SUTD Career Guide 2025 by GTI Media Asia

MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS

Do you know most jobs in 2030 have not been invented? Up-skilling and re-skilling are becoming more important as the world’s economy and technology changes at rapid rates. Human-machines partnership is now closer to home – are we able to co-exist and thrive in our own ways? We see more and more companies use bots in Applicant Tracking System to prescreen resume. How do we prepare ourselves and ensure that our resume stand out (see pages 30-31)?

As the Career Development Centre prepares you for graduation, we cannot help but place more emphasis on the importance of self-awareness starting from your Freshmore Terms (see page 6). This career guidebook provides you practical tips, and resources to assist in your career planning and stay informed of industry trends.

We are here to support your career ambitions. Get ready for the competitive job search processes and start your job hunt together with us (see pages 4-5). Building strong partnerships are important and that is why we have many career-related events for you to attend so that you have the opportunity to network (see pages 8-9).

The key to success is not about having more money. Having your own business does not necessarily make you richer as you may be faced with many challenges, What makes one rich is the lifeskills which we have. Are you wary about your values and professional ethics? Do you have the critical thinking skills to solve our problems? These Lifeskills are not just a one-time exercise; they see us through a lifetime. Start building on them early!

Whether you are in your freshmore or senior term, keep exploring and continue discovering. You will soon be able to build a strong personal brand, which you can proudly call your own (see pages 28-29). In this series, we interviewed two alumni who have built their own brand – their very own startups. Both Philip and Princeton were a little apprehensive when they first started, yet when they received their first deal, they were overjoyed and there has been no turning back since (see pages 63-64).

We look forward to working with you in building your personal brand. All the best!

Angelvin Parma Head, Career Development Centre

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

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MEET THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE TEAM

Reach out to the dedicated Career Development Centre (CDC) team, who are committed to supporting you on your path to career success.

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

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

Junice Chua Employer Relations junice_chua@sutd.edu.sg

Jackie Liew Employer Relations kuokwai_liew@sutd.edu.sg

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

Elaine Sundaram Internship and Structured Internship for Master of Architecture elaine_sundaram@sutd.edu.sg

Melissa Png Internship melissa_png@sutd.edu.sg

Angelvin 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

Jessica Chwee Career Coach jessica_chwee@sutd.edu.sg

Vanessa Teo Employer Relations vanessa_teo@sutd.edu.sg

Left to Right

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US

Graduate Employment Management System (GEMS)

Whether you are a freshmore deciding on your pillar choice, a junior seeking out company information and internship, or a senior ﬁnding the 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 log in to GEMS via your EASE page at https://ease.sutd.edu.sg.

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 a particular industry or company? Useful resources like Vault.com are included for you to access insightful write-ups and articles.

Proﬁle

What better way to show off your uniqueness as a candidate than with a professional profile? GEMS not only provides you with your own customisable profile page, but you can also add 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 sections 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. You can raise your awareness of the current job market and ﬁll in any gaps you have to best match your ideal employers.

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.

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.

Document Library

Working on your resume but unsure of 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!

Mock Interview

Online interviews have become increasingly popular among companies, particularly through 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!

Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP)

Have you ever wondered why you might ﬁnd yourself struggling to do one task, but breeze through others? This is because we are all wired differently, with different interests and values shaped by our own experiences. Using MAPP helps to identify your true motivations towards work and allows you to match yourself to job categories to see where you best ﬁt. You may book one session with the Career Coach for an assessment.

Set a “date” with your Career Coach

Apart from their resume critique or mock interview sessions, you can work with your coach to get their insights and strategies on how you can kickstart your career planning. Looking for feedback about your LinkedIn proﬁle? We have this service for our 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 2024 — meaning that at least one session was held for a student every day!

Also, if you are on the go, you can download GEMS’ mobile app on your iOS/Android phone by searching “Symplicity Jobs and Careers” on the app store.

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, conducted by Career Coaches and Professional Consultants, students can acquire the relevant career skills they need to navigate the job market upon graduation. The students are required to complete nine UPOP Essential Modules to be better prepared for upcoming internships and the corporate world.

UPOP Essential Modules and Advanced Modules

Year Jan - Apr Sep - Dec May - Aug

Freshmore (Term 1)

• Freshmore Welcome Tea

Essential Module:

• E01: DYSUTD

Freshmore (Term 2)

Essential Modules:

• E02: The Art of Communication

• E03: Brand YOU: How to tell your story & create your personal brand

Sophomore (Term 4)

Essential Modules:

• E05: Showcasing Your Skills: Resume & Technical Portfolio

• E06: Ace Your Interview

• E07: The Super Intern with the X-Cultural Factor

Activity:

• Career & Internship Fair

Junior (Term 6)

Internship / Exchange

Activity:

• Career & Internship Fair

Junior (Term 5)

Advanced Modules:

• Nailing the Assessment Centre

• Breaking the CASE

Sophomore (Term 3)

Essential Module:

• E04: LinkedIn Up

Vacation/Exchange/Internship

Activity:

• Industry Night

Vacation / Internship / Summer Programme

Essential Modules:

• E08: Job Search Strategies

• E09: The Art of Persuasion & Negotiation

Advanced Modules:

• • Nailing the Assessment Centre

• • Breaking the CASE

Senior (Term 7)

Activities:

• E-Resume Book for Graduating Seniors

• Industry Night

Capstone

Senior (Term 8)

Activities:

• Career & Internship Fair

• GradConnect

UPOP Nine 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 or 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 convince your audience to take the desired action.

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 and establish your brand, opening up opportunities to get into your dream career!

Showcasing Your Skills: Build an impressive resume and technical portfolio to wow recruiters and hiring managers by showcasing th best of your skills and strengths.

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 of each type of interview. Learn how to stand out and pick up the best practices to help you win in any kind of interview.

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 a 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 are strategically introduced to enhance students’ career readiness.

Freshmore Welcome Tea

All new freshmore students are invited to attend this session during Term 1 to learn more about the services that CDC offers as we believe that career planning is best done early. This includes sharing the timeline of our UPOP, internships and how to start preparing for their career hunt. In addition, you are encouraged to approach the Career Coaches to discuss your future career plans.

Forerunner

This opportunity is open to all students and CDC will connect you to the mentors of your chosen industry. Over four months, this will be a one-on-one mentorship, where the student will gain insider information on your chosen industry, and advice and guidance on your preferred career path. You may even potentially expand your professional network with help from the mentor, such as referrals to jobs or internship positions. With all these benefits, forerunners can provide all students with a clearer career trajectory and better confidence for the journey ahead. Applications start in January, so do not miss the chance to sign up!

Career and Internship Fair

The Career and Internship Fair (CIF) is a significant event in SUTD’s annual calendar of activities, providing exceptional opportunities for both students and employers. This event occurs annually in the first quarter, shortly after the start of the academic term.

What truly distinguishes our Career and Internship Fair is the participation of a diverse group of employers, numbering over 100, representing various sectors and industries. This diversity ensures that our students are exposed to a wide range of industries, including technology, engineering, financial services, healthcare, and more.

This fair serves as an excellent platform for employers to showcase their career opportunities and directly engage with students. The variety of sectors represented ensures that, regardless of a student’s field of interest or specialisation, they will find numerous opportunities to connect with employers actively seeking new talent.

CREATING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU GRACEGradConnect

In essence, this event is a catalyst where ambition, talent, and opportunity converge, creating an exciting synergy that benefits our students and employers. It reflects our commitment to facilitating successful transitions into the professional world and fostering meaningful connections between our students and potential employers.

To best prepare for the event:

• Identify the companies attending the fair and conduct research on them. Understand their values, culture, and the positions they aim to fill. This will enable you to make a strong impression and ask relevant questions.

• Consult our Career Coaches to optimise your resume. Your resume should highlight skillsets relevant to the role you are applying for, and students are encouraged to arrange mock interviews.

• If your field requires a portfolio, bring it along, including samples of your work, projects, or relevant documents to showcase your skills.

• Create a concise and compelling introduction about yourself, including your name, pillar, skills, and career goals. This will enable you to confidently introduce yourself to potential employers.

• Dress in professional attire as first impressions matter; ensure you look polished and well-groomed.

• Show enthusiasm and passion when conversing with employers.

• Always follow up on your applications, as recruiters prefer proactive applicants.

& E-Resume Compilation Exercise

The GradConnect & e-Resume Compilation Exercise (GRACE) is specifically organised for graduating students to secure full-time employment before graduation.

Conducted on a virtual platform, students gain access to participating companies’ profiles and job listings all at once. They can also send messages and book appointments to chat with Hiring Managers and Human Resource personnel online. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the companies and their roles.

To gain exclusive access to this platform, book a ‘Resume Critique’ session with your Career Coach upon receiving an email to register for GRACE. You can expect oneto-one consultation sessions on how to personalise your resume and technical portfolio to help secure your dream job. Do not miss this opportunity to connect with potential employers and schedule your interview sessions. To conclude the exercise, the resumes of students will be sent to employers who are recruiting fresh graduates. By participating in this exercise, you could be one of the four students successfully matched to a job of your choice.

Career and Internship Fair

Recruitment Talks and Company Visits

Every year, the SUTD Career Development Centre collaborates with numerous industry partners from various backgrounds and industries to organise and host recruitment events. These events may be held either at the company’s location or on the SUTD Campus. We have previously hosted companies such as BP Singapore, MINDEF, Marshall Wace, and many more. These events offer valuable networking opportunities and enable students to gather more information about job openings and career prospects.

Companies typically schedule recruitment events to allow our students to impress employers through their high potential and resume applications. Students have the unique opportunity to meet with various business units and company representatives, gaining a better understanding of the company’s environment and culture. Additionally, these events offer insights into various external industries, broadening students’ exposure and knowledge of diverse career pathways.

Industry Night

To stay updated on hiring trends in the market, including opportunities presented by new industry players, attending the annual Industry Night is highly encouraged.

Held in September, Industry Night serves as SUTD’s premier networking event, organised by the Career and Development Centre, connecting students with new industry partners across various sectors.

Effectively engaging with employers is a valuable way to establish connections and expand your career options. It provides an ideal platform for practising and enhancing your networking skills while interacting with participating employers. You can also gain additional skills, such as active listening and asking relevant questions.

Employers consistently express their interest in interacting with students to learn about their interests and potential career paths, so be on the lookout!

The Q&A session with employers allows students to ask relevant and thoughtprovoking questions after the event. We have also received positive feedback and reviews regarding the hands-on approach of SUTD students in their learning experiences, both on campus and during internships.

Post-pandemic, most of our recruitment talks are now returning to physical events. This shift is expected to increase attendance and provide a more personal touch to these scheduled recruitment talks and events. Students show a keen interest in attending physical events, often going directly after their classes. Information about these event opportunities is communicated to our students through the weekly eNewsletter released every Friday morning by the SUTD Career Development Centre. We strongly encourage students to pay close attention to these opportunities and review them when they arrive.

Industry Night

Recruitment Talks and Company Visits

Industry Night

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Discover the impact of our Career Coaches on the professional journeys of SUTD students.

UPOP Module 01 DYSUTD

Jatlyson (Freshmore)

I am a soon-to-be graduate looking for a career in engineering and science in the hopes of moving closer to my dream of becoming a biomedical researcher specialising in nanotechnology.

