and concepts that I was previously unaware of. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity as it has equipped me with newfound knowledge, skills and experiences.

What takeaways do you have? My experience taught me the importance of not just attending lectures and classes, but to also understand the intuition behind each concept, and learn beyond prescribed readings and

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lecture material for a deeper understanding. I have also learnt to prioritise building skills and gathering various experiences apart from attending lectures, which enabled me to be part of a holistic journey during the programme. I am glad for receiving access to various skills and well-being workshops, which helped me enhance certain skills side-by-side while learning, as well.

How did this experience equip you better for the working world? During lectures and classes, we were encouraged to actively interact with professors and fellow students, which provided opportunities to connect with students from different parts of the world and be part of a global experience in the process. Apart from lectures, skill building workshops like the Financial Modelling course offered by the school office was also extremely helpful in offering insights into real-world scenarios and desirable problem-solving and quantitative skills. This has equipped me better for the working world and motivated me to improve my quantitative skills as part of the learning process.

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Kelly Ong Si Hui Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Politics, SIM-UOL Programme: London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School

What was your experience like? Although I went into the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School a little nervous, I came out completely blown away by the experience. During the three weeks, I was fully immersed in the teachings of finance. It was a course chock-full of quality, rigorous content that surpassed my expectations for what I was about to learn at a short summer school programme. The remote learning experience was also very seamless. I appreciated how LSE always made sure that the remote students were given plenty of chances to participate, which made it feel like we were in the classroom physically with the London students!

What takeaways do you have? My experience with the London School of Economics and Political Science Online Summer School taught me that it is indeed possible to deep-dive into a subject of an entirely new interest within a short span of time. With the right institution and lecturers, learning a new subject can be so much fun, and I

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daresay, a breeze. Of course, a lot of hard work has to be put in, but it is so rewarding! I came to really enjoy the grind, albeit by myself, and the teachings that were delivered through remote channels wow-ed me. It was definitely one of the best academic experiences in my life!

How did this experience equip you better for the working world? The focus and complexity of the material in the programme was at the level of a Masters Programme. It was precisely because of the depth of the course that I was allowed to understand finance theories, as well as how the various nuances of the theories of finance apply or do not apply in real life. I believe all this information would put me in good stead for any job that deals with the corporate or commercial sector. Even otherwise, it has helped me grow as a retail investor looking to better manage my finances when I enter the working world!

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Explore the World with AIESEC AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led organisation, represented by over 100 countries around the globe. AIESEC strives to achieve peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential through engaging and developing youth to create a better future for themselves, their communities and therefore the world. Through our experiences, we empower young people to become value-driven leaders who positively impact the world around them. We believe that leadership is the fundamental solution and it can be developed in anyone, anywhere. Traditionally, the organisation provided youths with cross-cultural experiences in the form of exchanges through Global Volunteer (GV) or Global Talent (GT) programmes. However, due to the challenges posed by the global pandemic, AIESEC has pivoted towards enriching membership experiences through creating leadership opportunities that further empower youth. This comes about in the form of virtual events, exchanges and other opportunities. Read about the opportunities and experiences AIESEC offers, then hear from one of our members about his time in AIESEC thus far!

Virtual Professional Programme The Virtual Professional Programme (VPP) is one such programme. VPP is a product that provides international remote internship opportunities to young people aged from 18 to 30, and aims to give them opportunities to practise their professional skills, explore different working culture and develop future leadership at home.

Learn and skill-up with AIESEC Boost your international career with the opportunity to attend virtual skills training workshops throughout your professional life, such as working in a virtual team, career planning and much more!

Experience with AIESEC Develop future leadership skills at home with international remote internship with AIESEC, and apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge in a virtual environment while receiving supervision and guidance on-the-job.

Expand your global network with AIESEC Take the opportunity to expand your global network at home through AIESEC partners. Also, make contact with likeminded youth at AIESEC networking events!

YouthSpeak Forum Another internally-planned event is the renowned YouthSpeak Forum. This is a space where inspiration and collaboration convert into action. It brings top young leaders together with business leaders, thought leaders and experts for conversations about youth contribution to the world.

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Ryan Joseph Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management), SIM-RMIT Vice-President, Branding and Marketing

Why did you join AIESEC? I heard about AIESEC during my first year at SIM. I was intrigued by the experiences AIESEC offered to develop leadership, as well as to be part of a vibrant student community. During my time in AIESEC, I learnt the value of adding to my skill set, and also built an international network with strong friendships.

What was your experience like through the pandemic? Despite exchanges being temporarily halted, my experience has been enriching and rewarding. With a focus on everything being virtual, I have had the pleasure to organise and participate in various virtual events and programmes to connect people all around the world.

What skills were you able to develop?

What skills were you able to develop while you were in AIESEC? Can they be used in the future? AIESEC provides an open platform to learn and grow to discover your strengths and weaknesses. As an international organisation, it has a global network that is recognised by various multinational companies. It is an opportunity to work in a professional and conducive environment!

Would you recommend students to join AIESEC? Why? I would strongly recommend that everyone join AIESEC, and begin your journey of discovering leadership. If you are keen on becoming a global citizen while developing relevant skills, AIESEC is the place to be!

As the Vice President of Branding and Marketing for AIESEC in SIM, I have developed a plethora of skills, including relevant industry skills such as graphic design, video editing and market analytics. More importantly, AIESEC has helped develop my soft skills in communicating effectively and leading to achieve change.

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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 consider 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 both fresh graduates, as well as those who are in the early stages of their career. Company websites and company social media pages are options as well, and on top of showcasing available vacancies first-hand, often offer a peek into their work culture. Some platforms also give insider information about a company’s culture and recruitment process, and give insights into hiring trends while also granting exposure.

Consider • Job search portals • Career exploration platforms • Sector-specific portals • Company websites and social media pages • Professional networking platforms

Go old school Although not a popular method any longer, employers do still place advertisements for various positions in printed publications. Graduate hiring schemes are also occasionally featured.

Consider

Career services on campus There is no need to be afraid of approaching your career centre on campus grounds. After all, the contacts and resources they can offer you may be more specific and targeted to your course of study. Be transparent when you speak to your career counsellor so they have a better idea on how to help you. If you are facing any challenges in your job hunt, they are the people best suited to guide you.

Consider • Using the wide range of contacts and resources you can leverage on in your career centre • Making your aspirations and goals clear to your career counsellor • Attending mentoring and networking sessions they organise

Career fairs Whether you choose to attend career fairs on campus or in public, go in with a strategy in mind. Bring copies of your resume, as well as name cards, if you have any. After the event, be sure to establish your connection with your new contacts through email. 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. Do the same if the event was virtual.

Consider • Find out which employers are going to be there, and prepare some questions you would like to ask them

• Newspapers

• Bring copies of your resume to hand out to prospective employers

• Industry publications

• Email your new contacts after the event

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Recruitment services

Internships

Another way to get suitable job offers is to engage recruitment consultation services. Although you will have pay a certain sum, you will be able to meet up with them for consultations to discuss your professional goals and use their connections to potential employers.

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 well with your co-workers.

Consider

• Write in to prospective employers even if they are not advertising vacancies

• Although you will have to fork out some cash, recruitment services are a valuable resource

• Show your interest in the company

• They can offer you information on how to prepare for assessments and interviews

• Prove that you are what they need

Network Many young jobseekers and graduates profit from networks, both personal and professional, when looking for their first job. It is not just about what you know – it is about who you know.

Consider

• Indicate you have a solid understanding of their field

Apply speculatively Enquiring with a company about available job positions is known as applying speculatively. This method has the potential to show that you have a strong interest in the company, though you will need to indicate your understanding of their field and why you are what they are on the lookout for.

• Keep in touch with old contacts • Make new contacts • Avoid burning bridges • Never turn down a chance to network, whether it is in a personal or professional setting

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Top 3 Things to Look Out for in a First Job The right first job can kickstart a successful journey ahead.

ou are just about to finish your final semester in university. Your parents have been pressuring you to start job hunting, and your friends are knee-deep in churning out multiple job applications. And you have decided that it is 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. So, make it a point to start your job search with a clear mind. Otherwise, you might find yourself approaching your job search the wrong way. Do not panic and take your time to really think about what you want. To help you get started, here are three considerations you should keep in mind when taking your first step into the professional world:

Future opportunities

Professional training and growth

“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 long-term career goals. This usually means career advancement opportunities and higher levels of responsibilities offered to you as your career progresses within your company. 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. If you already have a specific employer in mind, you can do some background research on 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 employee profiles. Take a look at their career history. You may be able to see their progression pathways and get an idea of the kind of opportunities that lie ahead if you do land a job there. Alternatively, during the 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 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-job by throwing them into the deep end and letting them swim on their own? Although some may prefer the former way of learning, you must first figure out which method you prefer. Whatever your inclination, it is still important to understand the initiatives the employer practises to ensure that their employees continue to learn and grow professionally.

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Other skill sets

Your course of study may have equipped you with a specific skill set, such as search engine marketing (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 transferable skills. Such skills include communication skills and the ability to work in a team. As mentioned before, your first job is your golden opportunity to gain as much knowledge and skills as you can. You also need to think about diversifying your skills, especially transferable 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.

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One way 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.

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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!

Rule 1: Start your prep work early Job hunting 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. These two factors are especially important as they will greatly help you get hired.

Research is important • Do not wait until the application process is underway 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 • Understand the job market and manage your expectations about different roles. This will help you plan your education and career, especially when you are 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 the recruitment process

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Rule 2: Build your network Networking is a great way to learn about a particular industry and scout around for job opportunities that may not be advertised. It is also an excellent 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 • Keep in touch with contacts from past work experiences or internships through platforms like LinkedIn, or even over email • Attend networking sessions student clubs or societies organise, or look at event platforms that promote sessions based on collective interests

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Rule 3: Expand your job search

Rule 4: Be proactive

To truly optimise your job search process, do not 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.

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 do not let opportunities slip away!

Do not limit your job search

Persevere

• Instead of staking all your hopes on big and popular employers, consider applying to roles in both big and small companies. As a fresh graduate trying to get ahead in your career, you should accumulate as much relevant experience and skills as you can, which can be acquired no matter the size of the employer

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

• Consider different roles that may have a similar job scope, or those that may help you develop skills that you are keen on picking up. List them down for reference as you trawl through job sites while doing your research

Follow up • 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 may be rushing to fill the position. Do not risk losing out!

• Not all job vacancies are advertised, so do not restrict your search to just job portals. You could look for leads on the employers’ websites, or send in speculative applications to showcase your interest in working for specific employers

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5 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 is the non-academic soft skills – “transferable skills” – that will make you stand out from the rest.

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

Commercial awareness

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 is not only about having similar-minded people working together, but also motivating people with different strengths to work towards a common goal. It is 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, such as 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.

In essence, commercial awareness is the intersection between two areas of understanding: Familiarity with a company or organisation (i.e. 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

The industry

Find out:

• What the company does (products made/services provided)

• How the major players in the market are performing

• Its history and defining moments

• How to speculate intelligently about the future

• Who its clients/customers are

• The past, in order to predict future trends

• Who its main competitors are

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!

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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 problem-solving skills during various stages of the application process, like 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 insights into your thought process, so they will not 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:

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 is 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 and waiting for help. This quality is crucial in fast-changing environments, such as FMCG, where decisions have to be made in a snap even when you do not have all the details. 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, CCAs and previous work experiences. Was there an emergency where you had to make a snap judgement? Be flexible during assessment exercises or case studies as well. 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!

S Describe the Situation. T Describe the Tasks involved. A What Actions you took. R What Results you achieved.

Emotional intelligence No matter how gifted you are, you will never get anything done if you do not know how to get along with your colleagues! That is 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 assured that they are not hiring someone who does not know how to deal with others or, even worse, is 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.

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Develop Your Technical Skills Many businesses embrace some sort of digitalisation at work. This means you need to adapt to using it, or at least be comfortable with technology at work. Even if you are not in IT.

ecause much emphasis is usually put on soft skills, IT-related technical skills are generally not given priority if you are not working in the sector. However, with technology now playing such a vital and pivotal role in every aspect of almost every industry, you should consider picking up these skills, even if it is only at the basic level.

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 do not need to be able to actually code – understanding the principles behind it is enough – employers have shown a marked preference for graduates who have an awareness of what goes on “behind the scenes” in applications and websites. Example of how it is useful for you: If you are in the content creation sector, chances are you will need to publish your creations online. Knowing how to code just makes your job easier and lets your content look exactly the way you want it to on a website.

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 it. Moreover, while it is 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 think of ways to solve them as quickly as possible. After the issue has been resolved, gather data on the most effective and efficient methods that helped you realise your goal. Example of how it is useful for you: Being able to rationally think through a problem in a logical manner and come up with a probable solution is critical to succeed in the workplace. This is how you can take the first step into a leadership position.

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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. Example of how it is useful for you: If you are in the digital marketing sector, knowing how to manage data will help you decipher your target audience better. It can also be a way for you to quantify the results of your work.

Data visualisation

User experience User experience, or UX, is far more than making sure a product is palatable to the eye. It is about perceiving how design plays a part in customer interaction, as well as improvement. It also denotes an understanding of how customers use and value a product or service, along with 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. Example of how it is useful for you: Products that provide good user experiences tend to achieve better success. Only when customers are happy with using your products, will your business succeed.

If these skills are not of crucial importance to your role at work, there is no need to spend too much time or money on it. Instead, you can start with the many free courses and readings available online, and set aside some time every day to build these skills. Just take the first step and you will eventually pick them up!

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, as well as 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 arena can often be found exploring new methods of simplifying and conveying complicated results and trends – culled from big data – to decision-makers and managers. Example of how it is useful for you: Can you imagine wow-ing your team if you are able to present your ideas visually instead of in text like everyone else?

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Emerging Skills for the Future of Work Your paper degree may have helped you get one foot in the door, but you still need to impress interviewers with the relevant skills to get that coveted job.

ccording to The Future of Jobs Report 2020 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), “double-disruptions” in automation and pandemic-induced recessions have led to transformation in jobs, tasks and skills that will last to 2025. 43 per cent of businesses WEF surveyed indicated that they would reduce their workforce due to technology integration, as compared to 34 per cent targeting workforce expansion due to technology integration. In addition, 41 per cent are planning to engage contractors for more specialised work. By 2025, the time humans and machines spend on current tasks at work will be equal. As a significant number of companies are also expecting to make changes to locations, value chains will shift in the next five years as well. Because of this, employers will begin to look for new skills in employees to manage these disruptions. Yet, as of the time the survey was released, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had put the global unemployment rate at around 6.5 per cent as employers often cannot find people with skills suitable for the positions they are looking to fill – even though they are backed with the relevant paper qualifications. As the global job market is expected to continue to evolve with growing competition and advancing technologies, another layer of complexity will be added, and firms are quickly switching hiring strategies to meet these challenges. In this time of business landscape disruptions, these are skills and qualities employers look for in candidates:

Singapore Top emerging skills (what employers want) 1.

Analytical thinking and innovation

Active learning and learning strategies

Leadership and social influence

Emotional intelligence

Creativity, originality and initiative

Technology design and programming

Complex problem-solving

Troubleshooting and user experience

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Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility

10. Technology use, monitoring and control 11. Instruction, mentoring and teaching 12. Critical thinking and analysis 13. Technology installation and maintenance 14. Service orientation 15. Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation

Worldwide Top 15 skills for 2025 1.

Analytical thinking and innovation

Active learning and learning strategies

Complex problem-solving

Critical thinking and analysis

Creativity, originality and initiative

Leadership and social influence

Technology use, monitoring and control

Technology design and programming

Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility

10. Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation 11. Emotional intelligence 12. Troubleshooting and user experience 13. Service orientation 14. Systems analysis and evaluation 15. Persuasion and negotiation

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Impact of Covid-19 on companies’ strategies 1.

Accelerate the digitalisation of work processes (e.g. use of digital tools, video conferencing)

Provide more opportunities to work remotely

Accelerate the implementation of upskilling/ reskilling programmes

Accelerate the digitalisation of upskilling/ reskilling (e.g. education technology providers)

Temporarily reassign workers to different tasks

A varied skill set will only serve you well in your career, and constant upskilling should be part of your professional development. These fundamental skills are perfect to serve as the base of your upskilling journey – and it is never too late to start developing them!

Top 10 technology adoptions 1.

Encryption and cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g. machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing)

Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices

Text, image and voice processing

Big data analysis

E-commerce and digital trade

Distributed ledger technology (e.g. blockchain)

Augmented and virtual reality

Robots, non-humanoid (industrial automation, drones)

10. Power storage and generation

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Crafting Effective Resumes Here is a guide to writing effective resumes and putting together applications that work.

esumes can come in a variety of formats, such as the chronological, skills-based, combination and alternative resumes. The most commonly used format is the chronological resume as it is reader-friendly and easily customisable. Each format has its pros and cons, so do your research and find out which one best serves your needs before deciding on one. Regardless of which type of resume you choose to use, the idea behind its presentation remains the same. What is more important is to adapt the various elements of the format and tailor its contents to highlight your skills and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

GOOD SAMPLE

DAVID SUM

+65 9876 5432 | david.sum11@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/davidsum11 | davidsum.wixsite.com EDUCATION SIM Global Education – University of London Aug 2019 – May 2022 BSc in Business and Management (expected graduation) • Recipient of Commendation Award for excellent academic achievements in 2020 Singapore Polytechnic 2015 – 2018 Diploma in Business Analytics

WORK/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE FeynM Company Nov 2020 – Present Customer Service Officer • Provide support in several investment projects • Liaise directly with customers in order to assist in better understanding their needs • Assist customers with relevant queries on products • Conduct market research on client portfolios • Prepare service and product recommendations reports for clients Jun 2019 – Dec 2019 MNF Company Intern • Assisted on customising investment analytics suites for clients • Coded programmes to filter and analyse gathered data 2 • Communicated directly with senior management during the customisation process

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Singapore Institute of Management Feb 2020 – Current Team Captain, Soccer • Represent SIM in the first division and lead the team to win the inter-university Lion Cup in 2021 • Lead and conduct bi-weekly training sessions for 30 members, motivating team members and ensuring their welfare • Liaise with team captains at other universities to coordinate practise and friendly matches • Oversee the recruitment and selection process of new members Aug 2020 – Mar 2021 Singapore Institute of Management Secretary, Economics Society • Led a group of 8 committee members to publicise events, which successfully increased club membership by 20% 3 • Encouraged club members to actively participate and help out in club events • Managed the club’s budget and resources

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

May 2018 – Current Youth Corps Singapore Youth Leader • Mentor and provide guidance for new batches of youth leaders • Initiate, propose and execute workshops and events to increase awareness of mental health amongst youths

SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS • • • • • • • •

Proficient in Microsoft Office Proficient in Excel VBA and pivot tables Knowledge in programming languages such as C++, Python, SQL, R Programming, Java Basic knowledge in Tableau Certified in Basic First Aid + AED Fluent in written and spoken English and Chinese Currently self-learning Korean Enjoys outdoor sports, particularly soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. Actively participates in marathons

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Make your name stand out

David used a different font size for his name, and enlarged and bolded it. This ensures that it is the first thing a recruiter sees when they pick up his resume. Putting it in uppercase was a good move too, as it will make his resume easy to find amidst a stack of other documents.

