SUTD Career Guide 2022

2 0 2 2 D E S I G N

Y O U R

FUTURE SUTD CAREER GUIDE 2022

MCI (P) 066/06/2021

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS

W

elcome to a brand new 2022! The past two years have been unpredictable; no crystal ball could tell when the pandemic would end, nor which COVID-19 variants were coming our way. Some industries were impacted by COVID-19, yet other industries such as healthcare, information and communications technology expanded their teams as part of their growth strategies. But what we cannot deny is that many jobs and roles have been transformed.

Take a moment to think about your career aspirations. How have they changed? Are they still valid during this pandemic, and how would things be like when you graduate? Remember DYSUTD (Design Your SUTD — UPOP module), which opens up your mind to early career planning — the broad framework and practical steps for navigating your internship or job search, building your network and curating your personal story. As the job search process has changed significantly since the start of the pandemic, this Career Guide serves as a supplement to your job search strategies in this new economy and prepares you for the new hiring practices.

Many employers are more cautious on who they hire to join their team in this muted economy. With digitalisation and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), more are adopting the cutting-edge application tracking and chatbot systems to streamline the recruitment process. As the stringent screening processes become highly automated, learn how to improve your odds of standing out and being shortlisted by hiring managers (see page 32).

Despite the slowing economy and unknown factors, SUTD fresh graduates have proved to be well sought-after. Congratulations, Class of 2020! Once again, our graduates have emerged top in having 80.9 per cent of full-time employment within six months of graduation (see page 10). Early career planning, coupled with lifelong learning will put you ahead of the game.

Do remember that Career Development starts from the moment you step into your Freshmore year to prepare and does not stop till you retire. Say yes to the things that scare you. Continue to navigate, to explore, to pivot and to transform. Know yourself; know your technical knowledge; know the business (see page 24). You will be able to glimpse how SUTD graduates secured their first dream job (see page 60).

SUTD Career Development Centre stays committed to providing students with career guidance (see page 11), and we launched the eMentoring Platform to connect final year students to the industry champions (see page 7). Do not undermine these early connections; relationship building happens everywhere (see page 26). Be mindful when you build relationships, take intentional steps to develop your professional network and build good bridges.

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Angelvin C. Parma Head, Career Development Centre

SUTD career guide 2022

1

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS GUIDE Produced by

Preparing You for the Future

2 0 2 2 D E S I G N

3

Meet the Career Development Centre Team

4

Start Your Journey with Us

6

Tailored for Freshmores!

8

Creating Job Opportunities for You

10

The Graduate Employment Survey

11

Thoughts about the Career Development Centre

Getting Ready 14

Steps to Graduation

16

How to get the Most out of Your Internships

18

How Internships Can Kickstart Your Career

24

What Employers Look out for When Hiring

26

Developing your Professional Network on LinkedIn

SUTD CAREER GUIDE 2022

(Company number: 200301978M)

2 Sims Close #05-07 Gemini@Sims Singapore 387298 T+ (65) 6294 6505 F +(65) 6294 1043 www.gtimedia.asia

SUTD Consultants Angelvin C. Parma, Jessica Chwee, Desmond Foo, Faith Lim, Davina Tham Chief Editor Elliyani Mohamad Ali Editor & Editorial Sarah Si, Dawn Yip Design & Production Amirah Azlan, A’liah binti Abdul Rahim

30

Creating Your Own Personal Brand

32

How to deal with the Application Tracking System (ATS)

Advertising Ron Ong, Joey Ng, The GTI Media sales team

34

Starting a Successful Job Hunt

Marketing & Distribution Henry Ng, Siti Nurshabarna Anuar

Your Career Tool Box!

Managing Director Isaac Hee International Managing Director & Co-founders Adrian Wood, Mark Blythe GTI Asia Pte Ltd

36

The Art of the Elevator Pitch

38

Crafting an Outstanding Resume

40

Cover Letters: Your Hook for Employers

42

Building Your Technical Portfolio

44

Deciphering Dress Codes

Printer Times Printer Pte Ltd 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340

46

A Quick Guide to Job Interviews

© GTI Asia Pte Ltd, January 2022

48

Networking and How to Do It Right

50

Weighing Your Job Offer

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.

Advice for Your Career Journey 52

Navigating the New World of Work

54

A Step into the Corporate World

56

MNCs, SMEs and Start-ups: What are they Like?

58

Insights from an Employer

60

Alumni Speaks

64

The Glossary of Career Pathways (from A-Z)

72

2

Y O U R

FUTURE

Jobs and Internships

SUTD career guide 2022

Disclaimer: Some photos were taken before the Covid-19 pandemic.

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

MEET THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE TEAM Get to know the Career Development Centre (CDC) Team, who are dedicated to assist you in your career journey.

Angelvin C. Parma Head, Career Development Centre angelvin@sutd.edu.sg

Daniel Cheong Career Coach daniel_cheong@sutd.edu.sg

Faith Lim Career Coach faith_lim@sutd.edu.sg

Desmond Foo Career Coach desmond_foo@sutd.edu.sg

Jessica Chwee Career Coach jessica_chwee@sutd.edu.sg

Junice Chua Employer Relations junice_chua@sutd.edu.sg

Davina Tham Employer Relations davina_tham@sutd.edu.sg

Vanessa Teo Employer Relations vanessa_teo@sutd.edu.sg

Julia Tham Events and Operations julia_tham@sutd.edu.sg

Andrea Kio Events and Operations andrea_kio@sutd.edu.sg

Medeline Ho Internship for Master of Architecture & Overseas Internship medeline_ho@sutd.edu.sg

Eleaner Loh Statistics and Admin eleanerloh@sutd.edu.sg

Melissa Png Local Internship melissa_png@sutd.edu.sg

SUTD career guide 2022

3

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US Graduate Employment Management System (GEMS) Whether you are a freshmore deciding on your pillar choice, a junior seeking out an overseas internship or a senior finding their first full-time job, GEMS will be an essential platform for you to rely on here at SUTD. Packed with useful insights and resources to keep you updated on hiring trends, GEMS also serves another important purpose — booking appointments with your career coach.

To get started, simply login to GEMS via your EASE page at https://ease.sutd.edu.sg/login/login.html

Profile What better way to show off your uniqueness as a candidate than with a professional profile? GEMS provides you with your own profile page to customise, and allows you to provide links to your LinkedIn and technical portfolio. To maximise the efficiency of your profile, be sure to upload a copy of your resume and fill in all the section provided, such as Personal Statement, Work Experience and Projects.

Jobs If you are looking for job opportunities, you can access this page to stay up-to-date on the most recent job listings.

From which companies are hiring and what qualities they are looking for, you can raise your awareness of the current job market and fill in any gaps you have to best match your ideal employers.

An overview of GEMS Once you have logged in, you have access to all the features GEMS has to offer, which can be seen and accessed via the menu bar on the left. Any information on the latest news and upcoming events can be found on the ‘What’s New’ dashboard. Want to research on a particular industry or company? Useful resources like Vault.com are included for you to access insightful write-ups and articles.

Career Events & Workshops Attended any campus company visits and recruitment talks organised by CDC? Many students have found these sessions to be immensely useful, providing them an opportunity to interact with career professionals and hiring managers to learn more about the work culture and the types of career prospects available to them. If you find yourself unsure about your own career path, you can simply sign up for any upcoming career events via the Career Events tab.

4

SUTD career guide 2022

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

Mock Interview Online interviews have become increasingly popular among companies, particularly though platforms like HireVue. The Mock Interview feature can help you get familiar and more comfortable with these by letting you try out practice interviews for different job positions. If you want to get a second opinion on your interview performance, you can even share your attempts with anyone, including your friends and family!

Career Resources With plenty of useful tips and resources, this is the place to turn to if you need a final check on your resume or are looking for tips on how to ace your upcoming job or internship interview. Want to know the best way to answer the dreaded ‘Tell me about yourself’ question? You can find the best answers for it here.

Career Finder and Explorer Ever wondered why you might find yourself struggling to do one task, but breeze through the other? This is because we are all wired differently, with different interests and values shaped by our own experiences. The Career Finder can help you identify the type of personality you have, using Holland’s Theory of Career Choice, which in turn could work as a starting point for your career choices. On the go? You can download GEMS’s mobile app on your mobile devices by searching the terms “Symplicity Jobs and Careers” on the app store.

Document Library Working on your resume but unsure where to begin? You can find a sample cover letter and resume here, provided

by CDC, which you can simply download and edit as you see fit. Do not just copy from the samples word-for-word, though, lest you find your applications to be too similar to that of your peers. Moreover, when writing your resume, be sure to apply the AAA (Action, Amplify, Achievement) format that you have learnt in UPOP!

Career Finder and Explorer Apart from their resume critique or mock interview sessions, you can collaborate with your coach to get their insight and strategies on how you can kickstart your career planning. Looking for feedback about your LinkedIn profile? We have also added in as a new service for students as well.

Still on the fence about that appointment? Contrary to popular belief, using the services at the CDC is not seen as being ‘needy’. In fact, more than 500 appointments were made in 2021 — meaning that at least one session was held for a student every day!

SUTD career guide 2022

5

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

TAILORED FOR FRESHMORES! Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Programme (UPOP) The Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Programme (UPOP) is designed to develop career readiness among SUTD undergraduates. With a wide range of practical and experimental sessions, taught by Career Advisors and Professional Consultants, students can acquire the relevant career skills they need to navigate the job market upon graduation.

UPOP Essential Modules and Advanced Modules (for AY2020 onwards) May - Aug

Jan - Apr

Year

Sep - Dec Freshmore (Term 1) Essential Module: •

Year 1

Freshmore (Term 2) Essential Module: • • • •

Year 2

E01: DYSUTD E02: The Art of Communication E03: Brand YOU: How to tell your story & create your personal brand E04: Career SUPERDRIVE

Freshmore (Term 3) Essential Module: •

E05: LinkedIn Up

Sophomore (Term 4) Essential Module:

Junior (Term 5) Essential Module:

Vacation/Exchange/INTERNSHIP Activity:

•

•

•

•

E06: Showcasing Your Skills: Resume & Technical Portfolio

• •

Career & Internship Fair Forerunners

Junior (Term 6) Activities: • •

E08: The Super Intern with the X-cultural

Industry Night

Factor

E07: Ace Your Interview

Activities:

Year 3

Vacation/Summer Programme

Freshmore Welcome Tea

Career & Internship Fair Forerunners

Advanced Modules: •

Nailing the Assessment Centre

•

Breaking the CASE

Vacation/Summer Programme/ INTERNSHIP Essential Modules: •

E09: Job Search Strategies

•

E10: The Art of Persuasion & Negotiation

Senior (Term 7) - Capstone Activities: • •

E-Resume Book for Graduating Seniors Industry Night

Advanced Modules:

Year 4

•

Nailing the Assessment Centre

•

Breaking the CASE

Senior (Term 8) – Capstone Activities: • •

Graduate Connect Forerunners

•

Career & Internship Fair UPOP Essential Modules

DYSUTD: Design thinking is a widely-used process for product and service designers to create user-centric solutions. Find out how you can apply these concepts to yourself by building, designing and creating a meaningful journey here at SUTD and beyond!

The Art of Communication: This workshop will help boost your confidence so you can network more easily and enjoy doing it! Meet and connect with people who could be pivotal to your career — be it a potential hiring manager, knowledgeable mentors and even investors for your future start-up!

Brand YOU: A good story can be both moving and inspirational. Learn how to tell compelling stories that not only create an impact, but convinces your audience to take the desired action.

Career SUPERDRIVE™: Learn more about yourself and what makes you tick in this refreshing take on career discovery. Find out what career paths you can take in a fun and interactive manner, and gain more insight on the possibilities you can pursue.

LinkedIn Up: Become your own career influencer! Enhance your professional presence online and harness the power of LinkedIn. Develop a plan to connect with influential people within your discipline an establish your brand, opening up opportunities to get into your dream career!

Showcasing Your Skills: Build an impressive portfolio to wow recruiters and hiring managers alike. Showcase the best of your skills and strengths with a well thought-out portfolio and create a brand for yourself.

Ace Your Interview: With technology, interviews are no longer just conducted face-to-face. At times, it does not have to be real time too! Understand the different dynamics and expectations from each type of interviews. Learn how to stand out and pick up the best practices to help you win in any kind of interviews.

The Super Intern: Utilise tips and strategies to become the best intern you can be! Develop techniques on how you can break the barrier of diverse cultures in a multi-cultural environment.

Job Search Strategies: Looking for job does not have to be a daunting and time-consuming task. Learn how to better invest your time in activities that can help you maximise results. Knowing effective strategies for job-hunting will go a long way in getting that job you want.

The Art of Persuasion and Negotiation: Knowing how to negotiate is an important skill at work. Pick up on effective techniques on how you can persuade and influence more effectively so that you can work out solutions that benefit everyone.

Advanced Modules often have smaller class sizes, thus registration is based on a first-come-first-served basis and a nominal fee of S$10 is payable upon registration. UPOP Advanced Modules were strategically introduced to enhance students’ career readiness.

6

SUTD career guide 2022

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

Freshmore Welcome Tea All freshmore students are invited to attend this session at the start of their first term in order to learn more about the services CDC offers. This includes sharing the importance of early career planning, such as deciding the fifth row and choosing the right internships. Students are also encouraged to approach the Career Coaches to discuss their future career plans. All students are required to complete the UPOP Essential Modules before embarking on an official internship.

Forerunner 2021 Looking for an opportunity to connect with experienced SUTD alumni who have been-there-done-that? Then this is an event not to miss out on! Every year, the CDC invites several members of the alumni to share their work-life experiences beyond SUTD’s walls — from their successes to their preparations after graduation. Learn more from them about what it takes to have a successful start to your career!

E-Mentorship Platform Graduating and taking your first steps into the workforce can be an exciting milestone. After years of academic study and countless hours mulling over projects and assignments, many of us are all too eager to get our degrees and step into the world of work. However, the workforce today is complex and everchanging, and as such knowing how to navigate your transition to your first job is essential. A mentor, typically someone with more experience and knowledge in your desired field, would be able to provide an opportunity for you to have a better understanding of what you need to find success.

Following the success of the pilot programme in May 2021, the SUTD CDC offered final-year juniors an opportunity to connect with mentors from their chosen industry. We are proud to offer DBS as one of our corporate partners, with 12 professionals hailing from the technology and non-technology

divisions. With the banking and finance service sector digitising their services, having a mentor who has a grasp of these transformations is an asset to you should you wish to pursue this sector.

Here are a few reasons why you should engage a mentor: 1. Get valuable insights Not only have they experienced changes in their sectors in the past couple of years, but they have also experienced other waves of changes that have impacted their careers. By having a mentor from a relevant industry, you can obtain insider information and get a better idea on how to navigate the changing industry trends.

2. Sounding board Having gone through the ups and downs in the industry and perhaps even in their careers, these mentors would best know what ideas can work and what might not. Having someone who has gone through these experiences can help save you from making avoidable errors and detours in your own career path.

3. Career clarity Throughout your mentorship, you will be able to gather valuable information and be better equipped to figure out what career paths you really want to embark on and try out.

4. Job searching and career advice Mentorship can be an underrated aspect of not only job-hunting, but when it comes to building the foundations of your career. Many of these mentors are often team leaders or even hiring managers themselves and thus, are well-

versed in what qualities candidates need to stand out. Their advice might be what you need to step up your job-searching skills and steer your first job to success!

5. Broaden your professional network Your odds of meeting an industrial professional are limited as a student, but a mentorship programme can open the doors to connecting with others from the industry. They may even offer you referrals to other professionals they know as well!

Those who have benefitted from mentorships can attest that it has given them a great boost to their confidence.

After all, with a clear career trajectory, you will be better able to know your way around the industry and be more prepared for the world of work. So why wait? Take part in the mentorship programme today!

The SUTD eMentorship Programme is a 6-month long structured programme which is open to all penultimate students.

It is a one-to-one mentoring between a student and an industry professional to enhance their career readiness. All communications would be hosted on the eMentorship portal, which supports both video calls and chat functions. The next scheduled run and recruitment will start in December 2022.

SUTD career guide 2022

7

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

CREATING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU Looking for opportunities to network with employers and industry professionals? The Career Development Centre (CDC) has planned career events for students to edge closer to their dream opportunities.

Boeing Visit 2021

Graduate Connect 2021 and Virtual Career Fair (GEMS) As you reach your final lap towards graduation as seniors, juggling between Capstone projects and academic studies would have likely taken up most of your time. Planning ahead is key, and if you are still keeping your options open before graduation, Graduate Connect and Virtual Career Fair events are catered just for you! In 2021, both events were successfully held virtually on the GEMS platform.

Graduate Connect is a targeted recruitment event held annually in May, with its aim to showcase graduating students to employers keen to hire fresh graduates. With over 50 choice employers who participated in the online recruitment in 2021, our students received more than 200 exciting job opportunities and offers. As such, we strongly encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for Graduate Connect 2022!

As a booster, in 2021, we also launched a Virtual Career Fair in October, held on GEMS. Organised by the Career Development Centre, this event gave graduating seniors the opportunity to mingle with hiring managers from interested companies, either in group chats or one-on-one.

With more than 150 job opportunities posted by 44 companies, this event also

8

SUTD career guide 2022

helped those who had yet to secure full-time employment after graduation.

Find out more information in our weekly e-newsletter!

Career and Internship Fair

As one of the best ways to learn more about a company’s culture and what it takes to excel in their job roles, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Contact CDC to arrange for a mock interview so that you will be especially prepared for the event itself.

The signature career event of the year, SUTD Career and Internship Fair (CIF) attracts on average over 100 employers across diverse sectors. In 2021, CIF was conducted on a virtual platform, providing a conducive environment for both employers and students to network.

Regardless of whether the event is conducted physically or via a virtual platform, preparation is key prior to attending it. Your checklist includes: • Research on the specific roles and focus on your unique skillsets that make you the perfect fit.

• Update your resume and put on your professional front to chat with the employers you have mapped out to meet.

• Be focused and engage actively in conversation.

• On a virtual platform, choose a quiet environment with sufficient lighting. Check and ensure your audio and video gadgets are in working condition. Be sure to maintain a good distance of three feet between the back of your head and the wall which should be a solid colour background.

Boeing Visit 2021

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

Recruitment Talks and Company Visits While there are no shortcuts to landing the job opportunity you want, there are certainly ways to gain an advantage.

Recruitment talks and company visits are two such avenues you can consider.

They are excellent platforms not only for networking, but also to gain crucial information to help you out.

Typically conducted from September to March, these events allow students to establish connections and create favourable impressions with potential employers and mentors across different industries. They will also have the chance to meet with various levels of business representatives to understand more about their company cultures, career pathways and their applications as well as selection processes on a more intimate level. Recruitment talks can also help students discover alternate career paths they may have yet to consider.

Due to the effects of the pandemic, many of these talks have since been shifted to online webinars. Regardless, their purpose still remains the same — for employers to connect with students and share their recruitment processes and interview tips. So look out for our weekly Friday e-newsletter and do come and join us when these opportunities come your way!

Recruitment Talks

Recruitment Talks

Industry Night

Interview Accelerator

Held in September, Industry Night is organised by CDC for new industry partners across different industries.

It is an ideal platform to practise and enhance your networking skills by interacting with participating employers.

You can even pick up additional skills on active listening and how to ask relevant questions along the way.

Due to the pandemic, the hiring process for companies has become increasingly virtual as many professionals turn to remote working. Launched by CDC, the Interview Accelerator was an inaugural series of speed interviews where seniors get to meet employers in a more intimate setting on a virtual platform. In 2021, we had more than 20 companies come on board with us for this series of 10-minute interview sessions, held on a one-on-one basis.

Being able to engage with employers effectively is a good way to not only establish connections but also potentially expand career options. This can help to pave your way to a vast sea of opportunities, so keep your eyes open for the registration details!

Do prepare your resume in advance and aim to land yourself a job before you graduate.

Industry Night

SUTD career guide 2022

9

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

THE GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY The results of the 2020 Graduate Employment Survey show that SUTD continues to achieve a high overall employment rate and starting salaries for our fresh graduates. Up to 95.9% of our graduates were employed within six months of completing their final examinations, reflecting a strong demand for SUTD graduates despite the uncertain economic situation. The survey also shows that the median gross monthly salary for fresh graduates employed in full-time permanent employment is at $4,100 in 2020, compared to $4,072 in 2019. The mean gross monthly salary among SUTD’s fresh graduates employed in full-time permanent employment has increased to $4,369 in 2020, compared to $4,235 in 2019.

Undergraduate Class of 2020

80.9% Full-Time Employment Rate

95.9% Overall Employment Rate

Median Gross Monthly Salary

$3,700 $4,000 $3,800

EPD

$3,800 $4,000 $4,000

ESD

$4,400 $4,400 $4,500

ISTD

$4,000 $3,900 $3,800

ASD

Top hiring industries include: 0

1000

2000 2020

3000 2019

2018

4000

5000 Information & Communication, Financial & Insurance and Scientific Research & Development.

Data on Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD) graduates are obtained from a follow-up survey on Architecture and Sustainable Design graduates after they have completed their practical training.