I have used the SUTD GEMS portal to help me look for job opportunities, practise my interview skills, and schedule career counselling sessions with my career coach, Ms Jessica Chwee. The career coaching sessions were extremely helpful as they really helped me to prepare my resume and portfolio to be sent out to employers. Jessica was really friendly and helpful; she provided me with a lot of insights into what I have to do to find a job in the current market. Through these

I reached out to Ms Faith Lim for assistance in obtaining a letter of recommendation to complete my portfolio for the Viettel internship. My interaction with CDC primarily involved the invaluable support and guidance provided by Faith, my career coach. She played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the complexities of securing a letter of recommendation. Additionally, she provided me with insights into effective communication, and ensured that I presented myself professionally.

Thanks to Faith’s assistance, I successfully secured the needed recommendation letter. To my fellow juniors embarking on their career-hunting endeavours, I wholeheartedly recommend tapping into the resources offered by CDC and

Having a drafted plan helps me to work towards my career goals.

Le Viet Hai (Freshmore)

Understanding more about my academic pathway has set my 4-year career plan while studying in SUTD.

Chadrick Liang Jing (Freshmore)

It reminds me to keep my options open to possible pathways beyond the one that I had in mind.

UPOP Module 02 The Art of Communication

Rachel Lim Rui En (Freshmore)

Non-verbal communication plays an important role in managing first impressions.

Tay Kai Gen (Freshmore)

It is good to learn how to communicate one’s skillset effectively as it helps to network and secure job offers.

Brandon Ng Joon Hoe (Freshmore)

Communication is much more important and nuanced than we realised, and there is a lot we can do to improve our communication skills.

services, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and interests, as well as allowed me to align my career goals more effectively. I have greater confidence in my abilities and harbour fewer doubts about my prospects of securing employment.

The advice I would offer to my juniors embarking on their career-hunting journey is to stay proactive and open-minded. Do not limit yourself to traditional job-search methods; explore online platforms, attend networking events, and seek guidance from experienced professionals. Stay persistent, be positive, and believe in your capabilities.

seeking guidance from dedicated career coaches, like Faith. Do not hesitate to reach out early in your career exploration journey. Their expertise and assistance can make a significant difference in your ability to secure internships or jobs, as well as crafting recommendation letters. Remember that proactive engagement with these resources can greatly enhance your chances of success.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to CDC and Faith for their support and guidance throughout my internship application process. Their assistance has been instrumental in my progress, and I am excited to continue utilising these valuable resources for my career.

UPOP Module 03 BrandYOU

Mak Weng Hui (Freshmore)

I feel inspired to be a better version of myself and give my best in everything I do.

Lindero Dianthe Marithe Lumagui (Freshmore)

The programme gave me helpful tips on how to craft pitches and communicate your value at job interviews.

Parigya Arya (Sophomore)

Adopting the right personal branding tips would help me to be more confident during recruitment drives and interviews.

UPOP Module 05 LinkedIng Up

Kieran Tan (Freshmore)

It allows me to understand how to better market myself as a talent based on the first impression.

Oleksii Onishchenko (Freshmore)

Applying these tips can help me to improve my network, which can lead me to better job opportunities or developing better professional connections.

Bannon Tan Cheng An (Freshmore)

This programme gave me directions on what information to include and what to exclude in my LinkedIn profile.

Nicholas Andhika Cahyadi Senior

Luong Viet Hung Freshmore

UPOP Module 06 Showcase your Skills

James Leo (Junior)

Crafting a good resume is essential to capture the attention of the company.

James Tan (Sophomore)

Developing a portfolio that is easy on the eyes while being wellorganised will further attract employers.

UPOP Module 07 Ace Your Interviews

Dexter Leonard (Sophomore)

It helped me prepare my answers for the common interview questions.

Lee Yan Han (Sophomore)

Being prepared with my own sincere and honest answers can help to ace my interviews.

Sean Soo (Junior)

The workshop has covered other aspects of an interview preparation that we usually do not consider, such as body language and sitting posture during the interview.

UPOP Module 08 Super Intern with X-Cultural Factor

Lim Jie Han (Sophomore)

Being self-aware is key to identifying and presenting my strengths.

Caroline Tiu (Sophomore)

Internships are a good way to gain exposure to the industry.

Aurelius Bryan (Sophomore)

I learnt the importance of being proactive and showing off my work during my internship.

UPOP Module 09 Job Search Stategies

Quek Shao Min Charissa (Junior)

It is important to prepare a technical resume to increase my chances of cliching a job.

Shuan Ye Ru Nicole (Junior)

This programme helped me to start searching for jobs and applying for them early!

Ten Wei Lin (Junior)

In order to increase my chance of successful job applications, I need to carry out more research and ensure that I fulfil the basic requirements.

UPOP Module 10 The Art of Persuasion & Negotiation

Jodi Wu Wenjiang (Junior)

I learnt how to empathise and talk to people from different backgrounds.

Tham Jit (Junior)

I learnt there are many different working styles and I need to understand mine in order to be successful.

Han Jin (Junior)

I understand how to work with people of different personalities.

Resume Clinic 2023

Tan Zen Sheen (Junior)

The session showed me how to craft an effective resume.

Kaveri Priya Putti (Junior)

This was a fruitful feedback session as it allowed some fresh eyes to look at my resume and provide insights on how to make it better.

Assessment Centre 2023

Su Chang (Junior)

This session was a good crash course to prepare me for assessment centres.

Tan Zen Sheen (Junior)

This session gave me helpful tips on how to stand out at assessment centres and increase my chances of getting the job.

Career Coaching

Cheong Songcheong (Junior)

Jessica helped to clarify many of the doubts and questions I had about the various career paths I am considering. I was able to get a better sense of what industries I can go into and what steps I can take to do so.

Resume Critique

Choo Wei Ming (Sophomore)

Daniel is friendly and approachable. The session was effective as he gave concise feedback on both my resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as advice on the local market trends based on my field of interest. I also really appreciate his effort in researching my field of interest, which was very insightful.

Jasmine Tan (Sophomore)

The main objectives of the sessions were met and I even received extra advice on interview processes. The coach was open to my questions and helpful in his answers.

Dewan Turrag (Sophomore)

The session was really helpful and gave me more insights into solving my problem.

General enquiry Mock Interview

Michael Chun (Junior)

Jessica was helpful and understanding of my challenges. Her observations were sharp and accurate, and the advice given was relevant.

STEPS TO GRADUATION

It is never too early to start planning for your career, even when you are still studying. Take a look at the steps you should take to maximise your time 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 the mandatory UPOP modules

3. Take stock of your personal values, interests, strengths, skills, and areas of improvement

4. Schedule appointments with your Career Coaches via the GEMS platform if you want help in planning out your career path

5. Keep an eye out for 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, and ask them about their job and work experience

7. Consider applying for Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) 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 interests

Sophomore Year

Explore and identify professions of interest

1. Gain insights 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 and technical portfolio 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

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 the potential industries you are keen on joining

3. Narrow your search by eliminating areas you are uninterested in and focus on your top three industries

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

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

6. Keep your technical portfolio updated

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

8. Research more on companies and industries via infobase Books

9. Start compiling testimonials and references

10. Practise mock interviews with Career Coaches

11. Work on and practise a personal elevator pitch

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

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

Senior Year

Be proactive and prepare for life after SUTD

1. Follow up and apply early for jobs – many companies often review applications on a rolling basis

2. Customise your resume, technical portfolio, and cover letter for each speciﬁc job you apply for

3. Schedule a mock interview with your Career Coaches

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

5. Aim to get a job six 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

MAXIMISE YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Internships are more than just work experience; they are a chance to shine and set the stage for a successful career.

Internships should not be treated like temporary jobs to pass your summer away. They are invaluable opportunities for you to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and explore career paths. However, making the most of this chance requires a deliberate effort on your end.

By adopting a proactive and strategic approach, you will not only boost your resume to hunt for your first professional full-time job, but also set yourself up for future success.

Do your homework Be professional

Before sending out applications, figure out what you want to get from your internship. Take the time to reflect and set your goals and objectives. Whether you want to delve further into a job that is related to your current course or explore a different industry, there is no wrong answer. However, having clear goals can help you make the right decisions.

Once you have decided on what you are looking for, take the time to read through the job descriptions and assess if they align with your goals. Find out more by going through the company’s website or talking to your seniors who have worked at the company.

If in doubt, check in with the Career Development Centre (CDC) for advice before you start applying for internships.

Punctuality, reliability, and maintaining a positive attitude are some of the basic tenets of professionalism. Following the company’s dress code is also important. If you are unsure, err on the side of formal.

Ultimately, it is important to be reliable. Carry out every task that is assigned to you on time and to the best of your capabilities while tackling challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Learn and apply what you have picked up in school. When in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your supervisor or colleagues and propose solutions.

Connect with others Exit the right way

Besides schools, internships are the next best platform to network and build relationships. Try to make friends and introduce yourself to everyone you meet. Attend company events and have lunch with different groups of people when possible. Get advice on the challenges you face at work or offer help in their projects if the opportunity arises.

While these connections may lead to job opportunities and mentorship in the future, do not make that your ultimate intention. Be genuine in wanting to know more about others. Sometimes, the invaluable life lessons you learn from your colleagues can enrich you more than you realise.

Keep learning

An internship is meant to be a learning experience, so be ready to ask questions to expedite your learning. Immerse yourself in the industry, seek advice, and learn from your mistakes. Adopt a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity to enrich your overall professional development. This will especially help if you are unsure whether this is the career path you wish to embrace upon graduation.

Additionally, regular feedback is important for growth. Ensure that you regularly discuss your performance and areas of improvement with your supervisor. Remember to keep a detailed record of the projects you work on, the skills you develop, and any accomplishments made.

After completing your internship, send thank-you notes to your supervisors and close colleagues. Consider asking them if they are willing to write a recommendation letter. Take the opportunity to connect with them on LinkedIn and keep in touch after your internship ends.

During your exit interview, be honest about your experience. Reﬂect on what you have learnt during your time there, and provide useful feedback if needed. Do note this is not the platform to complain or express unconstructive grievances; you should instead convey your appreciation for the lessons learnt and the experiences gained. Maintaining good relationships with your internship network can lead to future opportunities and professional growth.

Reﬂect on your internship by asking yourself the following questions :

1) What was the biggest challenge during your internship and how did you overcome it?

2) Are you still excited about your major?

3) What did you learn at your internship?

UNLOCKING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INTERNSHIPS

Discover how SUTD students leverage internships to gain hands-on experience, sharpen their skills, and better understand their career paths.

Internships are not just about completing tasks—it is also about building connections.

Ooi Jia Sheng

Economic Development Board

Internships gave me a shift in my mindset to think about what it means to be a corporate worker and how I can bring a positive impact to society.

My role

As an automation engineer, I was tasked to help ramp up production. It was a rewarding experience, especially because I got to work closely with a supportive and understanding team. Being in a startup allowed me to explore different areas and learn a lot— not just about the work itself, but also about the company’s culture.

My challenges

At my internship with Shell, the biggest challenge was getting up to speed with the petroleum industry, which was completely new to me. My knowledge of the ﬁeld was limited to some chemistry classes that covered reﬁnery processes. I faced a steep learning curve trying to understand the industry’s terminology and processes. Initially, it was overwhelming, but once I caught up, I felt more comfortable in meetings and was able to tackle my tasks effectively.

role

At the Economic Development Board Singapore (EDB), I worked under the division called Singapore Global Network as a digital products intern. I was working on projects that aimed to better foster the community spirit in Singapore.

My challenges

I struggle to understand how the infrastructures within the public services work, the culture and structure within the organisation, as well as the internal policies and how people work.

As a student, we can be very nested within our tunnel. We do not know what is happening in the outside world, so it is refreshing to see how things are in the corporate space. The exposure we gained from SUTD industry projects will never be the same as working in the industry itself.