Verbs are your best friends

David used action verbs and focused on his role and the results he achieved.

Results speak for themselves

David’s resume is effective in that it lets his results speak for themselves in solid terms (i.e. numbers and percentages).

Be more than a worker

David also used his resume to reveal the breadth and depth of his skills, interests and hobbies that frame him positively. He also did not let his resume exceed two pages.

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BAD SAMPLE

DAVID SUM

WORK/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE FeynM Company Nov 2020 – Present Customer Service Officer • Provide support in several investment projects • Liaise directly with customers in order to assist in better understanding their needs • Assist customers with relevant queries on products • Conduct market research on client portfolios • Prepare service and product recommendations reports for clients Jun 2019 – Dec 2019 MNF Company Intern • Assisted on customising investment analytics suites for clients • Coded programmes that helped in filtering data 2 • Communicated directly with senior management during the customisation process

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Singapore Institute of Management Feb 2020 – Current Team Captain, Soccer • Represent SIM in the first division and lead the team to win the inter-university Lion Cup in 2021 • Lead and conduct bi-weekly training sessions for 30 members, motivating team members and ensuring their welfare • Liaise with team captains at other universities to coordinate practise and friendly matches • Oversee the recruitment and selection process of new members Aug 2020 – Mar 2021 Singapore Institute of Management Secretary, Economics Society • I worked closely with some society members to successfully increase club membership 3 • Encouraged club members to actively participate and help out in club events • Managed the club’s budget and resources

SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS • • • • • •

Proficient in Microsoft Office Knowledge in programming languages such as C++, Python, SQL, R Programming, Java Basic knowledge in Tableau Fluent in written and spoken English and Chinese Enjoys outdoor sports, particularly soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. Actively participates in marathons Enjoys volunteer work

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Name fails to stand out

David’s name does not stand out on his resume, so there is a chance employers will either overlook it or miss it altogether, especially if it is in a stack of other documents.

Lack of powerful verbs

David displays some uncertainty, and shows a lack of action and achievement.

Results are unclear

This is just blatant self-promotion on David’s part. There is also no solid indication of results.

David presents only one part of himself

David is more than just a potential employee. In this case, he could have used his resume to reveal the true breadth and depth of his skills, interests and hobbies, and use it to frame himself positively.

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Other elements you should consider: Using the right font

Personal statements

While you may think a unique font will make you stand out, it may put off employers instead, unless you are going for an alternative resume. Here are some examples of fonts that you should use and some that you avoid.

Graduates are often in doubt about personal statements (also known as career aim, profile, or mission statements). What purpose does it serve and should it be included in their resume? Our answer: A graduate’s resume typically does not need a personal statement because an effective one requires details that fresh graduates cannot 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 Arial: The standard sans-serif font. Arial’s clean, easy-to-read feel makes it ideal for a resume. 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 resume.

Fonts to avoid Comic Sans MS: The red-headed stepchild of modern fonts, the quirky but dreadfully overused Comic Sans has no place on a resume. Monotype Corsiva: Unless you are 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.

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Bridging offline and online With job search processes and recruiters increasingly moving online, it is a wise move to link your offline resume to your online profile – especially your LinkedIn profile or sites containing your work or portfolio. 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 resume, make sure to use the public profile’s URL address instead of the link in your browser’s usual URL box when you are 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.

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What is in a Good Cover Letter If an employer requests a resume, they usually want a cover letter, too. Do not let go of this opportunity to showcase your skills and enthusiasm — it can make a big difference to the success of your job application!

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

Step #1: Get your opening right After your salutations, inform the recruiter which job, internship or scheme you are applying for, where you saw it advertised and why you are applying. If the position has a reference number, it is always good to include that for their easy reference. Always address your cover letter to a named contact. Give the organisation a call to find out who you should address your job application to if a name is not given on the job advertisement or their website. Ensure you correctly address the person’s title, e.g. Mr, Miss, or even Dr. Some recruiters may feel quite strongly about how they are addressed.

Step #2: Answer the question “Why you?” The first paragraph or two should be about you. Convince the employer why you are well-suited to the role by referring directly to the job description and concentrating on how you have the skills, abilities and/or knowledge to excel in the role you are gunning for. Mix evidence of specific skills and knowledge related to the job with anecdotes from your personal experience. At the graduate level, it is still fine to refer to work experience that is not directly related to the profession you are applying to, as long as you can show how that experience or skill can be transferred to the prospective job. Use examples from your experiences doing part-time jobs, CCAs and academic work to demonstrate how you developed and practised skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and commercial awareness.

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

Step #3: Then, answer the question “Why them?” 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 to show the recruiter your interest in the position, instead of blasting out cookie-cutter resumes and cover letters to a dozen different companies. Re-read the job description and make sure you have done some background research into the organisation. This will help you tell the recruiter why you want to work for their company and why you are interested in this particular role. If you prefer, you could even switch steps #3 with #2 around and write about why you are applying to the employer first. As long as you answer both the questions of “Why you?” and “Why them?” in your cover letter, the exact order does not matter. Provide specific reasons when discussing your motivations for applying, such as the training they provide. Avoid vague statements that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as “because you are a prestigious company”.

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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. Do not forget to sign your letter as if you are sending it through the mail or delivering it in person! Likewise, remember to type out your name if you are sending your cover letter by email. A cover letter should not be longer than one page.

Brush up on modern trends when it comes to writing business letters. For letters addressed to a named contact, finish with “Yours sincerely”. If you are addressing an unnamed contact, end with “Yours faithfully”.

GOOD SAMPLE 1

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

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”).

17 March 2022

Dear Mr Han 1 I am applying for a position in your graduate management programme, 2 as advertised on AX Bank’s website. I will graduate in April 2022 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 Ms Tan, your Recruitment Executive, 3 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, such as investment analytics and enterprise optimisation. 4 I further developed my expertise by attending various lecture series and panel talks organised by the university, such as those given by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Doug Laney 5 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. The skills I picked up and refined over the course of my part-time job will certainly lend themselves to the position in question. 6 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. I am sincerely excited to work for AX Bank because of your commitment to socially responsible 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 resume for your consideration. I am sure that you will find me to be an asset to your company. I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Thank you.

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

3 It is alright to name-drop if you have had prior contact with the company’s representatives as this shows continuous interest. But be sure to get their business card!

4 Always mention specifics when promoting your skills and experiences. In this case, David gave some examples of analytics theories to show that she knows her stuff.

5 Use jargon and names of industrial figures sparingly, unless they are extremely wellknown.

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

Yours sincerely David Sum

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BAD SAMPLE 1

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

If you are unable to find out who you can direct your letter to, use “To the Recruitment Manager”. “To Whom It May Concern” is rather awkward and does not state your purpose clearly.

17 March 2022

To Whom It May Concern 1 I am applying for a position in your graduate management programme, as advertised on AX Bank’s website. I will graduate in April 2016 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 2 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 3 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 report for MC Company after researching their portfolio. 4 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. I am sincerely excited to work for AX Bank because of your commitment to socially responsible 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 resume 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. 5 I look forward to hearing from you in due course. Thank you. Yours sincerely David Sum

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

3 Always mention specifics when promoting your skills and experiences. David could have given some examples of analytics theories here to show that he knows his stuff.

4 Protect the confidentiality of past clients and projects by not mentioning their names. Instead, David should have focused more on his credibility in the role he played in the project by offering details. It will also be more effective if he could link it to the skills that he had listed before.

5 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”.

Common blunders • Using your cover letter to flatter recruiters and hardsell yourself • Writing only one generic cover letter for multipurpose use. Each job posting has its own unique requirements, and you have to show that you have the relevant skills and experience • Including cliché or umbrella statements • Not mentioning your motivations or reasons behind pursuing the position you are applying for • Leaving out past quantifiable results you have from past projects or internships • Talking about what the company can do for you, and not how you can value-add and contribute to the company

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LinkedIn for Career Success and Digital Networking Time to step up your LinkedIn game and attract more recruiters to your page.

t is no secret that LinkedIn is now one of the primary means employers use to look for new hires. With over 93 per cent of companies around the world using LinkedIn to make hiring decisions, it is critical that jobseekers have and maintain an account on the site to put themselves on the radar and apply to specific jobs. However, simply creating a LinkedIn profile is not 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 and additional tips that will help give your profile that coveted “wow” factor!

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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 resume, curate your achievements, qualifications and work experience that are relevant to the industry you wish to pursue your career in. 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 field, like the retail industry, it would be good if you could emphasise your work experience as a sales promoter, for example.

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.

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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 have added to your page. Do not 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, such as “English language graduate – Aspiring writer – Media industry” 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 would be a useful connection to have, both for recruiting and networking purposes.

Level Up Your LinkedIn Game

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 am an electrical and electronic engineering graduate with an interest in making the world a better and safer place through automation and robotics. I am keen on an engineering role in the robotics industry where I am able to apply the knowledge and skills I have 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 would like to learn more about how my skills can bring value to your company (or hear about the 68 marathons I have 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 groups or 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!

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How to Write a Professional Email When contacting recruiters, you should always use effective, simple and natural language to come off as mature and graceful. Follow this guide to use the email medium with elegance.

1. Use an appropriate email address

5. Check for errors

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.

Do not just rely on autocorrect to spot your typos! Always reread your email draft for grammatical mistakes. Also, read it out loud while thinking from the recipient’s point of view.

2. Write a clear subject line

6. Manage your email attachments effectively

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!

Remember to enclose your attachments, whether they are your cover letter, resume, or other documents requested for! When it comes to sending out a few large attachments, you can place them in a zip folder, or create links for downloads.

3. Address your email to the right person

7. Follow up promptly

You can either call the company or find out online who you should address the email to, instead of just stating “Dear Sir/ Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Most of the time, though, the name of the hiring manager is often on the job description and hiring notice. You can also make a phone call to enquire about who you should be addressing the email to before sending it out.

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!

4. Keep your message brief and professional

8. Craft an effective signature

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.

Lastly, your email signature should contain a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio as well as your mobile number, especially for the first email to any professional contact.

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EXAMPLE OF A GOOD EMAIL To: jhan@axbank.com From: david.sum11@gmail.com Subject: Application for the graduate management programme – David Sum Dear Mr Han, I am interested in the graduate management programme at AX Bank, as advertised on LinkedIn. I have a 6-month internship experience at MNF Company, and related experience at FeynM Company. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualifications for the role. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. Yours sincerely, David +65 9876 5432 LinkedIn: @david_sum

EXAMPLE OF A BAD EMAIL To: jhan@axbank.com From: david.sum11@gmail.com Subject: Applying for the graduate management programme Dear Mr Han, I want to apply for the graduate management programme at AX Bank, as advertised on LinkedIn. I think I am one of the best candidates for this position, as I have internship and other related experiences. My resume and cover letter are attached and show that I am qualified. Thank you, and I hope to hear from you sometime. Yours sincerely, David

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Dress to Win If you want to win, you have to dress the part first.

here is no doubt that your resume 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 Her

Him Hair and makeup

• 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 are 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

• 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 lip balm 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 too, just in case

Attire • Wear dresses suitable for office wear. If you would 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 needed • Make sure you can sit comfortably in your slacks and that it is not too tight. Blouses or shirts should be light-coloured but not faded. Avoid wearing spaghetti or strapless tops • If you are 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 is not too sheer or bright in colour. Look out for low necklines or gaps in between buttons

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• 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 black-and-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

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

• Ensure the colour of your shoes matches your belt if you are wearing one and that the buckle is plain and not too flashy • Wear dark- or neutral-coloured ties that do not fall past your belt when worn • 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

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 research and development (R&D) roles often opt for this style of dress as well.

Her

Him

• Dresses

• Polo tees or shirts

• Shirts or blouses

• Pants, jeans or chinos

• Skirts or jeans

• Dress shoes or loafers

• 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.

Her

Him

• Dresses

• Long-sleeved shirts

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

• Pants

• A-line or pencil skirts

• Dress shoes

• Dress pants

• Cufflinks, ties and jackets are optional

• Wedges, flats or low-to-medium heels

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

Her

Him

• Work dresses

• Long-sleeved shirts

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

• Pants

• Pencil skirts

• Dress shoes

• Dress pants

• Cufflinks

• Flats or low-to-medium heels

• Plain ties

• Business suits or blazers

• Dark-coloured suits

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How to Look Confident in Your Interview Even when you feel like throwing up from anxiety, you can still project an aura of calm and assurance to ace that interview.

inally, after customising countless resumes, penning numerous cover letters, outsmarting applicant tracking systems (ATS) and applying for any number of job posts, you have been granted a golden ticket to an interview! However, when the celebrations wound down, you suddenly realised – it is going to be you and a hiring manager or a panel of interviewers, sitting in a room or hopping onto an online platform for what may seem like an interrogation session. And you need to work to stand out from the crowd for that coveted role. Although interviewers will be understanding of your nerves, especially if you are a fresh graduate on the hunt for your first professional job, you still should not let your nerves get the best of you! Instead, use these quick tips to keep cool and stay calm – or at least appear to be.

Take deep breaths Before the interview, whether you are at the office for a face-toface meet-up or a virtual one, take a moment to take a few deep breaths. This exercise will calm your nerves and bring you down from your fight or flight mode – yes, it is possible to get there when you’re nervous enough! – and help you think before you step into the interview room or online platform.

Easy tips to calm your nerves 1.

Breathe in deeply through your nose (you should feel your stomach expand)

Slowly inhale through your mouth

Centre your thoughts

Repeat this process three to four times

Talk slowly and clearly It does not matter if you are in a family dinner or nervously trying to get through an interview – it is normal to ramble on when you start talking. And then veer off-topic completely by accident. While it is perfectly alright to do so during dinner, saying more than what is appropriate in an interview is not the best thing! Instead, keep your answers brief and take the time to go through them. This will be especially vital if your interview is slated to be over video. You can also pause between your sentences for a second or two to give the illusion of talking slowly. But before you go off with this idea, do a test run with your career coaches or friends! They can help you find that “sweet speed spot” that will ensure your delivery is smooth and natural.

Sit still and do not fidget Fidgeting is one of the tell-tale signs of nervousness, so if you want to come across as a confident and assured applicant, master the skill of not fidgeting. A common trick to decrease fidgeting is to clasp your hands on the table. If you are a leg shaker, keep your hands on your lap instead – the added weight and pressure will remind you to not jiggle your legs around. If you think that interviewers cannot see you fidget because your interview is over live video, think again. They will be able to hear your fingers tapping on the table over the microphone, and they will definitely be able to see you squirming in your seat! So, even if you think you are not fidgety, or have little to no fidgeting habits, do a few mock interviews with your career coaches or friends, and ask them to call out any nervous tendencies you have.

Common fidgeting habits to look out for • Tapping fingers • Touching hair, nails or nose • Leg shaking or foot tapping • Biting nails • Chewing on your bottom lip

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Make eye contact Steady and natural eye contact is one of the best ways to convey your confidence without even speaking. But take note! Eye contact does not mean staring fixatedly at your recruiter. Rather, make sure to take breaks over the course of your interview. So, after making eye contact with your interviewer(s), casually look down at your resume, portfolio, or other interesting knickknacks in the room. If your interview is taking place over a live video, do not make the mistake of trying to make eye contact with your screen! Instead, look at the camera to give your interviewer the impression that you are making eye contact.

Dress up

Conclusion: It is normal to get butterflies when you are getting interviewed. But do not let your nerves get the best of you. Focus on your end goal. While these tips will help in fooling the interviewers into thinking that you are confident in your abilities, you still need to practise your delivery and prepare your content to clinch that job!

Do not underestimate the power of looking good. Pulling on a smart outfit for your interview can give you an instant confidence boost. Add the fact that you will leave a stellar first impression on your recruiter, and the benefits really outweigh the cons of sifting through your closet. That is no reason to only pull on a shirt and blazer without pants if your interview is set to take place virtually, though! Although it is okay to make slightly less effort on your appearance if you are meeting your interviewer(s) over a digital platform, it will still be just as embarrassing, and detrimental to your chances, to experience a wardrobe malfunction on camera.

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Networking for Success Networking can be pretty confusing: Where do you start? What do you do? Where do you even go? Here are some ideas for you to explore!

s a graduate jobseeker, you have 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 are also pressured to juggle building new connections, strengthen old ones and maintain a professional image in front of potential employers. With so much multitasking going on – and with your future at stake, too – it is understandable why you may find yourself getting anxious during such events.

