5 minute read
The SIM EDGE Award
Launched 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