My biggest takeaways

The most important lesson I learnt is the value of having an eager-to-learn attitude. Regardless of the industry, there will always be things you have to pick up from scratch. Being curious, asking questions, and approaching others for help can make all the difference in your ability to contribute effectively.

Advice for my juniors

Internships are not just about completing tasks—it is also about building connections. I overlooked this during my time at Shell during the initial part of my internship. For the ﬁrst six weeks, I was hesitant to approach my colleagues because I did not want to disrupt their workﬂow. As a result, I did not know my team as well as I should have. But with encouragement from my fellow interns, I started getting to know my colleagues, which enriched my experience.

My biggest takeaways

This internship has provided me with many opportunities which have been beneﬁcial for me to reach my career end goal. I was able to take advantage of the projects that I was exposed to, understand better what I am interested in, and gain invaluable experience in the future career I want to be in.

Internships gave me a shift in my mindset to think about what it means to be a corporate worker and how I can bring a positive impact to society. This is very different from just studying for an exam.

Advice for my juniors

Look beyond the Job Description. Embrace your curiosity, and step out of your comfort zone to search for tasks that you are passionate about. At the end of the day, the job description is just a guideline, and you should not feel boxed up by it. I learnt to be very transparent with my supervisors on what I am searching for to make the most of my internship.

Wong Jae Hann Shell

Jovi Tan Hwee Hwa

Computer Science and Design PBA Systems

I used my internship experience as a gauge to ﬁgure out whether I want to continue pursuing what I do or ﬁnd out what I want to do in the future.

Rodrigo Batllori

Engineering Product and Development

Procter and Gamble

Be willing to put in the hours, take action, and sometimes do things that push you outside of your comfort zone.

My role

For my internship, I worked at PBA Systems as a Software Developer. I was in the General Robotics department working on Robotic Operating System codes for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots.

Some of my tasks include implementing systems and capabilities for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), modifying battery management systems (BMS), getting product demonstration ready, working on CI/CD of the company’s repository, prototyping a GUI on Figma, and modifying C# applications as per a third-party vendor’s requirement.

My challenges

I struggled with some tasks that I was assigned to which required coding, as I was not that experienced with C# and CI/CD. I mainly learnt on the fly with the help of my colleagues, especially with past attempts at specific tasks, such as the CI/CD. With the flexibility of my work, I was able to spend more

My role

I interned for Procter and Gamble (PNG) as a packaging development intern. Working with their packaging and innovation team, my role was to design and create new package forms.

My challenges

When I ﬁrst joined, two key members of the project I was working on had just left, which meant I had to jump into the project quickly and adapt to the work style in a short time. That was pretty stressful.

Another challenge was being tasked with coding, which was not my strongest skill. I was worried I might negatively impact the project, but thankfully, one of my colleagues had a strong coding background. I reached out for help, and we ended up collaborating on the project together, which was a relief and a great learning experience.

My biggest takeaways

One of my biggest takeaways is realising that “teamwork really creates

time learning to ensure my work was functional and acceptable.

My biggest takeaways

I used my internship experience as a gauge to ﬁgure out whether I want to continue pursuing what I do or ﬁnd out what I want to do in the future.

I also learnt to not be afraid to take on unfamiliar tasks, especially when my supervisor encouraged me to try and learn something new. It was heartening to receive encouragement from my supervisor to step out of my comfort zone and learn a new skill.

Advice for my juniors

I think most people overlook the application side of things when it comes to applying for an internship. You have to make sure that the details on your resume are correct. I found out that I was ghosted because the email on my resume was incorrect. That mistake cost me about twenty applications with no response, so please double-check your resume for errors.

successful products.” At a startup, you often have to wear many hats and juggle various responsibilities, but here at PNG, everyone is highly skilled in their respective areas. It was amazing to see how different strengths came together to contribute to the project. The level of coordination and collaboration within the team, despite individual differences, was impressive. I learnt so much from working alongside people with diverse skills.

Advice for my juniors

My advice would be to make the most out of your internship. You are there for sixteen weeks—be proactive, go beyond your assigned tasks, and never hesitate to ask questions, even if you think they are “dumb.”

Build as many connections as you can. Talk to people because you never know who might open doors to new opportunities for you. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. You are an intern, so mistakes are more tolerated since you are still learning.

Mudassar Ahmad Japan

Architecture and Sustainable Design

Mitsubishi Jisho Design Asia

In a good work environment, people will appreciate your curiosity and will be happy to share their knowledge.

About my overseas internship

Living abroad was by far the highlight of my internship. Spending an extended period in another country is a rare opportunity, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the experience. Even everyday tasks, like taking the train and hearing Japanese announcements, felt exciting and new. It was a bittersweet experience, knowing that my time there was temporary and would eventually end, which made me want to savour every moment.

I had the opportunity to work for three months at their Tokyo headquarters and one month here at their branch in Singapore. It was quite eye-opening to see the cultural differences between Tokyo and Singapore. People go back and forth in both oﬃces where Japanese staff are allowed to apply to work in Singapore for a few years, and likewise the other way around.

My role

As an Architectural intern at Mitsubishi Jisho Design Asia (MJD), I had the unique experience of working on a project site designed by MJD centuries ago, meaning I was working in a space shaped by my predecessors. As an architect, it is rare to be so close to your project site, as many are often located overseas or a long commute away. So, being able to walk to the area I was working on was an incredible opportunity.

My focus during the internship was on interior design. MJD was tasked with demolishing an existing building, and my role involved surveying the interior to determine which materials, like expensive marble, could be salvaged. It was a challenging yet rewarding task, as these materials are often fragile and diﬃcult to extract.

My challenges

As a non-Japanese native speaker, one of my main challenges was communication due to the language barrier. If my supervisor was not around, I had to ﬁnd someone who spoke English and was also involved in the project, which was not always easy. What was even more challenging was that the person in charge of the building I was working on did not speak English, so I had to rely on my supervisor to relay messages.

I worked with two different teams during my time in Tokyo, and they had very different working styles. The ﬁrst team had permanent seating arrangements, making it easy to collaborate. The second team used hot-desking, which meant people were spread out across the oﬃce, making

it harder to get quick feedback. I preferred the ﬁrst team since my supervisor sat right next to me, and I could easily consult him whenever I needed help.

Adapting to the different team cultures was another challenge. Even within the same oﬃce, teams work in different ways. The type of task I was given also impacted how I handled these challenges, especially when deadlines were tight.

My biggest takeaways

I found that I needed to be more extroverted and proactive. At first, my colleagues would not initiate conversations, so I had to take the first step and approach them. For example, it took one month into my internship to find out that the colleague sitting behind me spoke fluent English. Looking back, I wish I had reached out sooner, but better late than never!

Another of my takeaways was understanding what it was like to work overseas, especially in a country where English is not the primary language. If I ever choose to work abroad again, I will be better prepared, both ﬁnancially and mentally.

This experience also boosted my conﬁdence. I became more open to trying new things and putting myself out there. Even if I was not directly involved in a project, I would sit in on meetings just to learn. I believe that consistently showing up leads to opportunities, and if things do not go as planned, that is okay. Internships are short, and the key is to keep learning, contributing, and growing.

Advice for my juniors

Apply for as many opportunities as possible. It will not be easy, but the more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of landing a position you want.

Once you have secured an internship, do not stress about proving your worth—you have already earned your spot. Focus on doing your job well and learning as much as you can. In my ﬁrst internship, I was ﬁxated on proving that I deserved to be there, but that mindset was not helpful.

Lastly, ask a lot of questions, even if it feels like you are being annoying. In a good work environment, people will appreciate your curiosity and will be happy to share their knowledge. Also, observe how they treat new employees. This will give you insight into the company culture and help you decide if it is a place where you can grow.

About

my overseas internship

Even though I was the only student from SUTD, there were interns from other universities in Singapore staying in the same accommodation as me in India. We have become good friends and often hang out.

I did face a bit of a culture shock at work. The work ethic in India is very different from what I was used to— the people are incredibly dedicated and driven, which took some time for me to adjust to. Ultimately, it has been a fun and enriching internship, offering a very different perspective compared to working in Singapore.

My role

One advice I would give is that you should not overthink and just go out there and gain experience, whether it will be good or bad.

I was an AI/ ML (Artiﬁcial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) intern at TVS Motor Company. As the company was exclusively using manual storage, they needed me to incorporate ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) and AI into their storage. Ultimately, they aimed to automate all the manual processes in their storage. My work did not require much coding, but rather a lot of AI research.

I enjoyed working with both my mentor and work friends, whom I could ask to clarify any doubts. I also treasured the freedom that I had as this project was solely assigned to me with help from a mentor. Through researching different ASRS and AI processes, I also learnt a lot from this internship.

My challenges

All staff here are usually assigned multiple projects at a time. Unlike in Singapore where we would use MSTeams to communicate with one another, most people here do not have the time to respond due to their heavy workload, so their replies tend to be very delayed. While I felt thankful that I

had many people to reach out to when I had questions, there was a lack of communication in this aspect.

At the start, I was quite shy and reserved. However, I think due to the work culture here, if you want to get things done on time, you need to step out of your comfort zone and communicate your needs, and I believe I have adapted to that well.

Thankfully, my colleagues here were very willing to help me. When I approached them, they would set aside their tasks ﬁrst and provide me with whatever I needed.

My biggest takeaways

Overall, I have learnt to be more independent. This is my ﬁrst time working away from home and Singapore. I used to be a shy person, but this internship has taught me to take the initiative and speak up more to clarify any doubts. It has made me more vocal and more independent. Ultimately, I made a lot of friends by stepping out of my shell.

Advice for my juniors

Before accepting this internship in India, I was scared of the unknown and I had a lot of “what if” questions. But ultimately, I took the chance and was rewarded tremendously. One advice I would give is that you should not overthink and just go out there and gain experience, whether it will be good or bad.

Naturally, you should do some research about the country itself and familiarise yourself with the native language as well. Enjoy yourself and at the end of the day, it is an internship so just soak all the experience and savour your time there.

Mohana India

TVS Motor Company

To all my juniors, I would advise you to just take the opportunity you are presented with, especially if it is an overseas internship.

About my overseas internship

I interned at Kaohsiung City in Taiwan, which is quite far from Taipei but I was able to meet a lot of cool locals in the area.

This is my ﬁrst overseas internship, and one of the big differences as compared to interning in Singapore is that you get more international colleagues, and cultures here are more diverse.

Since it is only a four-month internship I had to be very eﬃcient and prove my worth to my supervisors throughout the ﬁrst month. I had to show them the different testing plans I can execute, write all the documents that they require, and do programming ad-hoc, be it Python or Excel.

My role

My job title is an intern at Taiwan Engineering and Services (Hilti Group). I carried out testing plans for operators that were under my team, and I consolidated the data into a chart or graph to make things easier for my supervisors and higher-ups to see what the issues were or what we were lacking.

I also did coding in visual code. It is one of the programming languages in Microsoft Office. I did automation to automatically generate relevant and useful graphs. I also did some translations from Chinese to English as I am fluent in both languages. Even though my main job scope was just testing, since I was quite efficient with my work, I would try to find other work from my colleagues to see what I could assist with.

My challenges

Language was a big challenge for me. Being in a foreign country, having a bit of knowledge about their local language is very important. Everyone uses English in Singapore, so it was hard to adapt to fully converse in Chinese here in Taiwan. Even though I am ﬂuent in conversational Chinese, I still found it hard to understand some of the native lingo used.