“How do I start a conversation with someone?”, “Can I join that group who started their conversation fifteen minutes ago, or would it be rude?”, “Wow, that is a big shot CEO – should I even approach him for a conversation?” and “Ack, awkward pause – what do I say now?!” are some very common thoughts that can quickly overwhelm you. 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. Instead, it is a learnable skill that requires constant practice. Of course, that is 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 have 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 do not 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.

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For example, if you are looking for employment as a social media strategist, you might find it more beneficial to have more contacts from the knowledge and online networks instead of casual networks. Alternatively, marketing people might find the opposite to be more useful. Flex your interaction and networking muscles with any of these contacts as you will be using the same skills! The ability to make small talk is also a crucial skill that you will 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 how to network successfully. 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 cannot 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 is all about rehearsing to the point that you are confident enough to carry a conversation during any networking session while still being yourself.

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Focus on your “VCP” Although it is true that the purpose of networking is for you to obtain a favour or opportunity from your contacts, 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 contacts need to know who you are • Credibility: Your contacts need to know your intentions, character and capabilities • Profitability: Your contacts need to know that they can trust you so much that they are willing to help you Recruiters do not expect new graduates to be overachievers, but they want to see your interest in them, their company and 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 approached before so that you can develop a rapport with them. 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 discover your falsehood, but it can also damage 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 “What do you do?” question, you will not be floundering around for an answer. Be sure to include the necessary information – who you are, what you are studying and where your interests lie – and keep it concise. Alternatively, prepare two or three introductory points about yourself if you do not feel like giving a 30-second pitch. Just choose something that you are excited to talk about, and you will be able to portray yourself as a knowledgeable and capable person!

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Talk beyond business Another way to establish your reputation as a great conversationalist is to connect 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 will leave an impression! Use this opportunity to also show your keen eye for details. If you are nervous, speak to other students, interns or the event organisers to test the waters first. Find out what are some good small talk topics that you can use to approach the “big shots”. For instance, if no one seems interested in your talk about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, then maybe you should leave that out. It is also a good idea to stay away from touchy subjects like politics and religion. 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 are not going to make the effort to follow up with any new contacts you have made. If you have 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 with someone else who can benefit them, they are bound to return the favour in the future, too! Put the business cards you have 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 will leave an impression on them. This way, they will be less likely to forget you if you bump into them again in the future.

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Interview Tips Get to know the four most common types of interviews, as well as how to ace them!

One-on-one interviews

Video interviews

Otherwise known as personal or face-to-face interviews, this involves your interviewer asking a series of questions to evaluate your suitability for the job. Although present circumstances mean that one-on-one interview sessions usually take place virtually, it is still common. Some companies prefer using several rounds of one-on-one interviews for different department heads to meet with the potential candidate before deciding on his or her fate with the company.

The most common interview type in the new normal, video interviews are conducted by almost all employers. However, due to the potential technical pitfalls and how different they may be depending on the platform used by each employer, they tend to intimidate graduate job seekers. Video interviews may take place “live” (e.g. through Zoom) or pre-recorded (e.g. video submissions).

Interview tips • Show your interviewer that you are interested in the job by asking relevant questions. Some simple ones include asking about the role’s day-to-day tasks, the work culture, or the role’s career path • You should also talk about how the job role matches your aspirations, career plans and relevant interests. Enthusiasm is key • Demonstrate specific examples of the skills required for the role you are applying for and discuss relevant transferable skills you obtained from any school or work experience • Also note that body language is just as important as verbal communication. Maintain a decent level of eye contact throughout the interview, sit upright to exude confidence and remember to smile!

Interview tips • Practice makes perfect. Start by getting used to appearing on-screen. Switch on your computer’s webcam and record yourself as though you are running through a practice interview • If you are recording a pre-recorded interview, ensure you do not come across as too rehearsed. Instead, try to “interact” with the recruiter who will be watching your video • Set the scene by dressing smartly and making sure the area where you will be carrying out the interview looks like a professional workplace • If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, make sure you have good signal strength so that the video conference does not drop midway through your interview. A good way to check this is to stream a video over YouTube • Whether you are talking to your interviewer live or prerecorded, look at the camera to make it seem as if you are making eye contact • Lastly, if you are taking the call on a laptop, remember to plug it in to a power source – you may be online longer than you think

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Panel interviews

Phone interviews

Panel interviews typically involve anywhere from three to eight interviewers – usually three for graduate interviews. They will likely consist of a mix of HR personnel, business managers and some departmental specialists. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security if these interviews are held over video! They tend to be more rigorous and meticulous than individual interviews as you will be juggling questions from multiple sources. Although this may sound intimidating, there is no need to fret. The interviewers are out to find out the same thing as at any other interview: Whether you are a good fit for the company!

A phone interview is often used as a screening exercise where employers check some basic information prior to a face-to-face or virtual interview. It is also used to sieve through suitable candidates early in the recruitment process. The relative anonymity of a phone interview may allow you to speak to your interviewer without the stress of travelling to an unfamiliar place in professional attire, but avoid letting your guard down!

Interview tips • Maintain direct eye contact with the interviewers. If your interview is taking place in-person, answer them while making eye contact. If it is over video, talk to the camera instead of the video feed on-screen • Address the interviewers by name when speaking to them. If your interview is taking place face-to-face, one little trick is to get their name cards at the beginning of the session, and then arrange them in front of you according to the interviewers’ sitting arrangement • Stay calm if one of the interviewers looks bored. Given their different backgrounds, not every member on the panel may be interested in your response to a question asked

Interview tips • Much of the impact you make will come through your voice, so sounding attentive and enthusiastic is important • Take notes of the keywords of the questions asked for reference when responding to your interviewer • Do not be distracted by your surroundings or lose track of what you want to say next. Avoid filler words such as “umm” and “uh-huh” or constant requests to repeat the questions • Have your resume and completed application form next to you in case you need to refer to them during the phone interview • Choose a conducive, quiet environment for the phone appointment to prevent background noise from ruining your session

• You will sometimes be asked the same question twice by mistake. Do not second-guess yourself, and always keep to the same version of your story

Some tricky (and timely!) interview questions • • • • •

How do you think our business has been affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic this year? Which of your achievements or experiences best demonstrate your key strengths? What has this pandemic and its aftereffects taught you about yourself? What steps have you been taking to stay informed and relevant amidst all the uncertainty this year? How do you see your career developing over the next few years in a post-coronavirus world?

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Smart questions to ask your interviewer(s) Sensible questions such as:

Dress up

• You mentioned that the job involves a particular task. Could you tell me a bit more about what this entails? • What sort of training can I expect to receive? • How do new starters who join the organisation in this position generally progress? What would be a typical timescale?

Pulling on a smart outfit for your interview can give you a confidence boost. Not only would your clothes make you look good, they can make you feel good, too! Add the fact that you will leave a stellar first impression on your recruiter, and the benefits really outweigh the cons of sifting through your closet. Tips: • Even if your interview is to take place virtually over a digital channel, dress up like you are going for an in-person interview • Conduct research on the company’s dress code. If in doubt, go for a formal look • Keep your clothes clean and wrinkle-free • Make sure your hair is not in your eyes • Keep clothing colours neutral (e.g. grey, black, beige, brown and blue) • Avoid complicated patterns and accessories

Thoughtful questions such as: • I read in the papers recently that your organisation has just signed an agreement to work with a particular client. Is this something that I would be likely to get involved with if I do get this position? • Will the trends in a post-coronavirus world affect the way you work in this market? What are some of the things you are doing to ride the wave/wait it out? • Your competitors seem to be doing Y. Is it important for your company to be doing Z? How does this set you apart from them?

How to appear confident in interviews

It is normal to get butterflies before interviews. But this is not an excuse to let your nerves get the best of you! Instead, focus on your end goal – landing the job. These tips will help you look confident, and even boost your confidence!

Breathe Before the interview, whether you are at the office for a faceto-face meet-up or a virtual one, take a moment to take a few deep breaths. This exercise will calm your nerves and bring you down from your fight or flight mode (yes, it’s possible to get there when you’re nervous enough!) and help you think before you step into the interview room. Tips: • Breathe in deeply through your nose • (you should feel your stomach expand) • Slowly exhale through your mouth • Centre your thoughts • Repeat this process 3 to 4 times

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Acing Assessment Centres Assessment centres are not reality TV shows – you will not be seen in the boardroom a la The Apprentice and you will not be the victim of an onscreen sacking, either. So do not feel obliged to behave like you are taking part in a television show.

ou are 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 is where some participants at assessment centres take their cue from, and that is where they also come undone. Here is why being at an assessment centre is, frankly, not at all like being on 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 is important for you to show how well you can work in a team. In other words, 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 done on you.

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

You will be judged on how well you performed the tasks given to you. There is no boardroom “execution”.

You are tempted into undermining your colleagues.

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

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What should I expect from an assessment centre?

How to behave at 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:

Do not lose concentration

• • • • •

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 evaluate how well you work with others, how you influence and persuade those around you 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 can at a one-on-one interview, though most assessment centres will also include at least one personal interview. This is why some employers feel that assessment centres are a fairer and more effective way to select graduates than traditional interviews. Feeling worried? Do not be! We will show you how you can get past these exercises and even have some fun in the process!

It is going to be a long and tiring day, so try to make sure you have a good night’s sleep beforehand! You will need to stay alert and engaged the whole day. Even if you are assured that the informal food and drinks do not play any part in the selection process, you should be careful not to gorge yourself. It is best to assume that if you let your hair down too far, someone will notice.

Get your hands dirty Do not stand back and turn your nose up. Group exercises are designed to see how well you work with others, so make sure you take part. Be enthusiastic and make an effort, whatever the task. Besides, concentrating on the task at hand will help you 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 is fine to make small talk with assessors, do not be too familiar with them.

Do not fake it until you make it Be yourself, but be the most positive version of yourself. Try to relax and behave naturally. You might even find it is possible to enjoy yourself despite the inevitable nerves. Also remember that a smile is more likely to make a better impression than a face frozen in fear!

How do I know if all is going well? You know you are on track when: • You have 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 are not going so well if: • You do not meet anyone, fellow candidates and assessors, whose company you enjoy • You walk away feeling suspicious, judged and anxious

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Job Offers: Take or Wait? It can be hard to figure out what you should do when job offers come in, especially when they do not meet your standards or expectations.

he stage was set when you graduated. The global pandemic served as the dreary backdrop, and student loans hung over the proceedings like a pall. But hey, at least your job hunt was a success! You applied to the relevant dream roles, and you have received some job offers. Except none of those offers live up to your expectations. Perhaps some aspects of the job are not part of The Right Job you have for yourself in mind, such as a requirement to work on some weekends, or a smaller remuneration package. But on the other hand, the economic woes of the pandemic also mean that you might not get another offer as good as the one(s) you are considering passing up. Not to mention you will be throwing away the time and energy you have invested in your long, and sometimes agonising, hunt.

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And then there is the fact that you have put so much time and money into your education to think about. You are the new and very proud owner of your shiny degree – and you want to put it to good use in a role worth its value. Which leads us to the million-dollar question. Do you take up the role you were offered, though it is less-than-perfect for you and your degree? Or do you hold out for The Right Job? Unfortunately, we do not have the right answers for you. But what we can do is put up some factors you might want to consider, and that might help you come to a decision.

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Take: You will get the experience you need There are times that you will get an offer for a job that is close to what your dream job is, barring a few aspects that do not appeal to you. But here is the thing. It will definitely get you the experience you need to work towards your dream job. For instance, you want to work for a finance firm, but you have only gotten offers from the financial departments of companies in different industries. The role may not be your dream job in your dream company, but you have taken the first step to your dream job. If this the case, the role could be worth taking!

Take: Finances are tight As harsh as this truth is, financial needs sometimes force your hand and cause you to take an offer you are not too enthusiastic about. But even if you are not too financially strapped yet and you still have some wiggle room, taking a job can help you keep your finances buoyed and put you in a better place for when you start your job search again in the future. Although this sounds all doom and gloom, do not let your hopes drop. There are some advantages to taking care of your finances. For instance, you will have better flexibility and stables finances when you decide to pursue your dream job later. Moreover, you will also be able to gather valuable experience and build transferable skills, such as communication skills, as well as time management skills.

Take: You do not have a clear idea of what your dream job is If you have only a vague idea of what your dream job is, consider being adventurous and try out jobs that may not initially pass off as your dream job. Take up the offer that best suits your present likes and dislikes in a role. This will give you a sense of what your dream job is, and may even give you the time and experience needed to refine your career goals. You may even discover some things about yourself along the way! For example, you may find that you prefer working on detail-oriented projects at work, rather than high-pressure ones. Or perhaps other aspects of work you enjoy, like networking and working in larger or smaller teams. You may even find out what company culture fits your personality and lifestyle best!

Wait: You have a solid plan leading to your dream job If you have done up a comprehensive job search plan with a solid timeline, and found out that you have a very high chance of landing your dream job within the time given, consider doing so. However, keep in mind that there are many factors to this job search plan. You need to crunch the numbers and figure out a budget for yourself to see you through the duration of your job search, for starters. And you need to find out what job search resources are available to you as well, like your university job search portal, other platforms, or even industry magazines. You will also need to create a resume and cover letter, and have your campus career coach look over, and approve, them. If you have completed all that and it is still well, check if your dream company is recruiting, and that you have the qualifications required. If they are, and your qualifications pass muster, ensure the contacts you have in the industry are solid. Then, speak to the relevant recruiters and see if your chances of getting a role are good!

Wait: You know what aspects of a job will make you miserable If you are going to turn down a job offer and continue waiting for The Right Job, it is important that you have a very clear idea of which offer you will accept. After all, if you have no idea what you are waiting for, you could end up waiting forever for that mysterious offer to come! Having a solid understanding of the factors that should be must-haves in your dream job will be a great help in deciding this.

Wait: There is no value in the job for you Your job should always add value to you in a meaningful and purposeful way. In that vein, you would not apply to a role that you know would make you miserable. Instead, you would gun for a role that would not leave you feeling so down based on the job description given, right? Except, when you went for the interview, you found out that the job scope was completely different! If you feel that you can still build skills and experience, though there will be less meaning and purpose for you, give it a try. But be sure to explain that to your prospective employer, as well as that you may not hold the position for long. However, if you think that the job scope will give you no meaning and purpose, and that there is no reason to take it on, it would be better to hold out.

Conclusion: Making a decision when it comes to job offers is never easy. However, we hope we have made it clearer with these tips!

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Accepting Job Offers: Accepting and Declining Congratulations, you have been offered a job! Now, how do you proceed with (or reject) the offer?

Reading the contract/offer In many cases, the recruiter will make a job offer to you through an email or a phone call, informing you that they are “very happy to offer you X position”. However, job offers – whether conditional or unconditional – are not considered formalised until they are produced in writing, such as an offer letter. It will normally contain a copy of the terms and conditions of employment. This document acts as a binding contract once it is signed, so make sure to go through the printed details thoroughly and check that everything is as you gave discussed with the recruiter (usually during your second or third interview). Look out for: • Job title

he thrill of finally receiving a job offer after a gruelling job hunt is probably one of the best feelings. More than signalling your success, it means that you have lived up to a potential employer’s expectations, and you are good enough to be offered a job. It also translates to financial security and another step towards your dreams. So, you say yes – no second thoughts, and that is the end of it. Easy, right? Except no, not really. Many applicants think that accepting a job offer is as easy as “Yes, I accept your offer”, but there is actually a lot more to the process than you think! Accepting a job offer means another round of formal processes, so make sure you know what is going on to ensure that you are on the right track! Or maybe you have discovered that this particular employer or position is not quite suitable for you after all, or you disagree with the hiring terms and conditions. In this case, if you feel like you are receiving the short end of the stick and unable to successfully negotiate your terms, you may decide to decline the offer. This is when you will need to practise proper etiquette to make sure that you do not burn any bridges. So, what should you expect when you receive a job offer?

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• Salary and benefits (including travelling, phone and entertainment allowances) • Additional incentive compensation • Employee education • Probation period • Notice period (the length of time between resigning and your last day of work) • Hours of work per day or week • 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, do not feel pressured to sign on the spot. Instead, ask for some time to go through the document before getting back to them. Most employers will understand and give you the extra time needed.

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When things are not clear Some details in the offer letter can get quite technical. So do not let it overwhelm you; it is alright to nitpick the specifics as you go through the document. If there is something you do not understand, or 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 are applying into a graduate programme or scheme, check if your offer is conditional on gaining a specific degree classification. This would mean that you are temporarily accepted, and will only be confirmed when you have achieved 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 are keen on taking up the job, go ahead and sign your acceptance. Although this is sufficient in most cases, some employers may ask you to write a short acceptance letter or email, mentioning that you are formally accepting their offer to join the company. If you find that you need help with this, do not be afraid to turn to your career advisors for assistance. You are not done yet though! Do not 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 as well. Just a simple thank-you note over email mentioning your acceptance will help to show your appreciation. You can also ask for further advice on how you should prepare for your first day at the job.

Declining the offer In the off-chance that you think you are not suited for the job or company, be sure to decline politely in the form of a letter expressing your intentions. This is because recruiters do not know that you are declining their offer and why. Instead, they will only think that you are being rude for leading them on. On top of that, responding will help prove your integrity as a responsible job-seeker (and employee!). In your email, thank the recruiters and interviewers for their time, and tell them clearly that you are unable to accept their offer and why. Recruiters deserve to know after all the time and effort that they have invested in you. Be honest and polite about it, and always keep your tone professional. A curt “I do not think your offer is good” is definitely a no-go!

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Again, do not forget the contacts who have helped you up to this point. Send them a brief email to inform them of your decision as well, and thank them for their assistance and guidance. If handled properly, job declinations can become good networking opportunities, 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-negotiations. 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 hunt! Sometimes, you may be given an offer before you even start on your job hunt, especially if you have 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! That is just plain rude, and will only spoil their good impression of you. Moreover, do not neglect your responsibility to contact them once you have come to a decision, and be tactful about the way you juggle your (multiple) job offers.