10

SUTD career guide 2022

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Find out how our Career Coaches have helped your peers in their journey to joining the workforce.

Ang Kang Xian Engineering Systems and Design Junior (Class of 2022) The CDC is an excellent first step to understand more about yourself and your career aspirations. After going through the MAPP assessment and consultations with the career coach, Jessica, I had a better knowledge of what motivated me and what I am uncomfortable with. This enabled me to know which potential industries and jobs I should explore. I also had Faith critique my resume, and it was really helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes evaluate it, as it made me more aware of the little things that help to make the resume look more attractive to employers.

Amrish Dev Sandhu Computer Science and Design Junior (Class of 2022) The CDC provides comprehensive services that assisted me greatly while searching for a summer internship.

Prior to it, I consulted Faith regularly to not only seek advice but to also update her on my progress. From the regular consultations I had, I benefitted greatly in many ways, from resume vetting, sharing opportunities and interview preparations.

I advise my juniors to utilise the various avenues offered to you – do up your LinkedIn, look up on job portals and attend the various sharing sessions organised by CDC! And I firmly believe that you should keep trying – you miss 100% of the opportunities you do not take, after all. Keep applying and reach out to others, from seniors to industry professionals to learn as much as you can and figure out what it is you want to achieve!

Chen Yijia Freshmore (Class of 2024) In Term 1, when I was uncertain about my future career prospects, Faith provided me with a detailed and clear overview of the industry I was interested in and introduced me to sectors I could consider exploring.

Under her coaching, I was able to better understand the industry’s requirements, and how to make use of the opportunities available in SUTD to hone my skills.

I also sought a resume critique session with Faith, who suggested helpful comments on what relatable experiences to put in and even subtle aspects, like proper word choices, giving me more confidence in tailoring my resume to emphasise on different skill sets. She also followed up with me on my summer term experiences to help me reflect on what I have learned and empower me to discover my future potential. I am genuinely grateful for the professional and supportive coaching team from CDC, who helped me prepare for job-hunting and develop a clearer sense of direction to plan my journey in SUTD.

Colin Teoh Engineering Systems and Design Freshmore (Class of 2024) Desmond Foo helped me articulate my experience and capabilities to employers via virtual resume coaching. The session was extremely informative and provided concrete advice that I could use to directly improve the competitiveness of my resume for the current internship and scholarship market.

As a first year student, I did not have much prior experience with resumes, nor attended any UPOPs on resume building. As such, CDC’s resume critique allowed me to gain vital insights into resume crafting.

SUTD career guide 2022

11

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

Jacob Wijaya Computer Science and Design Senior (Class of 2021) Finding your first job is not an easy task. Luckily, CDC is always available to assist and guide us in our search. As an international student, it is a challenging task to land a job in Singapore, more so with the current Covid-19 situation going on. However, I am very grateful for SUTD CDC’s help despite the trouble they have to go through to reach me.

I want to thank Desmond for assisting and teaching me the tips and advice on various insights that would help me with my career, as well as being a great listener. He shared with me numerous key points to look out for in an interview and how to improve and grow as a working individual. So, talk to your career coach and make the most of the experience. They are there to help and guide you through these tough times, and always keep your chin up in life!

Kanashima Hatsumi Computer Science and Design Junior (Class of 2022) I am interested in machine learning and computer vision, and wanted to find a job in the Artificial Intelligence field. Having recently completed my summer internship with Panasonic, I needed help with making my resume stand out by highlighting my strengths and experiences. I signed up for the Resume Critique session and it was nothing but a positive experience. My Career Coach, Jessica, was well articulated and knowledgeable. She patiently went through all the points in my resume and gave insightful, specific advice to improve my resume. The skills I learned during the session made me more confident in my transition into the professional world.

My advice to my fellow SUTD peers is to take advantage of what the CDC has to offer. It has plenty of resources and services that can provide you with a wealth of information and keep you updated of the latest market trends.

Lee Jet Xuen Computer Science and Design Junior (Class of 2022) After completing my internship, I was seeking advice on how to improve my resume, as well as insight on my future career path. My senior suggested that I book an appointment at the CDC, so I emailed Desmond on how to construct an effective resume. He was able to provide me with professional suggestions and shared with me tips on how to write an appealing resume that would help me land a job. I highly recommend my juniors to get a coaching session, as it is really helpful in terms of providing professional career advice!

Matthew Lau Zhi Yuan Engineering Systems and Design Junior (Class of 2021) I am very grateful to the CDC coaches, especially Faith, for guiding me and helping me land a job that I am not only skilled at, but also passionate about and aligns with my values. My journey towards self-discovery and understanding what I wanted was not easy, but the support and insight provided by CDC helped a lot, and I was able to secure a job that I could feel absolutely excited for everyday. I especially liked the UTOP workshops, where they gamify planning our career path, helping me better plan the future for my professional life.

I also discovered, through trial and error, that your calling in life, whether academically or professionally, intersects between your passion, skills, value and talents. CDC may not give you all the answers, but it will definitely help make your career-planning clearer.

12

SUTD career guide 2022

PREPARING YOU FOR THE FUTURE

Sim Jia Ren Computer Science and Design Junior (Class of 2022) The CDC provides many services that help students with career advice and professional development support. In my three years in SUTD so far, I have often reached out to the career coaches to not only have them critique my resume, but also to undergo career coaching. They are well-informed in various industries and have an extensive network of industry professionals.

When I decided to switch degrees in my freshmore year, my coach, Faith, was very patient when listening to my concerns. She provided me with valuable insight on what the industry was looking for and allowed me to independently explore my options. I continued to keep in touch with her as my trusted advisor whenever I needed career help. Another coach, Jessica, also proactively checked in on me throughout my internship, and helped me bring up any issues I had about the company when I confided in her about them, something that I am really grateful for.

Tan Min Engineering Systems and Design Junior (Class of 2022) I first discovered CDC in my Freshmore year when I attended my first CIF in 2019, which I have been attending yearly since. Before my first round of internships, I scheduled a Career Coaching appointment with the CDC to review my resume. It was a fruitful session and I walked away with a clearer idea of the industry I would like to enter and how I can effectively present myself through a resume.

I was also part of the pilot for the SUTD Mentorship Program, where I was able to connect with an industry mentor. They shared with me their insights on my interested industry and career, as well as learn and prepare myself for upcoming applications for graduate roles. The CDC has plenty of other opportunities, so I advise the junior batches to explore them.

Vincent Leonardo Engineering Systems and Design Junior (Class of 2022) I sought out the CDC due to my indecision and anxiety about finding internships and a path forward to my career in the future. Thankfully, the Career Coaches not only assured me about my future, but also helped me lay down concrete plans and actions to take to reach my goals.

With the CDC, I learned about how those with more experience and knowledge view things and how to better myself. They can also identify any blind spots to work on as well. For example, while I was focusing on doing projects and methods to get into my ideal industry, the coaches pointed out that I had been missing out on actually learning about the field itself, such as its people and the current trends. Ultimately, the CDC’s services helped me superbly, and I am sure that you will benefit from it too!

Wu Rong Engineering Systems and Design Senior (Class of 2021) I was an international student who had yet to start looking for a job, but coach Desmond kindly reached out to me and provided me with constructive suggestions on how to start. During the two consultations, resume critique and interview inquiry, he shared with me the STAR method – an effective methodology for both resume-writing and answering questions during interviews.

I gained a lot of insight from those sessions and was able to create a purposeful resume for jobs I was interested in and got a lot more opportunities for interviews in return. If you are unsure of your plans for your future, I would definitely recommend that you approach the CDC for guidance and support!

SUTD career guide 2022

13

GETTING READY

STEPS TO GRADUATION It is never too early to work on your future career plans, even when your studies are still on-going.

Here are some steps you should take to make the most out of your time here at SUTD.

Freshmore Year Increase self-awareness 1. Make it a point to attend the Freshmore Welcome Tea during your first term

2. Develop your career readiness and learn the importance of self-discovery by attending UPOP sessions

3. Take stock of your personal values, interests, strengths, skills and areas of improvement 4. Schedule some appointments with your Career Coaches via the GEMS platform if you want help in planning out your career path 5. Keep an eye out on the weekly e-newsletters and emails from the SUTD Career Development Centre for upcoming job opportunities 6. Connect with people – from your family and friends to school faculty and staff, ask them about their job and work experience 7. Consider applying for the Global Leadership Programme (GLP) or Undergraduate Research Opportunities during your first summer 8. Explore and actively take part in fifth row activities!

9. Attend pillar information sessions to have a better idea of which pillars best suit your interest

Sophomore Year Explore and identify professions of interest 1. Gain insight on various industries through career talks and workshops, and network with potential employers at the Career and Internship Fair (CIF), recruitment talks and other related events 2. Update your resume regularly as you complete academic projects, fifth row activities, UROP and develop technical skill proficiency. You can also have it reviewed by your Career Coaches as well 3. Explore external opportunities, such as participating in hackathons and volunteering 4. Set up your LinkedIn account and connect with SUTD alumni and HR on it. Identify and apply to companies where you would like to do your internship at

14

SUTD career guide 2022

GETTING READY

Junior Year Preparing your applications 1. Take up an internship (or a few) over the course of your study

2. Make an appointment with your Career Coach to consult them about potential industries you are keen on joining

3. Narrow your search by eliminating areas you are not interested in and focus on your top three industries

4. Read up on application requirements and hiring timelines on your interested industries and organisations

5. Check out full-time job opportunities on GEMS weekly

6. Touch up on your technical portfolio before meeting up with your Career Coach

7. Ensure that your resume is tailored to match the job and industry you want

8. Start compiling testimonials and references

9. Practise mock interviews with Career Coaches at the Career Development Centre

10. Work on and practise a personal elevator pitch

11. Leverage on your network – family, friends and alumni – to seek out job opportunities

Senior Year Be proactive and prepare for life beyond SUTD 1. Follow up and apply early for jobs – many companies often review applications on a rolling basis

2. Customise your resume and cover letter to each specific job you apply for

3. Schedule an appointment with your Career Coaches for a mock interview

4. Send a thank-you note after each interview, and follow up on any active applications

5. Aim to get a job by January, or at least 4 months prior to graduation 6. Actively partake in as many recruitment events as possible (such as Graduate Connect and Interview Accelerator) if you have yet to secure employment 7. Once you have successfully gotten a job, update your Career Coach and take part in the Graduate Employment Survey

SUTD career guide 2022

15

GETTING READY

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INTERNSHIPS An internship provides a valuable opportunity for you to gain work experience and to jumpstart your career — if you play your cards right.

I

nternships are more than just stepping stones to your first official full-time position. It is also a great way to build on your working experience and skills, whilst giving you an idea of what the job will be like, and if it will be a good fit for you.

Moreover, do well enough and you might increase your chances of being offered a permanent position with them after graduation. With this in mind, you should strive to do your best to apply what you have learnt in school to this internship.

Making the most of this experience does not necessarily mean needing to excel at every single task. What matters here is your attitude and how you approach your work. Here are some guidelines on how you can make the most of your internship experience.

Do your research well While you may be tempted to hit that ‘apply’ button for every internship role that sounds vaguely relevant to your course of study, that is not wise as you could end up in an internship that does not suit you. Read through each job description and what the responsibilities entail carefully before applying. Make sure that they align with your own career goals as well as provide ample opportunities for you to develop the skills you want for your dream job.

If at any point you feel unsure about what a particular internship role involves, you can always check with the Career Development Centre, consult your seniors or do your own research. Be especially meticulous about this — the last thing you want is to be stuck for several months in an internship that does not meet your needs.

Ultimately, be sure to familiarise yourself with the company you are applying to. Skimming through their website or social media is not enough — go through the company’s values, vision and mission statements as well. This should help you get a better feel of the company’s direction, and if it reflects your own values.

Set goals for yourself The moment the offer letter is signed and settled with, start preparing yourself for what comes next. Ask yourself first what goals you want to achieve during this internship. Writing down these objectives is the first step to visualising how you are going to make the most out of your internship.

16

SUTD career guide 2022

However, rather than setting large, vague goals (such as ‘I want to be successful here’), start with smaller, more concise ones. You can start by defining what success means to you and work up from there. For example, if you are interning at an architecture firm, success might mean that the projects you are involved in meet the standards and objectives of your clients. It includes being able to tackle challenges as they pop up, which range from rapid urbanisation to transportation planning.

Having solid targets allows you to be clear on what you want to achieve.

With a clear direction to work towards, this will also help you stay focused, thus in turn boosting your productivity. With that being said, however, remember that it is perfectly acceptable to adjust your goals as the internship progresses.

Treat it like a job While interns tend to enjoy a little more leniency when it comes to making mistakes, an internship is still a serious commitment. Moreover, by having you onboard, the company is also placing trust in you to contribute to the team. As such, you should treat it as though it is a full-time job. Take every task seriously, and do it to the best of your capabilities.

The internship may just be for a few months, but you should still immerse yourself into the company’s culture. This can later help you determine the kind of environment that best suits you when you apply for a full-time position later on.

GETTING READY

Bring the right attitude to work In every new work environment comes new challenges — and this will be no different. As a newcomer, remember that making mistakes is also part of the learning process. Rather than being hung up on them, learn from those mistakes and bounce back.

In addition, the main goal of an internship is to gain as much experience as you can, so strive to learn something new whenever you can. You can consider approaching your colleagues (whether from other departments or your own) and see if they can provide you with more insights about the industry or the company itself.

Above all, stay flexible and adaptable to changes. If something does not go as planned, acknowledge it and be open to other solutions. Your colleagues and supervisors know that you are keen to learn, so do not be afraid to approach them for feedback or guidance when you need it.

Develop your professional connections Having a professional network is important for any career professional, and it is never too early to start developing it.

Throughout your internship, you might meet people who may become your future superiors, or colleagues who can refer you for opportunities, whether via word-of-mouth or through future connections. In short, having friends, allies and good connections will only bring you positive results, so getting to know your colleagues is a good idea.

Exit gracefully As your internship comes to a close, ask your supervisors if they would be willing to vouch for your contributions, or even provide you a letter of recommendation or LinkedIn recommendation. You can also consider asking your co-workers to endorse you on LinkedIn for the skills you displayed or picked up on the job.

The connections you made here might just be your ticket to your dream career in the future.

A good, quality network takes time and effort to nurture, so be sincere about wanting to spend time with them. It does not need to involve grand gestures either — a simple chat or coffee or lunch will do.

SUTD career guide 2022

17

GETTING READY

HOW INTERNSHIPS CAN KICKSTART YOUR CAREER Find out how SUTD students gain an edge in the working world by securing internships to explore and learn more about themselves.

My role

Aaron Soares Architecture and Sustainable Design, (Class of 2022) Model Maker Okashimo Private Limited

Take pride in all that you do, think out of the box, and do not let dreams just be dreams – just do it.

While I focused on model-making as part of the design process and presentation, I was also assigned to many different tasks as Okashimo is a relatively small studio. This included conducting and presenting heavy preliminary research for new projects, getting involved in the design process for sculpture works, pitching ideas to my boss and more. These experiences made my journey at Okashimo a fruitful one as it was my first step into the design industry.

My challenge Some of the challenges I faced included meeting the high expectations and fast-paced nature of the development of the floor plans and other drawings.

Thankfully, I could consult my colleague and design lead, who not only taught me how to be more efficient in Rhino, but also how to use a checklist to ensure expectations were met on time.

Another challenge was that while we used 3D printers and laser-cutting machines in school, the model-making process here was manual, using cutting

My role

Azfar Hamidudin Bin K O Noordin Engineering Product Development (Class of 2022) Design Engineering Intern 3D Metal Forge

Try to land as many internships as you can.

18

SUTD career guide 2022

My role can be split into two distinct areas: design work and reverse engineering. Design work involved ideating and modelling a product in CAD software from scratch based on customer requirements, such as creating a chemical rack to hold engineering components. Reverse engineering saw me using the software to create components for customers, using either engineering drawings or a hand-held 3D scanner.

My challenge Adhering to Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles was initially difficult, as I had not designed many complex parts for 3D printing before this internship. Moreover, due to the pandemic, it was also tough to physically interact with people on the design team as all communication was done digitally, which made

knives and foam boards while referring to printed floorplans. As such, we had to formulate a concise order of assembly before any construction could begin.

My biggest takeaway In school, we sometimes close a blind eye for some projects, especially when juggling deadlines and having to prioritise. But an ‘anything goes’ attitude will not work here, and it shows in your projects. But I also loved how every aspect of the projects were well thought out, and had many opportunities to go wild and experiment, especially at the start of the design process. After all, we never know when inspiration will strike.

Advice for my juniors Internships are the best way to learn out of the classroom as the experiences here have so much to offer to prepare you not only for your future career but your upcoming terms too. I strongly encourage you to choose one which will add value to your learning and portfolio and not do an internship for the sake of it. Take pride in all that you do, think out of the box, and do not let dreams just be dreams – just do it.

asking questions about DfAM more difficult. Thankfully, the design team and mentors were always open to me scheduling a call with them to help me with any issues which made the learning process much faster.

My biggest takeaway Though some projects were a little challenging, overcoming them allowed me to improve my technical skills to a much greater degree. Having exposure to the additive manufacturing industry also allowed me to broaden my skillset and has given me some valuable experience working in a rapidly growing industry.

Advice for my juniors Try to land as many internships as you can. This will give you much clearer idea of what you are passionate about and allow you to make an informed decision when picking your career.

GETTING READY

My role

Charini Jinadasa Engineering Systems and Design (Class of 2022) Intern at Engineering and Projects Department Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Be enthusiastic and always try to deliver your personal best in the work you perform!

I worked with the company to develop and establish an energy matrix for three city hotels in Colombo. This was established by analysing past data of energy usage in the respective hotels and identifying variables influencing the energy consumption using which an equation and interface was developed to help budget the costs of energy accurately for the future.

My challenge Due to the focus of my job role, I had to be familiar with the operations of the hotels. Unfortunately, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic prevented me from visiting the hotels in-person, affecting my understanding of the hotels’ operations and energy consumption, since I could not personally speak to the management.

Instead, my supervisor was able to provide the needed information and explained to me in detail about what I needed to know. I was also able to learn more through online research as well.

From this, I realised the importance of communication, along with reaching out when you need help. I also made extra effort to understand the project’s content and deliverables and kept my

My role

Jonathan Wiggins , Computer Science and Design (Class of 2022) Software Engineering Intern OnLoop (Mobile Startup)

Do not put so much pressure on yourself, though, as the type of internship you go for is not as career-defining as the lessons you will learn from it.

I was part of the Singapore-based Engineering team at OnLoop, a mobile application start-up. With the product being launched at the end of the internship period, I was a crucial part in driving the mobile application forward by implementing major product features on the front-end. I worked closely with the design team to understand both the user flow and screen design before implementing it with my fellow engineers.

My challenge Despite having never worked with their front-end mobile applications before, I was able to overcome that hurdle rather easily. Rather, my greatest challenge was integrating with the team and staying motivated.

As lockdown measures increased at the start of the internship and remote

supervisors updated on my progress.

By doing so, I overcame the challenges I faced while having to work in a virtual arrangement.

My biggest takeaway I had the opportunity to learn about many different topics which helped me expand my knowledge and level of expertise. I learnt more about the industry that I worked in, specifically about energy-related topics, and the importance of taking initiative. I also experienced the dynamics of a remote work environment and developed key characteristics crucial to being an efficient and reliable employee.

Advice for my juniors By taking on internships, you will have the opportunity to gain experience on working in different fields and industries. In return, it helps you to identify what you are passionate about and enjoy working with. They also let you meet lots of people from different academic and professional backgrounds. The experience and expertise we gain through internships are quite different to what we learnt at university. So always try and grasp the different opportunities that come your way. Be enthusiastic and always try to deliver your personal best in the work you perform!

working became normal, I found the lack of social interactions to be incredibly demoralising. Even as an introvert, I found that working as part of a larger team by being in the same space to be more motivating.

My biggest takeaway One of the most important lessons I learnt is to constantly push yourself to learn, grow, and apply yourself. As a young student, there is so much more to learn and there is no substitute for hard work in order to reach success.

Advice for my juniors Find an internship that you think you will enjoy and go for it. Use these opportunities to explore the various fields you are interested in. Do not put so much pressure on yourself, though, as the type of internship you go for is not as career-defining as the lessons you will learn from it.

SUTD career guide 2022

19

GETTING READY

My role

My biggest takeaway

At Trustwave, I was in the security research department that researches security vulnerabilities in automotive vehicles, and my job involved implementing different automotive communication protocols in various types of microcontrollers.

Do not be afraid to try new things, have an open mind and have a thirst to learn new things. I was honoured to be surrounded by highly knowledgeable professionals who were always actively learning new things, even at their level.

It was a very insightful experience as I realised that to continue to excel in what you do, learning never stops.

My challenge

Ong Li Wen Computer Science and Design (Class of 2022) Cybersecurity Intern, Emerging Technologies Team Trustwave

Ask for help whenever you have doubts, and treat your internship as a place for you to learn.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of technical knowledge I had in microcontrollers and system design, as I had very little experience on the subject.