To overcome this, I would try to hone my conversational skills in places that I go. I would stop by at bars and talk to others, and most of them could not tell I was from Singapore! So, I think I have successfully picked up their accent and ways of speaking.

I was homesick as well. Sometimes, feeling lonely is inevitable, but I believe that stepping out of your comfort zone in a professional and social setting is important as well. The individual has the power to alter how they will feel in a foreign place. For me, I went out with colleagues and made new friends in Taiwan, as well as traveled around when I was free. Being lonely was not a deal-breaker for me, as I had other ways to keep myself occupied and entertained.

My biggest takeaways

I learnt to be open to everything and to be adventurous. It is not harmful to take new risks. Since I am already embarking on an adventure in a new country, what is there to lose to try new things and experience everything the country has to offer?

I have also learnt to be humble and not to bring any bad habits from my past companies to new companies. I understand that I am not just representing SUTD but myself as well.

Advice for my juniors

To all my juniors, I would advise you to just take the opportunity you are presented with, especially if it is an overseas internship.

You get to experience new cultures, make unforgettable memories, and also build up your portfolio while enjoying yourself overseas. Take the ﬁrst step to put yourself out there and enjoy the process. Go for an overseas internship if you can; you will not regret it.

Song Ze Ong Taiwan

Hilti Group

QUALITIES THAT EMPLOYERS VALUE

Do not underestimate the power of transferable skills at work.

With artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting the industry and rendering some jobs obsolete, kickstarting your professional journey may not be as straightforward as expected. This makes it even more critical for you to prepare yourself holistically by not only developing a good set of technical skills that are desirable to employers, but also adopting highly coveted transferable skills.

What do the different skills mean?

SOFT SKILLS

• Represent your personal attributes and traits in a professional context

FUTURE SKILLS

• Ensure your relevance in the job market

GLOBAL SKILLS

• Affirm your applicability across international and multinational environments

Soft skills

• Ability to compromise

• Accountability

• Empathy

• Mediation skills

• Negotiation skills Conﬂict Management

Effective Communication

• Active listening

• Oratory abilities

• Writing proﬁciency

Ingenuity

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

Versatility

• Flexibility

• Open-mindedness

• Positivity

• Resilience

Work Ethic

• Accountability

• Professionalism

• Punctuality

• Reliability

Future skills Global skills

Future Skills

• AI and machine learning

• Cybersecurity

• Data science and analytics

• Digital marketing

• Robotics Process Automation (RPA)

Global Skills

• Cross functional collaboration

• Cultural competence

• Interdisciplinary knowledge

• Sustainability awareness

BUILDING YOUR

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Knowing how to make meaningful connections and leverage industry contacts can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Some say it is not about what you know, but who you know to get ahead in life. While that does not mean you should simply ditch school, connecting with the right people can make a big difference when you are just starting out or looking to level up.

Whether you are looking to network at traditional networking events, such as luncheons and conventions, or online through platforms like LinkedIn, there are many ways to expand your network and make valuable connections.

HOW TO NETWORK IN PERSON

1. Start with the people you already know

Networking can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you need to approach a complete stranger. Instead, try rekindling inactive ties by speaking to people that you have not seen or reached out to in a while.

2. Create deeper conversations

Small talks might work on a surface level, but more intimate conversations can help create a sense of closeness among individuals. In doing so, people are more likely to see you as a valuable connection rather than a passing acquaintance.

3. Remember to give, and not just take

People are more likely to help those who reciprocate, which is why it is important to contribute and give back to those who aided you. This also helps cultivate stronger bonds that you can call on later for bigger or more elaborate assistance.

4. Establish your strengths

Everyone has some level of value, and in a corporate sense, this includes your technical and soft skills. By establishing your value, you can show potential connections that you have something to offer them in return for what they are offering you.

5. Connect with people of all levels

Networking with your friends is good, but being able to connect with your superiors or your subordinates opens up a whole variety of prospects.

Reminder

It is important to remember that while there are a lot of personal beneﬁts to be reaped from networking, it is also about forming genuine connections, sharing knowledge and contributing to the lives of others.

HOW TO NETWORK ONLINE

Join LinkedIn groups

These are specialised forums where you can network with like-minded individuals and professionals from your sector. This is also a great avenue to cultivate relationships, exchange knowledge and skills, and seek advice from the community at large that may have valuable insights to offer.

Beneﬁts of networking

• Access to new opportunities

• Career growth

• Gain industry insights

• Get to know different groups of people

• Make use of new resources

Remain active

Being active invites engagement with others on the platform, which leads to opportunities for good connections. You will need to be consistent and maintain an active presence on the platform to allow you to stay updated on the latest trends and happenings.

Share your proﬁle’s URL

One of social media’s greatest strengths is its ability to transmit information to a whole range of audiences. You can take advantage of this by creating an ecosystem with your various accounts. In doing so, you are making yourself more prominent by marketing directly to people who are not on LinkedIn via different sources.

For example, include your LinkedIn proﬁle’s URL in your bio on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc. You can even include the link in your resume, portfolio and website to make it easier for employers to reach out to you.

Do you know...

The importance of apps like LinkedIn cannot be understated as it not only serves as a social networking site, but also helps individuals ﬁnd jobs, links up with industry experts, and offers insights into their respective ﬁelds of work.

By staying engaged on the platform, you can strategically grow your network to create a solid foundation for your career and position yourself for success in a competitive job market.

Make use of SEO keywords

When it comes to information search, optimisation is essential. Using keywords that are related to your field or job scope makes it easier to find you in a sea of profiles, identify your sector of interest and connect with you based on your data.

Exchange mutual endorsements

Endorsements basically work the same way as testimonials. They are written by colleagues, employers or friends who have experienced your work and capabilities first-hand and provide detailed accounts of it. This not only helps increase the legitimacy of your profile, but also instils confidence in future prospects that you are the real deal.

TIPS FOR CONNECTION REQUESTS

Do not send a generic request. These often go unnoticed, especially if someone receives a ton of requests from users who they may not know. Instead, make use of the personal note function to make your request feel more heartfelt, which increases the likelihood of them accepting your request.

Provide some reasons as to why you want to connect with them. If you are trying to connect with someone whom you do not have relations with by simply sending a connect request, you will likely get ignored. Try reaching out with a message that explains the purpose of the connect request, like applying for a potential job or simply looking forward to future projects together.

Sample

Hi William, I reviewed your proﬁle and I would like to connect to discuss the possibility of working together on a future project.

Thanks, John Smith

Avoid sounding like you are pitching them a service or product. It is common for many people to use LinkedIn as a way to pitch their services, but these messages generally do not garner responses. Try looking for more meaningful ways to relate to the person you wish to connect with like shared experiences or topics of interest.

Sample

Hi William, I noticed that you are a ﬁnal-year student. I reached out to you because I have some career openings, and I am wondering if you are interested in having a chat?

Thanks, John Smith

Look through their profile and identify common interests/activities if you do not know them. A person’s profile is a treasure trove of information. Everything from their past work experience to most recent achievements is on display, which makes it easy for you to peruse and find topics that both of you have a common interest in.

in Search

Activity

HOW AI CAN HELP CULTIVATE YOUR BRAND

Knowing how to make use of AI’s incredible capabilities for your job hunt can greatly benefit you and your efforts.

AI can do just about anything, and that includes building your personal brand. These days, there are various tools to help with this, from image rendering to developing your story and more, making them incredibly versatile and efficient in getting things done. It is essential to remember that while AI is a valuable apparatus, it can only create pieces of the puzzle, and it is up to you to put those pieces together.

Constructing a website

Content management systems like WordPress are designed to help users create platforms like websites with ease. Instead of having to learn complex skills, like coding, from scratch, you can rely on built-in assistants like the AI that Wix uses, which guides users with site design, layout and content creation.

Content management systems can also allow users to create

• Blogs

• Forums

• E-commerce sites

• Portfolios

• Social networks

• Online courses

Such systems can also recommend the best layouts for user engagement and SEO to attract and retain visitors through engaging on-brand content.

Composing a narrative

Every brand comes with a good story, and crafting a compelling narrative of yourself is key to building a strong brand. Consider using language platforms like ChatGPT that allow you to enter a series of prompts that best describe you and your image. The system can then develop a story that accurately depicts your unique abilities and aspirations.

• Newsletters AI like ChatGPT can be used to help generate

• Blog posts

• Articles

• Social media captions

• Emails

They also can understand tone and framing, which allows them to help maintain consistency across all forms of editorial content that it produces.

Enhancing social media engagement

Engagement is often a top priority for brands, and most of the major ones have dedicated teams to help them do this. While it may not be practical for you to hire a team at this moment, you could opt to purchase a full suite of social media management tools instead. Platforms like Sprout Social and Hootsuite can do things like schedule posts and track engagement metrics to optimise your social media strategy to maximise reach.

Deciding on “your vibe”

Graphics and colour schemes are a big part of a brand. Just like how Nike has its signature Swoosh logo, or how Mcdonald’s uses a bright yellow M, a brand needs to have a clear, identifiable logo and colour. To do this, you can make use of graphic tools like Canva or Adobe Express to analyse your brand’s identity and offer custom design recommendations that suit your brand.

Graphic AI tools can also

• Automate repetitive tasks (e.g. resizing images, applying consistent styles etc.)

• Offer creative suggestions

• Increase accessibility to online resources

• Analyse consumer messages

• Draw insights from social conversations

• Evaluate your brand sentiments

• Recommend new strategies

• Assess audience demographics

Social media management systems can also

OPTIMISE YOUR RESUME

FOR ATS

Understanding the ins and outs of how to make an ATS work for you can increase the chances of securing an interview.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are platforms that filter applicants based on qualifications so that only the most relevant resumes are seen by a hiring manager. This not only streamlines the hiring process, but also ensures that the right talents are recruited by organisations each year.

These systems are often employed by companies in a bid to increase efficiency, reduce cost and hire the best candidates, which can make things more challenging for individuals who are trying to secure their first jobs. Despite this, there are several ways to make sure that your resume and qualifications stand out from the crowd, and get your foot in the door to secure that coveted interview slot.

How the ATS works

The system is fairly straightforward: pick out the best candidates based on a series of set parameters put in place by the organisation. These parameters are dependent on what the company is looking for, and can change according to their hiring needs.

The system scans, collects and sorts the resumes and proceeds to weed out the least qualified candidates and put them at the bottom of the pile. This means that if a resume is not optimised with the ATS in mind, the chances of it reaching a hiring manager are quite low, which in turn, diminishes an individual’s chances of getting an interview.

Refining your resume

With this in mind, cleaning up your resume becomes a top priority before going on a job hunt. While there are many ways to enhance your resume accordingly, there are some broad tips that you can apply to increase the likelihood of the ATS picking up your resume.

Do keep in mind that each industry, company, department and position have different requirements for its employees, so do your research and take these factors into account when making the necessary adjustments to your resume.

Keep it simple and clean

A cluttered resume is a resume that is difficult to read, analyse and understand, all of which makes it off-putting to a hiring manager. Keeping things neat and simple presents your achievements and skills in a template that is easy on the eyes and sells your strengths in a direct manner.

Make use of relevant keywords

The ATS often looks for specific keywords when it scans through resumes, which is a more efficient way of sorting through so many documents. By making use of keywords that are mentioned in the job listing, you potentially increase the visibility of your resume within the system.

Connect keywords to actual experiences

While using keywords to your advantage is good, do make sure that the keywords are somehow related to your experiences, and not just used in vain. This is something hiring managers pick up on when reading your resume. By connecting the keywords to your experiences, you are showing that you have some actual substance to offer, rather than “catfishing” your way to a job.