Other no-gos Take note also of some actions that are considered unethical by recruiters – make sure that you do not: • Sign and accept multiple offer letters that you receive, and not turn up at work on the first day • Delay your response to your multiple job offers for a long time in order to compare your prospects, then not inform the rejected recruiters after you have made your decision

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How to Cope with Retracted Job Offers Getting your first job offer is a truly exciting moment – until the other shoe drops. While having a job offer withdrawn is typically rare, it can still happen. And if it does, it will be up to you to know how to handle the situation.

verything was in place just before you graduated – after numerous internships and a lengthy interview process, you managed to land a role before graduation. You then enthusiastically rented your graduation gown, planned the outfit you would wear underneath and even picked out the most suitable pair of shoes to walk in across the stage to receive the proof of your degree. Then the pandemic hit, turned the economy topsy-turvy and reduced physical convocation ceremonies to rushed virtual goodbyes over your last days in school. And if that was not enough, your future company rescinded their offer. The best-laid plans can go awry. But the combination of your security blanket being tugged out from above you so quickly, coupled with the uncertainty prevalent in everyday life, means that you are not coping well. You may have even fallen into a rut. How can you get out of this funk? Here are some tips to help you.

Take time to deal with the shock Even if you were aware that your offer might be revoked – you saw fellow graduates have their own offers rescinded – getting the news itself may still lead you to the six stages of grief. And if you were mere weeks or days away from reporting for your first day of work, the surge of adrenaline and shock you got from the news may even leave you feeling emotionally drained and unable to think straight. Give yourself the chance to calm down. Sit still for a few minutes and wait for your brain to start working rationally again. Once you have processed the shock, you can think about your next step.

Grieve so you can move on Suddenly finding yourself adrift without your job offer anchor is jarring and will leave you feeling off-kilter. To make matters worse, in the middle of this new normal where change often comes at the drop of a hat, your feelings of rejection can be intensified several times. Understand that it is okay to grieve for the role you never got the chance to fill. Take some time to retreat from the world and wallow for a bit. Work on getting rid of any self-defeating scenarios in your head, take some time to re-focus and get ready to jump back into the game.

Some common symptoms of shock • • • • •

Rapid and shallow breathing Feeling lightheaded or nauseated A foggy mind A tight feeling in your chest Irregular heartbeat

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Understand why the company rescinded your offer Before you start thinking the worst of the company, think about this simple truth: Companies do not want to take back job offers once they send them out. They usually only retract offers when they have little to no choice. For instance, in pre-pandemic times, companies usually only revoked offers due to negative or unprofessional candidate behaviour post-interview. This is because hiring processes are not just a strain on your time and resources – they are hard on recruiters and company resources, too. Chances are, in the wake of slashed budgets in this new normal, their changed financial situation means that the role is either no longer available, or they are forced to freeze hiring.

Update your job search plan and expand your search You can stick to the original plan you had adhered to during your job hunt in university. But if you think you need to update it, or even draw up a new one, please do so by all means! Also, consider casting a wider search net, and look at employers who offer roles related to your course of study, but may not be in the industry of your choice. For instance, if your degree is in accountancy and you were just about to step into a job in an accounting consultancy that was rescinded, you can tweak your plan and apply to the accounting department in an IT company.

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Jump back in In the wake of the severe blow dealt to the job market, schools have stepped up their efforts to help graduates. On top of the career advice that career coaches typically offer you on campus, they now also provide new modules and training. Leverage on the opportunity and familiarise yourself with video interviews, as well as how to tailor your resume and cover letter further before sending them out! Also, check in with your career centre for dates on physical and/or virtual networking sessions and career fairs, and make it a point to show your best self when you attend. Do not disregard other methods of finding a job, too! For instance, you can take up a traineeship or graduate internship. If you do well, your manager may even offer you a full-time position at the end of your time there.

Conclusion: Getting your job offer retracted is a painful experience. It will severely test your resilience, perseverance and mental fortitude. Keep your head up high, and do not give up on yourself. While it is unfortunate that your job offer has been rescinded, you can bounce back if you keep trying. After all, you still have much to give – you just need to let others know that!

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Preparing for Your First Day at Work Read, understand and implement the following tips to help you shine on your first day at work.

fter countless applications and interviews, you have finally landed yourself that coveted job. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! But remember, this is only the beginning. As your first day of work approaches, you can expect to break out in cold sweat and feel butterflies permanently settling themselves in your stomach.

It is completely normal to get those first-day nerves – it happens to all of us! However, it is important to make a good impression from day one so you can set the stage for a successful experience. Good preparation and understanding a few key workplace basics can go a long way in helping you achieve that.

The day before • Know exactly where you will be based and where you need to report to on your first day. Check the map on your phone and note down the directions on how to get there. Usually, the company website also offers directions to their respective offices • Remember the name of your reporting officer so you do not show up at the front desk looking clueless and disorganised! You are likely to report in the morning when everyone is just walking into the office or busy preparing to start their day, so they may not be too pleased to help a new hire who shows up on his or her first day underprepared • Plan your journey. Give yourself some breathing time for bad traffic, MRT breakdowns, or bus delays. If you are unfamiliar with the area your office is located in, include additional time in case you get lost. If you are driving, figure out the nearest parking area. Take note that not every office building provides parking for those without season parking passes

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• Revise any specialised knowledge or skills you may need for the job. You may be lacking in experience, but make sure you are armed with impressive theoretical knowledge • Research and read up about the company. While this may be something you did while you were applying for the position, it is still good to tune in to the company’s latest news. You can start by checking out their social media profiles. You can also read about the history of the organisation, their vision and mission, or what they are currently working on if you have not done so already • Ensure you have enough work-appropriate attire. Some companies can be quite uptight about what their employees wear to work, while others are more flexible. If you are unsure, it is okay to wear smart attire on your first day. It is better to overdress than underdress in this situation! • Pack your bag the night before with essentials, such as extra money, some snacks and a notebook and pen. Bring along a blazer or jacket in case the office is cold

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At your workplace • Confirm with your supervisor your working hours, and if you need to take your lunch break at a particular time. • Keep your desk neat and tidy. This is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression. Do it well • Learn how to use the phone system if you are expected to answer the phone. You should have a sheet with the names of your colleagues, their designations, as well as their extension numbers. Keep it accessible by the phone • Take note of email protocols to adopt, such as using a particular signature file, salutation or sign-off. It goes without saying that the tone of your email must remain formal and professional at all times • If you are invited to attend meetings with colleagues or clients, clarify beforehand whether your input would be welcome or if you are expected to sit and observe. This is the perfect time to make use of your notebook and pen to take down meeting notes. Regardless of whether you are involved in the discussed projects, use the time to learn more about what the company does

• When briefed on a task, take the time to fully understand what you need to do and ask questions if necessary. Do not be shy or feel intimidated. This is the time for you to break out of your shell and learn on-the-job, with practically zero fallout • As mentioned earlier, bring extra cash on your first day. You may not know how much lunch costs at your workplace. Even if you do, the extra cash will come in handy if your colleagues decide to take you out to a restaurant or café instead of the nearby hawker centre for lunch • Check in at the end of the day with your manager(s) to tell them you are getting ready to leave. Always ask if there is anything else they need you to do for the day. Do not just disappear! This is the rule of thumb not just for the first day, but the rest of your time in the company

Conclusion: So you have survived your first day. What is next? Continue to listen attentively and learn well. Use the time to network and gather as much experience as you can. You will never know that the good first impression you have given will get you in the future!

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A Beginner’s Guide: How to Work from Home Everyone expects their first day of work to include some sort of fanfare, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy working from home!

veryone expects their first day of work to include some sort of fanfare. Perhaps you imagined yourself all dressed up to the nines and being introduced left and right by your new boss. Maybe you were looking forward to having your own work cubicle and getting to know your next-door (or partition) neighbour. Or possibly, the idea of just being in an office setting with a dynamic team, brainstorming campaign ideas and coming up with real-life solutions, excites you. Unfortunately, life has now thrown us a curveball and that scenario is more likely a dream than reality. Living in a society barely out of a pandemic (or still struggling with it, depending on the situation) means working from home (WFH) will continue to be the norm. Chances are, on your first day of your first job as a full-fledged working adult, you will just roll out of bed, comb your hair and settle down at your laptop before being introduced to your new colleagues via an online platform. Or you start your first day at work in a virtually empty office while your boss and HR manager go through with you your onboarding process. It might sound like a bummer start to your working life, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy WFH. It can be just as fulfilling, rewarding and fun as working at the office, if you know how to make it work. If you are new to WFH, here are some basics you should grasp.

Act like you are going to the office It is tempting to sleep in, wake up five minutes before work starts and drag your feet to the computer. But you are unlikely to be more awake or motivated to work with that extra hour of sleep. Instead, the first step to a successful WFH experience is to pretend you are going to the office. Make it into a routine and you will soon find it will not be a drag to get out of bed for work at all. So, make an effort to wake up at the same time every day, have breakfast and dress up for work. You can even squeeze in an early morning workout to shake off the last dregs of sleep and prepare for the day ahead!

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Be in the zone Being in a conducive working environment does wonders for your productivity and motivation. Obviously, this means not working from bed and maintaining a dedicated workspace instead, even if you do not have your very own office at home. Decorate it with your favourite toys, photos of your friends and family and printouts of inspirational quotes to perk your day up. Remind your family to give you space and let you concentrate on your work during office hours. If you do not keep a lid on the small distractions, it can quickly spiral out of control.

Quick tips to minimise distractions • Stay away from social media and online shopping sites • Keep your workspace clutter-free • Put on noise-cancelling headphones and listen to classical music (or instrumental songs) • Lock your door if you have your own home office

Stay in the zone If you are in the zone, you will be able to cross off completed tasks from your to-do list. The more you do, the more productive you will be. But there is more to the art of just ticking items off your list; you have to know how to prioritise the important tasks as well. Experts have also agreed that doing the hardest task first in the morning allows you to take it easier the rest of the day, and puts you in a better mood, which increases productivity.

Quick tips to work well • Master time boxing (e.g. take a five-minute break after every 25 minutes of work) • Create a “do-not” list of things you should not do in the middle of your tasks • Schedule your day according to your productive hours

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You are not alone

Stay within your boundaries

It might feel like you are alone, but you are not. The onboarding process is tougher than usual when it is done virtually, and you may not be able to learn as quickly or as easily on your own. Relying on your colleagues on video calls or emails is time-consuming as well. It is much more challenging, but solutions are there. Do not give up, and do not be afraid to keep reaching out to your boss or colleagues to clarify any matters that you are uncertain about.

Although you will cut down your commute time, you are more likely to overwork during WFH than when you go to the office. This could be attributed to receiving work chat notifications and emails at all hours, or simply lacking productivity during the day, and making up the hours to meet deadlines by working beyond office hours. Whatever the reasons are, it is important for physical health and mental well-being to keep working hours in check to avoid burnout.

Quick tips to not feeling alone

Quick tips to avoid overworking at home

• • • •

• Prioritise tasks and work on them in realistic time frames • Say “no” if necessary • Take breaks

Invite colleagues to online brainstorming sessions Stay socially connected with friends and family Do not work in silence all the time (listen to music) Look out the window and take in nature during break times • Consider taking a short walk around your neighbourhood daily • Stop working during meal times and eat with your family

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Conclusion Finding what works for you takes patience, resilience and lots of practice. Do not be so hard on yourself if you cannot instantly find your flow when it comes to WFH. Every time you find a method or process that does not work for you, do not take it as discouragement, but rather learning something new about yourself. Keep at it, and before long, you will receive the fanfare you have always imagined – but this time, for being good at your job!

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How to Manage Your Mental Health and Wellness Learn how to manage your mental health and wellness, and power through to success!

ental health is about how you act, feel, think and cope with stress. It is an integral part of every aspect of your life, yet it is something that is not often discussed in the workplace. In reality, mental health is a growing concern, with a 2021 survey by AIA finding that nine out of ten Singaporeans are struggling with their mental health. Mental health (or lack thereof) is not just limited to mental health issues – like depression or anxiety. According to Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health, not having mental health issues does not equate to good mental health. In fact, good mental health refers to “the presence of positive characteristics”.

For instance, in professional life, a positive characteristic for good mental health is a work-life balance. Fortunately, there is rising mental health awareness today, from more graduates wanting to work for employers that offer a good work-life balance, to more companies offering mental health support. But good mental health at work is not just about good worklife balance, however. There are other ways to manage your mental health at work, whether you are working from home or working in the office. Try subscribing to these methods to keep your mental health game up!

Make “to-do” lists Feeling the need to get up to speed in your new job can be overwhelming. You are dealing with being the new boy or girl on the block (or office), you do not have as much experience as your peers around you, and you have been given a list of tasks to complete by a certain deadline. And although the offer of help is typically extended to new hires, you will likely still feel like you are buried under a mountain of work. This feeling of being overwhelmed will likely be accompanied by constant flitting from task to task as you finish one and try to decide on what to focus on next. So, instead of contributing to what might become a mental health issue, start making “to-do” lists. They can range from decorated corkboards to even just basic pen and paper. You will be able to get your thoughts in order, and get a good feeling every time you check something off the list.

Consider Keep your “to-do” list simple and specific. Include a time frame for every task (and reward yourself every time you meet it), and do not forget to tick them off when completed!

Avoid gossip at work Although gossip at work does offer good entertainment fodder, or even provides an opportunity for you to get to know your new co-workers better, it can cause conflicts and disrupt team harmony if you are not careful. If you have any problems with a colleague at work, speak directly to the person. This will reduce miscommunication –

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which often results in frustration and poorer mental health – and may lead to a quick resolution with minimal stress. Consider getting your supervisor or manager involved as a mediator if required.

Consider Some ways to diplomatically avoid these situations are to smoothly change the subject by focusing on “nongossipy” bits of the conversation, or simply steering away from the topic by revisiting a previous talking point. If that fails, simply walk away and concentrate on your work.

Take breaks Exploring a new place over the weekend and letting a part of your mind rest is a break. But a five-minute jaunt to the kitchen or pantry for a slice of cheese or chips constitutes a break as well. A few minutes taken here and there will be enough to let you unwind and de-stress a little before you jump back to the demands of your “to-do” list. To ensure you are getting enough “me time” to keep yourself mentally buoyed and healthy, though, you can schedule 25-minute work blocks, with five-minute breaks in between.

Consider Scrolling through the news feed and reading something unrelated to your work. Alternatively, you can simply sit still for a few minutes and sort your thoughts out.

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Decorate your workstation Looking at little personal touches at the desk you are assigned in the office can help you de-stress when working life threatens to overtake you. These little decorations can help you re-centre yourself and recall positive memories that will keep your mental health up. But before you start bringing in fairy lights, check with your company if there are any guidelines! If decorations are allowed, take note to not clutter your desk with too many pictures or reminders of your hobbies! At the end of the day, you are still a working professional in a corporate space.

Consider Decorate your desk with a pillow for comfort, or a shawl or jacket for warmth. Other options include framed inspirational quotes to motivate you, or even pictures of your pets and family.

CliftonStrengths Exploration Online Workshop

Enhancing wellness through workshop and activities

Enhancing wellness through workshop and activities (online)

Expressing and discovering self through art

Emotional Intelligence Online Workshop

StrengthsFinder Workshop Series

Quality Relationships Online Workshop

Interacting with peers www.sim.edu.sg

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Get to know signs of a problem When mental health starts to slip, there will be some changes to behaviour, whether it is a lower concentration level, frequent tiredness, or taking longer to complete what are deemed simple tasks. Unfortunately, most tend to write it off or just work harder to get more done – which actually makes the issue worse. It is possible some of these signs may just be you taking a bit more time to adapt to your new schedule. But in any case, counter them with exercising, picking up a new hobby outside of work, or talking to someone about how you feel.

Do not be afraid to ask for help There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Recognise that needing help is not a failing on your part, and give yourself permission to ask for help. You do not even need to jump straight into counselling sessions if you do not feel ready for that; you can turn to family or close friends for a listening ear.

Consider Support groups can connect you with other people with similar issues. Anonymous hotlines, on the other hand, offer safe zones as they allow you to talk to strangers. You can also seek professional help if you want to guarantee confidentiality.

Online Zoom & Unglooms (Online version of Tea Party)

Building Healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships

Tea Party at Chinese New Year, January 2020

Social Integration Programme – Breaking Boundaries@SIM June 2021 (Online Version)

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This list – although not exhaustive – can help you manage your mental health at your first job. But it needs constant work. Mental health is a fluid thing, affected by your circumstances of the day and what you need at any given time. No one formula works for everyone as everyone has different needs and personalities. Instead, figure out what works best for you. Then use it to manage your mental health in the best way possible, so you can always put your best foot forward!

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ellness is about being positive and proactive to make choices for a healthy lifestyle. Student Care aims to facilitate a wellness journey for our students that is purposeful and effective in helping students overcome challenges, and achieve quality outcomes in their academic studies, at work and in life. In addition to programmes and resources to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes for healthy living, Student Care also provides counselling services and peer support to students who face challenges and need help, and a whole range of activities to choose from.

SIM Peer Mentors SIM Peer Mentors have a mission to promote a culture of care and support and facilitate social integration between students through initiatives and programmes. We aim to: • Be the eyes and ears to students who are in distress or need help, and be the bridge between the latter and the counsellor • Befriend and provide support to new students in their transition and to life in SIM!