In the beginning, I struggled to meet the technical demands of my tasks. It was a lot to take in as I had to both learn and implement what I was taught about programming microcontrollers and how the protocol worked at the same time.

To overcome this, I spent extra time watching online videos and reading up on the topic to develop my understanding.

I also sought out the guidance of my supervisor, who was very understanding, whenever I had any doubts. By the end of my internship, I was able to program different kinds of microcontrollers using the C programming language, as well as implement different protocols for them.

I even ended up becoming interested in system design in the cybersecurity field!

My role My job revolved around developing demos for potential clients. I focused on timeseries price prediction and AIenabled trading of commodities.

My challenge

Sun Neng Computer Science and Design (Class of 2023) Data Science Intern Amaris AI

The problem-solving and designthinking skills taught in school really came in handy, especially when approaching difficult problems.

20

SUTD career guide 2022

There were many challenges during the internship. For one, I lacked any background in data science when I first joined. In the initial weeks, I studied into the nights just so I can quickly take on useful work. I was also very fortunate to receive guidance from my supervisors which helped me get up to speed.

Another challenge I faced was the constant need to adapt to the fastpaced environment of the industry.

Due to the rapid progression of AI, even coding tutorials can be ruled as incompatible a year after they are written.

The AI space is evolving incredibly fast — code tutorials written a year ago might be ruled incompatible

Advice for my juniors Ask for help whenever you have doubts, and treat your internship as a place for you to learn. This is a good opportunity to meet and learn from highly skilled and like-minded professionals. Also, take this opportunity to explore your interests and consider them as potential career options.

To secure your desired internship, apply early. Even if you do not meet all the technical requirements, go for it anyway. You can show your passion for the role, company or industry in your application. Alternatively, if you choose not to apply for one, make good use of your summer break to upskill or learn something new that interests you. Lastly, remember to allocate some time to reward yourself for all your effort and hard work!

the next year. My work needed me to use state-of-the-art algorithms in my solutions, which also meant that I had to constantly research and resolve compatibility issues in code.

As I read more academic papers and got comfortable with technical documentations, this challenge became less of a pain.

My biggest takeaway Unlike in school, there may not always be clear answers to questions in the workplace. Rather, you often have to create your own for the company and the clients. The problem-solving and design-thinking skills taught in school really came in handy, especially when approaching difficult problems.

Advice for my juniors Sometimes, you might not have all the technical skills needed for a job. However, your ability to learn independently and pick up new skills fast is the key to success. Always stay curious and do not be deterred by difficulty.

GETTING READY

My role

Chen Pengdan Engineering Systems and Design (Class of 2022) Quality Assurance Intern Cummins Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Never hesitate to ask questions – this not only help you improve but also show people that you are actively learning.

As an intern in the Quality Assurance department, I completed two projects with the support of my manager and colleagues. The first was to create a framework to map out a roadmap of projects for data/process automation in order to reduce manual work and real-time analytics. The second project sought to reduce picking errors in the company’s warehouse via technology, as workers initially had to count out the number of parts manually, which can lead to counting errors, which in turn can lead to issues in the number of products received by customers.

My challenge During this internship, I had to teach myself how to use Power Automate, as I had not used it before. As a result, I turned to watching tutorial videos, and approached it in two ways – by attempting to build the flow myself without referring to the videos, while looking up how to solve any errors I

My role

Sharmayne Lim Zhiyu Architecture and Sustainable Design (Class of 2022) Product Design Intern (Consumer Experience) Grab

Your career path need not be defined by your course of study, and you can venture anywhere depending on the steps you take.

As the only product design intern in the Consumer Experience team, I had the opportunity to helm a project on my own – I was creating a framework for problems that new users face in their first 30 days and possible solutions to mitigate them, while also increasing the percentage conversion of new users’ sign-ups and first transactions by kickstarting a series of experiments.

My challenge As an architecturally-trained student with little experience in UI/UX, almost every task was a hurdle, from perusing extensive data to being pixel perfect with designs. A big part of how I was able to overcome these was with the immense help and support given by my mentor at Grab, who encouraged me to ask questions, clarify my doubts and checked in on me frequently. I also had the willingness to put in extra effort and hours beyond what was expected to research, iterate, and practise. In a nutshell, I think two of the most imperative skills are to be resourceful and persistent!

My biggest takeaway I was fortunate enough to be involved in nearly all stages of the design process,

encountered online. Although I did not always find the answers I needed, the suggested solutions were still enlightening nonetheless.

My biggest takeaway During the internship, I learnt to appreciate the value of openness in a company, thanks to my supervisor Yong and school Career Coach, Desmond. I had initially had doubts expressing my thoughts due my perceived naivety, but Yong often encouraged me to speak my mind during meetings.

Advice for my juniors Be brave enough to speak out your thoughts, even though you might feel like it might be immature to do so. Your fresh ideas and mind are exactly what the company wants from you. Never hesitate to ask questions – this not only help you improve but also show people that you are actively learning. After all, you will never know the value of your words until you say it.

from combing through user interviews and user data to find what problems they were facing; to researching and analysing what competitors have done to solve specific issues. I also had to brainstorm, identify, and develop on a few solutions from low to high-fidelity prototypes, and then presenting them to various stakeholders to obtain feedback for improvement. The experience itself and the people I have met and learnt from during the internship were the greatest takeaways!

Advice for my juniors Internships are really valuable – what better way to validate your interests than to try them out? Take any opportunity to take on internships in places you are interested in, though of course, be sure you can manage school first! Also, do not hesitate to reach out to seniors or professionals in the industry to learn more, or even look through their portfolios or websites.

Your career path need not be defined by your course of study, and you can venture anywhere depending on the steps you take. Stay curious, openminded, and do not be afraid to take detours!

SUTD career guide 2022

21

GETTING READY

My role My job during this internship period was to test and implement sensors that would be hooked up onto our system, as well as design a robust housing for these sensors.

My challenge

Tan Shin Yee Engineering Product Development (Class of 2022) Mechanical Engineer Whyre

If you have the right attitude, you definitely will learn and grow during your internship.

Suzanne-Kae Rocknathan Engineering Systems and Design (Class of 2022) Research Intern BluGraph Technologies

Approach your internship with a heart to learn and take the initiative to facilitate your own learning — from hard skills to soft skills, there is a lot to gain even if you find that the field is not for you.

22

SUTD career guide 2022

Trying to understand what my other intern mates were doing and working with them to integrate them into our overall system. It was tough learning how to work with new equipment and the iteration process was definitely more intensive than it was in school, so I really learnt a lot from this internship.

designs to be manufactured for testing and go through all the considerations required for manufacturing.

Advice for my juniors My advice for juniors looking to take an internship would be to just go for it.

Apply for as many companies as you can and go into it with an open and inquisitive mind. Do not be afraid that your skills might be lacking. If you have the right attitude, you definitely will learn and grow during your internship.

My biggest takeaway My biggest takeaway is learning how to put what I learnt in school into the industrial setting, specifically on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA). I got the opportunity to interact with the company supplier and discuss with him how I want my

My role

My biggest takeaway

I was assigned to work on a comparative analysis and review of the prospects of deep-learning methods in decoding EEGbased brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), with the goal of publishing a review paper. My tasks involved studying the topics (BCIs, EEG, machine learning and deep learning), reading and managing existing literature reviews, data collation, data analysis, infographic design, as well as review paper writing.

I had the opportunity to learn about an interesting area of research and innovation that was new to me — BCIs — and the application of machine-learning and deep-learning in this area. I would be learning more about machine-learning in future, so seeing how it is applied in realworld innovation was enlightening.

My challenge An initial challenge was jumping right into a new, unfamiliar topic, especially since my foundational understanding of the area of research needed to be sound. My mentor provided resources for me to build up knowledge, as well as doing my own self-research. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I broke down larger goals into small tasks. I did things step-by-step, taking notes on what I have learned and covered.

Charting my progress helped me to plan and stay focused, as well as helped me to cope with having to work remotely.

Keeping my notes organised also helped me easily revisit and revise any material as I progressed.

The experience also let me further develop practical soft skills — time management, organisation, and communication — that helped me work more efficiently.

Advice for my juniors The best way to find out what you want to do is to experience it for yourself, and internships let you do just that. So do not be afraid to ask questions and clarify things. Approach your internship with a heart to learn and take the initiative to facilitate your own learning — from hard skills to soft skills, there is a lot to gain even if you find that the field is not for you. Lastly, seek to understand the relevance of what you are doing and look at the big picture. When you do, you will find more meaning and motivation in your work.

GETTING READY

Remote Overseas Internships

Muhammad Maaz Engineering Systems and Design (Class of 2022) Data Analytics Intern with Order Obtainment Group TVS Motor Company Ltd

I also want to advise that because clear communication is critical in the workplace, practise that skill in group projects by bringing up and vocalising your ideas.

Tan Li Yuan Computer Science and Design (Class of 2022) Mobile Application Intern (React Native) Tagteam Technologies Pte Ltd

At a start-up, having to juggle these various challenges daily is a challenge, and you come to appreciate that software engineering is not about just programming, but also about effective communication and good work management.

My role

My biggest takeaway

I was assigned to a project that was novel to the team — conversational, contextual chatbots. I was tasked to author a white paper that presented the types of tools available on the market as well as their offerings for bot-building. I also had to draft a proof-of-concept chatbot to show how TVS’s customers can book appointments with dealers to service their bikes via a conversational interface.

My biggest takeaway would be that realising that no matter how insurmountable a problem may initially appear to be, it will become easier to overcome if you adopt an open and growth mindset, as well as break it down into manageable components for yourself.

My challenge The main challenge that I faced at the start of my internship was my lack of relevant knowledge to actualise some segments of the chatbot. I realised that I could not rely on what I had learnt from watching beginner-level videos on YouTube but had to canvass through documentations of the Azure Bot Services. Through this, I was finally able to generate feasible solutions to bring the entire conversation flow to fruition.

Advice for my juniors You may not always have the experience needed for any project assigned to you during your internship, but do not be discouraged. With time and effort, you can overcome it and find yourself be better equipped and more confident.

I also want to advise that because clear communication is critical in the workplace, practise that skill in group projects by bringing up and vocalising your ideas.

My role

My biggest takeaway

I served as a UI designer as well as a software engineer in a multinational team. My job scope included designing and implementing React Native components using Figma, JavaScript (JS). I also worked on multiple Mobile App screens, JWT tokens refresh, and researched in new user task interactions for the company.

The internship was definitely challenging and drove me to go beyond my comfort zones. By working with developers in foreign communities, I learned to adapt to their working styles. For example, while working with foreign colleagues from the Operations team, I realised the importance of clarifying any ambiguities in app features beforehand to reduce possible conflicts when showcasing the application feature later. This is especially important as English may not be their first language. This garnered me huge respect for my Singaporean senior software engineers who constantly worked with overseas teams. And yes, being able to speak multiple languages is an asset.

My challenge One of my biggest challenges was communicating with overseas team members. Not only did I have to be mindful of culture and language barriers, but I also had to ensure that our schedules did not clash with public holidays from their countries to reduce backlogs. Moreover, I also faced technical challenges, such as quality assurance in UI and code designs, as well as app feature pitches during weekly reviews. At a start-up, having to juggle these various challenges daily is a challenge, and you come to appreciate that software engineering is not about just programming, but also about effective communication and good work management.

Advice for my juniors When picking your next internship, be precise on what you want to learn and do your own research. Overseas internships have their advantages, and if given the choice, I suggest that you go for it, as I think it is a good way to see if you are cut out for working abroad. Although it was unfortunate that my own internship was remote, the experience of working from home experience was refreshing and challenging too.

SUTD career guide 2022

23

GETTING READY

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK OUT FOR WHEN HIRING Employers are not only looking at your technical skills or education qualifications when assessing your suitability for the job role. They also look at your soft skills to see if you have what it takes to succeed at the company.

W

ith the on-going challenges of Covid-19, employers have had to take a hard look at how it has affected their businesses, as well as reconsider how they approach work. As a fresh graduate, you need to keep this in mind as you embark on your professional journey — and that includes being prepared to adopt the skills needed to suit today’s working dynamics.

The most notable change is remote working. Once seen as a novel benefit, it has now been elevated to a common practice among businesses. Not only have many staples of the workplace (like meetings and presentations) been pushed completely online, but the flow of work has changed, too. Tasks that would usually be assigned and submitted within the traditional nine-to-five office hours can now be notified through the use of text messaging apps after working hours. With an unforeseeable future about the development of the pandemic, companies are likely to continue experimenting different working arrangement to achieve the best efficiency.

With all this going on, having an agile and nimble mindset is vital in helping you tackle any uncertainties up ahead.

Considering the number of businesses that have shifted online (potentially for the long term), being well versed in online mediums, and having digital literacy skills will be a big advantage for you. There are also several additional skills that you should consider picking up:

24

SUTD career guide 2022

Skills Think fast on your feet • Ability to deal with complex issues • Have critical thinking skills • Open to different cultures, personalities, and experiences — and how these can result in different thought processes and opinions • Possess emotional intelligence in people management

Global skills • Have cultural awareness • Understand international businesses • Equip with new linguistic knowledge, along with a wide range of lexicon and language structure • Adaptable, ready to re-locate and able to work in overseas environments • Ability to connect and manage work relationships with colleagues with diverse backgrounds

Strong digital skills and knowledge • Be social media-savvy • Understand the fundamentals of top trending technologies (e.g. data analytics) • Know the different types of software and systems • Have basic coding knowledge, programming and development skills • Understand digital design, management and analysis

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • • • • •

Good relationship-building and teamwork skills Ability to communicate ideas well during brainstorming sessions Ability to collaborate with others Good networking skills Can communicate effectively with people from all walks of life

GETTING READY

Work Values Strong work ethics • • • •

Willing to work hard and work smart Strive to seek solutions and ways to work more efficiently Have a positive work attitude Show initiative in the workplace

Adaptability • Ability to adapt to the personality and work ethics of others • Accepting new challenges, ideas and improvements to better the workplace • Avoid complaining at the first sign of change or challenge

Self-motivated • Understand and deliver tasks in a professional manner • Do not require constant prodding from supervisors • Ability to stick to deadlines

Professionalism • Produce professional-level work to the best of their ability • Adopt a professional look and image by dressing appropriately according to the company’s dress code • Treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of any personal issues

SUTD career guide 2022

25

GETTING READY

DEVELOPING YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ON LINKEDIN As one of the popular social networking platforms for professionals, it is important to know how to present your best self online to your peers as well as prospective mentors and employers.

F

rom showcasing your credentials, making connections and discovering suitable job listings for your skills and interests, LinkedIn is one of the most important starting tools for any working professional who is just about to launch their career.

However, do not simply ask for favours when extending your initial invitation to connect. Apart from this being frowned upon, remember that the main focus is to build a genuine network, not using people as a stepping stone to get a job!

Although having the right skills and capabilities makes for an effective resume for a job application, who you know is just as vital in securing that dream job. After all, you never know where your next job opportunity will come from! So be sure to invest time in your network and stay connected to them.

Add people who you have met

Connect with like-minded professionals When it comes to professional networks, it can be tempting to just connect with every single person you know to bulk up those numbers. But quantity is not everything. Be mindful of who you choose to connect with, and maintain your network properly. In this way, all parties will be able to add value to each other’s professional journey.

Add people who you have worked with This is one of the best ways to keep in touch with former superiors and colleagues from past jobs and internships. Engaging with them on LinkedIn posts, sending them your congratulations during milestones (which LinkedIn alerts you automatically), or just simply keeping them in the loop about your career opportunities are good ways to start. By being top of mind among your connections, they might turn to you if they know of an opportunity you might be interested in (and are suited for).

26

SUTD career guide 2022

When attending networking events and career fairs, you can also consider adding the people you meet there to your network. The Career Development Centre holds plenty of these, so take the chance to attend them when you can. Not only will you be able to find out more about industries you might be interested in, but they also provide a great opportunity to expand your professional network.

If you meet a person of interest at a physical event, be sure to get their business card and add them to your LinkedIn network as soon as possible.

As for virtual events, chances are their LinkedIn profiles are already made available for you to find and add, should you wish to.

Add people who you would like to know One benefit of adding people from the above groups is that they are already in the industry that you are trying to get into.

From there, their own connections can be made available for you to view, and you can consider adding them too to expand your network. You can add people from your contacts’ connections — from those who you wish to get to know, to those who you think might be a good insider source for job opportunities.

But before you get too trigger-happy, remember that this tier of contacts are strangers to you. So be extra polite when extending an invitation to them!

GETTING READY

How to write an invite With just 300 characters to work with, your invite needs to not only be concise and to the point, but also be interesting enough to keep their attention. So how should you go about it?

1) Describe to them how you know them Unless you just met them recently, it may be best to assume that they may not remember you. If you worked with them in the past, be sure to indicate when. If you met at an event, then mention the event name and date to them to help jog their memory

Dear Amy, It was a pleasure working with you last year at HS. I still remember being part of the company’s fundraising event with you, and how much fun we had. Whenever you have the time, let us catch up and talk soon!

Best, Kiara

2) Make use of a reference If you want to add someone via a secondhand (or even third) connection, adding a reference in your invite is a good idea.

With a mutual connection between you and the person you wish to connect with, your chances of the invitation being accepted should increase. Just make sure to check with your reference that they are fine with it.

Hi Lisa, I am a fresh graduate looking to work in architecture. I worked with Ivan Lim during my internship at The Wood about the local industry and the skills I would need to succeed.

Best, Sarah

3) Stand out from the crowd If you have just met a recruiter or an employer from a job fair, chances are they are already being swamped with invitations from other interested parties. With that in mind, ensure that your own invitation is able to distinguish itself from others.

You can start with an informative, but concise message by outlining your relevant experiences and skill sets that you may have for the positions they were listing during the event. In addition, adding a personal note about something you spoke to them about might also raise your chances of your invitation being noticed by them.

Dear Jean, It was great speaking with you last week at SUTD’s Career and Internship Fair. I have always had a keen interest Happy to connect and continue our conversation.

Thank you, Stanley

SUTD career guide 2022

27

GETTING READY

LinkedIn Sample Profile Anna Sim Final Year Graduate at SUTD About With a strong belief in data’s importance in businesses worldwide, I am an aspiring data analyst who is always on the lookout for interesting and challenging projects to tackle. My data analytics proficiencies currently lie in Python, SQL and R, but I am always willing to take up new roles to expand my knowledge!

Experience Data Analytics Intern Megistus Digital Group and Advisory - Internship May 2021 - Sept 2021 (5 months) Beijing, China • Analysed data collected from the performance of all 8 departments of the client, successfully proposed solutions for the client to reduce annual expenditure on staffing by 25% • Developed an internal manpower scheduling system for the team of 100 using Visual Basic Application (Excel) to generate a graphical view of the team’s availability and automate the updating process for better allocation of projects and resources Finance Intern Soaring Heights Pte Ltd - Internship Dec 2020 - Jan 2021 (2 months) Singapore • Implemented online tracking tool to monitor billing and invoice which led to 30% improvement for on-time billing • Marketed and pitched ideas to clients with 2 senior analysts, successfully secured the deal with a profit of 10% • Conducted User Acceptance Test for 100 end-users in 5 offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, received positive feedback from all users

Education Singapore University of Technology and Design Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Engineering Systems and Design), Honours May 2019 - Present • Focus Track: Business Analytics • Expected Date of Graduation: August 2022 Zhejiang University (ZJU), Asian Leadership Programme Hangzhou, China, (May 2020 - August 2020) • Developed cross-cultural communication skills through interactions with Chinese professors and classmates during daily lesson discussions • Brainstormed and conducted market research on the types of wireless charging chairs for the China market, ideated and developed 2 functioning prototypes within a budget of $1000

Skills and Endorsements • • • • • •

28

AutoCAD 3D Printing Arduino Raspberry Pi VBA (Excel) Microsoft Office

SUTD career guide 2022

GETTING READY

CREATING YOUR OWN PERSONAL BRAND Having a strong branding is an effective strategy to stand out from the crowd.

Knowing the best way to tell your own unique story, experiences and skills is a worthwhile investment that can help you kickstart your career.

J

ust like how businesses have brands to represent themselves, people have personal brands to highlight the best parts of themselves in a professional manner, and as a form of their personal presentation to the world. If done right, it can lead to new opportunities and connections that could be life-changing.

Having a good personal brand encapsulates at least three things: your career objectives, your values, and your goals in life. That might seem like a lot to take in right now, but you can take your time to develop them if you start now. In fact, setting up your personal brand is a life-long investment that will follow you throughout your career. Here are some steps to get you started.

Define yourself Your personal brand should be an honest reflection of who you are, what skills you have and the values you uphold.

But before you even start on defining yourself, have a look through your social media accounts and see if what you post matches up with your ideal personal brand. If you need to do some cleaning up, do so by deleting or hiding any content that might seem unflattering to potential employers. Alternatively, you could consider setting up separate accounts for your professional and personal lives.