Tailor your resume for each specific job

Using a generic resume is not likely to get you a job since every role is unique, and has different sets of requirements that need to be fulfilled. Rather, try tailoring your resume to fit the description. This not only shows that you are better able to meet the company’s needs, but also lets the hiring manager know that you are serious about wanting the job.

Ensure you use the right file type

Some file types are not the best for the ATS. For example, while PDF might be the best at maintaining the format and design of your resume, some systems might not accept it. Take note of what file type each platform accepts, but if you are unsure of what file type to use, stick to Word documents using .doc or .docx. This will offer you some room for creativity in formatting and allow you to write a professional-looking resume that a plain-text format might prevent.

KEYS FOR A PRODUCTIVE JOB SEARCH

Looking for a job can be a long and tedious process, but being able to make the best out of the process can make it worth your while.

For some, job hunting can be a breeze with multiple positions being offered within just a few attempts. But for others, this can be one of the most challenging experiences in their early adult years. It is perhaps safe to say that going on a job search can be a mixed bag of experiences, with some scoring jobs with ease while others struggling with the process.

This is due to many different factors that are not within one’s control, like the health of the job market and the economy. Couple that with technological disruptions like the shift to AI, job hunts have gotten much harder at large. Despite this, it is still possible to have a productive job search. It takes some planning, patience, and a keen eye to spot arising opportunities.

Understand your industry’s landscape

Research goes a long way before starting your job hunt. By taking the time to understand key elements, like the state of an industry’s hiring practices, you can avoid a lot of potential disappointments and save yourself time.

You might be a top scorer in school with plenty of skills to offer employers, but it is impossible to find a job if no one knows of you or your capabilities. Getting the word out as quickly and as widely as possible is vital to establish your name and brand in the job market as a potentially valuable employee.

First impressions are everything, and this extends to documents like resumes. It is often one of the first things that hiring managers see before meeting you, and a well-structured resume can be the difference between getting an interview or losing out to other candidates.

Start early

Plan one year in advance. Lastminute endeavours rarely result in fruitful outcomes. Rather, take time to create a plan of action that is purposeful and aimed at achieving your goals within a plausible time frame.

Make good use of online resources

One of the major perks of the Internet is that it has made job-searching much easier with dedicated sites like Jobstreet and LinkedIn. These platforms not only bring jobseekers and prospective employers together, but also create a conducive environment that increases the likelihood of securing a job.

Tap on your network

Your network is a treasure trove of untapped potential. Knowing people who can offer you access to these opportunities is an essential part of job hunting, and takes the stress off of you to go at this alone.

Be realistic

Do not expect to get a job straight away. A job search is a process that takes time and may throw you unexpected curveballs. Be ready to adapt your plans accordingly, and confer with friends about their experiences, which helps to give you a good benchmark for how you are faring in your job search.

Make good use of your time

Time is the most valuable commodity that you have, so do not waste it by sitting around and waiting for job offers to roll in. Instead, make use of the free time you have to do internships or take on upskilling opportunities that can furnish your resume with new skills that are in demand.

MASTERING THE ART OF THE ELEVATOR PITCH

A well-crafted elevator pitch could be just the game-changer you need to unlock new opportunities and propel your future.

It is not impossible to make a memorable impact in just a minute. In today’s competitive job market, the first impression can set the tone for your career. Perfecting your elevator pitch is a game-changing skill that allows you to captivate potential employers in 30 seconds to two minutes. Whether you are at a networking event or an interview, a well-crafted pitch is your ticket to standing out. But crafting that perfect pitch takes thoughtful planning and practice.

What makes an Elevator Pitch

Most elevator pitches have a basic four-point structure. The key is to deliver messages about who you are, what you stand for, and what you can do while answering questions about how your capabilities can add value to an organisation. That is a lot of things to do within such a short timeframe, so a systematic approach where every word is carefully thought out is vital; something that the four-point structure can help with.

1. Introduction/ the “hook”

Hello, my name is James, and I was a senior AI designer at Company A. I was the team leader for Project X that developed a new data management software, allowing users to streamline operations and save costs.

The introduction serves as an Ice breaker to let audiences know who you are, what you do and the purpose of this pitch. It should be a fairly concise set of statements that also hooks audiences in by telling them what they can gain out of listening to you.

2. The key message

This software uses AI-driven algorithms to help identify, sort and analyse data that our client uses in real-time to increase the efficiency of our data processing sites. Clients can also request a report from the system which summarises everything, making it much easier for clients to review their performance on our platform.

Essentially the “meat on the bones”, the key message is where you explain the “why” of the pitch, namely why someone should hire you or why your product is good. It should add substance to the claims made in the introduction that is used to hook audiences in.

3. Unique selling point (USP)

This AI-driven algorithm is a proprietary creation from our team, and I was instrumental in leading the team through the design and construction phase of the project. The product’s performance has exceeded the performance of all the current systems by 15 per cent, and increased the eﬃciency levels by clients who use our systems by 10 per cent. We can also tailor the platform to directly suit the needs of our clientele.

As the name suggests, this segment is all about differentiating yourself or your product from the rest of the crowd. You can really reap the beneﬁts of this by using statistics that showcase your success rates, or use short phrases from testimonials that accurately describe how well you or your product has done in this scenario.

4. Call to action (CTA)

I would be more than happy to meet with you and your management team to learn about your company’s needs and discuss opportunities for me to help your organisation achieve its goals.

The call to action is arguably the most important segment, as it is used to set the stage for new possibilities when done correctly. This is where you politely request what you want (like a chance for a second interview), and compel the audience to grant you your request by reminding them that this could be a mutually beneﬁcial relationship if it works out.

Things to avoid

• Long-winded statements

As valuable as a whole presentation is, it is also time-consuming, which is why elevator pitches are kept short. Avoid being overly verbose or going too in-depth on your points as it takes the emphasis away from the overall pitch.

• Rushing through your points

Speeding through your pitch is not only a sign of poor time management, but also makes it diﬃcult for the audience to understand what you are saying.

• Lacking details

Being vague only works against you, especially in this format where time is of the essence. It also undermines the credibility of the speaker, giving the audience a sense that the speaker may not have prepared for this pitch adequately.

Things to remember

• Cover all aspects

Being thorough is important. If your pitch leaves audiences confused or questioning your narrative, it might close the door on prospects.

• Time management is everything An elevator pitch should be short and sweet. While it is generally acceptable to exceed the recommended timeframe by a small margin, overextending or being long-winded can backﬁre on you.

• Simplicity is best

Simple is always best. This ensures that everything you say is clear and direct, avoiding any possibility of miscommunication or misunderstanding.

• Be conﬁdent

Conﬁdence shows, and it is important to look like you believe in not just yourself but what you are saying. Most people draw conﬁdence from being well-prepared, so do not skimp on your research and planning phase.

• Prepare for questions

You should be able to cover all the key details during your pitch, but there will always be room for questions or inquiries. Do remember to take time out to prepare for such things, and be ready to answer some unexpected questions as well.

CREATING A COMPELLING JOB APPLICATION EMAIL

Email job applications are critical to get right as they set the stage for future interactions between you and the hiring manager.

One of the great perks of job hunting these days is that platforms like LinkedIn or JobStreet make it incredibly convenient to apply for new jobs. All you have to do is submit your documents and send them directly to employers for viewing. However, there will always be a need to become proficient in email writing since it has been, and still is, an integral part of the job application process.

This does mean that you will need to leave a positive impression. Regardless of how outstanding your resume or cover letter is, a poorly crafted email can cost you the opportunity for further consideration, and this is something that must be kept in mind.

Tips for writing good emails

Mind your email attachments

Take extra care in checking that you have attached all relevant documents before sending out your email. If your documents are too large to be attached, you can use a zip folder or a cloud drive link for employers to download your documents directly.

Address your email appropriately

Addressing your email directly to a specific person goes a long way in making a good first impression. The hiring manager’s name is sometimes included in the job description. If not, you can use LinkedIn or the organisation’s online directory to find the right contact. This shows effort on your part to make a genuine connection instead of using generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

New Message

hr@employer-123.com

Application for Marketing Executive_John Lim

john_lim_liwei@gmail.com

File Attachment Add Image Cloud

Dear Ms Tan,

I am interested in the Marketing Executive position at Animal Welfare Company, as advertised on LinkedIn. I have a 6-month internship experience as a Marketing Assistant, and I am an active volunteer at the local animal shelter. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualiﬁcations for the role.

Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

John +65 9812 0569

Cancel Save Send

Craft an effective signature

Your email signature should typically include details that allow employers to reach you directly and/or learn more about you. This means you can add things like a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio, as well as your mobile number, all of which is particularly important for your initial email to any professional contact.

Follow up promptly

Responding quickly to an employer’s email shows your attentiveness and eagerness to join their organisation. This is the same for follow-up messages that you can send if you have not received a reply within an expected timeframe, typically about a week. Do remember to keep an eye on your inbox regularly to avoid missing interview opportunities or job offers.

Compose a clear subject line

The subject line is a simple but tricky aspect. It needs to be clear and concise while reflecting the purpose of the email, and needs to make a strong first impression. Try keeping it around six to eight words since inboxes typically display about 60 characters and mobile phones show 25 to 30 characters.

For example, “Application for (Role) – (Your Name)” is clean, neat, and effective.

Choose a professional email address

Your email address and domain should reflect its purpose, which means you will need a professionalsounding email address hosted on a reputable domain. The new email should include your initials, surname, or full name and avoid references to your favourite puns, memes, or games. Minimise the use of numbers to prevent confusion and inappropriate language should certainly not be used.

Keep it brief and professional

This is, above all else, a work email, which means it needs to be professional and have no room for things like, emojis, acronyms, and exclamation marks. The message should be brief and respectful with a formal tone, especially in your opening email.

Check for errors

Proofreading your email draft for grammatical errors and typos is absolutely crucial. Nothing conveys a lack of effort like spelling mistakes that could have been avoided, so pay attention to what you have written, particularly when using names or terms that might be edited by autocorrect.

WRITING AN IMPRESSIVE RESUME

A resume should be like a “stats sheet” that shows employers how you can fulﬁl their requirements with your capabilities and skills.

Having a strong resume is crucial to securing an interview. The main objective of this document is to present pertinent details about yourself in a straightforward and readable manner; essentially putting your skills and traits on display. A resume, therefore, is much like a prologue of a book where you give people a sneak peek of what you are and what you can do in order to pique their interest, motivating them to ﬁnd out more.

Pick the format that works best for you:

• Puts your information according to your professional timeline

• Ideal for those with extensive work history and an uninterrupted employment record

• Places heavy emphasis on the skills section

• Designed to highlight your abilities or specialisations, especially if work experience is lacking

Make use of keywords

Most resumes often go through an ATS, which is designed to collect, sort and identify candidates based on qualiﬁcations. This is where the use of keywords comes into play. By employing the right keywords based on the job description, you can increase the likelihood of the ATS picking up your resume and highlighting it to the hiring manager.

Try using between 25-30 keywords, and spread them through your resume, to prevent unwanted clustering of words. Some examples of keywords include job titles, names of former companies, software skills, qualiﬁcations and/or certiﬁcations, university name and degree.

Avoid using cliches

Be speciﬁc when using keywords. The use of keywords should not be in vain, but should complement your narrative and reinforce your actual work experience. For example, instead of simply saying you are a creative person, show employers you are creative by telling them about how you have contributed to past creative projects.