Peer Mentors Debrief after an Online Breaking Boundaries@SIM Run 2021

Peer Mentors at Virtual Student Involvement Drive 2021

Appreciation, Bonding and Cohesion Event 2019

Peer Mentors Camp 2019

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Dealing with a Salary Cut You love your job, but circumstances beyond anyone’s control mean that you have to take a pay cut. It is a bummer, but there are ways you can manage the situation and minimise the damage.

t may feel like the end of the world when you are told that your salary has to be slashed – being asked to take home a smaller cheque with no change to your workload is no one’s idea of career satisfaction! Unfortunately, this is a strategy that companies use when they need to tighten their budget in order to stay afloat during a global pandemic, recession and curtailed growth. Although it is common knowledge that salary cuts are a necessary evil, it does not mean that the situation is easy to manage. Because of this, it is important to figure out how to address the challenges that come with the situation. Especially if you love your job and the company has informed you of the pay cut respectfully and delicately, you may prefer to stay with your current job rather than take the risks with a new one. Besides, depending on the severity of the recession and the type of industry you are working in, there may not be many job openings in the first place. So, the first step you need to take is to learn how to manage your emotions, your health and your finances while dealing with the pay cut. Tackle this challenge successfully, and you will look back at this moment as just a minor bump in your long, successful career journey.

Ensure the reduction is in line with government guidelines When the results of the economic fallout in the wake of the pandemic and tightened budgets became more widespread, companies began slashing employee wages in a bid to maintain solvency while keeping their workforce in place without (much) retrenchment. Although most employers have the power to reduce pay at any time, they will typically specify a period of time or circumstances which necessitate the smaller paycheque you will be bringing home. However, these cuts must follow strict guidelines the National Wages Council (NWC) put in place to protect employees. Do not be afraid to ask your employer for the parameters used to calculate your reduction as well.

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Consider familiarising yourself with government guidelines • Familiarise yourself with the Flexible Wage System (FWS) • Ensure your salary cut is fair and reasonable • Check if you are eligible for the 13th month bonus • Check when your salary will be restored

Identify your anxieties and mitigate them If you were already dealing with financial stress and student loans even before the announcement of your salary cut, take some time out to settle your mind and emotions first. Although it can be a battle, you need a clear head to come up with a game plan. When you have cleared your mind, start identifying your sources of financial anxieties by creating a list of bills you have to service, as well as present expenses. Then, think of ways on how you can work with a smaller paycheque, whether it is cutting unnecessary expenses or considering taking up freelance work.

Consider these ways to continue saving • Extend your student loan tenure • Take advantage of insurance policies or national medical schemes (e.g. CHAS) • Tighten your budget

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Adjust (or create) your budget Once you have settled your anxieties and identified which areas of expenditure you can reduce, it is time to whip out your calculator and crunch the numbers. Budgeting is the first step to saving money in any event (pay cut or no), as it helps you assess how much money you have and what you can comfortably spend. If you have never budgeted before, work out a budgeting system that fits your bill, or consider using the plethora of budgeting apps at your disposal to manage your money. It is all right if you do not get it on your first try, though. Figuring out an effective system and learning how to stick to it takes time, so be patient and kind to yourself as you track your expenses and back them up to your new (smaller) paycheque.

Other budgeting tips • • • • •

Delegate 20 per cent of every paycheque to savings Open a second bank account for your savings Create weekly and monthly savings goals Time your purchases to sales periods Observe a “no spend day”

Consider taking up other sources of income If your salary cut means that you do not have enough money to cover essential expenditure, or you want to keep up the amount of money going into your present personal savings plan, think about refining your present skill set before setting up a side hustle gig. Although your side gigs can be simply monetising your present hobbies, or a continuation of your present role, there are a few things you need to remember. For starters, the fact that you are supplementing your income with side jobs means that upon finishing up work at your company for the day, you will need to continue working on your additional projects.

Some non-cash benefits you can consider negotiating for • Healthcare benefits (e.g. dental benefits, medical fees) • Education and training • Work and leave flexibility • Perks (e.g. company discounts, student loan support)

Conclusion Dealing with a salary cut is not easy, but it is possible. When you are in the thick of it, focus on keeping positive and resilient. But if you find yourself barely making ends meet or you have become unhappy at your job, talk to your supervisor first before calling it quits. Whatever happens, take charge of the situation; do not just wait for it to overwhelm you before doing anything about it.

Look ahead When you have done all you can to secure and protect yourself in the present situation, it is time to plan your next move. If you have an idea of how long this will last, you can choose to stay on and negotiate for more non-cash benefits or even retroactive pay (i.e. a bigger paycheque in the future to make up for your present pay cut). But if your employer has slashed your salary indefinitely or you have lost your motivation to work (regardless of how much you tried not to), you may want to also consider moving on to something new. Take note, though, that if the sources of your company’s struggles are recession-based, trying for a new job will be competitive.

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Scholarship and Bursary

or students who have excelled in academic studies, sports or arts related accomplishments, the SIM Scholarship and Bursaries Admin team offer Scholarships as a recognition of your achievements. The Scholarship not only serves as encouragement, but also a beacon which potential employers gravitate towards. It helps facilitate career successes for our students, too. We also believe everyone deserves a chance to get the best possible education at SIM. If you are seeking financial assistance, we offer SIM GE Bursary to students who are genuinely in need of financial support.

For more information, please visit our websites at: • Scholarship – https://www.simge.edu.sg/student-life/scholarships/ • Bursary – https://www.simge.edu.sg/student-life/bursary/ Let us hear from two of our SIM Scholars on their experiences.

SHANNEN DAVELYN KOSASIH Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL SIM GE Scholar (Academic Excellence and Leadership) Why did you apply for the scholarship? I first moved to Singapore when I was 16, clueless and with not much expectation for the next few years, but curious and a huge believer of lifelong learning. To me, applying for the academic excellence and leadership scholarship was an opportunity for me to seize that would help my parents lighten their financial burden, and also a chance for me to represent SIM and share more about my university experience. It was a decision which required me to step out of my comfort zone, put myself out there and showcase why I deserved to be a scholar.

Share your experience on how you worked towards obtaining the scholarship. Everyone has different starting points, so instead of comparing myself to other peers or friends, I prefer assessing my personal development and growth over the years. There is no singular way of working towards the scholarship, but in my perspective, it is more of accumulating past experiences that I had and painting a picture of who I am as a person. During my diploma programme, I joined several CCAs such as SIM Economics Society and Young Entrepreneur Society and volunteered in external organisations to undertake leadership positions as part of their committees to improve my soft skills, mainly leadership and communication skills. Not only did these experiences help me in the scholarship application, but it was these valuable experiences that

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helped me land my first internship in the Big 4 as a diploma graduate. Time management is a weakness which I learnt to overcome through partaking in different activities, and at the same time, balancing my academic life. Instead of crafting certain steps with the purpose of obtaining the scholarship, my purpose always revolved around personal development – a continuous process of learning and unlearning, as well as reflecting upon my experiences to tell my story. During the scholarship application process itself, there were several rounds of rereading, reviewing and rewriting my essays to best showcase my learnings and describe how I had grown from past experiences. This took up most of the preparation time. The entire process – be it during the application or interview – was about understanding myself well enough to explain what set me apart from other people and clearly communicate my life story.

Has the scholarship further developed/ helped you? Attaining the scholarship allowed me to meet with other scholars with outstanding experiences and drive. I was also given the opportunity to share my experiences in SIM Open House to share my personal experiences, and hopefully provide a sense of direction on how students can have a holistic experience in their university life – be it through my own stories of success and failure.

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RENEE LOH Bachelor of Arts (Sociology), SIM-UB SIM GE Scholar (Artistic Talent)

Why did you apply for the scholarship? I have a goal to make a difference in society, and obtaining a degree in sociology will help me achieve my career goal in the development of social services. I applied for the degree programme with SIM as the school was partnering with a well-recognised university. It also offered great holistic development, as well as support in the allrounded development of students. On top of all that, SIM GE offers scholarships for sporting excellence, which I decided to apply for as I have huge passion for dragonboating, and wish to contribute to the school.

Share your experience on how you worked towards obtaining the scholarship.

I also had a stint over a year and a half in the Ministry of Social and Family Development, where my role was to recommend subsidy periods for clients. This job helped me make my decision to choose Sociology and the career path that I wanted to pursue.

Has the scholarship further developed/ helped you? Because of the flexibility of my school schedule and the support I receive from the scholarship, I have the luxury of pursuing both my athletic and professional goals, with no limit to learn and explore my interests. The classes taught by passionate professors further pique my interests and make learning much more enjoyable.

Prior to obtaining the scholarship, I worked towards building my sporting portfolio. To that end, I competed in three major international races in 2019. This also helped in my personal development, as I learnt how to manage my time between work and training.

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How to Upgrade Yourself Lifelong learning is important to keep yourself relevant in the new normal.

oday’s sluggish economy has made the job market more competitive than it has ever been before. Many graduates just about to hit the job market are feeling 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 PhD when talking about postgraduate options, there are other qualifications available. Here is a brief overview:

University of London The University of London was established in 1836 and is one of the world’s oldest and biggest universities. It is a federation of 17 prestigious member institutions including UCL, LSE and Goldsmiths, the three who provide academic direction at SIM. Founded in 1891, Goldsmiths is internationally renowned for teaching and research in creative, cultural and computational disciplines. It is rated a Five Stars institution by QS Intelligence Unit, with a Five Star rating for areas including teaching, employability and internationalisation. (QS Stars/QS Intelligence Unit 2020) With Data Science being one of the fastest growing sectors of employment internationally, the suite of postgraduate programmes in Data Science offer an excellent opportunity for getting valuable skills in advanced data processing. This is the key to success in future business, digital media and science. The following options from University of London through Goldsmiths are available at SIM. Master of Science/Post-Graduate Diploma in: • Data Science • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence • Data Science and Financial Technology Post-Graduate Certificate in: • Data Science

“I chose this SIM-UOL programme because the knowledge is good for me, the certificate is recognised and the practical skills I require for my career is passed on by lecturers with the right industry experience. I am impressed by the fast pace, the amount of course content and the responsible lecturers who are there for me.” Lucas Wei (ACCA) Student, Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Finance Manager, Pfizer

“The journey with the SIM-UOL Master of Science in Data Science programme has enriched my understanding and skillsets in the data science domain. It has enabled me to see multidisciplinary perspectives to integrate and drive data-based practices at work.” Yap Thai Leong Student, Master of Science in Data Science Senior Research Scientist, A-STAR

For more information on the above programmes, go to https://www.simge.edu.sg/programmes/programme-listing/?finder_university=university-of-london

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University of Birmingham

The University of Warwick

The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 and is now one of the largest in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 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. • Ranked 90th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022) • 4th most frequently targeted university for graduate employment among the U.K.’s top employers (The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers Research) • Gold rating for consistently outstanding teaching and learning in the U.K. (Teaching Excellence Framework 2017 – 2020) • A member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 U.K. research-led universities A range of full-time postgraduate programmes are available at SIM. These are developed, fully taught and awarded by the Birmingham Business School, and the school is triple-crown accredited by the AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS in recognition of its quality and rigorous standards in business and management education. Master of Science • Financial Management • International Business • Management • Management: Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Management: Organisational Leadership and Change • Management: Strategy

Established in 1965, the University of Warwick is one of the U.K.’s leading research universities, with a global reputation for its entrepreneurialism and cosmopolitan outlook. Wellrespected for its boundary-breaking research as for teaching and business collaborations, the University of Warwick is a place of possibility for new ways to make things happen through a supportive environment. • Ranked 61st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022) • Ranked 6th in the U.K. (The Guardian 2022 league table) • University of the Year for Teaching Quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) • A member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 U.K. researchled universities WMG at the University of Warwick is a leading multidisciplinary research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development (R&D), and pioneering education programmes. The following full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes from WMG, the University of Warwick, are available at SIM. Master of Science/Postgraduate Award in • Cyber Security and Management • Engineering Business Management • Programme and Project Management* • Supply Chain and Logistics Management**

“I gained useful insights into sustainable and viable business strategies. The invaluable knowledge learnt during the course gave me the courage and guidance that I needed to become an entrepreneur.”

“This programme has the right mixture, allowing me to steer away from my business management background and grasp the technical engineering mindset.”

Stephanie Nguyen Graduate, Master of Science Management: Strategy Creative Director, Nail Visage

“The degree provided career opportunities for me in Singapore due to the various international engagements given to students during the course. The interactive programme of events, discussions and activities enabled me to learn useful life skills for career development.” Suresh Anand Graduate, Master of Science International Business Product Marketer, Mad Street Den

Sebastian Tay Graduate, Master of Science in Engineering Business Management Head of Client Onboarding, AxiCorp

“The course enabled me to understand the importance of supply chains, and to apply it to my work. This has been a truly invaluable learning experience for me!” Tripti Milani Graduate, Master of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management eCommerce Project Executive, Singapore Post

For more information on the above programmes, go to https://www.simge.edu.sg/programmes/programme-listing/?finder_university=university-of-birmingham For more information on the above programmes, go to https://www.simge.edu.sg/programmes/programme-listing/?finder_university=university-of-warwick * accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM) at https://www.apm.org.uk/ ** accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) at https://www.cips.org/ www.sim.edu.sg

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“The programme armed me with the tools, methodologies and philosophies of successful programme management. The lecturers brought with them a wealth of industrial expertise for me to have a truly distinctive and interactive learning experience.”

“It has been delightful to learn from our professors who are experts in their fields. They often dive into specifics in order for us to understand key concepts better and treated us as managers and consultants, and not just students.”

Tessa Tan Graduate, Master of Science in Programme and Project Management Manager (Strategic Planning), Public Service

Pratik Patwari Graduate, MSc Management in International Business

SIM Global Education

Grenoble Ecole de Management Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) is one of the few leading French business schools globally recognised for its expertise in the management of technology and innovation. Through its own education model and innovative pedagogy, GEM is a centre for experimentation, study and creation to train qualified professionals to overcome the challenges of tomorrow. • Ranked 38th in the QS World University: Masters in Management Rankings 2022 • Ranked 28th in the Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2020 • Ranked 6th in the Le Point, French Business School Ranking 2020 GEM is affiliated with the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry, triple-crown accredited by the AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, and regularly ranked by major international economics newspapers and magazines. The following programmes are currently offered at SIM. Master of Science • Fashion, Design and Luxury Management • Management in International Business

“The programme comprises insightful classes, international exposure and company visits. These helped me to better define my professional goals.” Kyden Choong Zhi Min Graduate, MSc Management in International Business Treasury Consultant, Software Company

SIM offers a suite of post-graduate programmes. Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online lesson delivery and interaction with traditional face-to-face (F2F) classroom learning. It requires the physical presence of both the teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or pace. While students still attend physical lessons with a teacher, the lesson delivery is combined with computer-mediated activities for students to do more independent learning with guidance. • Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics • Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics • Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management • Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing Graduates from the Graduate Diploma programmes can progress to • Warwick Master Programmes (offered in SIM) • SUSS Master of Management (Management Track) entitling to 10 units of Credit Recognition with CGPA 2.4 and above and satisfying all admission requirement) “The GDHRM programme provides greater understanding and is an all rounded programme, especially on the International HR and Reward Management module.” Siak Wee Seong (Zhi Weixiong) Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management HR Business Partner, Austen Maritime Services Pte Ltd

“The knowledge acquired in GDBA has helped me in my course of work during presentation of data.” Zechariah Tan Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics Principal Quality Engineer, Lam Research

For more information on the above programmes, go to https://www.simge.edu.sg/programmes/programme-listing/?finder_university=grenoble-ecole-de-management For more information on the above programmes, go to https://www.simge.edu.sg/programmes/programme-listing/?discipline=business-programmes&academic_level=postgraduate

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS LEADING EMPLOYERS WITH VACANCIES AND INTERNSHIPS WHO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Employers Anacle Systems Limited.......................................................................................... 131 Bank of Singapore......................................................................................... [133] 132 BDO LLP.......................................................................................................... [135] 134 CapitaLand Limited.................................................................................................. 134 Cognizant.................................................................................................................. 136 EY.......................................................................................................................[IBC] 137 FairPrice Group...................................................................................................[1] 138 FDM Group...................................................................................................... [139] 140 J.P. Morgan................................................................................................................ 140 L’Oréal Singapore...........................................................................................[OBC] 142 NCS Pte Ltd........................................................................................................ [2] 144 Ninja Logistics Pte Ltd (Ninja Van)........................................................................ 144 NTUC Income.........................................................................................[146, 147] 145 OCBC Bank..................................................................................................... [151] 150 PwC Singapore............................................................................................... [143] 146 Recruit Express Pte Ltd................................................................................ [153] 150 RSM Singapore............................................................................................... [155] 154 SearchAsia Consulting Pte Ltd..................................................................... [157] 156 Shopee Singapore Private Limited......................................................................... 158 Stone Forest................................................................................................... [145] 160 TikTok...................................................................................................................[3] 158

[ ] = advertisements IFC = Inside Front Cover

ANACLE SYSTEMS LIMITED

WEB

03 Fusionopolis Way, #14-21, Symbiosis, Singapore 138633 TEL (+65) 6914 2666

LOCATION

• Singapore

BUSINESS FACTS

Anacle’s World of Innovation Anacle’s vision has led to many pioneering software and hardware products that have leapfrogged the market in terms of user friendliness and smart functionality. Our Simplicity® and Starlight® systems have a long tradition of industry firsts in design, features and technical prowess.

https://www.anacle.com/careers/

EMAIL info@anacle.com

@Anacle Systems Limited

JOB ROLES

• Full Stack Software Engineer • Backend Software Engineer • Mobile App Software Engineer • Software Engineer (QA) • Software Engineer (In Test) • Software Engineer (AI and Analytics) • Software Engineer (Software Security) • Technical Writer • Unity 3D Developer • Associate Consultant/Business Analyst • IT Service Consultant

The deep industry expertise embedded in our solutions provide quick, measurable top and bottom line benefits through revenue assurance and operating efficiency. Our intuitive interfaces and visual analytics encourage easy adoption and high user satisfaction rates.

CAREER SECTOR

We were founded in 2006 and was listed on GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in December 2016.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

We provide enterprise application software and energy management system to a strong and diversified customer and end-user base across Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Qatar, UAE, and other Asian countries. We are headquartered in Singapore with an office in India (Pune).

IBC = Inside Back Cover OBC = Outside Back Cover

• IT and Technology

Excited to join us? Drop your resume with Nance at nance.aye@anacle.com.