After that, list down your strengths and weaknesses, taking time to be introspective when needed. It helps to get some third-party feedback, such as from your family and friends if you have trouble with this aspect, especially for those who may have low self-esteem.

30

SUTD career guide 2022

• What kind of job would make me happy?

• Between a job that pays well and one that aligns with my values and interests, which would I go for?

• What characteristics have others complimented me on?

• Would I feel happier working in a corporate environment, or at a start-up?

• Do I see myself as an entrepreneur?

Once you are aware of what motivates you when it comes to work, you can then strategise on how best to proceed with your personal branding.

Showcase your talents and interests Your brand should be about what makes you you, and that includes embracing your hobbies and interests as well. Do not be shy to use them as a key part of your personal branding.

This is especially true if you can use them to enhance your career path. For example, if you like drawing, consider taking up classes or joining art circles. Even better, you could even consider marrying your interests and hobbies together by working on personal projects. This allows you to have fun while having the means to sharpen your skills and potentially add them to your portfolio.

Mix the personal and professional Knowing how to mix your personal and professional selves can effectively boost your personal brand. And you never know — you might be able to build rapport with future employers by having something in common with them.

You can talk (or even write) about causes or issues that you are personally interested in or care about. But be careful not to get too carried away and always keep it positive — it can be easy to go on a spiel and spiral towards a pointless rant. While a spot of griping here and there is acceptable, constantly listening to someone who only speaks negatively of others does not make for enjoyable company. Be optimistic, while balancing it out with honesty and sincerity.

GETTING READY

Choose a role model to help you live your brand

Recognise your achievements and legacy

If you are unsure of where to start, you could consider using a role model as a guide to success. They could be a business leader, a famous figure (who also happens to be a business leader) or someone who you look up to professionally. These people tend to already possess a strong personal brand, hence why they are good options for those looking for ideas on building their own.

Of course, if you have your own achievements and successes, you can show them off, but there is more to them than just that. It is also the process of you getting to where you are today that matters, perhaps even more so.

You deserve to celebrate your own achievements by marking down these milestones throughout your life. For example, competitions, hosted events or even moments where you felt like you showed off your leadership skills — all of these are your personal milestones, and you should be proud of them.

That does not mean that you have to copy every single step they make — not only is it straight-up impossible, but it may not even work out for you. Rather, observe how they brand themselves and note down any cues that you could try emulating. Take Jack Ma, for example.

What is it that you admire about him? Is it his work ethic? His resilience? His neversay-die attitude? Think about them, and how you can apply those traits into your own branding efforts.

These awards not only serve as physical reminders, but they could be helpful when considering your career options. They could even point to your discipline and tenacity, ultimately becoming a strong part of your own legacy.

SUTD career guide 2022

31

GETTING READY

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE APPLICATION TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS) Even the most qualified and experienced candidates can slip under the radar if their applications do not make it past the ATS. Understand how the system ticks — and what you can do to bypass it.

I

t is already tough to land an offer for a job interview. Sometimes, it feels like you are just chucking applications through a black hole with no answer. Chances are, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is probably making this process more complicated for you. In this case, your application might be automatically rejected or so buried down the list that recruiters may not even notice it.

While this is unfortunate, the ATS remains a crucial tool for most employers, especially in an era where a click is all it takes to send an application. Today, companies often receive high volume of job applications and it would be almost impossible for recruiters to deal with all of them manually. As a result, most large companies deploy an ATS to help streamline their recruitment process and smaller firms are following suit.

How does it work?

How to Optimise your Resume

An ATS does more than tracking applications and resumes. It also serves as a filter, scoring your resume according to its relevance and ranking it before passing it to a hiring manager or recruiter.

But like every form of technology, this system has its drawbacks.

1. Format your Resume

For older systems especially, an ATS does not always process synonyms accurately. As a result, they can only spot exact matches, which can cause even the most impressive resumes to fall under the radar if they lack the right keywords. Thankfully, getting past the ATS is not an impossible task – as long as you can match its requirements.

32

SUTD career guide 2022

A well-designed resume might be easy on the eyes and shows your creativity to your prospective employer. Unfortunately, it is not going to impress the ATS. At the end of the day, using an easy-to-read resume format and including specific keywords makes your resume more ATS-friendly.

Traditional fonts like Arial might be boring or even unthinkable to use for creative graduates. But it is ultimately your safest bet when it comes to beating the ATS — which often has trouble processing fancy fonts and images, so try to keep images and graphics to a minimum. Keep to the standard resume template and stick to common headings and keywords such as ‘Professional Experience’ and ‘Skills’, as the ATS may not be able to compute uncommon headers.

For submissions, Word documents are most compatible with an ATS, so send them using this format instead of PDF whenever possible. Although it can be programmed to process and read PDF documents, reading errors can surface depending on how it was formatted — so it is better to be safe than sorry!

GETTING READY

2. Use relevant keywords and phrases Before you start on your application, read through the job description and responsibilities carefully.

Filter the keywords that are suitable to be placed in your resume, such as in your ‘Skills’ section. But be sure not to overdo it.

Stay honest when describing your past experiences and skills.

If you need more help with this, speak to your Career Coaches for assistance in shortlisting those keywords. Your main goal here is to not only ensure that your resume makes it past the ATS but to be more readable to hiring managers.

3. Check your spelling

4. Go around it if you can

People may be able to spot out typos, but an ATS may not be able to do so.

Review through your resume manually and ensure that there are no typos before running it through a spellcheck.

Once that is done, ask someone else to look through it again before sending it in.

Getting to a recruiter or hiring manager directly is the best way to get past the ATS. After all, you do not need to worry about the ATS if your resume does not need to go through it.

You can also take this opportunity to have your Career Coaches appraise it and gather their input to improve your resume. This may sound like a lot of work for just one document, but it will be worth it when it passes through the ATS and reaches the recruiter. So make an appointment with your Career Coach via GEMS when you can!

Keep in mind that the hiring practices of the company and remember to add a brief note or cover letter on why you think you would be a good fit for the job. In the meantime, focus on building a network in the company — having people vouch for you within the company can greatly boost the odds of you not only landing an interview but the job too.

SUTD career guide 2022

33

GETTING READY

STARTING A SUCCESSFUL JOB HUNT Searching for a job can be rough, but the feeling of securing your first job will make it all worthwhile. When starting your job hunt, make a conscious effort to make every action count.

L

ooking for a job is not just about sending out countless applications and then waiting for a response.

With so many other competing applicants out there, you need to stand out from the crowd by knowing how to impress your recruiters. Here are some tips on how you can do just that:

Build your personal brand Before you can even start marketing yourself to potential employers, you must know yourself well enough. This is where personal branding comes in. It is about showcasing what your accomplishments are, what you stand for and what you are capable of achieving. For example, if you have a flair for product design and are interested in a design-related career, then your personal branding is about creativity, pleasing aesthetics and how technology plays a part in it. One way to express this is by setting up a website and publishing your technical design portfolio as part of your application process.

As you develop your skills, you can also add your own personal touches — this is a ‘personal’ brand after all.

Keeping and updating a portfolio, whether physical or digital, will come in handy. Not only can it serve as a record of all you have done so far, it also helps as a reference for recruiters and employers to refer to as proof of your skill development.

34

SUTD career guide 2022

Building a brand is more than just keeping an updated portfolio. Make the time to understand what you want to be known for, and how you want to make your mark in the world.

Start early So, when is the right time to prepare for your job search? Well, the answer is as soon as possible, ideally a year or so in advance. Of course, you do not need to immediately start sending resumes and applications — you can do that when you are near graduation. But there are still plenty of advantages in getting a headstart.

For one, in addition to preparing your resume and portfolio early (and updating it), keep an eye on the current job market. This is one of the ways you can learn more about the skills and types of work experiences employers are looking for.

By starting out early, it will keep you vigilant and focused on potential opportunities in the market. Being in the right frame of mind is often an understated part of job-hunting — it ensures that you keep doing your research and are on the hunt for the right opportunities well before the application deadlines.

In addition, having a headstart will especially help you when applying to companies with rigorous, multi-staged hiring processes. These can involve several submissions and rounds of interviews that can take up to months, which is especially true for graduate programmes. So, it may be best to get in line as soon as you can so that you can have ample time to prepare.

GETTING READY

Do not waste time

Have an outstanding resume

In between submitting applications and resumes are often pockets of downtime, which might be tempting to take advantage of. It can feel like an extended school holiday in a way — sleeping and waking up late, or even scrolling through job listings in your pyjamas. But indulge for too long and you will soon find your motivation to job hunt plummeting — making it harder for you to pick it up again.

Much of an employer’s first impression of you is derived from your resume, so be sure to look through it for typos or errors. In addition, you can set aside space in your resume to talk about your passions, as well as the skills you have to offer.

Yes, taking breaks between jobhunting sessions is important — especially for your mental well-being and to avoid burnouts. But just like all things, balance has to be maintained.

And there are also other ways that you should spend your free time. For example, consider taking up courses or webinars to pick up new skills that might come in handy later on. If your graduation is still a few semesters away, you can choose to apply for electives related to your field of choice. Employers greatly appreciate applicants willing to invest in themselves, making it all the more reason to keep upskilling.

If you are still having trouble or want further advice, take it up to your Career Coaches. They can offer one-on-one sessions for resume critiques and mock interviews, so take advantage of these to improve your skills.

Get active on LinkedIn When doing background checks on potential employers, the first place you should go to is their LinkedIn page.

Likewise, the reverse is the same for employers who want to know more about their applicants. So, ensure that you keep your LinkedIn profile presentable and up-to-date!

But do not just chuck your resume’s contents onto your page and call it a day. More than just being a place for your digital resume and a job-search platform, LinkedIn is also the place for you to turn to when it comes to forming new and maintaining current professional connections. These can include your past employers, colleagues and even your friends from school. They not only provide recommendations via the platform, but can provide endorsements for your listed skills.

LinkedIn also allows you to connect with potential employers and in turn, learn more about their companies. It is a way to take a peek into what they are like, as well as a way for you to keep up with current issues and the latest developments from the industry.

Your skills and experiences will be the main stars of the show – so ideally you should place emphasis on them. Use positive-sounding verbs, like ‘achieved’, ‘collaborated’ and ‘won’, when it comes to describing your successes.

Do your research It might be tempting to just click ‘apply’ to every job position that catches your eye, but that may not be the best way to go about it. If you want to work in a company that fits with your own values and personality, finding that perfect fit obviously will require a little more effort than just skimming through the job’s title.

Attending recruitment workshops by the Career Development Centre, along with good research and groundwork, is also another good way of showing potential employers on your initiative and enthusiasm towards their company, as well as your sincere interest in the job position.

Utilise your relationships Who you know can play a significant role in your job search progress — so take good care of your network. Whether they are ex-colleagues, classmates or a faculty member, be sure to maintain your relationship with them, especially if you can connect with them on LinkedIn. After all, they have their own connections, which you can leverage for yourself.

Keep in mind that any new connection you make — be it through your university, career events or otherwise — can open doors leading to your dream job, so take extra care of how you communicate with them and stay in touch. You might have them to thank for when you get the dream job offer you wanted!

When you find a job listing that interests you, do your research, not just on the responsibilities it will entail, but also the company offering it. You can start by going through their website or social media (which you can follow to keep up-to-date) before moving on to any related or relevant articles about them.

Alternatively, if you are curious about what the work culture is like there, you could check out company review websites to see if there are any comments left by former and current employees. However, these reviews may be affected by personal bias or the passage of time, so do take them with a grain of salt.

SUTD career guide 2022

35

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

THE ART OF THE ELEVATOR PITCH Being prepared with an engaging introduction is a great way to set up for a successful professional conversation. An elevator pitch will help you do just that.

N

o matter where you decide to work at, the same few questions can and will pop up, such as “What do you do?” or “What is your background?”.

As mundane as these questions can be, they also serve as an opening for you to leave a memorable impression with an elevator pitch.

These types of introductions are particularly useful when attending more formal events, such as career fairs, networking sessions or company information sessions. By delivering an effective elevator pitch, you can start any conversation on the right foot and give your listeners a good impression of yourself.

Keep it short and brief Why is it called an elevator pitch? Consider the amount of time it takes for an elevator to reach a specific floor. Before you reach your destination, you need to give your audience a quick summary about yourself in a way that would intrigue them and want to know more.

The general rule of thumb is that a good pitch should not exceed 90 seconds — about a minute and a half. Short enough to keep your audience’s attention, but also long enough to sufficiently introduce yourself and leave a good impression. On paper, that might seem like quite a lot of time — but it really is not.

You need to carefully consider what exactly you want to say during those 90 seconds, and the most effective way to leave an impression is to share the most important and interesting parts of yourself during that period.

Moreover, keep in mind that an elevator pitch differs from a sales pitch. You only just met this person for the first time. Your goal here is to just hook their interest, not make them offer you a job right there and then.

36

SUTD career guide 2022

Give a quick summary At a glance, this might seem easy enough. Just say something like “Hi, I am Jules. I am 24 years old and just graduated last month”.

But really, would that interest you, especially if you kept hearing it over and over with little variation?

When workshopping your pitch, pick a theme and stick to it. For example, if you are looking to snag a job in engineering, then your pitch should revolve around that industry.

Keep the pitch focused on the most relevant information, such as your academic background, relevant past experiences and skills, as well as any key specialities or strengths. If you are not sure what to include exactly, you could list them down first, followed by shortlisting the items you absolutely want to include in your pitch (think of it like listing down the most important bits in your resume) and move forward from there.

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

But above all else, make sure that your pitch is coherent and flows well. Just throwing points and anecdotes without any connections will only leave your listeners confused and leave a bad impression of you as a bad speaker. Your pitch should be like a teaser trailer — you do not just dump everything in one go on the first meeting! As long as you can impress them with a few good details about yourself, then your work here is done.

Practise, practise, practise For those who are introverts or self-conscious, the idea of having to speak up, especially about yourself, sounds like a mortifying experience. But with enough effort and practice, you too will be able to effortlessly deliver your pitch.

If you are nervous about speaking in front of a group, you could gather some of your friends for help. Not only can they serve as a mock audience for you, they can also offer you their inputs on your pitch and delivery.

Remember that you are not alone in this endeavor. Do not hesitate to approach any of your Career Coaches for any additional tips or help. If they can help to simulate any potential situations, then take the opportunity to learn how to improvise if the situation calls for it.

The key ingredients for a great pitch • Keep it within 90 seconds • Make each detail as clear and concise as you can • Present it as naturally as possible • Use relevant anecdotes • Rehearse and practise often • Make a few variations so you can use a customised pitch depending on the situation

SUTD career guide 2022

37

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

CRAFTING AN OUTSTANDING RESUME If you are hoping to score an interview, then you need to make sure that your resume is good enough to not only catch the employers’ attention but to impress them as well!

1. Customise each resume you send out When it comes to applying for jobs, it can be tempting to just copy and paste the same old resume every time you come across a position you are interested in. After all, they will not know the wiser, right? While that might be true, although similar-looking, some job positions may not entail the same requirements or responsibilities as others.

Be sure to read through each job listing carefully, and customise your resume accordingly to make it as relevant as possible. Describe your past experiences and skills using similar keywords in the postings themselves. Reorganise your skills so that the ones they are looking out for the most will be listed first.

2. Highlight your skillsets and areas of expertise After looking through the job listing, pick out what skills are required for it, and highlight them in your resume accordingly. For example, if the job focuses on machine learning, then skills like IoT interfacing and data science should be highlighted in your resume.

This process can involve plenty of thinking and research, and if you are unsure of what combinations work best for a role, you can reach out to your career coaches, seniors or even your professional network for clarification.

38

SUTD career guide 2022

3. Focus on relevant experience Sometimes, more is not always better.

While it can look impressive, there is no need to list down every single internship, part-time job or activity you have taken part in. Instead, prioritise them according to how relevant you think they are to the job positions you are gunning for.

As for those that do not quite make the cut, treat these experiences as ‘goodto-have’ — it is good to show off what else you have been involved in, but only when you have the space to add it in.

Remember that the goal here is to keep your resume as concise as possible, while still having plenty of the relevant skills and experiences the recruiters are looking for.

4. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments It is one thing to say that you are good at something, but another to be able to show it off. By converting your accomplishments into quantifiable statistics, it not only helps to showcase what you have done at a glance, it is also one of the better ways to get it noticed by potential employers.

For example, rather than listing an accomplishment as “increased sales for the company”, use “increased sales by 15 percent after implementing a referral incentive programme”. Use action words, and if you are unsure of the exact numbers, using a range or approximation is acceptable too. Look through your past achievements and identify what their key indicators of success would be and list them accordingly.

5. List your strengths and interests strategically Anyone can list their strengths and what they are good at. What you should aim to do instead is to also leave your recruiters with a snapshot of who you are as a person. Fluent in a few languages? You can add that in — it can come in handy if the company expands into markets that utilise the languages.

There are also other ways to stand out to recruiters too. List down what you are passionate about, or even your hobbies and interests (especially if they feel relevant to the job). They may even come into play as conversation topics during your interview if they happen to share the same interests as you.

A quick checklist • Tailor your resume by including the relevant keywords as mentioned in the job description • Prioritise skills and experiences that are relevant to the applied role • Do your own research, with the given job description as a guide • Keep your resume to one page, if possible • Make sure your resume is easy to read — having a standard font size between 11 to 12 is the most ideal

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

Sample Resume Name as header

Kiera Moo

Por olio:

Centralise, enlarge and bold your name so that it is the first thing recruiters see.

Email: kiera.moo@sutd.edu.sg, Mobile: 9234 5678 p://kieramoo.com, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kieramoo

EDUCATION Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) • Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Systems and Design), Honours • Focus Track: Business Analy cs, GPA 4.10/5.00, Expected Magna Cum Laude • Expected Date of Gradua on: August 2022

Singapore May 18 to Present

Additional links If you have an online portfolio or a LinkedIn profile, you can put them here

Zhejiang University (ZJU), Asian Leadership Programme Hangzhou, China • Developed cross cultural communic on skills through interac ons with the Chinese professors May 19 to Aug 19 and classmates during daily lesson discussions • Brainstormed and conducted market research on the types of wireless charging chairs for the China market, ideated and developed 2 func oning prototypes within a budget of $1000 WORK EXPERIENCES Wangz Digital Sol ons Beijing, China Data Anal cs Intern May 20 to Sep 20 • Analysed data collected from the performance of all 8 departments of the client, successfully proposed solu ons for the client to reduce annual expenditure on sta ng by 25% • Developed an internal manpower scheduling system for the team of 100 using Visual Basic Applic on (Excel) to generate a graphical view of the team’s availability and automate the upda ng process for b er alloc on of projects and resources Soaring Heights Pte Ltd Singapore Finance Intern Dec 19 to Jan 20 • Implemented online tracking tool to monitor billing and invoice which led to 30% improvement for onbilling • Marketed and pitched ideas to client with 2 senior analysts, successfully secured the deal with a pro t of 10% • Conducted User Acceptance Test for 100 end users in 5 o ces in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand and received pos ve feedback from all users ACADEMIC PROJECTS & EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS BikeCLub Singapore Team Leader Jan 20 to Apr 20 • Led a team of 5 to work with BikeClub, to analyse their data, provide correla ons and insights to improve and op mise their produc vity, e ciency and services • Used R language to ain the correl ons and regression models, Python to generate Excel, SQL to organise the data provided for a clearer analysis and Visual Basic Appli on to compile and present the ndings in a concise manner UBA Business Case Challenge Singapore Student Analyst Sep 19 to Nov 19 • Designed survey ques ons for the targeted audience and analysed responses from the 100 respondents to determine the nancial literacy of young working professionals between 25 to 35 years old • Presented research ndings to a panel of 5 judges by proposing the use of new media and mobile applica ons to enhance the user experience and nancial awareness of target audiences Overseas Community Involvement Programme Chiang Mai, Thailand Project Director Dec 19 to Jan 20 • Led a team of 25 student volunteers and executed an inaugural 3 weeks overseas community outreach project to enhance the living condi on of over 400 underprivileged children in rural Chiang Mai • Secured $500 discussions with company sta ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Pro cient in AutoCAD, 3D prin ng, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, VBA (Excel) • Pro cient in Micro O ce, MS Excel (Advance Skills), MS Project • Fluent in English and Mandarin (Both spoken & wr en)

Overseas experience If you have any, make your application stand out by adding them into your resume.

These can include exchange programmes, or internships.

Keep it concise Use verbs to highlight your skills and competencies. Keep it informative and relevant, but to the point as well.

Be results-oriented Whenever possible, use objective/quantifiable ways to describe your results.

The AAA framework (Action + Amplification = Achievement) is one method you can apply here.

Highlight your co-curricular activities Academics are not the only thing recruiters look out for.

They also note those who are well-rounded and actively participate in co-curricular activities. Pick out the most impressive ones, like those that provided you invaluable experience or where you have contributed significantly.

Technical expertise List down the specific programmes you are proficient in and highlight those that you have advanced skills in.

QUICK TIP Do not rush a resume at the last minute. Sometimes, application deadlines can change due to the number of responses received for a listing.