• Balances the showcase of work history and skills

• Recommended for those who have a good blend of technical abilities and experience at work

Customise it

Every job is different, and has a different requirement that needs to be addressed by potential employees. Your resume should be an “answer sheet” that fulﬁls the needs of the job listing.

Look carefully at what the listing states or what the hiring manager is looking for, and modify your basic resume template to suit the details accordingly.

CREATING A STANDOUT COVER LETTER

A good resume needs to be paired with an equally impressive cover letter that tells who you are in greater detail.

Cover letters are typically submitted alongside your resume and serve as a complementary tool in your job application. While your resume provides a concise overview of your qualiﬁcations, experience, and skills, the cover letter is where you get the chance to elaborate on key points and add a personal touch to your application. It is your opportunity to explain why you are the best ﬁt for the role, provide context for any gaps or transitions in your career, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for both the position and the company.

In a competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the difference between standing out or getting lost in the shuﬄe. By tailoring your message and addressing the speciﬁc needs of the employer, you can build a strong connection that sets you apart from other candidates.

Tailor your cover letters

Much like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for. This is where a fairly big chunk of your writing is going to go, with the aim of selling your skillset and experience to a speciﬁc employer.

Show it, not say it

Refrain from just telling recruiters you are good; show them you are good. Use this chance to mention projects you are involved with in greater details. Stand out from your competitors and show recruiters why your experience and abilities are just what they are looking for.

Do not summarise your resume

Avoid copying your resume since you already have one for hiring managers to look at. Instead, expand on that content and talk about aspects like personality traits that make you a good choice for the job.

Make it a one page

Although a cover letter is a good place to expound on the details of your work history and traits, try not to overdo it and do not exceed a single page. The information should be informative but not overwhelming at the same time, which is why it is important to manage the length of your cover letter carefully.

Demonstrate cultural fit

Beyond skills and qualifications, companies often seek candidates who align with their culture and values. Reflect on what makes the company unique and highlight how your personality or work style fits in with their ethos. Mentioning company initiatives, projects, or values can help show you are a great match.

Use a professional but engaging tone

Striking the right balance between professionalism and personality is key. Avoid overly formal or stiff language, but maintain a respectful and polished tone. A cover letter that reads naturally and engages the reader can make a stronger impact.

Highlight relevant achievements

Focus on specific accomplishments that directly align with the requirements of the job. Mention relevant achievements from previous roles that showcase your ability to solve problems, lead initiatives, or add value. Use concrete examples to illustrate your contributions.

CRAFTING AN EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL PORTFOLIO

A strong technical portfolio with the right layout can showcase the quality of your work and achievements to create a lasting impact on employers.

Aportfolio is the last piece of the puzzle that works in conjunction with your resume and your cover letter. The purpose of your portfolio is to showcase the work that you have done, and reinforce everything that you have conveyed in your resume and cover letter in a more visceral manner. Much like your resume, picking the right template to do so is critical to display your works in the best possible way. Whether you are in a creative industry or a more hands-on occupation, such things would inﬂuence your decision in the kind of work and the format in which you select in order to make the biggest possible impact.

Pick out your best works

Your portfolio is basically your Greatest Hits album. You should be picking the best samples based on the job you are applying for, and showing why you are the best person for this job.

Include testimonials and accolades

Any form of endorsement or achievement employers lends plenty of credibility to your portfolio and your capabilities. It also acts as a form of assurance for the recruiter that you are worth hiring and can possibly seal the deal for you.

Choose the right layout

Some prefer using free websites like Wix, others create social media accounts dedicated to their works. The industry you are in usually dictates what the norm is when it comes to layouts. Research what most people in your industry use, and either work with the standard or try something new that is unique and represents you and your brand well.

Your resume, cover letter and portfolio should work together cohesively to help you stand out among other candidates. This means that by creating an ecosystem that links all three documents together, you are fostering a seamless viewing experience for the recruiter.

Optimise your portfolio

LEVERAGING AI FOR YOUR JOB APPLICATION

Familiarising yourself with the ins and outs of using AI for your job search can significantly streamline the process, saving you both time and effort.

The job application process can be daunting, especially if you are navigating it for the first time. Preparing the necessary materials and balancing key aspects—like showcasing your technical skills, highlighting your experience, emphasising your uniqueness, and convincing recruiters that you are the right fit—can be overwhelming for fresh graduates. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help ease the process.

AI is one such valuable resource. These cutting-edge tools offer efficiency, creativity, and versatility, making them incredibly beneficial for a wide range of users. From crafting tailored resumes to optimising cover letters, AI provides a suite of capabilities that can simplify your job search efforts and enhance your chances of landing an interview.

Streamlines repetitives tasks

Pros of using AI

• Whether it is copying information to a new format you wish to try out or filling in your skills section of your resume, AI can help make the process much quicker by completing repetitive tasks instantaneously.

Versatility

• There are a ton of different AI platforms designed to serve different purposes. This means that there is no shortage of resources for users to tap on if they wish to to create a whole bunch of different documents for their job search.

Generates creative content

• One of the biggest strengths of AI is that it has the ability to develop creative content or offer unique suggestions to users. This is extremely useful especially if you have no idea where to start or what to do.

• Many users around the world use platforms like ChatGPT to help them proofread or sharpen the editorial content of their job application materials. Aside from that, AI can also offer structured layouts for you to follow to ensure that everything is done in a clear and concise manner. Enhances quality

Cons of using AI

Lacks a personal touch

• The information generated is based on the prompts that you provide. This may result in “cookie cutter” responses that feel impersonal to readers.

• Using the content that AI creates in its entirety is also a missed opportunity for individuals to showcase their flair and personality in areas like your cover letter.

Possibility of inaccuracies

• AI is intelligent, but it might not be able to fully grasp things like context or the right tone for your documents. Some platforms might even take it a step too far and embellish your accomplishments or skills, which can result in misunderstandings during the hiring process.

• AI platforms are also data-driven platforms that rely on prompts to create content. This can backfire if the information used is outdated or inaccurate, which in turn, can lead to false or outdated content being generated for your job application materials.

May hinder prospects

• Most ATS platforms are not specifically designed to look out for the use of AI in your job application, but there are free software available that employers might use to investigate the use of AI in job search documents.

• Although it is not illegal to use AI for your job search, submitting a CV or resume entirely done by AI without edits or changes can be seen as low effort and reduce the likelihood of securing you a spot for an interview.

DRESSING TO IMPRESS

First impressions matter, especially in the professional world. Your attire can set the tone for how you are perceived in an interview or workplace setting, so learn how to choose the right outﬁt.

BUILDING A WORK CAPSULE WARDROBE

Women are spoilt for choice when it comes to wardrobe selections. However, you can never go wrong with having these items as part of your work capsule wardrobe.

• Pants or skirt-suit

• Well-pressed blouse or shirt

• Jacket or blazer for more formal occasions

Stick to colours that are not too bright. Ensure that your skirt is kneelength and maintains a modest length even when seated or bending down.

• A simple ponytail or a sleek bun

• Keep your makeup natural; avoid red lips and opt for a gloss or a lip balm instead

• Bring makeup with you to retouch if needed

• Simple necklace, earrings, or bracelet

• Use closed toe ﬂats, pumps under 2 to 3 inches, or court shoes

OUTFIT

Men should have these staples in their wardrobe:

• A shirt and tie combo

• A well-tailored suit and pants set

• A neutral plain t-shirt for less formal occasions

An ill-ﬁtting suit might reﬂect poorly on you. Keep your colour palette subtle, favouring dark blues and greys.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

ACCESSORIES

• Keep your facial hair neatly trimmed to avoid stray hairs

• Ensure your hair is neatly styled

• Smart, freshly polished leather shoes in black or brown

• Boots and loafers are also acceptable depending on the formality of the interview

• Accessorise with a simple belt (that matches your shoes), cuﬄinks, tie clips, and a wristwatch

WHAT DIFFERENT DRESS CODES MEAN

SMART CASUAL

This is a common dress code for the creative, engineering, and IT sector. It is also frequently adopted by start-ups.

For Her

• Dress (can be in fun colours or prints)

• Button-down shirt or blouse

• Skirt or jeans

• Wedges, ﬂats, or low-tomedium heels, loafers, sneakers

For Him

• Polo tee or shirt

• Pants, jeans, chinos

• Dress shoes or loafers

BUSINESS CASUAL

Employees adhering to this dress code tend to be from the public sector, media, and FMCG industries, among others. Those with client-facing roles typically wear this attire.

For Her

• Dress (neutral colours)

• Blouse or shirt with threequarter or long sleeves

• A-line or pencil skirt

• Dress pants

• Wedges, ﬂats, or low-tomedium heels

For Him

• Long-sleeved shirt

• Pants

• Dress shoes

• Cuﬄinks, tie, and jacket if desired

BUSINESS FORMAL

Predominantly seen in the banking or ﬁnance sector, this dress code projects a strong professional image in client-facing situations. It also works for formal events such as networking sessions, company dinners, and interviews.

For Her

• Work dress

• Top or shirt with threequarter to long sleeves

• Dress pants or pencil skirt

• Flats or low-to-medium heels

• Business suit or blazer

For Him

• Long-sleeved shirt

• Pants

• Dress shoes

• Cuﬄinks and plain tie

• Suit in a dark colour

ACING THE INTERVIEW

Preparing for different interview formats, questions, and processes is key to making a strong impression and increasing your chances of success.

The interview is arguably the most crucial part of the job application process. It is the moment that could secure you the job you have worked so hard to attain, making it a signiﬁcant milestone for any candidate. That is why thorough preparation is essential—not just for making a good impression, but for demonstrating your value to potential employers.

Today, interviews come in various formats, from traditional in-person meetings to virtual or panel interviews. Each format has its own unique dynamics, so it is vital to understand these nuances and prepare accordingly.

Types of Interviews

Preparation tips

• Before the interview, practise using the video interview software or AI platform to ensure you are comfortable with its features and functions.

• Look directly into the camera, not at your screen, to simulate eye contact with the interviewer or AI, making your responses feel more personal and engaging.

Robot & Structured Video Interview

Robot and structured video interviews are modern tools used by employers to streamline the hiring process. In a robot interview, candidates respond to pre-recorded questions using an AIpowered platform. The AI analyses responses based on factors like word choice, tone, and facial expressions. This type of interview eliminates the need for live interviewers in the initial stages, allowing companies to quickly assess a large pool of applicants.

A structured video interview follows a more traditional format but with a twist. Candidates are asked a standardised set of questions and record their answers via video, which is later reviewed by hiring managers. This approach ensures consistency and fairness in evaluating all candidates, as everyone is asked the same questions and judged against the same criteria.

Both interview types offer ﬂexibility for candidates, allowing them to complete the interview at their convenience. For employers, these methods provide an eﬃcient way to screen candidates while reducing biases, as initial evaluations are based more on objective criteria rather than subjective impressions.

• Articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. AI algorithms and hiring managers value clarity, so avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly.

• There may be time limits or multiple takes for your responses. Stay calm, take a deep breath, and focus on delivering your best answer in the given time frame.

Preparation tips

• Get to know who is interviewing you by researching them. This will allow you to understand what they are looking for and customise your responses and queries.

• Check if your interview is one-on-one or a panel interview. This will help you to prepare mentally, especially if you need to face several interviewers at once.

Face-to-Face

In-person interviews remain the most common and preferred method of interviewing because they allow employers to assess a candidate’s interpersonal skills in real time. Face-to-face interactions give hiring managers a chance to observe non-verbal cues like body language, eye contact, and posture, all of which can convey conﬁdence, professionalism, and communication abilities. Moreover, in-person meetings foster a more natural ﬂow of conversation, making it easier for both parties to ask follow-up questions, clarify points, and engage in deeper discussions about the role and company culture.