For more information about Anacle, please visit https://www.anacle.com.

www.sim.edu.sg

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

BANK OF SINGAPORE

E-MAIL careers@bankofsingapore.com

63 Market Street, #22-00, Bank of Singapore Centre, Singapore 048942 TEL (+65) 6559 8000 WEB https://www.bankofsingapore.com

FACEBOOK @Bank of Singapore

LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Hong Kong, Dubai, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Philippines, London BUSINESS FACTS

Bank of Singapore is one of the fastest growing private banks in Asia and is a wholly owned subsidiary of OCBC Bank, Southeast Asia’s second largest bank. Headquartered in Singapore, we have a strong network of offices across the globe. Our business We offer an open architecture product platform with robust research capabilities to deliver advice and solutions customised to each client’s needs. Our clients also enjoy access to our parent company’s full suite of investment and commercial banking solutions such as financing, insurance and brokerage services. Our leaders and culture

INSTAGRAM @bankofsg

LINKEDIN @Bank of Singapore, Asia’s Global Private Bank JOB ROLES

Internship Programmes: • Semester Internship Programme • Corporate Analyst Internship Programme (Summer) Graduate Programmes: • Corporate Analyst Programme • Technology Analyst Programme • Wealth Management Programme • Rotational Marketing Associate Programme (non-graduate programme) CAREER SECTOR

• Banking and Financial Services APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Kindly visit our careers page at https://www.bankofsingapore.com/graduate.html to apply for our internship or graduate programmes.

Bank of Singapore’s strong leadership team has led in the development of successful business strategies across every network location and has continued to build enduring relationships with our clients. We are guided by our LIFRR* core values, and we believe our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that empowers our employees and equips them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the future. *Lasting Value, Integrity, Forward-looking, Respect and Responsibility

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY NAME: Khoo Zi Ning Eden DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL, 2020 ROLE: Corporate Analyst EMPLOYER: Bank of Singapore MY JOB I am a Corporate Analyst under the Bank of Singapore’s Corporate Analyst Programme, which allows me to rotate into four different roles during the two-year programme. In my current rotation in the Strategic Investments and Insights team, I am involved in analysing the performance of other Private Banks around the world through various methodologies. For instance, we will deep dive on their annual reports, quarterly earnings reports and other sources of news and information. With the data collated, we perform data analytics through Power BI to derive meaningful insights. All these contributes to data-driven recommendations for our CEO and Management Committee members. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was initially enrolled under the SGUnited Traineeship with Bank of Singapore as a Project Management Office trainee under the Digital Transformation Team. Three months into the traineeship, I was offered an opportunity to fast-track into their Corporate Analyst programme. There were three rounds of evaluation; namely my manager’s evaluation, Psychometric and Character evaluation, and HR Manager evaluation. I was tasked with three mini-projects for my manager’s evaluation and managed to proceed to the next couple of rounds. The trickiest part of it was probably my manager’s evaluation, as I had no prior experience. Nevertheless, I was able to pick it up through some self-learning and delivered.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

THE HIGHS AND LOWS The best part of my job would be that every piece of work is different. It can range from researching about the metaverse to analysing strategies from other companies. The team is constantly looking for ways to “level up” and we are always learning from a myriad of industries and businesses. This keeps me motivated as I am always able to learn something new at the end of the day. Similarly, the challenging part of my work is that every piece of work is different. Therefore, I am essentially “starting from scratch” every day. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My biggest achievement so far would be in my previous rotation department, Technology. I was able to deliver a “Skills Finder” dashboard together with a team of colleagues. This allowed the Head of Departments and stakeholders in the department to have a democratised view of the skills that each employee in the Technology department possessed. The hiring managers were also able to identify the highly demanded skills in Technology and train or hire with the use of this dashboard. Finally, employees can showcase the skills they have picked up in their free time and collaborate with colleagues from another team for a certain project as well. SOME ADVICE One piece of advice would be to believe in yourself! A lot of the time, as fresh graduates, we might suffer from imposter syndrome or self-doubt during the job search process or after being hired. Most importantly, always remember that you bring value in terms of fresh ideas, humility and willingness to learn. All the best! www.sim.edu.sg

Kickstart your career at

Bank of Singapore Asia’s global private bank Gain experience at one of the fastest growing private banks LQ $VLD ZLWK RIÀ FHV DFURVV WKH JOREH • 7DNH FKDUJH RI \RXU OHDUQLQJ ZLWK D ZLGH RIIHULQJ RI WUDLQLQJ SURJUDPPHV WHFKQLFDO DQG VRIW VNLOOV • 0D[LPLVH \RXU SRWHQWLDO LQ DQ LQFOXVLYH ZRUNSODFH ZKHUH \RX FDQ DFFHVV H[SHULHQFHG PHQWRUV DQG H[FLWLQJ MRE RSSRUWXQLWLHV DFURVV the organisation • ([SDQG \RXU SURIHVVLRQDO QHWZRUN ZKHQ \RX YROXQWHHU IRU FRPPXQLW\ HQJDJHPHQWV HPSOR\HH LQWHUHVW JURXSV DQG LQQRYDWLRQ SURMHFWV • -RLQ DQ DFFHOHUDWHG SDWK WR RXU IXOO WLPH UROHV DQG FRQWULEXWH WR VWUDWHJLFDOO\ LPSRUWDQW EDQN ZLGH SURMHFWV • $OO GLVFLSOLQHV DUH ZHOFRPH

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

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 LOCATIONS

• 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.

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

Business-related disciplines such as: • Accountancy • Finance • Business • IT and Technology Administration • Law • Data Analytics • Mathematics • Economics • Social 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.

CAPITALAND GROUP

168 Robinson Road, #30-01, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 EMAIL buildyourdream@capitaland.com WEB

https://www.capitaland.com/careers

FACEBOOK

@capitaland @capitaland LINKEDIN @capitaland TWITTER @capitaland YOUTUBE @capitaland INSTAGRAM

LOCATIONS

• Singapore • Global

BUSINESS FACTS

CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) is one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered in Singapore, CapitaLand’s portfolio spans across diversified real estate classes which include integrated developments, retail, office, lodging, residential, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres. With a presence across more than 260 cities in over 40 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. Cultivating a Strong Workforce As a multi-national company, CapitaLand’s success is built on the strengths of our strong infrastructure and our workforce which consists of more than 12,100 employees in over 30 countries. CapitaLand is always on the look-out for people of high calibre with strong potential to support and grow with the Group.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

Talent Management CapitaLand believes that a company is only as extraordinary as the people who contribute to its culture and success. It focuses on hiring the best people, and have strategic, integrated and quality learning programmes for continual learning and development in all career stages. CapitaLand offers opportunities for challenging and rewarding careers where employees are able to continually learn and develop their personal and professional capabilities, all while working alongside a talented, international and diverse workforce. DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Open to all disciplines

CAREER SECTOR

• Property and Real Estate

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply online via capitaland.com/careers and shortlisted candidates will be notified.

www.sim.edu.sg

S I N G A P O R E

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Tailored events & opportunities

Learning & Development

We are part of the 5th largest network

Our team with exceptional experiences

A global mindset Our services v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

ˊ ˊ ˊ

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

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

COGNIZANT

1 Fusionopolis Link, #05-01/06 NEXUS@One-North, North Tower, Singapore 138542 TEL (+65) 6828 9118 WEB https://careers.cognizant.com/studentandinterns/sg/en EMAIL campusapac@cognizant.com LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – APAC, North America, Europe, UAE

BUSINESS FACTS

Cognizant is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, transforming clients’ business, operating and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps many of the bestknown organisations in every industry and geography envision, build and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Founded in 1994 as a technology development arm of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, we were spun off as an independent company in 1996, and have worked closely with large organisations to help them build stronger businesses ever since. Today, Cognizant engineers modern businesses to improve everyday life, helping some of the world’s most established companies remain the most loved brands. In today’s fast-changing technology landscape, we work with our clients to advance every aspect of how they serve their customers: digitising their products, services and customer experiences; automating their business processes; and modernising their technology infrastructures.

JOB ROLES

• Graduate Analyst – Application Development and Maintenance • Graduate Analyst – Consulting (Intelligent Process Automation) • Graduate Analyst – Cloud, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity • Cognizant Graduate Analyst Programme – Quality Engineering and Assurance • Cognizant Graduate Analyst Programme – Consulting

CAREER SECTORS

• Consulting • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply to https://careers.cognizant.com/studentandinterns/sg/en/job/38139/ Graduate-Analyst-2022-Batch and we will contact you if you are are shortlisted.

USING TECH TO CREATE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE WORLD NAME: Marcus Moo DEGREE: Bachelor of Business (Management) (Distinction), SIM-RMIT, 2020 ROLE: Associate (Projects) EMPLOYER: Cognizant MY JOB My day-to-day job require me to analyse the requirements and features of the product that I am working on – national-scale digital products for the public sector. I use Appian, Java, SQL, CI/CD, project management tools and many others to codify the desired functionalities into incremental functions. Some of the interesting components that I get to build is to process automation logic as to remove the need for human intervention and increase productivity as part of the digital transformation roadmap. HOW I GOT MY JOB During my university days, I was very proactive in searching for potential opportunities via attending career fairs, company networking sessions and online platforms. During one of the networking sessions by SIM-Cognizant, I got to network directly with the recruiter, understand what they were looking for and applied directly via their LinkedIn channel for the Graduate Program 2020. The tricky part was probably managing my time well, as I had to apply at least six months before graduation so that I could assess all available opportunities and opt for the best. I invested a lot of time and effort in my career capital so that I could differentiate myself from the other candidates. THE HIGHS AND LOWS I get to learn new things every day by acquiring cutting-edge technology skill sets and honing my expertise. My intrinsic motivation comes from understanding the positive impact on the world I create in the value chain.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

The other side of the coin is that the continuous problem-solving requires a lot of grit and discipline to stay focused and spearhead resolving the challenges faced in work daily with the make-it-happen mentality. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My biggest achievement at work would be releasing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) into the live environment in a span of a year and a half. This was made possible through the constant collaboration and hard work with my teammates. The MVP resulted in a faster processing of grants for officers, instilled and scaled up industry best practises and future-proofed systems. It is even low maintenance! Other happy moments include being featured in SIM’s marketing video and career guide, as well as being the TV Ambassador for Samsung for the year 2022. SOME ADVICE Life is a journey and not a marathon. It is consistent hard work accumulated over the years holistically in terms of experience, achievements and acing the interviews. If you want a tech job, pursue tech-related majors and upskill via courses offered in SIM and online education portals to enhance relevant skills that you can use for work. Remember to grab every opportunity that is available. Always go the hard way and not take the easy way. It will polish the gem in you to shine at the right moment. The world is your oyster!

www.sim.edu.sg

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

One Raffles Quay, North Tower, Level 18, Singapore 048583 (+65) 6535 7777 WEB https://www.ey.com/en_sg/careers/ EMAIL talent@sg.ey.com TEL

LOCATIONS

• International – More than 700 offices in over 150 countries BUSINESS FACTS

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. In Singapore, we have a history of 133 years, with over 200 partners and more than 3,700 people offering services to a wide-ranging clientele consisting of multinational companies, private companies and public sector organisations.

FACEBOOK

@EYCareersSingapore @eysgcareers LINKEDIN @EY TWITTER @EY_Singapore INSTAGRAM

JOB ROLES

Assurance • Audit • Financial Accounting Advisory Services

• Forensic and Integrity Services

Consulting Business Consulting • Business Transformation • Enterprise Risk • Finance • Financial Services Risk • Supply Chain and Operations • Technology Risk

Technology Consulting • Cybersecurity • Data and Analytics • Digital and Emerging Technologies • Technology Solutions Delivery • Technology Transformation

Tax • Business Tax Services • Global Compliance and Reporting • Financial Services • Indirect Tax • International Tax

137 137

Strategy and Transactions • Lead Advisory • Transaction Strategy • Valuation, Modelling and Execution and Economics • Turnaround and • Transaction Diligence Restructuring • Strategy Strategy CAREER SECTORS

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Consulting • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates may browse the latest positions and apply online at https://www.ey.com/en_sg/careers.

• Mobility • Talent and Reward Advisory • Transaction Tax • Transfer Pricing

BUILDING THE BEST VERSION OF HIMSELF AND A BETTER WORKING WORLD FOR ALL NAME: Samuel Kan Wei Hao DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, University of Birmingham, 2022 ROLE: Assurance Associate (Financial Services) EMPLOYER: EY MY JOB As an Assurance Associate, I perform audits on financial statements to provide companies, investors and regulators with a peace of mind and confidence in the annual reports that our clients release to the public. This involves a thorough examination of reports, interacting with clients to ensure that their accounting methods are in accordance with the relevant reporting standards and documenting these procedures in our workpapers. HOW I GOT MY JOB The interview and selection process comprised two stages, one with the recruiter and another with a senior manager. Among other behavioural and skills-based questions, I was asked about why I wanted to join the Financial Services team, which provides services to clients in banking and capital markets, insurance, wealth and asset management, as well as private equity sectors. In response, I explained my deep-rooted interest in financial markets and elaborated on the knowledge that I acquired about the finance industry and markets during my time in university. I believe this gave me an edge over other candidates. THE HIGHS AND LOWS I enjoy taking on new challenges, such as being tasked to audit sections that I have not completed before. These new experiences allow me to learn different methods and techniques in audit and enhance my understanding of how different departments in a company interact with one another. While

www.sim.edu.sg

it might involve a steeper learning curve at the initial stages, EY managers and seniors are very helpful and always willing to guide me on any doubts and queries. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after successfully completing an engagement is one that I truly look forward to after working tirelessly on an engagement for several weeks. After conquering major milestones, I would usually celebrate with my colleagues over dinner or drinks to chill and relax before continuing to work hard for the next engagement. SOME ADVICE I would say that internships are invaluable in giving you a preview of a day in the life of auditors and the everyday tasks that they perform. It will also help you prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. While the journey is demanding, my experience increased my conviction that a career at EY will allow me to build a solid foundation for a rewarding career and deepened my drive to persevere through challenges to realise both personal and professional growth.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

FAIRPRICE GROUP

1 Joo Koon Circle, 13-01, Singapore 629117 WEB https://www.fairpricegroup.com.sg/join-us/ LOCATION

ta@fairpricegroup.sg @FairPrice Group

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Singapore

BUSINESS FACTS

FairPrice Group was established in 2019 by bringing together NTUC FairPrice, NTUC Foodfare and Kopitiam to cater to evolving consumer needs. Together with NTUC Link, we optimise the resources of our social enterprises and leverage their respective strengths to deliver quality, affordability, convenience and an enjoyable experience for all. With an extensive network of over 570 touchpoints as well as online, we provide an integrated array of products and services on Everything Food – from groceries, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, to on-premise meals and food takeaways. Our Fairmily of over 13,000 employees are driven by our common purpose of nourishing generations and making life better for all. We are proud to serve our community and we do good by giving back to Singapore. Our impact touches people from all walks of life, from newborns to the elderly. We are here to make a difference – in the past, present and for generations to come. If you share our passion for Everything Food, Everything Good, Everyone, Every Day, join our Fairmily now!

• HR • Finance • Supply Chain • Digital and Technology • Retail • Food and Beverage • Marketing • Customer Service

CAREER SECTORS

• Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain • Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) • Healthcare and Pharmaceutical • Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants may visit our corporate site at https://www.fairpricegroup. com.sg/join-us/ and apply to the relevant jobs categorised by our various business units.

WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NAME: Chong Yong Qi DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL, 2020 ROLE: Brand and Business Development Executive EMPLOYER: FairPrice Group MY JOB I am part of the FairPrice Group, Own Brands Retail, Brand and Business Development department. Our business unit handles all the FairPrice housebrand and private label consumer packaged goods. I belong to the Frozen and Chilled team, where we take care of all brands and products that fall within this category. We are responsible for the brand, product development and marketing of the products. My day-to-day responsibilities involve analysing, planning and executing marketing campaigns to drive higher offtake for our brands and products. I am also involved in the product development process. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was fortunate to secure a SGUnited Traineeship in August 2020 during the global pandemic. I went through two rounds of interviews with the Human Resources team and the hiring manager, and was offered a one-year traineeship programme position. Upon fulfilling the traineeship, I was offered a full-time role in July 2021 with the Chilled and Frozen team. Being resilient and adaptable, as well as having a good work attitude and performance, are important traits in today’s constantly evolving world. THE HIGHS AND LOWS I enjoy the fast-paced nature of my work, and love seeing the tangible results of my efforts in each campaign when it is being executed in the retail outlets. I am thankful to have a manager who is nurturing, encourages open communication and strikes a sweet balance between autonomy and guidance. It also helps that I am working alongside a collaborative and SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

supportive team. The steepest learning curve would be understanding the complexity and unique quirks of each category I manage. After spending time learning about them, it helped me ramp up in my role and knowledge in the long run. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My biggest achievement and most memorable project would be the launch of a new Private Label Delicatessen brand into the market. It was my first task when I joined the Chilled and Frozen team, and the first project that I got to work on the end-to-end management from planning to execution. Despite the challenge of working with a tight deadline, it was most satisfying when I saw the strong support from stores, execution excellence and newly launched products flying off the shelves! It was very encouraging when we managed to hit our budget for the year! It also validated my efforts for this project. SOME ADVICE Make the best use of schooling time to prepare and fully learn about yourself – strengths, weaknesses and interests! To assess whether a job is something that you would like to do, nothing beats a first-hand experience through an internship. If the experience is not what you enjoy, at least you filtered it out early. I would also encourage networking on LinkedIn to learn from others’ experiences. Always keep an open mind and stay humble! Lastly, have a little faith! Do not give up on your dreams and continuously work towards them. www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

FDM GROUP

South Beach Tower, #26-11, 38 Beach Road, Singapore 189767 WEB https://www.fdmgroup.com/en-sg/sg-careers/graduates/ EMAIL EnquiriesSG@fdmgroup.com LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Hong Kong, China, Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America

BUSINESS FACTS

FDM is the market leader in the Recruit, Train and Deploy sector, launching the careers of thousands of graduates, every year. Our purpose is to create and inspire exciting careers that shape our digital future. We want to make sure that the opportunity for a career in tech is available to everyone and we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Despite COVID-19, we launched 1,200+ careers globally in 2020. The FDM Graduate Programme starts with training at the FDM Singapore Academy. Following this, you will be placed with one or more of our clients to work as part of their team as an FDM Consultant for a period of two years.