While first impressions are not always everything, it will be their first source of references they will look to. So do take care in writing up your resume – recruiters do appreciate candidates who can communicate well!

SUTD career guide 2022

39

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

COVER LETTERS: YOUR HOOK FOR EMPLOYERS When applying for jobs, most applications typically require a cover letter along with your resume.

Even if it is optional, it is still recommended that you submit one to give you that extra edge.

C

over letters provide employers with more detail on how your skillset aligns with the job role, what you can bring to the table and why you want to work for them. In short – it helps them develop a better understanding of who you are as a candidate and if you would be a good fit for them.

Here is how you can write up a cover letter that stands out:

1. Customise your letter Each job entails its own set of description and requirements. As such, cover letters need to be tailored to these specific scopes and responsibilities. The same research that you did for your resume should be applied here as well, since you will need to know how to link the two together as one comprehensive set.

It can be tough to keep changing the contents of your cover letters, especially after sending application after application.

But tell yourself this — a cover letter is a potential opportunity for you to tell prospective employers about who you are, showcase why they should hire you and make yourself stand out from the rest.

2. Check for any mistakes Before you hit that send button, check, double-check and triple-check for any glaring mistakes, be it typos, grammatical errors or otherwise. Ensure that it is not too choppy or wordy. If you are worried about missing anything out, consider having someone else review it for a second opinion.

In addition, your cover letter should only be about a page long at best, so take note of your word count. Your Career Coaches are available to provide feedback on your cover letter, so feel free to book a session with them via GEMS.

40

SUTD career guide 2022

The Ideal Cover Letter Template: (Name) (Address) (Mobile Number) (Email Address) (Date) (Hiring Manager’s Name) (Their Job Title/Description) (Their Department Name) (Company Name) (Company Address) Dear Mr/Ms _______ (Hiring Manager’s Name) Application for the Position of (Job Name) First paragraph • State the purpose of your letter, and where you found the job opening (from their company website, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Give a short introduction about yourself • Show genuine interest in the company by showing your research on them, or bringing up speaking to someone who works there • Tell the recruiter why you want to work for this company Second paragraph • Highlight your more significant and relevant skills/knowledge • Provide examples for the above to increase credibility. Show the recruiter that you have the right skills and knowledge for the job, and why you are a perfect fit for them Last paragraph • Thank the recruiter for considering your application • Request an interview (be it face-to-face or online) • Include your contact information should they wish to reach out to you • End on a positive note Yours sincerely, (Your Name)

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

Cover Letter Sample

Anna Sim XYZ Road, S354123 Mobile: 9234 5678 Email: anna.sim@sutd.edu.sg 23 July 2022 Mr Richard Lim HR Manager Human Resources Department ABC Company CVR Road, S654321 Dear Mr Lim, Application for the Position of Data Analyst I am writing to express my interest in applying for the position of Data Analyst in ABC Company. I am currently pursuing my studies at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and am expected to graduate in August 2022 with a GPA of 4.20/5.00. I am interested to join your company after speaking with Ms Jamie Teo, your CEO, during the Industry Networking Fair in 2021. I was impressed by the continued foresight and ambition of ABC Company in the face of the changing economy, and I am excited to be part of this great team that provides innovative solutions across five countries.

During my course of study, I have completed courses in machine learning, data science and natural language processing, and was honoured in having one of my projects be published in Fusion, one of SUTD’s monthly newsletters. In addition, I was tasked in my third year to lead 5 other team members to work with BikeClub to analyse their data. I provided correlations and insights to improve and optimise their current productivity, efficiency and services. I utilised various programming languages throughout the process, including R language, Python and Visual Basic Application in order to process and present my findings. Our client was extremely pleased with not only our analysis but the solutions we proposed as well.

Please refer to my resume for additional information on my education and work experience. I look forward to a face-to-face or video interview with you to discuss my suitability for this position. For any enquiries, I can be contacted at 9234 5678 or anna.sim@sutd.edu.sg at your convenience.

I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Anna Sim

SUTD career guide 2022

41

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

BUILDING YOUR TECHNICAL PORTFOLIO Having a technical portfolio is a key element in your job hunt as an engineer or a developer.

But what should you include to help potential employers assess your capabilities?

I

f you are gunning for a role as an engineer or a developer, your technical portfolio is a key element in your job search. It serves as a great opportunity to not only showcase your skills through the projects you have worked on, but it also shows prospective employers just what you can offer them.

But what exactly should be in it?

Getting started can be daunting, especially if you are only just starting out. Here are some practical tips about making an effective technical portfolio for prospective employers.

42

SUTD career guide 2022

Building the foundation While you can opt for a physical one (which does have its advantages), digital portfolios have become the more popular choice, due to its increased ease of access. Moreover, using a digital portfolio means that you have more control in designing it however you want.

To start, you can find pre-made template websites, where you can download the code and edit it to suit your needs (though some may request to give credit). Alternatively, if you are looking for a challenge or want to get more creative, you can try your hand at building a website from scratch, which is a great way to show off your proficiency at JavaScript, Python, or other languages.

Once you have it set up, you will also need a domain name, ideally the name you put in your resume.

However, keep in mind that although there are some that are free, most domains often need to be purchased, typically via a yearly subscription. But you can consider this as an investment to give a more professional polish to your portfolio.

Regardless of how you choose to build it, however, your portfolio should not be treated as just some storeroom where you just toss your projects in haphazardly for later. Rather, it should be easy to read and navigate, as well as providing access to your best (and current) works. So ensure that the layout of your portfolio is well designed.

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

Showing off your work If you have any projects or work that you are proud of and exemplify your coding or design abilities, your portfolio is the place to showcase them. It can stem from anything, from school assignments, personal projects or open-source projects you contributed to on the Internet.

“Building up a portfolio and working on personal projects kind of tells us where your interests lie and shows your interest and your passion,” Kenneth Li, a senior data manager from foodpanda, commented. “From my point of view, these are the things that stand out for me.”

However, do not just leave it there as is – you should also put in effort to briefly explain it, such as what it was about and what it achieved. Providing supplementary materials, such as prototypes and draft sketches can also give employers a peek at your working process, arguably an important aspect they would want to learn about from a candidate.

If you have any work done for past clients or companies, however, be sure to check if you are allowed to display them. Although some projects like website re-designs and overhauls may be accepted due to being publicly used, others may also fall under confidentiality, and thus cannot be used in a public portfolio.

But what if you do not have any?

Consider embarking on personal or side-projects — from creating a website for a dream client or contributing to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub. Your own portfolio can also be used as an example if you choose to build it from the ground up, as well.

Make it about you Of course, your portfolio should also tell people about who you are as a person. After all, you want to give potential employers an idea about what you will be like as an employee.

So feel free to be more expressive about yourself, not only in the way you describe yourself in your ‘about me’ section, but even when designing your portfolio.

Additional tips • If you are applying for a frontend developer, use your own code for the technical portfolio • If you are applying for a backend developer, use an online template, such as at GitHub, Bootstrap, Squarespace or Webflow

You can also add in additional contributions if you think they can help you stand out more. For example, if you run a side-blog about programming and design, or if you have a reserve of testimonies, you can absolutely slot that in, too

Managing your portfolio Just like how you should be updating your LinkedIn and resume, your technical portfolio is no exception.

You want this to be an accurate representation of your professional work and current skillset, so try to update it once every month, or when you have something new to add.

You can also consider phasing out older works if you find your portfolio getting too cluttered. After all, potential employers and clients can still be looking through it at any time!

Moreover, if you are requested to present your portfolio for an interview, you also need to ensure that you have a way to access it, even if you have already sent a link to them beforehand.

Bring along a tablet so you can at least have a way of showing off your work.

SUTD career guide 2022

43

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

DECIPHERING DRESS CODES When heading for a job interview, it is important to look your best if you want to leave a good first impression.

An Overall Guide

W

hile women tend to have more choices when it comes to their attire, it is still best to play it safe. Stick to pants or skirt-suits along with a nicely ironed blouse or shirt. A jacket or blazer can be added for a more formal look.

Men should stick to a classic suit, shirt and tie combination. But make sure that your outfit has the right measurements — a baggy or tootight fit will not look good to your interviewers.

OUTFIT

For color palettes, stick to those that are not too bright. As for your skirt length, ensure that it is above the knees, and remains at a good length even when you bend down.

Keep your hairstyle professional and polished — either have it tied up or neatly in place. As for makeup, go for natural colours and tones.

Stick to the basics when it comes to accessories — a simple necklace, earrings or bracelet will do. This extends to your nails as well, so refrain from extravagant or flashy designs.

44

SUTD career guide 2022

Keep your colour palette on the subtle side, such as with dark blues and greys. Even if you are not sure about the dress code, it is better to come overdressed — you can always shed the jacket if you need to tone it down.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Simple is best here, so keep to a clean, natural cut. Make sure that you are clean-shaven, and keep your nails clean and trimmed. If you need it, carry around some chapstick in case of dry, cracking lips.

ACCESSORIES

Do your best to match the colours of your shoes and belt. If you are looking to accessorise, consider using simple cufflinks, tie clips or a wristwatch.

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

DECIPHERING DIFFERENT DRESS CODES While most institutions tell you to show up in formal attire, that is not always the case for some companies. Depending on the industry and the company culture, the way you are expected to dress will change as well.

Smart Casual A common dress code for those in the creative, engineering and IT sectors, this look has you look presentable without looking too overdressed or sloppy. This dress code is common at start-ups as well.

For Her: • Dress • Shirt or blouse • Skirt and jeans • Wedges, flats or lowto-medium heels

For Him: • Polo tees or shirt • Pants, jeans or chinos • Dress shoes or loafers

Business Casual A cut above from smart casual, you will be looking a little more professional, yet still not overly formal. Employees who adopt this dress code tend to be found in the public sector, media and FMCG industries, to name a few. In short, those who tend to deal with clients directly are more likely to adhere to this dress code.

For Her: • Dress • Top or shirt with long or three-quarter long sleeves • A-line or pencil skirt • Dress pants • Wedges, flats or low-tomedium heels

For Him: • Long-sleeved shirt • Pants • Dress shoes • Cufflinks, ties and jackets can be worn, if desired

Business Formal Often found in the banking and finance sector, this dress code is for those who need to portray a strong professional image to clients. This style of dress is also suitable for formal events, such as networking sessions, company dinners and job interviews.

For Her: • Work dress • Top or shirt with long to three-quarter long sleeves • Pencil skirt or dress pants • Flats or low-to-medium high heels • Business suit or blazer

For Him: • Long-sleeved shirt • Pants • Dress shoes • Cufflinks and plain ties • Dark-coloured suits are encouraged

SUTD career guide 2022

45

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

A QUICK GUIDE TO JOB INTERVIEWS Not all job interviews are the same. But with enough research and preparation of what you can expect at an interview, it will go a long way in helping you ace it.

A

job interview gives you a chance to not only show off your qualifications, but also to make a good impression on your prospective employers. But whether it is your first job interview or the tenth, they can differ from company to company. However, there are certain similarities between them, and as long as you know what to look out for, as well as how to manage difficult questions, you will be one step closer to getting that dream job.

Types of interviews 1. Face-to-face interviews Before showing up for a job interview, prepare yourself by knowing who is interviewing you. By finding out if it is a hiring manager or a potentially direct supervisor, you will be able to tailor your responses accordingly and even prepare your questions beforehand. Additionally, knowing if you have a single interviewer or an entire panel to interview you will help you be more mentally prepared and not be caught unaware by seeing five people waiting for you in the conference room.

Even with the current pandemic and social distancing measures, many employers still prefer to conduct face-toface interviews as physical interactions allow them to get a better feel of who their candidates are.

One of the biggest appeals (for them) and the challenge (for you) about these interviews is the variety of non-verbal cues they can pick up from you. This can range from your tone of voice to your posture, which you will need to be mindful of. All of these can be managed with practice, so arrange for practice interviews with your Career Coaches and you will see improvements on how you can impress your interviewers.

46

SUTD career guide 2022

2. Video calls With the global pandemic, video calling such as Zoom, Google Meet and Skype have become a common medium to conduct the first round of interviews.

Because all of this will take place on your personal device, do make sure that everything is in order at least a day before the interview. It is recommended that you allocate 15 minutes before the agreed timing to do some final checks for your audio and video.

3. AI-assisted structured interviews It might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is actually more common than you think. An increasing number of companies are turning to these AI-assisted interviews as part of the initial screening process.

Ensure that your environment is not only free from any distractions, but also well-lit and presentable (your surroundings can also be a non-verbal indicator for them). Pick a place where your connection is the strongest to minimise any potential technical issues during the actual interview.

So how does this work? You are given questions to answer on a dedicated platform — these questions tend to be those you would hear in any interview, such as describing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses and so on.

But you may also play a few games with the AI (that tests your mental aptitude), write a short essay or even interact with a chatbot. Ultimately, your responses will be scored based on a scale, giving the recruiters a frame of reference for suitable candidates.

A perk about these video calls is that you can have on-hand a cheat sheet for you to refer to during it, from notes about your strengths and achievements to your planned answers for common questions.

You can also use the screen-sharing function to show off your portfolio or resume as well.

Because you are dealing with an automated machine, it is best to cut the small talk and answer the questions directly. Apart from keeping them clear and concise, your answers should relate directly to the job role you are applying for, so be sure to use the appropriate keywords.

Although your interviewers are only going to see you from the chest-up, you should still dress like how you would for an in-person interview, from head to toe. Wearing a smart outfit will add an automatic boost to your level of confidence. And be sure to maintain eye contact with them as much as you can — they can tell if you are referring to your notes if you are not careful.

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

Types of interview questions 1. Competency questions Used to gauge the personalities of the candidates, these open-ended questions also help to evaluate how well you will fit the job and the company’s culture. Possible queries include listing experiences in your life that had you utilise a certain skill, or even ask for your opinion on certain matters Be sure to prepare beforehand a list of relevant answers before you get into the interview. Tying them into how you can also utilise those experiences to the company’s benefit will help paint a better picture of how you would be like working for them.

2. Situational questions These questions typically involve hypotheticals — for example, how you might react in a real-life work situation. If the question posed to you seems out of your depth, that might be intentional — these questions are often more complex than you could realistically prepare for.

As unfair as it may sound to you, keep in mind that the interviewers are not expecting you to come up with the ‘right’ answer. Rather, they are more interested in your thought process when handling such ambiguous situations with limited information. In this case, the STAR method is a great way of structuring your thoughts to better respond to such questions.

• Recap the context of the Situation • Describe what you believe is your Task • Share the Actions you would take in this situation • What are the desired outcomes and Results here?

3. Technical or industryspecific questions Technical-heavy job positions (such as those in the STEM sectors) usually have industry-specific questions popping up during the interview. These will test you on your technical skills and proficiencies, as well as about your knowledge about the industry as well.

Do your homework and revise your knowledge about your chosen sector, especially the parts that the job role is focused around. Be prepared for questions that will put your logic and reasoning skills to the test as well. However, be aware that these are less focused on the ‘right’ answer, but instead how you came to that conclusion.

In addition, you should catch up on the current state of your chosen industry, as well as its current and emerging trends — the questions you will be asked will determine how commercially aware you are about the sector beyond what is taught in school.

Assessment Centres 1. What is an assessment centre?

Apart from interviews and tests, an assessment centre is another method employers use to screen potential candidates. This is a multi-stage process where they are put through various types of tests back-to-back.

3. What to prepare for Read through your invitation thoroughly and make sure you have the right time, date and venue.

• Psychometric tests can involve numerical, abstract or reasoning questions. If you want to practise, there are mock tests online you can familiarise yourself with • The Career Development Centre has an assessment centre, so consider going there for practice as well • Assessment Centres can take up a good chunk of your time and energy, so rest up the night before

4. How to ace an assessment centre • Remember to do your research on the company, the job role and link your responses to them whenever possible • Make an effort to work with the others during group exercises, and do not shy away from leadership roles when they are presented • Make sure to arrive on time while looking presentable, no matter if it is an online or in-person assessment • Be polite and respectful to the other candidates. Part of the assessment involves teamwork skills, so it is not an ‘every man for themselves’ situation. Work together to reach your goals!

• Exercise good time management skills, and focus on one task at a time

2. What should I expect from these?

Assessments conducted here are timed, and can include role-play exercises, competency-based interviews and psychometric ability tests. These can be conducted both in-person and online.

SUTD career guide 2022

47

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

NETWORKING AND HOW TO DO IT RIGHT It is an intimidating, yet essential part of being in the working world. But with some tips and enough practice, you too will be able to network like a pro.

A

large and effective network is highly beneficial in more ways than one, ranging from providing an avenue of opportunities to growth in reputation. It is all the more reason to get an early head start. But how do you go about doing it?

By putting yourself out there and mingling with people, it is the most effective way to make meaningful connections while building your professional network. Whether it is through online events or in-person, though, the goal is still the same — maybe even more so with the effects of the pandemic still lingering.

You might be nervous at first, but no worries. Networking does not always come naturally to everyone, and it is natural to be intimidated at first. But it is a skill that can be honed with plenty of practice, so here are some tips to get you started.

Network like a pro 1

Do your research

At any professional event is always a chance to network, whether it is a career fair or a campus talk. In the days leading up to the event, take the time to do your research to get a feel of who will be there. Look into the companies or even individuals who you are interested to speak with — this should give you more ammunition to work with when chatting them up!

2

Ask questions and find common ground

When you get to talk to the person of your choice, ask intelligent questions revolving around the topic you want to know more about. Keep an eye on their responses and do not be overly pushy. If you suspect that they are getting restless, politely end the conversation by asking them for their professional contact information, such as their email or LinkedIn profile.

Remember that networking is a two-way street, so make sure they get to talk about themselves too.

Be it their interests or how they ended up in this career, do your best to find topics that genuinely interest both parties. That way you can establish common ground and keep the conversation flowing.

48

SUTD career guide 2022

3

Keep in touch

As much as you might enjoy chatting with them, do not forget the main goal of your conversation — to build a professional relationship with your new contacts. But in the networking scene, it is not always about how many people you know — who you know matters just as much, if not more.

You can start by dropping your new contacts messages after the event, thanking them for taking the time to speak with you. If you are connected with them via LinkedIn, keep your presence known by engaging with them from time to time, such as reacting to their posts.

And if you happen to see them again at another event, then definitely take some time to say hello and catch up! After all, repeated engagement is the best way to build a strong rapport.

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

Network tips for recruitment events 1

Prepare your elevator pitch

No matter the setting, it is not always easy for anyone to give a quick summary about themselves. That is where an elevator pitch will come in handy, so be sure to have it ready as a conversation starter. There is no better time to use it than here — there are plenty of recruiters looking for potential hires, after all.

2

Sharpen your communication skills

First impressions are important, especially when meeting someone face-to-face. From your attire to the way you carry yourself, all of these will be put into account, so be sure that you are properly dressed for the occasion.

But what about an online or virtual event? In this case, people tend to form their impressions based on your communication skills more than anything else. Speak properly and professionally, use full words and sentences, and be sure to address recruiters by their complete first names. If you tend to speak quickly, be sure to slow down the pace so that people will be able to hear you!

3

Network tips for conferences 1

Plan your schedule

During conferences, there are always plenty of talks and panels going on, sometimes at the same time. Knowing the events’ schedule beforehand will help you pick out the talks you want to attend and when you can take a breather. Conferences can last for several days as well, so it is impossible to be able to attend every single session.

Do remember to set aside some time for Q&A sessions at the end of sessions, or to hang around to speak with the speakers and other attendees.

2

3

Be an active participant

This may be intimidating to some, but actively engaging in the various activities conducted at conferences or webinars is your best bet to be visible. Speak up during breakout sessions or when the floor is open for questions. At the same time, be sure not to hog the spotlight or continuously spam the chatroom — balance should be the key here. For the most part, just one comment or question is sufficient per session, so that everyone else has a chance to participate too. So, make sure that you make that question count!

Prepare good questions

Although your main goal might be to network, you should still take advantage of the various sessions and panels available to learn something. By paying attention and following up with smart questions, it can help you stand out from the crowd and people may be more willing to speak to you afterwards.

Update your LinkedIn

If you plan on connecting with your new contacts via LinkedIn, make sure that yours is up-to-date beforehand. A few days before the event, make sure that everything is in place on your profile — having a new contact click into an outdated, potentially empty profile will definitely not look good on you.

SUTD career guide 2022

49

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

WEIGHING YOUR JOB OFFER All of your hard work has accumulated to a job offer – so, what comes next?

Y

ou did it — you submitted the perfect resume, nailed the interview, aced their assessments.

And now, your hard work has paid off with a job offer. With all the effort you put into the process, it can feel all the sweeter after weeks or even months to get it.

But this is not the end just yet. You still have one last decision to make — whether to accept or decline the offer. While accepting it is a fairly straightforward process, you also need to know what to do in the event that you ultimately decide that the job offer is not for you. After all, to end things between you and the company on a sour note will be detrimental.