• Take note of the interviewer’s non-verbal cues such as their posture, body language, and tone throughout the process. You will need to match that in order to show that you are a good ﬁt for the organisation’s culture.

Preparation tips

• Ensure that all your devices, such as your camera, microphone and speakers, are working smoothly. Make sure your Internet connection is stable as well.

• Set up in a location that is well-lit, and quiet. You may choose to use a virtual background or do a sweep before the interview to make sure that there are no inappropriate items or things in your background.

• Keep your charging devices close by.

• You can use noise-cancelling earphones or headphones to minimise background noise and to hear the interviewer more clearly if you are in a noisier environment.

Zoom/Video

Zoom and video interviews have persisted and grown in prevalence. This is due to their convenience and their ability to reduce cost. Interviewers can easily assess multiple candidates within a short period of time. In light of its popularity, this is deﬁnitely a type of interview that you will encounter when job hunting.

• Have your documents ready with you just in case you need them.

• Dress appropriately. Even if this is a virtual interview, putting your best foot forward is key in making a good impression.

• Maintain good posture, eye contact and speak clearly. Virtual interviews happen through a medium which can sometimes work against you, so you should put in extra effort in making sure you can be seen and heard well.

Types of Interview Questions

1. Competency

2. Situational

3. Technical

These questions are designed to assess a candidate’s personality by using open-ended questions to see how well you ﬁt with the job and company culture. They evaluate the range of your skills and your perspective on different matters that are industry and/or role related. It is important to prepare in advance by researching different competency questions, seeing how you relate to the case studies, and reading widely about the happenings in your chosen ﬁeld.

Examples

• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership. What did you take away from that experience?

• Share with me about a time when you had to navigate a diﬃcult or challenging issue with an employee.

• Give me an example of when your leadership abilities had a signiﬁcant impact.

As the name suggests, these questions make use of certain hypothetical settings to assess your approach when it comes to complex issues. The questions may even be deliberately diﬃcult, but this is to allow the interviewer to understand your thought process and it is not necessarily about giving the right answers.

Examples

• What would you do if you had to take on a project with a short timeframe?

• What would be your course of action if you had to handle a diﬃcult client?

• How would you tackle challenges if you had limited resources available to you?

Certain industries that heavily rely on technical expertise will often make use of such questions to assess a candidate’s proﬁciency in these topics. You might be asked to complete an assessment within a given timeframe. This is usually aimed at reviewing your logic-based approach to problem-solving in conjunction with your understanding of industry concepts.

The STAR method

• Summarise the Situation

• Outline Your Task

• Explain your Action

• Present the Results

You may employ the STAR method to help you organise your responses.

Assessment Centres

What is an assessment centre?

Assessment centres are designed speciﬁcally to allow employers to evaluate potential employees outside of the traditional hiring process. These methods typically make use of a series of scenario-based games or tasks that put candidates or a group of candidates together, in order to test different aspects of skills. This can include written tests, in-tray exercises, case studies, and many more options.

While reviewing applicants using their submitted documents and interviews is good, assessment centres promise a much deeper analysis of a candidate’s abilities. This is due to the fact that employers can see how employees work individually or in a group in real-time, allowing them to draw conclusions based on the outcomes of the activities.

What to expect from assessment centres?

Assessment centres usually have a set of tasks or activities that are designed to see how you perform physically and mentally in various workplace settings. This can be individually or in a group, with the benchmarks set by the employers based on what they are looking for in potential employees.

The types of tests administered

Group exercises

Designed to see how well you work in a team setting.

• Play to your strengths

• Lead when possible

• Foster an inclusive environment

• Do not be afraid to seek help

• Delegate work fairly

Written exercises

Designed to test your ability to articulate yourself using the written word. Such tests place heavy emphasis on your spelling and grammar, information management, problem-solving and critical thinking under pressure.

• Check for grammatical and spelling errors

• Maintain a formal tone

• Treat this like any written exam

• Keep it simple and concise

• Prioritise key information

• Ensure your stance is consistent

How to prepare for assessment centres

The purpose of assessment centres is to mimic the challenges that employees will face on a daily basis in the workplace. This means that for many graduates like yourself, this will be the first time that they are experiencing what it is like to work in a corporate capacity, and the issues that they have to overcome can be quite difficult. That being said, it is not impossible as long as you take several key factors into account.

• Balance the need to stand out and the need to work collaboratively

There will be tasks where you are required to work together in teams. By taking initiative to lead, you are showing employers that you have potential for leadership. However, this needs to be tempered to prevent being seen as too pushy or overshadowing other candidates.

Psychometric tests

Used to assess your abilities, aptitudes and personality alongside more subjective feedback

• Work your mental agility

- Play puzzles

- Solve brainteasers

- Do basic maths

Situational tasks/in-tray exercises

These are role-play scenarios where you have to work through an in-tray/inbox full of paperwork within a time frame. You must be able to organise your work, develop solutions and explain why you came up with such solutions.

• Do not rush to finish

• Pay attention to the details

• Be adaptable and ready to change your plans

• Learn to prioritise work

• Do not be afraid to speak up and clarify

Being vocal is a skill that every good employee needs to learn. There will always be issues that you cannot solve alone, and this is where it is critical to speak up. By doing so, you are showing employers that you can actively participate and interact with other employees effectively.

• Behave professional and treat this like a real job

This might be a “mock job”, but chances are whatever you go through in an assessment centre, you will likely experience it again in the workplace. It is therefore imperative that you put your best foot forward and behave professionally in such settings.

Presentations

Used to assess your ability to put information into a structure and deliver it to audiences in a seamless manner.

• Develop a reliable framework

• Keep it succinct

• Make use of non-verbal cues

• Use visual aids to compliment your spoken words

Case studies

This task usually provides you with a scenario and an information pack with items like emails, charts, reports, letters, memos, or news article excerpts. Your job is to use the information to figure out the problem and formulate a solution for it.

• Read up on the latest news and occurrences in your industry

• Research and familiarise yourself with real-world case studies if possible

• Be alert when reading the information pack

• Exercise creativity

• Have confidence in your technical and soft skills

You have spent many years developing your skills through internships and your schooling years. It is important that you have faith in them and confidence in yourself to deliver on the tasks that you have been assigned to using these skills. In doing so, you are also showing future employers that you are someone who has the will and the skill to get things done in their organisation.

Preparing for specific tasks in advance might be tricky as you do not know what kind of test you are being assigned on that day. That being said, there are a number of activities that assessment centres routinely use in evaluating employees, and knowing how to prepare yourself beforehand can be the difference between succeeding or failing.

NAVIGATING JOB OFFERS

Knowing how to evaluate and negotiate job offers is essential for career success.

After successfully acing your interview, the next step is navigating job offers. This phase can be challenging, especially when it comes to negotiating the terms of your contract. It is important to consider various factors, including your ﬁnancial situation and personal needs. The goal is to ﬁnd a balance between politely asking for what you deserve and not appearing overly demanding.

Negotiating your job offer

When you receive a job offer, you have three options: accept, decline, or negotiate. If you choose to negotiate, remember that this is a skill that requires careful preparation. Understanding the key factors to consider and conducting thorough research is essential before sitting down at the negotiating table.

Negotiation can be daunting because each situation is unique, but there are steps you can take to be well-prepared.

Steps to take before negotiating:

Research market rates

Start by researching the market rates for your position. This will give you a benchmark for salary and beneﬁts. Aim to position your requests within the middle range to increase your chances of a favourable response.

Evaluate your value

Speak with friends or peers in the same industry who are willing to share the details of their offers. Comparing their deals with yours will help you gauge your market value.

Identify the corporate culture

Some companies, particularly larger or more traditional ones, may expect a more reserved approach to negotiation. Tailoring your strategy to ﬁt the company culture is crucial.

Salary is not everything

While salary is important, other factors like annual leave, medical beneﬁts, and work-life balance are also key. Make sure these elements are part of your negotiation.

Know the negotiable elements

Not every aspect of a job offer is open to negotiation. For instance, if a role is speciﬁed as on-site, trying to negotiate for remote work could harm your chances. Focus on aspects not explicitly covered in the job listing or interview.

Do’s

• Remain tactful and respectful

• Understand the employer’s position

• Give a range when it comes to your salary

• Prepare for hard questions

• Understand your worth and be ready to show them

• Be prepared to walk away

Do not’s

• Demand that your requests are met

• Negotiate for the sake of negotiating

• Dismiss the other party’s position

• Ask for things that are wildly outside of your scope

When to accept or hold an offer

When deciding to accept or hold a job offer, there is no shortage of advice online. Some of it based on arbitrary “rules” like “never take the first offer”, or “use deception to get what you want”. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by the goals you set for your future.

It is important to be realistic; no offer will automatically check off all your requirements, even after rounds of negotiation. However, knowing when to accept or hold off on an offer can be advantageous, especially if you are uncertain about the opportunity.

When to accept offers

• Valuable experience

• Financial necessity

• Unclear career goals

When to hold on offers

• Limited value

• Long commute

• Growth potential

• Aligned values

• Unclear terms and conditions

• Poor reputation/culture

Handling multiple job offers

Receiving multiple job offers is a positive sign of your value as a candidate. However, there is a need to handle such a situation carefully. Making the wrong moves can harm your reputation in the eyes of employers and even lead to rescinded offers. It is a delicate balancing act where you need to keep your options open while evaluating which offer best suits your needs.

Things to note

• Handle with tact

Carefully managing multiple offers will help maintain good relationships, uphold your professional image, and keep future opportunities open.

• Choose the right fit

Do not let attractive perks distract you. Assess the offer as a whole to ensure it is genuinely beneficial to your career.

• Do not forget about long-term growth

Your job choice should not only meet short-term needs but also support your long-term career development.

• Be transparent

While you do not need to disclose every detail, being upfront with employers about your situation is a good practice and shows integrity.

• Honour commitments

If you have made any agreements, be sure to follow through. Failing to do so can damage your reputation as a reliable professional.

HANDLING REJECTION DURING JOB HUNTS

Rejection is part and parcel of life, and it can be a great learning opportunity for you if you know how to make the best of it.

Rejection is one of life’s most powerful teachers, and everyone encounters it at various stages, especially during a job hunt. Rejection can stem due to many factors, both internal and external, and it is very common to either get a rejection response or no response at all. That being said, it is also crucial to remember that this is not a true reflection of your worth as an employee or as a person.

Internal factors

• Being underqualified or overqualified for the position

• Lacking confidence during the interview

• Inadequate preparation for the interview

• Unrealistic expectations (e.g. asking for too high a salary)

External factors

• Company undergoing a hiring freeze

• Budget constraints

• Mismatch with the company culture

Overcoming Rejection

One of the most important lessons to learn during job searches – and in life – is to accept that rejection is a normal part of the process. Even if you have done everything right, it does not always guarantee the outcome you desire, and there is often no one to blame. This realisation can be difficult, but it is a necessary step toward personal and professional growth.

Instead of seeing rejection as failure, think of it as a learning experience. The best way to move forward is to seek feedback, identify areas of improvement, and apply those insights to your future efforts. Consistency and resilience will ultimately lead you to the right opportunity. Here are some key areas to focus on as you turn rejection into a stepping stone for future success:

Enhance your presentation

Your resume, cover letter, and interview skills are your first impressions on employers. A rejection could mean that your presentation did not communicate your skills effectively. Take time to refine your resume, making sure it highlights your achievements and relevance to the job you are applying for. Likewise, practise your interview responses, focusing on clarity and confidence.