FACEBOOK LINKEDIN TWITTER

#FDMcareers @FDMcareers @FDMcareers

JOB ROLES

• Software Development • Data Engineering • Technical Operations • Business Intelligence • Business Analysis and Project Support Office

CAREER SECTORS

• Banking and Financial Services • Consulting • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

FDM recruits all year-round. Candidates can apply through the following link at https://www.fdmgroup.com/en-sg/sg-careers/graduates/.

After the two years, you can continue your journey with FDM, you may be offered a permanent position with the client, or you can pursue other opportunities. With centres across APAC, Europe and North America, FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years, firmly establishing itself as an award-winning FTSE 250 employer. In 2021, we received the GradSingapore Top 100 Graduate Employers award.

J.P. MORGAN

88 Market Street, CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948 TEL (+65) 6882 2888 WEB https://careers.jpmorgan.com/global/en/home

LOCATIONS

• Singapore – Central • Singapore – East • International – We operate in over 60 countries around the world

BUSINESS FACTS

J.P. Morgan is a leader in financial services, offering solutions to clients in more than 100 countries with one of the most comprehensive global product platforms available. We have been helping our clients to do business and manage their wealth for more than 200 years. Our business has been built upon our core principles of putting our client interests first. Asia is core to J.P. Morgan’s global strategy and Singapore is central to this. It is a critical regional hub and one of our key global Centers of Excellence offering various services ranging from investment banking to asset management. As a Center of Excellence, it is also the hub for our original technology, operations, compliance, cybersecurity, and other services.

FACEBOOK @jpmorgan INSTAGRAM

@jpmorgan @J.P. Morgan TWITTER @jpmorgan YOUTUBE @jpmorgan LINKEDIN

CAREER SECTOR

• Banking and Financial Services • Investment Banking and Investment Management

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Visit our careers site to apply for any of the programmes or for more information about what each programme is about. SELECTION PROCESS

Step 1: Online Application Step 2: Psychometric Testing Step 3: Interview APPLICATION PERIODS

Internships: July to October

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Open to all disciplines

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

L'ORÉAL SINGAPORE

1 Raffles Quay, North Tower, #47-01, Singapore 048583 WEB careers.loreal.com LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – 150 other locations worldwide

BUSINESS FACTS

We wake up every morning because there is excitement in knowing that everyone we work with has a tremendous impact on a larger vision. We empower billions of people to be the canvas for self-expression inspiring confidence and self-belief every day. We feel good when they feel good; it’s contagious! At L’Oréal, we give our employees a playground and offer them the ability to truly master their paths, make their own ways and set their rules in what matters to them. Our 86,000 employees come together to spark innovation and build a true leading brand powerhouse, offering beauty-tech experiences for all across four divisions, 35 international brands and 150 locations. L’Oréal aims to reflect the diversity of the markets in which it operates at every level. We are excited to continue this mission in our newly created SAPMENA (South Asia Pacific – Middle East – North Africa) Regional Office here in Singapore! Our new office will house five different entities and bring together close to 1,000 employees of different genders, backgrounds, and of at least 29 different nationalities. At L’Oréal ONESingapore, there is never a dull day, the beauty lies in the freedom to go beyond with our empowering entrepreneurial culture.

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM TELEGRAM

@L’Oréal @loreal t.me/lorealcampussg

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Engineering • Finance • Humanities, Art and Social Sciences • IT and Computer Sciences • Maths • Medical Sciences and Healthcare • Property and Built Environment • Sciences

CAREER SECTOR

• Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply online directly at careers.loreal.com APPLICATION PERIODS

Management Trainee Programme: July Apprenticeships: January – December Internships: January – June I July – December

KEEPING DATA FOR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE DIGESTIBLE NAME: Justin Teo Hern Thong DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL, 2021 ROLE: Market Insights Apprentice (SAPMENA) EMPLOYER: L’Oréal MY JOB As a market insights apprentice under the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) Consumer and Market Intelligence (CMI) team, I am tasked to handle market research and support the local CMI team for global and regional projects. This includes analysing and translating large market datasets into key and actionable insights. I also perform deep dives on brand competition to address individual market's needs and demand. Additionally, I design data visualisation dashboards to showcase business performance in a digestible way. HOW I GOT MY JOB My interview and selection process consisted of three rounds. The first round was a phone interview conducted by HR to gauge my interest in the company. The second round was an individual interview with the hiring manager who sought an in-depth understanding of my individual skills and experiences. The final round was the trickiest – a technical test where I had to create a data visualisation dashboard to present to the hiring manager. I personally think what set me apart from other candidates was my determination and ability to bring fresh perspectives to the team. THE HIGHS AND LOWS There are definitely highs and lows in every job. The reality is that not every day is all “rainbows and butterflies”. For highs, I have a high degree of responsibility in terms of working on global reports, projects and stakeholder management, which motivates me to give my 100 per cent every day. It SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

also provides me with good networking opportunities with various market intelligence teams based in different markets. In terms of lows, SAPMENA is a new geographical zone, and we are still in transition – adapting to the new normal with the COVID endemic – which makes communication and collaboration a challenge. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My happiest moment at work is having the opportunity to showcase my ideas and thoughts on how certain processes can be improved. For instance, I was able to optimise data cleaning and reduce the time to clean data by more than 50 per cent through the usage of Python and Visual Basic Application (VBA). This helps to facilitate and ensure that all regional reports across the division are submitted in a timely manner. Besides the technical projects, I have a great opportunity to learn and work with other talented apprentices. SOME ADVICE I would say “Dare to try. Dare to fail”. Do not be afraid to articulate your strengths and weaknesses. If you have a certain weakness, then keep on practising until you are comfortable. Record yourself, write down your hard and soft skills. Think about how you can improve and value add to the company. L'Oréal’s key strategic focus include Digital acceleration and e-commerce. Because of this, I would advise students to go beyond their degree, and to enhance their digital skills and be bold. Remember “Dreams will not work unless you do”. www.sim.edu.sg

#ExperiencePwCsg Hear from our community of solvers, the work they do and how you can be one of us too!

Campus: Ask me anything

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

NCS PTE LTD

5 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, NCS Hub, Singapore 569141 TEL (+65) 6556 8000 WEB https://www.ncs.co/en-sg/opportunities/ LOCATION

• Singapore

reachus@ncs.com.sg @NCS Group

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

BUSINESS FACTS

NCS is a leading technology services firm with presence in Asia Pacific, and partners with governments and enterprises to advance communities through technology. Combining the experience and expertise of its 10,000-strong team across 55 specialisations, it provides differentiated and end-to-end technology services to clients with its NEXT capabilities in digital, cloud and platforms, as well as core offerings in application, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity. At NCS, we also believe in building a strong partner ecosystem with leading technology players, research institutions and start-ups to support open innovation and co-creation. To learn more, visit ncs.co.

Simply scan the QR code above to learn more about our graduate opportunities and programmes.

JOB ROLES

• • • • •

Software Engineers Data and Analytics Consultants Infrastructure Engineers Cyber Consultants Communications Engineers

CAREER SECTOR

• IT and Technology

NINJA LOGISTICS PTE LTD (NINJA VAN)

30 Jalan Kilang Barat, Singapore 159363 WEB www.ninjavan.co/en-sg/careers INSTAGRAM @ninjavan_sg LINKEDIN @Ninja Van LOCATIONS

• Singapore • Regional – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines

BUSINESS FACTS

About Ninja Van: Ninja Van is an express logistics business created to take the hassle out of the parcel delivery process for online shoppers and catering to the logistics needs of Southeast Asia’s thriving e-commerce sector. Driven by a desire to revolutionise the logistics industry, Ninja Van’s three co-founders – Lai Chang Wen, Shaun Chong and Tan Boxian – set up the company in 2014. Encouraged by the success of the business in Singapore, Ninja Van subsequently expanded their operations in other parts of Southeast Asia and now has a presence in six of Southeast Asia’s key markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines. About our culture: At Ninja Van, we don’t just deliver parcels. Our teams are empowered to map their own journeys towards success and we support them in creating tech-enabled solutions that connect businesses to a world of possibilities. Innovation for us isn’t just a buzzword, it forms the backbone of everything we do. We’re an ambitious team with a passion for purpose and a desire to achieve excellence, driven by a common goal of shaping the future of ecommerce logistics across Southeast Asia.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

JOB OPENINGS

• Data Analyst • Fleet Operations Associate • Key Account Management Associate • Operational Excellence Associate • Operations Graduate Associate • Regional Cross Border Sales Channel Associate • Regional Data Analyst • Sales Analyst • Sales Associate • Sales Operations Associate • Sort Operations Associate • Software Engineer

CAREER SECTOR

• Aviation, Transport and Supply Chain • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply via our careers page at www.ninjavan.co/en-sg/careers APPLICATION PERIODS

Graduate jobs: All year-round Internships: All year-round

www.sim.edu.sg

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NTUC INCOME WEB

https://www.income.com.sg/careers

LOCATIONS

• Singapore – Central • International

BUSINESS FACTS

NTUC Income is Singapore’s leading composite insurer, offering products and services that serve the protection, savings and investment needs of different life stages and for all segments of society. Income’s innovative, data-driven and omni-channel approach puts us at the forefront of customercentric solutions that meet rapidly evolving needs and empower better financial well-being. Income was established in 1970 and remains the only insurance cooperative in Singapore. We are committed to create a positive social impact through our products, services and people. Today, we insure close to 1.7 million lives in Singapore across life, health and general insurance.

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

Roles you can look at include: • Operations • Actuarial • Finance • Information Technology • Business Excellence • Marketing We welcome all graduates to explore and indicate their interests on our career site. We are open to all disciplines. CAREER SECTOR

• Insurance and Risk Management

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

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

Our financial strength and diversified investment portfolio is reflected by our strong credit ratings which underpin the delivery of our commitment to customers.

PWC SINGAPORE

7 Straits View, Marina One, East Tower, Level 12, Singapore 018936 TEL (+65) 6236 3388 WEB https://www.pwc.com/sg/en/careers/students.html EMAIL

sg_graduate_recruitment@pwc.com/

LOCATION

• Singapore (connected to a global network)

BUSINESS FACTS

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems – this is at the core of everything we do, from the value we provide to our clients and society, to the decisions we make as a corporation. Our services started with audit and assurance over a century ago. As times changed and the issues faced by businesses and individuals evolved, we developed specialised capabilities in tax, advisory and consulting to help you address emerging new challenges across focus areas like digital transformation, cyber security and privacy, data, sustainability, mergers and acquisitions, and more. In Singapore, we have more than 3,500 partners and staff to help resolve complex issues and identify opportunities for public, private and government organisations to progress. As part of the PwC network of more than 284,000 people in 155 countries, we are among the leading professional services networks in the world focusing on helping organisations and individuals create the value they are looking for. CAREER SECTORS

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Consulting • IT and Technology

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

FACEBOOK

@PwCSingapore @pwc_singapore TWITTER @PwC_Singapore LINKEDIN @PwC Singapore YOUTUBE @PwC Singapore INSTAGRAM

JOB ROLES

The business areas we cover for both Associates and Interns include: • Assurance • Consulting • Deals • Firmwide Corporate Services • Risk Services • Tax We value our candidates’ holistic experiences including their internship experiences, school involvements participation in external courses/programmes for further upskilling. Some attributes we look for in candidates includes leadership skills, business acumen, global acumen, digital and technical skills and strong interpersonal skills. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Check out our open positions on at https://www.pwc.com/sg/en/careers/students.html and apply directly to the specific role you are interested in! You will receive an email from us to complete Pymetrics within three working days of your application submission. Kindly upload both your resume and degree audit or transcript in PDF format all under Resume attachment upload. Kindly note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

www.sim.edu.sg

WE VALUE WHAT’S WITHIN

At Income, our people are not cast within the same mould. We embrace every individual’s unique traits and perspectives. Collectively, we create a positive spark as we work towards a common purpose: making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Find out more: income.com.sg/working-at-income

Reimagining Insurance At Income, we constantly innovate to come up with customer-oriented solutions. Our bite-sized insurance, SNACK, addresses customers’ pain points and pushes the industry’s boundaries. Check out how we push boundaries and address pain points that people face with insurance.

No more large premium payments.

No more pinch of purchasing policies.

Build your coverage from just $0.30!

Purchase micro-policies through lifestyle triggers like transport.

snackbyincome.sg

No more commitment. Start, stop and adjust whenever you want.

Say goodbye to paperwork. Use our mobile app to check on payments, coverage accumulation and more!

snackbyincome

Teams behind SNACK! At Income, we value collaboration. For successful innovation, we see various departments coming together to create breakthroughs in the industry.

ACTUARIAL MADE DIFFERENT

Adaptable | Tech Enthusiasts | Fun Seekers The team developed a new pricing model for this industry-first design of issuing micro-policies tagged to lifestyle triggers.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MADE DIFFERENT

Visionary | Opportunity Seekers | Swift Responders With their technical expertise, the team built a robust infrastructure to support and enhance the SNACK app.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MADE DIFFERENT

Relentless | Disruptive | Agile Thinkers By examining and understanding modern attitudes towards financial planning, the team conceptualised SNACK and its unique proposition!

MARKETING MADE DIFFERENT

Funtastic | Focused Vision | Data Driven Through the use of data and creativity, the team drove targeted awareness and efficient acquisitions for SNACK.

Join us to experience innovation, growth, performance and impact. income.com.sg/working-at-income

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

OCBC BANK

OCBC Centre, 65 Chulia Street, Singapore 049513 TEL 1800 363 3333 WEB https://www.ocbc.com/group/careers/ LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and others

BUSINESS FACTS

OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. We are committed to creating a conducive work environment – one that is inclusive, welcomes innovation and encourages continual learning and development. Whether you are an Engineering major, IT expert, Math whiz, or a people-person, we see each of your individuality and potential to shine with us. We provide career mobility opportunities across our different business units, subsidiaries or even country offices; from Consumer, Corporate and Investment Banking, to Fintech and Innovation, so you can discover your career interests and niche areas, all within the bank. We want you to enjoy and take pride in your work, be passionate, driven and have fun – after all, joy does bring out the best in people. And we want nothing less.

EMAIL Weseeyou@ocbc.com FACEBOOK @OCBCCareers LINKEDIN @OCBC Bank

JOB ROLES

We are hiring for: • Graduate Talent Programme • FRANKpreneurship Internship Programme • STEM @ OCBC Internship Programme • Business Development Managers

• Customer Service Executives • Mortgage Specialists • Personal Financial Consultants

CAREER SECTORS

• Banking and Financial Services • Investment Banking and Investment Management • IT and Technology

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Step 1: Online Application Step 2: Interviews Step 3: Shortlisting

UNDERSTANDING PAIN POINTS AND WORKING TO ALLEVIATE THEM NAME: Samuel Fang DEGREE: Bachelor of Business (Management), SIM-RMIT, 2019 ROLE: Digital Specialist EMPLOYER: OCBC Bank MY JOB I usually spend each day speaking to both new and established businesses from a broad range of industries and gather insights from them. It is important for understand their pain points so that I can best support them at each stage of their business. There can be vastly different needs for each industry. For instance, a start-up eCommerce client might be looking to set up an online store, while an established business might be looking for more robust bookkeeping. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was given two questions to prepare for, and I had to do a lot of research into the terms and concepts presented. While I did have some related work experience, I felt that being sincere and genuine in showing interest went a long way. In a sea of candidates, everyone is gifted and has their own strengths; the ability to tell your story in a way that helps others believe in and understand your value will undoubtedly differentiate you from the rest. You have to be true and let your story come from a real place. The best stories are emotionally connecting and passionate, and makes people lean in to hear what you have to say. THE HIGHS AND LOWS I was first drawn to the role because it was to support start-ups and SMEs. I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of businesses and learning how they work – understanding their pain points and challenges is the most

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

stimulating part of my job. The start-up landscape can be complex with a steep learning curve; knowing that I add value to our customers and make a difference is highly fulfilling. On the other hand, the challenge comes with managing the different interests and expectations of my stakeholders. It can get tough, but I always remember how my work is meaningful. It is important to stay connected with the team, as this is what makes work fun. With eight of us on the team, each with our own area of expertise, we support each other to better serve our customers. We know that we are all in it together. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK Being in a fast-paced environment, I have had opportunities to work on different projects. For me, participating in a live webinar to share about my journey in OCBC with fresh graduates was a very enriching experience. I am also a part of the pioneer Medipreneur team, where I work with business owners in the healthcare industry; the team received an award from the CEO for this transformational initiative in innovation. SOME ADVICE Besides passion, having an open mind is one of the greatest traits you can possess – being willing to learn and tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise available will develop you far beyond your expectations.

www.sim.edu.sg

Think Change. Think Future. Whether you are an Engineering major, IT expert, Math whiz, or a peopleperson, we see each of your individuality and potential to shape the future. The first step in your career is one of life’s important milestones – let us help you maximise your potential to deliver a difference.

www.ocbc.com/careers

We see talent. We see you.

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

RECRUIT EXPRESS PTE LTD

391A Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, #12-08, Singapore 238873 TEL (+65) 6732 6006 EMAIL hr.spore@recruitexpress.com.sg

WEB

https://recruitexpress.com.sg/

INSTAGRAM @recruitexpress.sg

LINKEDIN @Recruit Express Pte Ltd

CAREER SECTOR

LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan

BUSINESS FACTS

Recruit Express Group of Companies is a valuable member of the publicly listed HRnetGroup on the Singapore Stock Exchange, and the largest human capital staffing solutions provider in Asia. At present, we have close to 1,000 employees in the Asia region operating across 13 major cities.