Whatever your answer is, there are also some things that you need to consider before making that decision:

1. Getting the offer Hiring managers will typically contact successful candidates via email, although other means such as phone calls and text messages may be used. Once you express interest in moving forward, they will then send you a letter of offer.

Before you do anything else, be sure to read through the letter carefully. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the hiring manager immediately.

In particular, you should look out for these: • The job title • Fixed salary and benefits (this includes monthly allowances or claims) • Variable incentives (such as commissions and bonuses) • Professional development/lifelong learning provisions • Probation period (be sure to pay attention to its length as well as the terms of the probation) • Notice period (the period of time between tendering your resignation and the actual date you leave the company) • Expected hours of work • Annual leave and sick leave entitlements • Company insurance coverage • Start work date Although it can be tempting to just agree to the job offer, it is best to take your time to review it before finalising your decision. Employers will usually give you a few days to consider, and if needed, may agree on extending the deadline if you ask politely. Do not drag it out for too long, though.

VACANT

50

SUTD career guide 2022

YOUR CAREER TOOL BOX!

2. Clarify any doubts and concerns If there is any part of the offer that you do not understand, do not make any assumptions and ignore it. After all, the last thing you should do is agree to something if you are not completely sure about what you are getting into. Instead, contact the recruiter immediately for any clarifications you need.

For graduate programmes, check if the offer is conditional — meaning that the offer could only be confirmed upon you obtaining the required grades or certification stipulated in the offer, such as at least obtaining a degree with honours.

Moreover, keep in mind that most graduate programmes take place from around May to September, and may require you to fly over to the company’s headquarters to train with other graduates worldwide.

Once you receive your offer, you can consult with Career Coaches so they can advise you. Afterwards, you can get back to the hiring manager so that you are both on the same page.

Another mistake that graduates tend to make is overlooking nondisclosure clauses, as well as terms of exit from an employer (which can include non-competition clauses in some cases). Failure to adhere to these clauses, such as leaking confidential information on the job, can prove detrimental, not just to the company’s reputation but your own as well. As such, it is best to leave no stone unturned, and bring up any concerns you might have with the hiring manager as soon as possible.

3. Accepting the offer After looking through everything and being sure that this is what you want, go ahead and sign the contract. Most companies find this sufficient, but others may require you to respond with a proper acceptance letter as a formal agreement to join the company.

With this good news in hand, be sure to show your appreciation to those who have helped you along in this process, one way or another.

From your referees to those giving you support, send them a simple ‘thank you’ for all they have done.

4. Declining the offer However, sometimes you may have second thoughts even after everything is said and done. Even if you realise that you do not want the offer, you still need to give a reply. To ghost the company and assume that the hiring manager will get the message is extremely rude — you will be leaving a poor impression and be blacklisted from any future jobs from them.

The moment you decide that this job is not for you, contact the hiring manager immediately about your decision. This can be done either via call (informal) or email (formal). Be extremely apologetic, thank the recruiter and interviewers for their time, and clearly inform them that you are unable to accept their offer.

Keep it brief and polite, but also have some tact – responding with something like ‘your offer was not good enough’ is definitely not the way to go about it.

5. Early offers Some graduates may find themselves with offers before they even start looking for jobs.

These can come from plenty of places, from an impressed boss from a previous internship, recommendations from family and friends or even being scouted by companies for your outstanding performance.

But before you agree to the offer, remember that you are not running on a ‘first-come-firstserve’ basis. Unless you are really sure that you want the job offer, there is no obligation for you to immediately accept it. Instead, it is best to consider your other options in the job market, as well as do your research to make an informed decision.

This approach will not only benefit you, but the recruiters extending the offer as well. After all, it means that they will be likely to bring in a candidate who is not only in-line with what they want, but is whole-heartedly willing to stay with the company.

6. Things not to do when getting an offer Burning bridges with the offering company is really the last thing you should do – they can still be a source of new opportunities in the future. Carrying out the actions below is not only highly unethical, but also reflect badly on your level of professionalism: • Signing multiple letters of acceptance, with the excuse of just ‘trying out’ different companies or to ‘reserve’ your place while still looking • Continuously delaying your response to multiple offers, only to ghost them afterwards upon making a decision • Accepting an offer verbally or in writing, but turn it down later after getting a better offer

SUTD career guide 2022

51

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

NAVIGATING THE NEW WORLD OF WORK Remote working is not just a phase, but a necessary reality now. As such, it is important to be aware of how to manage the challenges of working from home to ensure the best possible start to your career.

T

he effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to more businesses adopting telecommuting and remote working. If you are just new to the job market, chances are this will be the arrangement you will find yourself in.

On paper, getting to work from home sounds like a dream — no need to deal with dress codes, avoiding crowded commutes and having a flexible work schedule. But in reality, remote working comes with its own set of challenges.

From staying motivated, knowing when to unplug and technology hiccups, these can and will impact your productivity if you do not tackle them quickly.

Worried about what to do? Here are some tips that should help make your transition a little easier.

Be selfmotivated and disciplined Learn to work independently and without too much prompting from your supervisors. You can start by effectively managing your time and making sure that you adhere to deadlines and meeting times. Keep track of your progress by jotting it down — these notes will serve as a reminder in case you forget anything.

Be inquisitive Speak with your supervisor on how best they would like to receive updates from you, and be sure to follow through accordingly. If they prefer getting emails, consider preparing weekly reports that you can send at the end of each week. If they prefer video calls, come to those meetings prepared with notes, questions and potential ideas.

52

SUTD career guide 2022

Be resourceful Do some pre-reading and research on the company, and familiarise yourself with where things are, from the location of the online library to how some standard procedures work. Remember that if you are not sure about where anything is, just ask your co-workers or supervisors — no one expects you to know everything from the get-go, but be sure to remember once they tell you!

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Be proactive Do you have any doubts or concerns?

Be sure to clarify with your supervisor before the next meeting. Ask for regular feedback on your performance and make adjustments accordingly. Consider setting up a system so that you know who and when you can refer your inquiries to.

Take initiative Remember that in the workplace, you should be the one to take control of your learning! Get feedback from your supervisor and colleagues on how you are doing, and what you can work on.

Whether with others or on your own, prepare yourself to learn something new every day.

Talk to people Getting to know people in the workplace will not only make you feel like you are part of the company, but is vital to professional success. After all, a good quality network can pave the way for new opportunities for you. For starters, you can consider your supervisor as a mentor and get to know them personally. Learn as much as you can from them, but also about them, such as how they chose this career. The same can be said for your colleagues as well — take part in lunches with them and chat with them whenever you can.

Even if you are shy, you should not just stay in your own bubble either.

Meet up with colleagues who started out at the same time as you, or ask your supervisor for some introductions to people from other departments who might share the same interests as you.

Be sensitive to foreign cultures, time zones and languages

In some companies, especially multinational ones, you might find yourself interacting with people from not just different departments, but from different countries as well. With this in mind, be conscientious of how you speak to others from different cultures and races.

Even if it is not face-to-face, take the effort to know them — you might be able to gain some cross-cultural perspectives from them. Be an active participant in discussions, or even request to attend departmental meetings to get a better feel for the meeting culture.

SUTD career guide 2022

53

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

A STEP INTO THE CORPORATE WORLD It can be daunting to jump into the working world, but knowing how to adapt can make the transition a lot smoother.

W

elcome to the corporate world, and the start of a new chapter in your life.

With so much ahead of you, it might seem scary, terrifying even. But knowing how to navigate the working life is a good step to help you thrive in a professional setting. As you are about to take your first step into the corporate world, now is the best time to adopt the most optimal life routines in order to get the hang of adulting as soon as you can.

But where do you start? Here is a quick guide on how you can start setting up the foundation for your working life.

Kickstart your career on the right foot With the current state of the pandemic, chances are you might be starting out by working from home – but that is no excuse to let your hair down. Know what is expected of you in your new job role and make sure that you meet your superior’s expectations, be it meeting deadlines or working well with your colleagues. But there is also more to impressing your bosses than just that.

1

Prepare your wardrobe

Plan out your outfits accordingly — you can get a reference on what is acceptable in the office from what your soon-to-be colleagues were wearing during the recruitment process.

2

Make a good first impression

Be enthusiastic but humble. Show your commitment towards your role and every assigned task. Learn more about the work culture by chatting with your colleagues, as well as how you can learn to fit in.

3

Be respectful to everyone

Treat everyone like how you want to be treated — be it an intern, the managing director or the janitor. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, and that means different perspectives too, so be open and understanding of them.

4

Never stop learning

As the saying goes, “learning is a lifelong process”. Most companies offer on-thejob training, so take advantage of that and learn something new.

54

SUTD career guide 2022

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Manage your finances (like an adult) Ideally, you will want to become financially independent as soon as possible. As long as you keep to a reasonable spending budget and invest in the right savings and insurance plans, you are on your way to managing your salary well.

1

Figure out your new budget

Calculate your monthly expenses and start building up your savings. If you need to, you can use a spreadsheet or mobile apps to help track your spending.

2

Consider applying for insurance

Give some thought about whether you need a more comprehensive health insurance plan or to start investing. If you are unsure, you can consider asking friends and family for advice.

3

Live within your means

It can feel good to have more spending power, but do spend your salary wisely!

Having good saving habits now will save you the struggle when you need to spend on big ticket items (such as for your housing or wedding).

Maintain a healthy lifestyle It can be easy to get lost in the groove of work, but if you neglect to take care of yourself, it will definitely be detrimental to your work productivity in the long run. Take the time to plan out your schedules so you can live a fulfilling life outside of work hours. Being healthy physically, emotionally and financially will definitely help you tackle the daily challenges of work — that balance is what adulting is really about!

1

PAY

Find a diet that works for you

Consider setting aside some time to do some meal-prep, and bring your own food to work. Not only is it generally healthier, but your wallet will thank you too!

2

Stay active

Find some way to keep moving, especially if you spend most of your time behind a desk. Do some simple stretches between breaks, and get into the habit of exercising regularly.

3

Keep your loved ones close

The transit from a student to a corporate worker can be a little rough, but having the support of your friends and family will help to make it just a little easier for you.

SUTD career guide 2022

55

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

MNCs, SMEs AND START-UPS: WHAT ARE THEY LIKE? Different types of companies offer different types of work cultures and environments. By knowing the characteristics of each type of company, you will be one step ahead of knowing which fits you best.

Multinational companies (MNCs) MNCs have business operations in multiple countries and tend to boast multiple facilities and assets as a result. They also have a larger workforce, enjoy the economies of scale and possess a greater market share in the industry.

What are the benefits?

Prestige and reputation

Bureaucracy

MNCs are often highly reputed in their respective industries, thanks to their strong brand recognition. With preestablished success and strong presence, their long-term survival makes them a favoured option among graduates.

Being such a large organisation, MNCs usually adopt a rigid workflow, and with it, strict standard operating procedures.

Certain requests and claims may need to be signed by multiple people up the chain, and can take up a lot of time, which can be frustrating to deal with, even to those in charge!

Global opportunities MNCs, as the name suggests, boasts offices, assets and facilities all over the world. As a result, employees working here may be offered global opportunities, from travelling the globe to relocating to a whole new country. Moreover, you are more likely to meet and interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Mastering your own trade With such a large task force, it allows employees to focus on their own job scopes rather than having to wear multiple hats and deal with cross-functional tasks. As a result, specialisation is something you may find yourself doing in your career path. Should you wish to upgrade yourself, MNCs usually have the resources to provide training workshops and upskilling sessions.

56

Factors to consider

SUTD career guide 2022

Fierce competition Naturally, due to the popularity of MNCs, fresh graduates looking to apply may find themselves up against experienced jobseekers as well. As a result, be prepared for an intense, competitive interview process, and ensure that your resume, elevator pitch and selling points will be able to stand out from the crowd.

The recruitment process for MNCs can be long as well, and definitely expect more than one round of interview.

Assessment centres may be utilised too, so be sure to practise for those as well!

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) SMEs are companies with less than 200 employees or an annual sales turnover of under $100 million. In a study conducted by Singapore Business Review, it was found that 220,000 SMEs employed two-thirds of Singapore’s workforce.

Factors to consider

What are the benefits?

Exposure to different roles

Formal training

With a smaller employee pool, wearing different hats on the job is a common occurrence for employees, taking on crossdepartmental tasks and responsibilities. By tackling broader job scopes, employees will find themselves being able to explore different fields, and potentially find something that they had an aptitude for.

It is not common for SMEs to provide formal training or graduate schemes due to limited resources. As a result, much of your professional development will be done onthe-job, from willing colleagues or even yourself via selflearning.

Career progression In an SME, employees tend to enjoy higher visibility from the get-go, meaning that your hard work and achievements will be noticed a lot more by the higher-ups. In that same vein, graduate employees may receive more responsibilities and opportunities to expand their skillset.

Work benefits SMEs typically cannot afford large bonuses and monetaryrelated benefits (e.g. medical and dental). However, they can make up for this by not only offering competitive salaries but also other work benefits, such as flexible working hours and more days of annual leave.

Working in smaller departments means your competencies and achievements are more easily noticed in a smaller company. Additionally, fresh graduate employees may receive more responsibilities and opportunities, gaining exposure to different parts of the business and setting themselves up for future roles.

Team bonding With a smaller company, it tends to be easier for employees to form bonds with each other. As a result of increased collaborations and communication, expect teams to be more friendly, and be more aware of the qualities of others.

Having good relationships with fellow colleagues often results in improved working standards and a more united front to strive towards the company’s success. If working in a friendly environment sounds like something you want, joining an SME might be the place for you.

Start-ups Newly established businesses that have been established for less than five years. They often specialise in niche products and services that may not be otherwise found in the market.

What are the benefits?

Factors to consider

Innovation

Job security

Those who enjoy working in a creative and innovative environment may find themselves thriving at a start-up.

New ideas and suggestions are accepted by everyone, and they may be given the opportunity to experiment on new ideas for the company.

Start-ups are also known for their high turnover rates, and the harsh reality is that they may end up going out of business before they even earn any profit. Going into a start-up means being aware that it may not succeed in the long term, affecting your job security.

Flexibility

Long working hours

Although you will work about the same number of hours as those in MNCs and SMEs, start-ups tend to offer more flexible schedules, letting you work in a less rigid structure.

To survive in competitive industries, start-ups will need to put in as much effort as they can to succeed, which can translate to longer working hours for everyone, even the higher-ups.

Independence For those who are willing to take charge of their own professional development and progress, the independent working environment of start-ups may work for you. You can expect to have minimal supervision, but will be expected to be proactive and take initiative in getting your work done efficiently and on time.

SUTD career guide 2022

57

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

INSIGHTS FROM AN EMPLOYER Jaya Velupillai, a Recruitment Manager from AMD, shares her views on what graduates should prepare for – not only for their portfolio but also the interview process.

1

What are some important technical skills that AMD looks out for when it comes to graduate hires?

Knowing how to code, particularly in Python, Ruby and CC+ is critical, as it is the main programming languages our Test Engineering Team uses. Moreover, being familiar with Git or other versioning systems, having knowledge on some of the IEEE standards or HSIO protocols (PCIe, USB, etc.) would be advantageous as well. Having a good grasp of PC architecture, software engineering or data analytics would be suitable for open roles.

For those looking for roles in software engineering, candidates should have a firm understanding of software algorithms, modular software development concepts and techniques, as well as being able to demonstrate their ability to write a software program from scratch.

Apart from these technical skills, AMD also looks out for graduates who have an engineering mindset, a strong STEM background and a good problem-solving mentality too!

2

In your opinion, what should graduates today have in their technical portfolio?

A technical portfolio is an excellent representation of a candidate to any employer, which should showcase their unique selling points. For graduates, this should be their career portfolio, which not only includes their internships, but their projects, skills and working experiences. This is a dynamic document which should be updated regularly whenever they complete new projects or learn new skills.

Ideally, their past projects and works should be easily accessible by the interviewer prior to the interview so that they can better assess their programming abilities.

58

SUTD career guide 2022

3

Can you describe AMD’s interview process today? (e.g., virtual or physical, how many interviews)

Currently, we conduct virtual interviews for all open roles in Singapore. For fresh graduates, we conduct a maximum of two rounds of interviews, covering both the technical and behavioural aspects of the role.

4

How should candidates prepare for their interview at AMD?

Doing research on who we are and what we do as a company is crucial. Being well-versed in what is required of them in the role, such as their daily tasks, also goes a long a way in preparing for technical questions. Being able to elaborate on their professional story during the interview will be important as well.

For more information, please refer to the candidate guide below: https://www.flipsnack.com/amdglobal/amdsingaporecandidate-e-guide.html

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

5

Can you share some of the technical questions that may be asked during AMD’s interview?

We assess candidates on their depth of knowledge regarding computer and PC system architecture, such as how system components are connected in a block diagram. We would also like to know more about their past and on-going projects in order for us to better understand their technical elements.

Programming concepts and methodologies is a huge part of AMD’s interview process. Interviewees may also expect questions about coding, digital circuits, logic and hypothetical questions that focus on their problem-solving skills.

For software programming roles, be prepared to sit for a live test that will be graded to determine proficiency level in software programming.

6

What would be some of your important tips for graduates looking to ace an interview at AMD?

As a fresh graduate, you might tend to focus more on the technical skills learned during your time at university, neglecting your soft skills, such as adaptability and teamwork, as a result. At AMD, we look out for both aspects, particularly candidates who are resourceful, critical thinkers and able to embrace both risk and experimentation.

Here are some tips that will help you during the interview process: • Prepare for the interview by studying about AMD and what we do.

• Be articulate when talking about your career portfolio, and link it to how you can add value to the role.

• Be passionate in your beliefs and interests.

• Ask smart questions, such as about the company culture, career progression and expectations. This will show off your engagement and interest for the job.

• Be prepared to elaborate on your past projects, such as their objectives, durations and how you contributed to them. Do put emphasis on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Visit us at www.amd.com

Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/ company/amd/mycompany/

SUTD career guide 2022

59

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

ALUMNI SPEAKS My job

TAKING TIME TO NURTURE YOUR INTERESTS Brandon Sim Bachelor of Engineering Systems Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2018 Market Data Engineer Millennium Management LLC

I think the key is to be honest about areas you might not be as strong in compared to other candidates while demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

60

SUTD career guide 2022

As part of a team supporting the data operations of a $57bn hedge fund, my day-to-day job involves ensuring that portfolio managers and traders receive clean, accurate data to help them make the right decisions. This includes the development of APIs to ingest data and a deep understanding of multiasset financial datasets (e.g. equity, indexes, options, bonds). I also conduct exploratory analysis to validate and improve the quality of data. As a hedge fund that employs a systematic trading strategy, I am also currently involved in projects that identify additional datasets that generate alpha for the portfolio managers. In the next six months to one year period, I will be involved in a project to assess and migrate our data to the cloud so that will be pretty exciting!

How I got my job I was approached by a recruiter who came across my LinkedIn profile. The interview process was fairly extensive, involving technical discussions, financial tests, a Caliper assessment and interviews with the team and several senior managers. I think the toughest part was that I did not possess all the desirable skillsets that were mentioned in the job description. There were a few programming languages that I was unfamiliar with (e.g. unix, kdb, C++), but I was upfront about it and indicated that I was highly willing to learn these languages. I think the key is to be honest about areas you might not be as strong in compared to other candidates while demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

Play to your strengths and minimise your weaknesses.

The highs and lows I like that my job is very challenging and fast-paced, and I am learning something new every single day. I would consider myself fortunate to join the team at a time where management is very open to experimenting with many new technologies and projects. Our team culture is very open to experimenting and iterating with new technological solutions, which resonates with my personal motivations. One of the biggest challenges is that you require speed and accuracy, as every minute there is a delay in a critical project, it could mean potential lost revenue for the portfolio managers and traders.

My happiest moment at work I am working on a project to help one of the biggest trading groups in the company identify additional datasets that they can trade. The project involves devising a systematic method to investigate the datasets using a couple of programming languages, having a deep understanding of the financial data itself and finding the delta. I enjoy that the project allows me to work with many stakeholders and it is nice to see how our work can directly impact the company’s profits.

Some advice Discover what you are interested in, and then invest time into building relevant experiences that helps you achieve that dream. Finally, invest time into building a strong LinkedIn profile. A strong LinkedIn profile is particularly important today as Covid-19 has brought everything on a virtual platform and your Linkedin profile is the first impression you have with a prospective company. Having a strong digital presence could set you apart from other candidates.

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

My job

HAVING A SENSE OF PURPOSE See Wan Yi Faith Bachelor of Information Systems Technology and Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2020 Cyber Security Engineer DBS Bank

Hold firm to your beliefs and values but let yourself learn from every opportunity that comes your way. You do not have to, but you get to.

My area of specialisation is cybersecurity, and we adopt technologies aimed at defending DBS from insider and outsider threats. One of my primary role centres on working with our security incident event management tool, empowering us to manage security 24/7 by filtering large amounts of data which allows us to prioritise security alerts and detect suspicious events that may otherwise go undetected.

Apart from the technical work, I also lead and manage the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of our Cybersecurity department and plan engagement events for the department with the secondary goals of assisting the community.