• Consulting

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are keen to be part of our success, please send your detailed resume to sgcareers@recruitexpress.com.sg.

With our vast network of resources, extensive databases and defined recruitment processes, we are a trusted partner in placements of technical and nontechnical professionals to successfully bridge manpower gaps for businesses to succeed at their various fields. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has had its best performance in history, achieving record revenue and growth in 2021. We are optimistic with strong plans for growth and expansion, riding on the wave of demand for both professional recruitment and flexible staffing as the labour market is on its recovery track. JOB ROLES

• HR Associate – Talent Acquisition and Corporate Branding • Recruitment Specialist • Marketing and Communications Executive • Payroll Executive

RECRUITMENT: A REWARDING CAREER WORTH PURSUING NAME: Jessica Fong Zhi Tong DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL, 2018 ROLE: Senior Recruitment Specialist EMPLOYER: Recruit Express Pte Ltd MY JOB I am a Recruitment Specialist and my job requires me to reach out and liaise with a wide network of companies’ HR and Upper Management, to understand their recruitment needs and support them throughout the recruitment process. I also speak to candidates from different walks of life to assist them in their job search. This role often requires me to think out-ofthe box in the process of liaising and engaging with different stakeholders. HOW I GOT MY JOB After graduating with my A-Levels in 2015, I was hired as a HR Coordinator in Recruit Express. I extended my contract twice as I really enjoyed what I was doing. I found the role to be really challenging, yet satisfying. Before I graduated from SIM, I tried out a position relevant to what I studied, but the tempo and nature of the work did not suit me. Ultimately, I returned to the dynamic work environment and job fulfilment in Recruit Express, and I applied for a permanent role right after I graduated. THE HIGHS AND LOWS Whenever I close a case or help my clients find the most suitable profiles, I get a deep sense of fulfilment. Also, the culture, people and intrinsic rewards keep me motivated to do better. As the company values meritocracy, I know that whatever efforts I sow, I will reap the benefits in the end.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

There will also be lows in any career. In our case, it could be rejections or objections from both clients and candidates. However, as our director always says, “Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving”. As long as you persevere, you will be able to cross every obstacle in front of you. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK My biggest achievement in the last three years was having the opportunity to lead a big recruitment project, and to be a mentor to the juniors. Not only did I grow in my technical skills, but I was also able to pick up vital management and leadership skills. My most memorable project was managing the recruitment of nurses and healthcare workers amidst the global pandemic. Within a very short timeframe, we were able to provide the manpower support needed for healthcare centres to function effectively. This has been my most challenging and meaningful project thus far. SOME ADVICE My position is nearly always associated with the word “sales”, which is not as daunting as it sounds. To me, it is just another term for “KPI”. Sometimes, you need to take the first step out of your comfort zone to find what suits you. Love what you do and put in consistent effort, for you will never know how much you are able to achieve!

www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

RSM SINGAPORE

8 Wilkie Road, #03-08, Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095 TEL (+65) 6533 7600 WEB www.rsm.global/singapore/careers EMAIL HR@RSMSingapore.sg

FACEBOOK @rsm.singapore

INSTAGRAM @rsm_singapore LINKEDIN @rsm-singapore YOUTUBE @rsmsingapore

JOB ROLES

LOCATION

• Singapore

BUSINESS FACTS

RSM is the sixth largest audit, tax and consulting network globally. In Singapore, we are the largest outside the Big 4, serving internationally active businesses. We focus on growing businesses, helping them to improve profits, enhance business value and internationalise. We provide audit, tax, advisory, as well as business support services. Passion is at the core of our value system – the passion to want to help growing businesses, and to excel in whatever we do for the benefit of our clients. Graduates who enjoy the challenge of serving entrepreneurial businesses will enjoy working with us. We build people who build businesses. Our comprehensive “GROW” learning and development (L&D) programme, coupled with our forward-looking internship schemes aim, to realise the talents of staff to be business advisors to growing businesses, and groom promising staff to be future leaders of our firm.

• Audit Assistant • Corporate tax Assistant • Transfer Pricing Assistant • GST Assistant • Business Consulting Consultant • Transaction Advisory Consultant • Valuation Consultant • Restructuring and Forensics Associate

CAREER SECTORS

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Consulting

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply online at www.rsm.global/singapore/join-our-rsm-family. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

If you believe you have what it takes and relish working in a progressive firm with a good culture, we invite you to start your growth journey with us. An exciting career path awaits you at RSM. You determine how far you want to go.

VALUING LEARNING AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS NAME: Brendon Lee DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL, 2009 ROLE: Audit Director EMPLOYER: RSM Singapore MY JOB As an audit director, my main job scope is to ensure all audit engagements run smoothly. There are many aspects to manage as I am the main touchpoint for my staff, audit partners and clients. I check in daily with my staff on the progress of the audit and hold discussions to resolve any issue. I also update my clients regularly, and sit in at meetings with them to discuss audit findings. On top of that, I also ensure the concerns of the audit partner are addressed so that audit engagements can be signed off on time. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was fortunate to be given a chance for an interview when I submitted my resume during my last semester at SIM. I was interviewed by one of the audit directors and one of the audit partners. I would say that the interview process was not as daunting as I imagined. In hindsight, and also being an interviewer myself now, I realise that interviewers are looking for someone who can fit into the firm’s culture rather than testing the interviewees’ technical knowledge and skills. I believe I demonstrated that I was eager to learn, down to earth and had the right attitude during the interview, which got me the job. THE HIGHS AND LOWS Before I was promoted to audit manager, my favourite part of the job was the opportunity to interact with clients from different industries, backgrounds

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

and levels. Conversing with our client’s C-suite level team was intimidating at times, but that was when I learnt the most. After my promotion to audit manager and then audit director, I now have staff who report directly to me. Now, my favourite aspect of the job is to guide my staff. The greatest motivation I have is to witness my staff grow, and see them being promoted to managerial level and have their own teams. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK I value human relationships a lot. I would say that my biggest achievement so far is having forged many meaningful relationships with my colleagues whom I have worked with. The family-like culture of this firm also helps me build close-knit teams. Although many of them have left the firm, we still remain friends and keep in contact. I even have staff who used to work under me visiting me during Chinese New Year! SOME ADVICE Always have the hunger to learn and the ambition to succeed. Always stay enthusiastic and have the energy to keep going. Take care of your physical health and mental health, and learn to find the delicate balance between work and your personal life.

www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

SEARCHASIA CONSULTING PTE LTD

391A Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Tower A, #11-03/04, Singapore 238873 TEL (+65) 6735 5885 WEB https://searchasia.com.sg/join-us LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia BUSINESS FACTS

As part of the region’s largest Consultancy Group, SearchAsia is a prominent Executive Search company that partners many of the big players in the market and offers top-notch consultancy services to the management teams. Our proven search process and broad industry expertise helmed by solid leadership have enabled successful placements in many multinational companies and Asian conglomerates in key Asian cities including Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

careers@searchasia.com.sg @searchasia.sg INSTAGRAM @searchasia.sg LINKEDIN @SearchAsia Consulting FACEBOOK

JOB ROLES

Your career with us symbolises the start of an enriching development journey. SearchAsia offers unparalleled opportunities for those who want to make a positive impact on businesses. Develop your skills and broaden network under the consistent coaching and mentoring from experienced leaders. We will map out your career path for advancing towards your goals and aspirations. Our open Graduate opportunities are: • Talent Acquisition Specialist (HR) • Marketing and Comms Specialist (Employer Branding) • Specialist Recruiter (Graduate Associate)

At SearchAsia, we commit to ensuring the “Right Fit”. Our specialist consultants are respected for their skills and professionalism. We focus on propelling our clients’ businesses with the right talent, and placing job seekers on the right career path. In this shifting global business landscape, the SearchAsia team has built a reputation that is anchored in trust and integrity.

Our open Summer Internship positions are: • Associate Consultant Intern • Business Development Intern • Social Media amd Branding Intern • HR/Talent Acquisition Intern

You will find highly motivated and amazing people, working together in a spirit of collaboration that is simply contagious. We believe in the effectiveness of team synergy and we place paramount importance in incorporating team work in our daily work. We advocate our teams to maintain work-life harmony and often promote team activities to establish closer bonds.

You can find out more on the detailed job description via our website at www. searchasia.com.sg/jobs. CAREER SECTOR

• Consulting

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply online via our website for both internship and graduate opportunities at www. searchasia.com.sg/join-us or email us directly at careers@searchasia.com.sg!

REVELLING IN THE PEOPLE ASPECT OF HER JOB NAME: Shervonne Ho DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management, SIM-UOL, 2013 ROLE: Principal Specialist Recruiter, Banking and Financial Services EMPLOYER: SearchAsia Consulting Pte Ltd MY JOB My team covers the Banking and Financial Services space, and I manage some of the accounts. I am responsible for assisting our clients meet hiring goals by prospecting and attracting qualified talents. As I take care of the full life cycle of the recruiting process, this entails sourcing and screening candidates, coordinating the interview process, as well as facilitating offers and employment negotiations, all while ensuring both clients and candidates have a pleasant experience. In addition, I have to build strong rapport and relationships with clients and senior level candidates, and keep myself abreast of market movement. HOW I GOT MY JOB I was referred to SearchAsia by a friend when I was working in a bank after graduation. I eventually agreed to speak with the Division Manager and Team Lead as I had heard good things about the organisation. Their interview styles were friendly and warm, more of a sharing session than a technical interview, and it made me feel like they wanted to know me more as a person, rather than assessing me based on my experience. I then met the CEO and HR Manager and got an offer shortly after. THE HIGHS AND LOWS I love the people aspect of my job! My role requires me to constantly build connections with people, and it opens horizons about different personalities

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

and backgrounds. You learn to read, understand and handle different people which hone your interpersonal skills to a level that many other jobs cannot provide. To me, this is an important life skill no matter where you go or what job you do. The challenge and sense of achievement when you break down walls keeps me on my toes and motivates me. Working with people can also be challenging as we have emotions and different ways of thinking. Often times, we find ourselves managing expectations of different people all at the same time. But that is life and the beauty of my job! MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK It makes my day when my clients and candidates come back to me because they know I can help them. And when you explain your challenges or share your opinions with them, they understand and commit to work with you. I am extremely happy when clients tell me that I am the only recruiter who can fill their positions, it is a proud moment! Also, my relationships with some clients and candidates have evolved to a personal level, where our conversations go beyond work and business. SOME ADVICE Be open! I had never imagined myself as a recruiter, simply because I am an introvert and making conversation with complete strangers can be tough. However, with guidance and practise, it is not so difficult.

www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

SHOPEE SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED

FACEBOOK @shopeecareers

5 Science Park Drive, Shopee Building, Singapore 118265 WEB careers.shopee.sg SHOPEE BLOG shopee.sg/blog/category/shopee-careers-lifeatshopee/

LINKEDIN @shopee

LOCATIONS

• Singapore • International – Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and more BUSINESS FACTS

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. We connect shoppers, brands and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. Supported by integrated payments and logistics, we offer a wide product assortment and popular entertainment features tailored for each market. We are also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce. At Shopee, we value our employees and strive to provide the best for them. We constantly offer training opportunities and provide a vibrant working environment to promote a fun and collaborative work culture. Most importantly, we ensure that our employees’ well-being is taken care of while giving their best at work. Whether you are an intern, fresh graduate or mid-careerist, you will have the support you need and be given the responsibility to make an impact on the growing business. Develop skills and get hands-on experience working with some of the best minds in Shopee!

INSTAGRAM @lifeatshopee

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Business Development and Partnership Cross Border E-commerce Data Analytics Data Science Design Engineering and Technology Legal and Finance Marketing Operations People Product Management SeaMoney

CAREER SECTOR

• IT and Technology APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For career and internship opportunities, visit careers.shopee.sg. Find out more about our #LifeatShopee: bit.ly/LifeatShopee.

TIKTOK

FACEBOOK @TikTok

1 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048583 WEB https://careers.tiktok.com/campus EMAIL sg.campus.recruitment@tiktok.com

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM @TikTok

@TikTok @TikTok YOUTUBE @TikTok LINKEDIN

LOCATION

CAREER SECTOR

BUSINESS FACTS

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Singapore

• IT and Technology

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. The platform is a home for creative expression through videos that create a genuine, inspiring, and joyful experience. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul and Tokyo.

Interested candidates are to apply directly on our career website at https://careers. tiktok.com/campus.

JOB ROLES

• Algorithm Engineer • Backend Engineer • Data Engineer • Data Scientist • Frontend Engineer • Machine Learning Engineer • Mobile Engineer • Quality Assurance Engineer • Recommendation Data Engineer

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

• Research Engineer • Site Reliability Engineer • Testing Engineer • Business Operations • Data Analytics • Human Resources • Product and Process • Product Manager • Risk Operations

www.sim.edu.sg

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JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

STONE FOREST

HR@StoneForest.com.sg @stoneforestsingapore INSTAGRAM @stone_forest_singapore LINKEDIN @stoneforest FACEBOOK

8 Wilkie Road, #03-08, Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095 TEL (+65) 6533 7600 WEB www.stoneforest.com.sg/stone-forest-careers LOCATIONS

JOB ROLES

• Singapore • International – China, Malaysia BUSINESS FACTS

The Stone Forest group of companies provides a comprehensive suite of business solutions to support businesses in Singapore and globally. We support businesses in their financial, IT and compliance matters, including critical functions like accounting, payroll/HR management, IT management, corporate secretarial and recruitment. We are experienced in supporting the growth of small to medium-sized businesses, helping them to simplify, digitalise and manage their business functions to improve profits, enhance business value and internationalise. We build people who build businesses. Our comprehensive “GROW” learning and development (L&D) programme, coupled with our forward-looking internship schemes, aim to realise the talents of staff to be business advisors to growing businesses, and groom promising staff to be future leaders of our firm. If you believe you have what it takes and relish working in a progressive firm with a good culture, we invite you to start your growth journey with us.

• • • • • • • • •

Payroll Associate Accounting Associate Recruitment Consultant Corporate Secretarial Associate System Engineer Network Engineer Application Developer HR Executive Marketing Executive

CAREER SECTORS

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Consulting

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply online at www.stoneforest.com.sg/stone-forest-careers. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

An exciting career path awaits you at Stone Forest. You determine how far you want to go.

USING LESSONS LEARNT TO BENEFIT CLIENTS NAME: L B Thasleem Fiross DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL, 2008 ROLE: Assistant Manager EMPLOYER: Stone Forest MY JOB My job is to provide routine accounting services to a portfolio of clients from various industries, using different accounting software, such as ACCPAC, XERO, QBO, and MYOB. In addition, I offer advice to my clients, especially new start-ups that are totally new to the statutory requirements, like annual filing of accounts. I also assist them in their monthly payment administration, such as processing vendors’ bills, expenses and payroll, all while ensuring their cash flow is healthy. As an assistant manager, I also guide two other members in managing their portfolios, review their work and ensure their outputs are in line with the accounting and the firm’s quality standards. HOW I GOT MY JOB I got this job through JobStreet, where I was looking for an opportunity to grow after moving on from my first job with a smaller company. I underwent two rounds of job interviews: one with the HR personnel and the other with the firm’s director. It was casual discussions where I shared about myself, my past working experience and the expectations of the new incumbent. The trickiest part was vying with other contenders, and I had to compromise on the remuneration package. However, what mattered most to me at that moment was to secure the job and prove my capability. What set me apart from the rest was that I displayed qualities of a good team player, could communicate well with others, was open to suggestions, my passion in accounting and my thirst to keep learning.

SIM CAREER GUIDE 2022

THE HIGHS AND LOWS I enjoy working with my team members, delegating jobs and coordinating with one another to achieve goals. Words of appreciation from our clients give me a sense of job satisfaction, and validation that I have done well at my job. These motivate me to work harder. The job environment here is very dynamic and we are always learning new things. For instance, by learning how to use new technologies, we can streamline work processes and minimise tedious work like data entry. Some of the more challenging aspects are time crunches, where I have to put in additional time so that our clients can meet their statutory deadlines. This is usually done while managing other projects, and patiently explaining financial jargons to clients who do not have finance or accounting backgrounds. MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK I climbed up the corporate ladder from accounts senior to team leader, and now to assistant manager through hard work, dedication and support from my supervisors. I have even received the I Create A Remarkable Experience (i.C.A.R.E) award for providing remarkable experience to clients! SOME ADVICE This is a career where you put your accounting knowledge to use on businesses from different industries with the help of various accounting software. It is how we serve our clients and assist them in their finances.

www.sim.edu.sg

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SIM Career Guide 2022

Articles inside

Scholarship and Bursary

How to Upgrade Yourself

Dealing with a Salary Cut

How to Manage Your Mental Health and Wellness

A Beginner’s Guide: How to Work from Home

How to Cope with Retracted Job Offers

Preparing for the First Day

Accepting Job Offers: Accepting and Declining

Acing Assessment Centres

Interview Tips

Networking for Success

Dress to Win

How to Look Confident in Your Interview

LinkedIn for Career Success and Digital Networking

What is in a Good Cover Letter

How to Write a Professional Email

Crafting Effective Resumes

Emerging Skills for the Future World of Work

Develop Your Technical Skills

5 Essential Soft Skills

Rules of Getting Hired

Job Searching: The Ultimate Guide

Top 3 Things to Look Out for in a First Job

Management Trainee Programme vs Traineeships

Global Awareness Programme

Exploring Internships

To Be or Not to Be a Graduate Intern?

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

Industry Insights

Project Protégé

360 Degree Development Programme

The SIM EDGE Award

A Message for Our Students

SGUnited Skills Programme

Career Champs

Talent Development Programme (TDP

How Career Connect Can Help You