How I got my job To land this job, I went through a code challenge, IQ tests and finally, a hackathon. Completing both the team hackathon for the developer track and the solo hackathon for the cybersecurity track, I think it is safe to say that I had one of the most rigorous selection processes amongst my batchmates. I believe my ability to deliver quality work individually and as a team player while clearly communicating my thought processes after being well-trained in design thinking processes by SUTD did set me apart from the rest.

The highs and lows Doing purpose-driven work round-theclock to keep the bank safe keeps me going. I like knowing how my work serves to protect the bank and our customers in the digital space. The challenge comes from having to “sell bitter medicine” to our staff and customers, as increased security measures does often result in a decrease in convenience. Balancing the needs of the company with the desire for convenience constantly challenges me to rethink and reimagine what banking securely and easily looks like.

My happiest moment at work The amount of impact I have been able to have on the community around me through my work has brought indescribable joy. Through the CSR initiative I lead, we have empowered and trained over 2,500 individuals in less than a year, giving them an additional layer of defence against this digital warfare. With the engagement events I planned for the department, we partnered with hawkers, who are struggling to make ends meet due to the Covid-19 restrictions, to deliver lunches to our staff for the engagement events, subsequently helping to increase their revenue by over 40 per cent.

Some advice Be malleably steadfast. There is so much to learn and so much that will challenge you. Hold firm to your beliefs and values but let yourself learn from every opportunity that comes your way. You do not have to, but you get to.

SUTD career guide 2022

61

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

My job I am part of the Digital Capability Centre and my role is to deliver client engagements and build assets or expertise in the Industry 4.0 domain, specifically in the Manufacturing and Supply Chain sector. In my current client study, my role is to identify business opportunities from client operations, select the technology solution to implement, and conduct Change Management to address front-line user adoption.

How I got my job

LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT Hans Ivander Bachelor of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2018 IoT Engineer McKinsey & Company

I applied for this role through the McKinsey careers portal. Once I got past the resume screening, I was invited to take the Problem-Solving Game to demonstrate problem-solving skills which I thought was an interesting format. After that round, I had four one-hour case interview sessions.

Personally, the case interviews were the most challenging round for me as my past experiences were mostly Engineering-related. I spent a few weeks to familiarise myself with the interview structure and reached out to Associates and Engagement Managers through LinkedIn.

The highs and lows

I enjoyed being able to ‘leave a mark’ and witness the journey that the clients have taken.

The most fulfilling part of my job is to be able to leave long lasting impact to the clients even after the project has ended.

I also enjoy meeting and interacting with new people which gives me a broader knowledge and views.

As most may know, the common drawback from consulting is the long working hours. Personally, I also think the expectations and steep learning curve contribute to the high stress levels.

62

SUTD career guide 2022

My happiest moment at work The most memorable project that I have worked on was when I was able to bring new insights to the client team, which successfully garnered the buy-in from front line operators and maintaining close relationship to act as a trusted advisor to the business owner. I enjoyed being able to ‘leave a mark’ and witness the journey that the clients have taken.

Some advice Two pieces of advice that I would share based on my experience — first, be completely honest with yourself. Second, having good relationship with the people that you work with is critical to ensure that you have a good experience and being able to deliver your work.

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

My job

STAY CURIOUS, KEEP LEARNING Kek Jing Yu Bachelor of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2019 Senior Engineer Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

With a dareto-fail attitude, resourcefulness, and a sense of curiosity in approaching problems, we can keep learning and continue to better ourselves.

I am a Senior Engineer with DSTA’s Command, Control and Communications (C3) Development Programme Centre, where we design and develop C3 systems to help the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) better manage and coordinate their operations. My work focuses on software development and I am currently working on sense-making for a maritime security command and control system alongside my team. We ensure that data collected from maritime sensors and sources is pieced together to form a seamless and comprehensive maritime situation picture. Using artificial intelligence and data analytics, the system also provides real-time detection of potential threats.

I also conduct research and implement various analytic models to identify anomalous vessel behaviour, like illegal manoeuvres.

How I got my job Through my DSTA Scholarship and internships in the Defence Technology Community during my studies, I found meaning in contributing to Singapore’s defence. When I got the opportunity to intern with DSTA in my freshmore year, I worked with a team of engineers to develop computer vision models that helped identify objects based on photos with limited imagery details.

It resonated strongly with my desire to have meaning and purpose in my job, which eventually led me to join DSTA. With my background in engineering and software development, I now work on a wide range of multidisciplinary projects, from research to delivery.

At DSTA, work is not our only focus.

We also hold various activities to recharge and bond with our team. Prior to Covid-19, we had Developers’ Fridays, where we would gather over technical sharing, food, and games after work. It provided a platform for me to not only connect with my team, but also meet new people from different departments.

Although such gatherings are now restricted, we still hold smaller online sessions with our project teams to catch up with one another.

My happiest moment at work To me, the most fulfilling part of my job is seeing the systems and software I develop being put into operation. Back in April 2020 when Covid-19 cases spiked among migrant workers in dormitories, my colleagues and I developed a command and control system that provided comprehensive situational awareness and aided in resource planning. This enabled the Inter-agency Task Force to better collaborate and respond more effectively.

Given the urgent situation then, we needed to develop new capabilities, while continuing to maintain system stability and minimising downtime. Ultimately, we were motivated by a common purpose, and it was rewarding to see the data dashboards I created contribute towards Singapore’s fight against Covid-19.

Some advice Do not be afraid to try new things, because it is okay to make mistakes!

Unlike exams in school, there is often no right or wrong answer. With a dareto-fail attitude, resourcefulness, and a sense of curiosity in approaching problems, we can keep learning and continue to better ourselves.

The highs and lows The challenges we face are unique due to the nature of national defence, and oftentimes, there are no commercial solutions readily available for us to use.

Overcoming such challenges requires expertise from a variety of domains and deep technical knowledge, which was daunting for me at first. Thankfully, my colleagues are always there to provide guidance, and everyone will pitch in their experience and expertise to resolve the issues efficiently.

SUTD career guide 2022

63

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

THE GLOSSARY OF CAREER PATHWAYS (FROM A-Z) Here are some career sectors available in the job market, with plenty of opportunities and pathways within.

Career Sectors Banking and financial services Business and management consultancy Electronic products Engineering and manufacturing Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) Healthcare Information and communication IT and technology Logistics, transport, and supply chain Public administration and defence Scientific research and development

Banking and Financial Services Opportunities in this sector come in a wide variety of possibilities, including positions in actuarial work, banking, insurance and risk management. Those interested in joining this industry should possess good numeracy, strong communication skills, commitment to study for professional qualifications and a strong work ethic.

Banking This sector traditionally consists of global investment banks that offer a wide range of services, from corporate finance to trading. Graduates can also look to enter more specific areas of finance, such as asset management, hedge funds and private banking, to name a few.

It can be difficult to get into this sector, with internships often being the ones to offer crucial openings to break in. In addition, interested applicants should keep building up their resumes with relevant extracurricular activities, such as finance societies in universities. Read up on the latest news in financial business, and attend events hosted by finance employers to get a better feel on what kind of employees they are looking for.

For those looking to work in banking, keep in mind that there are actually three notable components when it comes to a bank — and all three greatly vary in what jobs they offer, and the nature of work involved.

Front office – Considered as the bank’s interface with the market, employees here are expected to handle the needs of the bank and its numerous clients. This consists of sales, marketing, pre-trade and execution activities — those who generate the bank’s revenue directly.

Because the roles here usually involve dealing with clients face-to-face, ideal candidates should possess good interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Middle office – Roles that are assigned here include those in risk management, financial control, compliance and strategic management. The front and middle offices tend to work together on some deals to ensure that the bank is not taking on risks that are beyond what the company allows.

Back office – The back office provides vital support and administration assistance to the front and middle offices, but is not involved in direct revenue generation for the bank. Departments assigned here include IT, operations HR and accounting, where they focus on operations, processing and support.

64

SUTD career guide 2022

Insurance Those in insurance protects both individuals and companies against financial risk in the event of a sudden, unforeseen event.

This sector particularly values graduates who are innovative, optimistic and keen to deal with both numbers and people in an ever-changing environment. Although the actual job titles may vary from employer to employer, there are a few main types of roles graduates may find themselves in: • Graduate underwriters are responsible for deciding whether a policy should be granted to a potential client, whether conditions need to be attached (and if so, what), and how much should be paid in premiums. They usually work closely with actuaries and negotiate with insurance brokers.

• Claims management trainees handle and process claims for compensation based on their policies. This can include dealing with the claimant and then assessing if the claim made is valid.

• Trainee loss adjusters help to assess the extent of loss sustained by the policy holder to check if the claim is valid, as well as investigate on how the loss was caused. They are usually independent from insurance companies (some of their duties are done by claims managers) and instead work for specialist practices.

• Graduate insurance brokers operate at insurance brokerages, and assist clients in selecting and applying for the best insurance products from companies at the best price.

• Trainee actuaries are traditionally employed by insurance employers to manage funds and complete financial forecasts While employers would prefer those with STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) or business-related degrees, most job roles in insurance are still open to graduates of all disciplines.

But regardless of job, those who can think quickly on their feet, have excellent client-facing skills and a good eye for detail will be favored among employers.

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

IT Solutions With the rise of technology development, they have greatly improved the quality of service banks can provide to their clients. As a result, professionals specialised in IT have found a vital place in the industry like those who facilitate business performance by improving data quality and security.

As a result, demands for qualified graduates are high, particularly those who are outgoing and are excellent communicators. Keep in mind, however, that work in this field is often projectbased, and you will have to deal with teams of various specialists from different departments.

Business and Management Consultancy Advertising In this sector, candidates will have to directly apply for entry-level positions at large organisations. But as long as you have the relevant work experience, degrees from all disciplines are generally accepted here. Most ad agencies also hire all year round, so graduates should decide exactly what role they want before applying.

Hired graduates will take on account roles to manage clients within the firm’s business arm. On occasion, however, they may also be reassigned to the creative branch as copywriters or art directors.

Consulting Firms in these sectors can have numerous different specialisations, such as in strategy, operations and economics. At its core, this sector provides professional advice to both individuals and organisations on industry-specific topics. Typically, there are two types of consultants:

Because there is a high application of computer systems to business problems, possessing a considerable amount of analytical abilities and IT skills are a must.

• Strategic consultants The main gist of strategic management is to advise corporate clients on how to improve their profits and/or shareholder value. Graduates may be recruited to start off as research analysts, business analysts or associate consultants. The rewards here are high, but so is the level of commitment expected as well.

A typical project can last for about two to three months, with teams of three to four consultants based either at the office or with the client. As a result, employers tend to seek out graduates who boast excellent academics and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Market researchers collect and interpret reliable information using the two main categories of research techniques: quantitative and qualitative. The former is used to generate statistics, while the latter explores attitudes and behavior.

They can be found both in agencies and in-house, and they are responsible for designing research projects, conducting interviews and publishing reports based on data analysis.

Interested graduates will need to be interested in people and the behavior they exhibit, as well as possess good analytical and organisational skills.

Market Research Market researchers collect and interpret reliable information using the two main categories of research techniques: quantitative and qualitative. The former is used to generate statistics, while the latter explores attitudes and behavior.

They can be found both in agencies and in-house, and they are responsible for designing research projects, conducting interviews and publishing reports based on data analysis.

Purchasing Those involved in purchasing are responsible for procuring the right amount and quality of goods and services and at the lowest or most competitive prices in order to meet user needs. For them, their job scope is notably wide – dealing with clients and suppliers will involve conducting market research as well as having to negotiate and manage relations with suppliers. Other roles they will find themselves involved in are preparing purchasing strategies and policies, writing specifications and standards, and ensuring that their supplies comply with the standards of the organisation.

Electronic Products With an increasingly heavy reliance on electronics in the modern world, this industry thus encompasses many areas of expertise revolving around technology – from consumer goods to automotive and communication equipment. These can be produced in various quantities, with high-volume consumer items like smartphones on one hand, and medical scanners so expensive to make that just 100 units are produced by a single company.

There are plenty of opportunities for job advancement in this industry, with potential promotions into management positions or becoming a technical consultant. Should you want to go independent, there is also a plentiful market for freelance electronic contractors and consultants as well. However, because your jobs could come from anywhere (and can last for up to ten months), you will need to be prepared to be flexible with your lifestyle. Alternatively, you could also consider going into a technical marketing role, which combines your existing know-how of engineering with customer service.

Interested graduates will need to be interested in people and the behavior they exhibit, as well as possess good analytical and organisational skills.

• Process or operational consultants Involved in solving specific client problems and implementing change (frequently related to their working systems), consultancies under this type typically on-board graduates as systems analysts, IT consultants or business process consultants.

SUTD career guide 2022

65

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Engineering and Manufacturing Having a degree in engineering will not only allow you a career as a professional engineer but it also opens the door to many other career options. Apart from key employment sectors like engineering consultancy, research and development (R&D) and defense, there are plenty of engineers who work in commercial, management and consulting roles in various organisations.

Aerospace The global aerospace industry follows a tiered structure. Firstly, those who build aircraft like Airbus and Boeing, followed by engine and system contractors like General Electric and Rolls-Royce. In Singapore, the industry here revolves mostly around the latter, particularly in aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Another emerging area in the industry here is aerospace-related R&D, both for civil and defense purposes. This is thanks to recent research partnerships joined between big name companies such as Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce with the state-funded A*STAR research consortium.

Engineers in this industry will often deal with high-end technology, which includes (but not limited to) materials, structural design, stress-testing and aerodynamics software, with other key disciplines including systems and electronic engineering.

Projects here tend to be very complex and technical-heavy, and often have long lead times - with some projects running for more than ten years to date.

Graduates who are recruited to this industry will be given plenty of responsibilities early on, and will work alongside more experienced engineers on on-going projects.

Architecture Architects create and develop designs for new construction and redevelopment projects. Using specialist construction knowledge and high-level drawing skills, they are relied upon to ensure that the buildings based on their plans will not only look good, but remain safe and functional. In addition, they also will have to balance this while adhering to budget constraints, client needs and potential environmental factors.

66

SUTD career guide 2022

With all this in mind, long work hours are inevitable in this industry, alongside dealing with the pressures of both the deadline and budget limitations.

Graduates who are able to accept this, along with a sharp eye for detail and good communication skills (both oral and written) will be highly sought after, along with a keen awareness of how your work may impact not just society but the environment as well.

Built Environment This sector is broad, covering aspects such as infrastructure (roads, highways, tunnels, etc.) and its respective support systems, such as ventilation and plumbing. Consultants – who advise clients, develop designs and oversee projects – and contractors, who carry out the actual building and maintenance work, are the two main employers in this industry.

Engineers here may also be directly hired by developers, retailers or the public service. With an increased focus on sustainability, more projects involving energy use and emission reductions are currently being developed. Due to the scale of these projects, graduates usually start off working on just one at a time, before being allowed to manage several projects simultaneously.

Clean Energy Due to an increased focus on finding sustainable solutions for Singapore’s energy use, the government has made significant investments towards the R&D capabilities of this sector. Apart from testing technology harnessing alternative energy, engineers in this field may also find themselves involved in other roles. These can include (but are not limited to) improving systems for energy efficiency, managing energy storage systems and designing systems to utilise renewable energy, such as wind, solar and renewable fuels.

Defence Working in the defence engineering sector opens the doors to exciting opportunities to work on technologically-advanced projects, some of which could be far ahead of what is publicly available. Engineers in this industry will work with a wide range of products, services and systems that help to support Singapore’s armed forces. The main responsibilities of this sector can be split into three parts: R&D, platform and equipment supply, services and support.

In Singapore, nearly all of the major employers in this industry are found either in the public sector, or are directly linked with the government. Regardless of where they are, large numbers of engineering graduates are recruited on a rolling basis.

Lighting These engineers are responsible for setting up, rigging, operating and maintaining lighting systems and electrical effects for a range of shows in the art and media scene – whether indoors or outdoors.

Graduates interested in this field will need to show off their creative, communication and technical skills to prospective employers to secure a role here.

But there is also more to these engineers than just knowing lighting requirements. They will have to work closely with other staff members, which can include sound engineers and lighting designers, in order to transform the client’s vision into reality.

Manufacturing By converting raw materials into various products – from food and beverage to medical supplies and vehicles - additional value is added to them. This is what the manufacturing industry focuses on, and its engineers are responsible for making sure that the end results produced are made safely and efficiently.

Typical areas of work in this sector includes research, design, development, production and quality assurance of products, though engineers can also apply their skills in other roles, such as in marketing, supply chains and sales.

Oil and Gas This industry consists of two main components: upstream - the extraction of oil and natural gas – and downstream, which refines said products into petrol and other chemicals. Apart from the bigger international companies like BP, ExxonMobil and Shell, there are also plenty of national and independent oil companies. Other companies offer specialised services such as drilling and subsea operations, while engineering contractors design and build oil rigs, refineries or drilling platforms. As one of the world’s major refining hubs, most companies in this industry will typically recruit engineers to work on the oil refinement process, while allocating non-engineers to focus on trading roles.

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Product Design This sector focuses on picking out opportunities for new products, or analysing how it or an existing one can better meet consumer and market needs.

Product design engineers then settle design requirements with stakeholders to create new solutions that are not only innovative, but practical and suitable enough for manufacturing.

Because this job will have you cooperating with all kinds of people – from fellow engineers to stakeholders and marketing staff alike - having good interpersonal skills will serve you well. Other soft skills employers in this sector look for include adaptability, time management skills and design creativity.

Robotics Also known as automation engineers, they are responsible for the production of robots that have since made our jobs safer, easier and more efficient. But before they can even make their debut on the market, or even be constructed, research must be conducted to determine what functions the robot should have, and how it will be designed to accomplish its function.

Sound Sound engineers tackle the technical aspects of sound to ensure the quality of recordings and audio tracks alike. They can also be found at concerts, theatres and corporate events, making sure that speakers and singers alike will not have to worry about unbalanced sound levels, which can make for an unpleasant listening experience if left unchecked.

Graduates interested in this job role will need to have the manual dexterity to set up and adjust sensitive recording and mixing equipment with splitsecond timing, along with other soft skills like good problem-solving and communication skills to deal with clients.

Sound engineers will also need to work with sound editing and equipment control software programmes for the post production process, so having some experience working with them is a big plus.

Fast-moving Consumer Goods The FMCG industry involves products that have a quick shelf turnover, such as cosmetics, processed food and plastic goods. Employers in this sector require graduates from many disciplines to fill in the various areas of work within the industry, which can include management, research and development, supply chain, as well as sales and commercial.

Management If you are looking for a meaningful, fastpaced job environment, a management career in the FMCG industry might be what you are looking for. Because much of the profits in this industry revolves around selling a high volume of relatively low-cost goods, the logistical challenges can be quite daunting. Even the smallest delay can snowball into a big headache for management and clients alike - so ensuring that such problems are swiftly dealt with is crucial to protect the company’s profitability.

Graduates looking to apply for this position must show a strong attitude that remains strong even in the face of high pressure, and be able to keep up with the fast-paced and innovative nature of consumer product companies.

Other recommended soft skills include commercial awareness, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Research and Development (R&D) R&D in this particular industry is the marriage between science and business, where graduates will learn to work out how to transform concepts into reality and give consumers what they want, be it from refining existing products or creating new ones entirely.

Sales and Commercial Also described as ‘customer development’, a career in sales has relationship-building and maintenance as a key part of the job. Here, sales representatives from FMCG companies work together with retail outlets to ensure that products are sold with the maximum possible appeal for consumers, which profits both parties.

Although roles in this line of work are generally open to graduates from any discipline, recruiters do prefer candidates who have certain competencies, such as having good leadership, communication and negotiation skills

Healthcare The healthcare engineering sector covers a range of disciplines including biomedical, chemical, electrical, materials, mechanical, software and systems engineering. With an on-going focus on pharmaceutical and biomedical R&D, there is plenty of opportunity for applicants keen to enter this sector.

Biomedical Engineer Using maths, engineering and biology, biomedical engineers figure out how our bodies work, as well as to find and understand the healthcare gaps and issues. Graduates who wish to enter this field should be prepared to not only design, build and maintain medical equipment, but they may even play a part in developing drugs, programmes or even artificial body parts in the quest to treat injuries, diseases and disabilities.

Biomedical engineers often consult and collaborate with doctors and other medical staff in order to conduct research, and then compile and publish the results.

In addition, they may also be requested to train medical staff on how to use medical devices and provide technical support when needed.

But to get a job in this particular sector, you will need to have a specific degree, ideally in technical fields like chemistry, engineering or even mathematics and design. Above all else, however, employers want people who are naturally curious, who are willing to keep asking questions and following up with them to ensure constant product improvement to meet consumer demands.

SUTD career guide 2022

67

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Medical Product/ Equipment Designer These designers specialise in the design process of new medical products and equipment, from conception all the way to its testing and development.

They are the ones who provide detailed blueprints and designs of the product before developing prototypes for testing purposes. In addition to all this, they are also responsible for listing down the guidelines and procedures to be adhered to during the full-scale production process.

Graduates in this profession are usually hired by medical organisations, manufacturing companies and private consulting firms that operate in design and medical tech industries. Others may find work in high-tech R&D laboratories.

Medical Technologist Also known as clinical laboratory technologists, they perform and analyse the results of complex scientific tests conducted on bodily fluids like blood.

They can be found in hospitals and independent laboratories, working with sophisticated equipment. Medical technologists work with physicians or laboratory directors to figure outpatient data after their test results are analysed.

The daily responsibilities of a medical technologist can be complex, including (but not limited to) deep analysis on microscopic, immunologic, biologic and chemical tests, and the results that come with it. Other duties that they may be involved in are preparing cultures of tissue sample, establishing and monitoring programmes for data accuracy, examining slides of body fluids or even crossmatching blood for transfusions.

Pharmaceutical Engineer From biological and chemical materials, these engineers are involved in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other related therapies. They can specialise in different areas of this sector, including product delivery, design quality and more.

They may also be responsible for other aspects of production, such as dealing with the packaging and labeling of the end products, quality assurance and regulation. Pharmaceutical engineers spend most of their working hours in research facilities and manufacturing plants, and are generally hired by pharmaceutical companies, universities, agencies and national laboratories.

68

SUTD career guide 2022

Information and Communication Broadcast, Radio and Television The field of broadcasting offers graduates the opportunity to work with or even become the face to a wide range of media platforms – from broadcast television to national radio channels, whether to provide information, entertainment or even both.

Work experience here is essential, whether as a broadcast assistant, producer, or even as a DJ. Voluntary work for student newspapers or broadcasting stations are also options you can take to get yourself familiarised with how the industry operates.

Employers in this field are on the lookout for those exhibiting confidence and creativity, and will want them to be able to think quickly on their feet under pressure – a trait that is especially important in radio and live television. Other soft skills wanted include having good organisational, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, which will be put to good use in this fast-paced industry.

E-commerce With the rise of online businesses, this sector is all about catering to the needs of consumers through the development of unique products and services in order to increase their market shares. A wide range of skills are needed, but the most important ones include business analysis, programming and being knowledgeable in networks, applications and networks, to name a few.

Those who wish to enter this sector will have to have to understand how online consumers think, and how these orthodox businesses operate. With how rapidly trends can change here, those who remain dedicated and adaptable, as well as always learning will surely find a place here.

Telecommunications This industry is all about connecting people – be it through traditional, old-school telephones or new-age computers and mobile devices. There are two main groups when it comes to job opportunities: vendors and carriers.

In simpler words, vendors like Samsung and Apple provide both the hardware and software, while carrier companies like Singtel and Starhub use said products to develop telecommunication services, which they sell to end-users.

Although entry requirements can vary depending on the industry and job role, the rule of thumb is that a strong academic background and a relevant degree is necessary. Disciplines accepted include telecommunications, information technology, computer science and electrical engineering. But having just technical skills and understanding is not enough – graduates will have better chances entering this industry if their strengths fall under problem-solving, communication, attention to detail and analytical research.

IT and Technology IT remains as an essential part of organisations, whether as a core part of their business operations or utilised as a service supplied to others. This has thus created a wide and diverse range of jobs for graduates to consider, from hightechnical like software programming and engineering to more general roles in sales and marketing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) With the rise of online businesses, this sector is all about catering to the needs of consumers through the development of unique products and services in order to increase their market shares. A wide range of skills are needed, but the most important ones include business analysis, programming and being knowledgeable in networks, applications and networks, to name a few.

Those who wish to enter this sector will have to have to understand how online consumers think, and how these orthodox businesses operate. With how rapidly trends can change here, those who remain dedicated and adaptable, as well as always learning will surely find a place here.

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Cyber Security Cyber security encompasses the technology, processes and practices designed to protect networks, machines and data from theft, damage or being hacked into. There are a variety of career options and specialisations in a wide range of industries. Graduates interested in this field can pursue or specialise in operations, systems engineering, development, architecture and testing.

There are two main traits employers look out for – inquisitiveness and the ability to communicate well with others.

Experts in this field will also need to be willing to seek out security gaps and develop creative solutions to solve them.

Moreover, they may need to work directly with clients, which means that they must be able to explain the value of their services and how it benefits the clients as a whole.

Full-stack Developer Full-stack developers are responsible for handling the work of databases, servers, system engineering and clients, proficient at both front and backend programming. Common responsibilities include conceiving user interactions on webpage as well as creating servers and databases for functionality.

For those who specialise in more in one type of programming, be it front or backend, the role of a full-stack developer has often been split in two by tech companies. As a result, interested candidates can also choose to go into front-end or UI/UX development, or work support as a back-end developer.

A degree in computer sciences is a must for this field, but it is not the only requirement. Employers will be on the lookout for candidates with strong organisational, problem-solving and management skills, as well as technical proficiency in programming languages like Python, Ruby and PHP.

Programmer In this role, it is not enough to simply be able to write code – programmers must have the skill and know-how about related areas to create code that is “good”.

This is often a solo job, dealing with a variety of programming languages ranging from Visual Basic (.Net), Java (J2EE) and C++ to write all kinds of software programmes. Apart from writing new programmes, they will also be required to update existing ones and ensure that both are free from syntax errors and bugs, and working with software developers to create products and more.

Skills sought after among programmers include technical ones like mathematical aptitude, IT and coding skills. For soft skills, organisational, time and project management, attention to detail and accuracy are highly desirable for promising candidates.

Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain This sector is effectively the backbone of just about every other industry; without them, much of their productivity would come to a screeching halt – especially those who embrace the concept of “justin time” manufacturing and supply. But precisely because it is so vital, things can get hectic and high-pressure, and it can be seen as an ideal industry to work in if you are seeking a challenge.

Logistics involves the integration of parts in supply chain management – the goods, labour, information, capital and facilities – mainly in aspects of transportation, stock control and warehousing. It can be an in-house function, or be contracted out to a service provider, with the job scope including setting strategies, planning projects, negotiating with contractors and monitoring progress.

Public Administration and Defense This sector is effectively the backbone of just about every other industry; without them, much of their productivity would come to a screeching halt – especially those who embrace the concept of “justin time” manufacturing and supply. But precisely because it is so vital, things can get hectic and high-pressure, and it can be seen as an ideal industry to work in if you are seeking a challenge.

Logistics involves the integration of parts in supply chain management – the goods, labour, information, capital and facilities – mainly in aspects of transportation, stock control and warehousing. It can be an in-house function, or be contracted out to a service provider, with the job scope including setting strategies, planning projects, negotiating with contractors and monitoring progress.

The Civil Service The Singapore Civil Service comprises the central governing bodies that helps ministers devise and execute government policies.

Organised into ministries and statutory boards, those working in the public office are responsible for not only drafting national policies, but making sure that they are correctly implemented.

The Public Service Division (PSD) guides the direction of HR policies in the civil service industry by developing the frameworks for the various ministries. They are also responsible for cultivating and maintaining the quality of civil workers as well as proposing solutions and platforms for strategic interdepartmental issues and discussions.

Although individual ministries do accept applicants from graduates, be aware that recruitment practices vary between ministries and functions, which makes their timing and availability less predictable. As such, you should check in on them from time to time to stay updated on their hiring periods.

SUTD career guide 2022

69

ADVICE FOR YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

Armed Forces Due to the implementation of the National Service in Singapore, most Singaporean male graduates would have some existing exposure to the job roles available within the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Careers in the SAF are divided into three distinctive branches – the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Although it can be easy to think of most jobs in the SAF as combatants and soldiers, there are in fact plenty of nonuniformed roles for those who prefer to work as support. You can consider applying to SAF’s R&D department, DSO National Laboratories, to help enhance Singapore’s defense capabilities.

The Home Team Falling under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it encompasses the various types of public security and emergency response units in Singapore.

One such group, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), offers both uniformed and h career paths. Those who choose the uniformed route, typically as police officers, will find themselves dealing with both desk and practical training, as well as street duties. Civilian roles, on the other hand, involve more specialised jobs such as crime scene specialists, forensic examiners, psychologists and commercial affairs officers.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force is in charge of fire and emergency rescue services, while the Narcotics Bureau serves as Singapore’s primary drug enforcement agency. Both organisations typically recruit graduates to fill both uniformed and civilian roles, such as senior officers or executives.

The same can be said for the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, who deal with local border security and matters involving immigration. Graduates are on-boarded as senior officers, though they are often rotated through the various branches and command centres of the organisation. Graduates who apply to the Singapore Prison Service, oversee the incarceration and rehabilitation of convicts.

They will find themselves in roles such as prison officers, guidance counsellors or senior management executives.

70

SUTD career guide 2022

Scientific Research and Development Scientists in this sector are largely responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled, laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials. Their investigations can cover a range of areas, including aerospace, green engineering and medical research.

Although this sounds rather broad, in truth research scientists are more likely to be working on more specialised topics such as machine learning or stem cell research. Employers in this sector include government laboratories, environmental agencies, universities, consumer products companies, pharmaceutical companies and private research bodies. But regardless of where you choose, keep in mind that there are several requirements in order to enter this industry For starters, not only should graduates have a strong academic background, but a relevant post-graduate qualification (like a PhD or a research-based MSc) is also a common criterion for applicants. Having experience with post-doctoral research and/or practical research or laboratory work will also be highly beneficial, especially for those looking to apply for academic posts.

Create your free account now at

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

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

Employers

BDO LLP ...............................................................................................................[73]72 CapitaLand Limited ...................................................................................................74 DSO National Laboratories .............................................................................. [75]76 Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) .........................................[IFC]78 OCBC Bank ......................................................................................................... [81]80

[ ] = advertisement; OFC = outside front cover; IFC = inside front cover; OBC = outside back cover; IBC = inside back cover

BDO LLP

600 North Bridge Road, #23-01, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778 TEL +[65] 6828 9118 WEB https://www.bdo.com.sg/en-gb/careers EMAIL career@bdo.com.sg FACEBOOK @BDOSingapore LINKEDIN @bdo-singapore TWITTER @bdoaccountant YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBblycqXBZ7YhP8hSauj6Lg LOCATIONS

• Singapore – Central • International – BDO’s global organisation extends across 167 countries and working towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service.

BUSINESS FACTS

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

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

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

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.

72

SUTD career guide 2022

• Accountancy and Financial Management • Banking and Financial Services • Consulting • IT and Technology APPLICATION PROCEDURES

BDO provides a culture that emphasizes career growth, professional development, 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.

SINGAPORE

Tailored events & opportunities

Learning & Development

We are part of the 5th largest network

Our team with exceptional experiences

A global mindset Our services

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 #23-0 Parkview Square Singapore 188778 www.bdo.com.sg BDOSingapore

BDO Singapore LLP

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

CAPITALAND LIMITED

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

https://www.capitaland.com/careers

@capitaland @capitaland LINKEDIN @capitaland TWITTER @capitaland YOUTUBE @capitaland FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

LOCATIONS

• Singapore • Global BUSINESS FACTS

and listed in Singapore, it is an owner and manager of a global portfolio worth about S$133.3 billion as at 30 September 2020, comprising integrated developments, retail, commercial, business park, industrial and logistics, urban development, lodging, residential, 6 listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and over 20 private funds. Present across more than 220 cities in over 30 countries, CapitaLand focuses on Singapore and China as core markets, while continuing to expand in markets such as India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe and the USA. Cultivating a Strong Workforce As a multi-national company, CapitaLand stands by its credo ‘Building People.

Building Communities.’ Its success is built on its strong infrastructure and its diverse and inclusive workforce – which consists of more than 12,000 employees

74

SUTD career guide 2022

from over 80 countries. CapitaLand is always on the look-out for people of high calibre with strong potential to support and grow with the Group.

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

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Open to all disciplines CAREER SECTOR

• Property and Real Estate APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply online via capitaland.com/careers

WHERE WILL YOUR

CURIOSIT Y TAKE YOU?

how to build an impenetrable cyber system

Your search - how to build an impenetrable cyber system - did not match any documents.

Suggestions: • • • •

Go to outer space and ask the aliens for answers.

Go into cryogenic sleep until someone else figures it out.

Go to the Birthplace of Knowledge and dig for an answer.

Find your own answer at DSO National Laboratories.

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

DSO NATIONAL LABORATORIES

12 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118225 TEL (65) 6776 2255 WEB https://www.dso.org.sg EMAIL campusrelations@dso.org.sg FACEBOOK @dso.sg INSTAGRAM @discoverdso LINKEDIN @DSO National Laboratories LOCATION

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Singapore – West

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing • • Art and Social Sciences • IT and Technology • Maths • Sciences

BUSINESS FACTS

DSO National Laboratories (DSO) is Singapore’s largest defence research and development (R&D) organisation. Undertaking indigenous development of advanced defence and weapon systems for the last 50 years and counting, we provide the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) with the superior technological edge in

CAREER SECTORS

defence R&D capabilities to support homeland security.

Join us and be a part of more than 1,600 defence engineers and scientists transforming ideas into reality and pushing the boundaries of science and technology across the domains of air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. that enhance your soft skills and technical knowledge, and gain global exposure with local and overseas scholarships and development programmes.

This is more than just a career. This is where you make a real impact and shape the future of defence.

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing • IT and Technology • APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Apply online at https://www.dso.org.sg/.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

APPLICATION PERIODS

Applications for both graduate jobs and internships are accepted all year round.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF KNOWLEDGE AND DEFENCE TECHNOLOGIES NAME: Chan Luo Qi DEGREE: SUTD-SMU Dual Degree Programme in Technology and Management (SUTD-SMU DDP), 2021 ROLE: Research Engineer EMPLOYER: DSO National Laboratories

My job As part of my work in DSO, my research focuses on the areas of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Cognitive AI. My job entails performing literature surveys, processing and analysing data, as well as designing and developing models that contribute to our nation’s defence. I work with colleagues with diverse skillsets and each of them contributes in a different way to our projects.

How I got my job Growing up, I aspired to be a researcher as I thought it was cool.

My internship at DSO was fulfilling, where I had an enriching time working with like-minded peers and mentors on interesting research topics such as molecular structure elucidation.

Thereafter, I decided that I wanted to do research for the long term and joined DSO after graduation. For all aspiring researchers, I strongly advise you to try for an internship at DSO to better understand their work and culture!

The highs and lows Research is a field that is grounded in both theoretical and applied fields. It demands us to continuously update our knowledge and be cognisant of its potential applications. We need to be creative and at the same time, technically grounded, in order to come up with unique solutions that outdo state-of-the-art models.

76

SUTD career guide 2022

Challenging as research is, it is also very fulfilling. The thrill of trying out new solutions and the satisfaction of getting a solution to work is unrivalled. My colleagues also motivate me in my work, where the exchange of ideas and knowledge is open and dynamic.

My happiest moment at work Generally, research is a never-ending process; there are always more improvements to be made, or more solutions to try. However, it is always fulfilling to hit project milestones and watch a solution developed with your own hands. The culture at DSO allows us to direct our own research direction within project goals. The ability to take ownership of our work also accords a sense of accomplishment in our day-to-day work.

Some advice Start broad. In the beginning, it is more helpful to have an open mindset to learn and expand your areas of interest. As research is a fast-moving field, the ability to learn and apply quickly is important – picking up this habit early in your career is important.

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY (DSTA)

1 Depot Road, Singapore 109679 WEB https://www.dsta.gov.sg FACEBOOK/ INSTAGRAM @SingaporeDSTA LINKEDIN @DSTA LOCATION

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

• Singapore

• Engineering Product Development • Engineering Systems and Design • Information Systems Technology and Design

BUSINESS FACTS

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) brings you to the forefront of cybersecurity, digital transformation and engineering. From working on software

CAREER SECTORS

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing • IT and Technology

intelligence, you can have an impact on Singapore’s defence.

Achieve your fullest potential with opportunities to build your technical expertise and hone your competencies in diverse domains. You can also expect an immersive learning experience, where you will work with bright minds and collaborate with global industry experts.

DSTA is recognised as one of the top 10 employers in the Engineering & IT sector, where our engineers and IT professionals work alongside procurement specialists to deliver state-of-the-art capabilities for Singapore’s peace and security.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are accepted year round Learn more about DSTA Careers, Internships and Scholarships at https://www.dsta.gov.sg

Internship opportunities and a meaningful career await you.

TRANSFORMING THE SOLDIER EXPERIENCE NAME: Tessa Goh Sing Yee DEGREE: Bachelor of Engineering (Information Systems Technology and Design), 2019 ROLE: UX Architect, C3 Development Programme Centre EMPLOYER: Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

My job

The highs and lows

As part of DSTA’s Design Innovation Team, my day-to-day responsibilities involve working with fellow user experience (UX) designers and developers to deliver defence systems that transform the soldier experience. I am currently designing an advanced command and control (C2) system that streamlines the planning and execution of missions for soldiers. My role requires me to work closely with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to understand their current operational processes so as to design a user-friendly system that meets their needs.

As my work requires me to design a C2 system that integrates various disparate Army subsystems seamlessly, I have to ensure that any integration complexities are handled smoothly, and that the end product is easy to navigate.

In a typical design cycle, we facilitate user research sessions and interviews to gather insights, and identify problems in existing operational workflows. This is followed by the ideation and prototyping phase, which involves quick brainstorming, rapid wireframing and bouncing off ideas with the technical team.

How I got my job I first heard about DSTA through a friend who had enjoyed her internship at DSTA. Keen on pursuing a job in the UX industry, I immediately applied when I saw listings calling for UX practitioners on DSTA’s careers portal and was shortlisted for an interview. I was tasked to complete and present a mini UX challenge during the interview. I believe my ability to convey ideas clearly, along with the relevance of my degree and skillsets, was what landed me my role.

78

SUTD career guide 2022

What keeps me motivated is hearing positive feedback from our SAF users about how the new systems we developed have improved their existing workflows. One unique challenge that arises from design work is that there is never a single correct solution which makes close and frequent communication with our SAF users even more important.

Apart from levelling up my skillsets on the job, working at DSTA has also given me opportunities to gain new skills through sponsored UX training as well.

My happiest moment at work One of my happiest moments at work was getting the opportunity to lead the design of a C2 system module which aimed to streamline the monitoring and elimination of enemy targets during strike missions.

It was rewarding to hear positive user feedback and see evidence of time efficiency improvements when the module was trialled during a military exercise overseas.

Some advice Stay curious – we are surrounded everyday by good designs that we can learn from, and also bad designs to avoid. Technology changes fast, and it is important to look out for trends to keep ourselves updated and stay competitive.

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

OCBC BANK

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

FACEBOOK @OCBC Careers LINKEDIN

@OCBC Bank

CAREER SECTORS

• Singapore • International

• •

BUSINESS FACTS

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION/JOB ROLES

OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank. It is now the second largest

• Graduate Talent Programme • • • • • • • Personal Financial Consultants

niche areas, all within the bank.

TECH IN A FINANCE WORLD NAME: Deng Jing DEGREES: Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Business Management, Singapore University of Technology and Design – Singapore Management University Dual Degree Programme, 2019 ROLE: Systems Analyst EMPLOYER: OCBC Bank

My job

The highs and lows

I am a Systems Analyst with OCBC’s Group Operations and Technology (GO&T) Department. I joined the bank as part of the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme (GTP), which gives me the opportunity to rotate across various departments. The GTP is unique from other programmes as we apply to join a specific department and role, following which all our rotations are designed around that choice, making each rotation very relevant to what I will be doing.

Like most SUTDents, I enjoy working on team projects. When the project approaches completion, I get a strong sense of fulfilment. I am always learning and adapting. Since joining OCBC, I have picked up Java and SQL. I am looking forward to what I will learn next. At times, I might feel a little overwhelmed when things move too fast, but it is also what makes this role exciting.

Each day on the job can be very different from the last. As a team, we work on business solutions for the bank. Together, we keep the projects moving forward towards delivery and find ways to add value to the customer. This can involve analysing change requests, designing systems or planning how deployments will be carried out.

Project Innovate was part of the GTP where we had to create a solution to address a specific business need. In our case, the problem statement was “How may we improve the customer experience?”

Our team proposed digitalising CSR engagements. We went from ideation to prototyping and eventually delivered a winning pitch.

How I got my job I remember the hiring manager shared that I needed to learn onthejob. In response, I spoke about how my project team and I picked up skills on our own during our course of study. For example, we explored different software solutions, such as AutoCAD for modelling, to create prototypes. I also believe that my background in finance and engineering gave me an edge when I applied to a tech role in the finance industry.

80

SUTD career guide 2022

My happiest moment at work

What is more, when we presented our solution to the judges from different divisions within the bank, we were told that this was a solution they were looking into!

Some advice Be comfortable with ambiguity – things are not always clear cut and it is important to have a goal in mind. Embrace a growth mindset too, and always find ways to challenge yourself and be better.

Think Change. Think Future.

Whether you are an Engineering major, IT expert, Math whiz, or a people-person, 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.

We see talent. We see you. www.ocbc.com/careers

We brew fresh career advice for you.

Be in the loop and subscribe to our newsletters to receive the best career tips.

Create your free account now at