Target suitable jobs

Take a step back to evaluate the roles you are applying for. Are they aligned with your qualifications and career goals? Narrow your focus on positions that match your strengths, and be honest with yourself about where you stand.

Maintain confidence

It is natural to feel discouraged, but maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Remind yourself of your achievements and the value you bring to the table. Celebrate small wins along the way, whether it is landing an interview or improving your resume.

Conduct thorough research

Rejections often happen when you do not fully understand what a company is looking for. Before applying, study the company’s culture, goals, and the specifics of the role. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to meet their expectations and demonstrate that you are not just looking for any job, but the right job for you.

Upskill

A rejection might also indicate that you need to strengthen certain skills. Take this as an opportunity to invest in your personal development. Whether it is learning a new software, developing soft skills, or earning a certification, upskilling can make you more competitive in the job market.

Build a support network

Job searching can feel isolating, especially when you face setbacks. Building a strong support network can help you stay motivated. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and can offer advice, encouragement, or even job leads.

NAVIGATING FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

Flexible and hybrid work arrangements continue to gain popularity, so knowing how to thrive in this workplace environment is key to success in your career.

While debates continue over the ideal working environment, flexible work arrangements have clearly risen in popularity. In fact, Singapore’s new tripartite guidelines now require employers to have formal processes for workers to request flexible work arrangements. Hybrid work, in particular, is rapidly becoming the norm in many industries, with companies increasingly offering such perks in their job listings.

Despite the challenges, flexible working is highly sought after, especially among recent graduates who have grown accustomed to it. Many cite improved well-being and mental health as key reasons for preferring remote work, as it allows them to achieve a better work-life balance.

Given its growing prevalence, a few important factors must be considered before embracing a flexible work arrangement.

Tips to succeed in a flexible work setting

Develop a strong routine

When it comes to working off-site, discipline and staying organised is everything. It can be easy to lose track of tasks and time, especially if you are not in an office setting, so set a consistent schedule to stay productive and maintain focus. This will allow you to meet the deadlines. 1

It is very easy to blur the lines of professional and personal life when you are in a hybrid working arrangement. Define specific working hours and create a dedicated workspace to maintain a healthy work-life balance in order to prevent overworking and potential burnout. Establish clear boundaries 2

Adapt to change 3

Do note that you may need to adjust your work habits as the company or industry evolves. Be open to altering your routine without losing your productivity or motivation.

Prioritise clear and effective communication

Communicating face-to-face versus over a screen can require different skillsets. Things like context and undertones can often be misinterpreted and lead to misunderstandings, which is why it is vital to have effective communication skills. Ensure that you stay connected with your team through regular check-ins and clear updates to avoid misunderstandings.

Utilise technology to your advantage 5

Take full advantage of productivity tools, collaboration platforms, and communication apps to streamline your work, stay organised, and maintain seamless coordination with your team. Familiarise yourself with digital project management tools, file-sharing platforms, and video conferencing software to stay organised and keep track of deadlines.

Leverage the benefits of hybrid working

Maximise the advantage of hybrid working by shaping your work patterns around your lifestyle and achieving better mental health management. One way of doing this is to use in-office days for collaboration and networking, while taking advantage of remote work for deep focus and personal well-being.

TRANSITIONING TO THE CORPORATE WORLD

Making the jump from student life to full-time employment can be daunting if you are unprepared for the new challenges that await.

Entering the corporate world often marks the first step into adulthood for many fresh graduates. This transition can feel overwhelming, like being thrown into deep waters with a multitude of new challenges to tackle. Although it may seem daunting at first, there are practical steps you can take to ease the journey and adapt more smoothly to your new professional environment.

Embrace Change

1. Be adaptable

Life in the corporate world is fast-paced and ever-changing. You will need to stay on your toes and be ready to adapt to these changes, especially in the early stages of your career. Adapting quickly to new environments, expectations, and tasks will help you thrive and grow professionally.

2. Foster a professional mindset

Professionalism is everything in the business world. It can help build critical relationships, open doors to new opportunities, and reinforce your reputation. Developing a strong professional approach early will lay the foundation for long-term career success.

3. Take on new challenges

The start of your career is arguably the best time to push yourself outside your comfort zone by trying new challenges and learning new skills. At this stage, you are a blank slate, making it easier to acquire new experiences and competencies that will serve you in the long run.

1. Spend some, save some

There is nothing wrong with spending your hard-earned money, but it is also wise to set aside a portion of it. Whether it is for a rainy day or your future plans, building up a strong financial base is key in adulting.

Financial Literacy

2. Set financial goals 3. Invest in yourself

You might want to buy a house, or have a family in the future. Regardless of your future aspirations, they all require financial planning. This is why it is important to set your fiscal goals early, so you have plenty of time to work towards them, even if there are some detours along the way.

1. Ensure work-life balance

Work is important, but so is having a life outside of it. Maintaining a good balance between work and personal life prevents burnout and keeps you energised and happy in the long run.

Health Management

2. Cultivate a strong support system

Life in the corporate world can be stressful, and this stress can affect your well-being. Having a strong support system, whether friends, family, or mentors, can help you manage stress and navigate challenging situations.

It is not uncommon for young people to overlook things like insurance, but securing it early is both cost-effective and smart. Having a financial safety net prepares you for unforeseen circumstances and ensures long-term stability.

3. Eat well, sleep well

Your health is something that money cannot buy, and therefore it should be protected at all costs. Make time for meals and rest, as sacrificing these for work can lead to long-term health problems that are difficult to reverse.

WORKING AT

MNC vs SME vs START-UP

Every workplace has its own set of advantages and challenges. To thrive in your career, it is essential to ﬁnd a work environment that aligns with your personal goals.

When deciding where to apply for your first job, the options can seem endless, especially in a dynamic regional hub like Singapore. From various industries to numerous employers, each offering unique benefits, the choice depends on what you value most. For instance, government bodies offer financial stability, a clear career path, and opportunities for growth and skill development.

On the other hand, private companies, which typically fall into one of three categories—multinational corporations (MNCs), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups—offer different experiences.

Multi-national Companies (MNCs)

MNCs are large companies that operate across multiple countries, often with vast resources, global markets, and a large workforce. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Toyota fall into this category, beneﬁting from economies of scale and diverse international operations.

Advantages

Global Exposure and Opportunities

MNCs operate worldwide, providing employees with the chance to work in culturally diverse environments. This exposure can enhance both personal and professional growth, offering unique networking and development opportunities across different regions.

Strong career development

With their extensive resources, MNCs often provide employees access to a wide range of training and development programmes. These opportunities can help staff enhance their skills and advance their careers more quickly compared to smaller companies.

Competitive salary and beneﬁts

MNCs are known for offering attractive compensation packages. In addition to competitive salaries, they often provide comprehensive beneﬁts, such as healthcare coverage, bonuses, and other perks that ensure long-term employee satisfaction.

Factors to Consider

Rigid organisational structure

MNCs often have a hierarchical structure with layers of management, which can result in slow decision-making and bureaucratic red tape. This can create ineﬃciencies, especially when trying to implement new ideas or drive innovation.

Cross-cultural challenges

Collaborating with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds can be rewarding but also challenging. Navigating diverse communication styles and work habits takes time and effort. Additionally, time zone differences may require working outside of regular hours to coordinate with teams across the globe.

High performance expectations

Employees in MNCs are often under signiﬁcant pressure to exceed their job responsibilities. Despite the hard work, recognition and promotions may not come as quickly, leading to potential burnout and a sense of being undervalued.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

For small and medium-sized enterprises, they are characterised by the size of their workforce, revenue, and market reach. These are typically home-grown companies that have less than 200 employees, earn under $100 million per annum, and can range from local manufacturers to regional businesses.

Advantages

Broad range of responsibilities

Due to their smaller workforce, SMEs often require employees to wear multiple hats. This leads to a dynamic work environment where individuals are exposed to diverse tasks and gain hands-on experience in different areas of the business.

Greater impact and visibility

In smaller teams, individual contributions are more visible and can have a signiﬁcant impact on the company’s success. Employee efforts are often recognised more quickly, creating a stronger sense of accomplishment and engagement.

Flexibility in work arrangements

SMEs are often more agile in adapting to new trends, which can include offering ﬂexible work arrangements. Employees may beneﬁt from hybrid or fully remote work options, depending on the company’s policies.

Start-ups

Factors to Consider

Limited career progression

Due to their smaller organisational size, SMEs often offer fewer opportunities for upward mobility compared to larger corporations. Career advancement may be slower, with fewer senior positions available.

Fewer training opportunities

SMEs typically have limited resources, which can result in fewer structured training and development programmes. Employees may need to rely more on self-directed learning to acquire new skills and advance in their careers.

Smaller salary and beneﬁts packages

SMEs, particularly those in the growth phase, may not be able to offer the same level of compensation as larger corporations. Salaries and beneﬁts like healthcare or bonuses are often more modest due to their smaller revenue base.

Start-ups are freshly minted businesses or ventures that have been operating for less than ﬁve years, and are still in their early stages of development. They often focus on offering unique products or services that are not readily available through larger MNCs or SMEs.

Advantages

Breeding ground for creativity

Start-ups tend to operate with fewer rules and rigid processes, allowing employees more freedom to innovate and think outside the box. This makes them ideal environments for fostering creativity and experimentation.

Hands-on entrepreneurial experience

Working in a start-up provides a rare opportunity to experience ﬁrsthand the process of building and growing a business. The lessons learned in this dynamic environment can be invaluable and highly beneﬁcial for your future career.

Flat organisational structure

With small teams and fewer management layers, start-ups often have a ﬂat structure. This means you will likely work closely with founders and higher-level executives, fostering a collaborative and tight-knit team culture.

Factors to Consider

Unstable job security

Start-ups, being the smallest and most vulnerable businesses, are often more exposed to economic ﬂuctuations. There is always a risk of layoffs or even the possibility of the company shutting down entirely during tough times.

Long working hours

In a start-up, there is often a heavy workload as the company strives to establish its place in the market. This usually translates into long hours and intense effort to achieve business goals.

Uncertain career path

Due to the lack of formal organisational structures, career progression in start-ups can be unclear. Employees may ﬁnd it challenging to navigate their growth within the company.

ALUMNI SPEAKS

My job

My role involves two main components: project management and process improvement. On the project management front, I handle the setup of new programmes and integrate fresh processes for our existing customers. When it comes to process improvement, my focus is on streamlining existing processes and incorporating relevant digital innovations.

How I got my job

I have had a strong interest in Schenker since my penultimate year. Therefore, I actively pursued one of the capstone projects sponsored by Schenker to gain more exposure to their business and culture. The Schenker HR hosted a welcome session for all capstone groups sponsored by the company. It was during this session that I discovered the Management Associate (MA) programme and applied for it. Afterwards, I went through an online assessment, and several rounds of interviews with the hiring managers and HODs before securing the position.

I believe being knowledgeable about the company and the type of talent that they are looking for played a crucial role in securing the job. Therefore, I would highly recommend aspiring applicants to connect with existing employees of the company to gain insights into the traits that the company prefers, and to research about the basics of the company such as its business models and recent advancements.

Yu Wenling

Bachelor of Engineering Systems and Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2021

Senior Executive – Projects

DB Schenker

Recognise that your mindset plays a pivotal role inshaping these changes as either positive or negative experiences.

The highs and lows

My preference for logical processes and dealing with optimisation led me to the supply chain industry. Therefore, I am immensely satisfied to continue leveraging my skills to work with logic, data and technology to continuously improve and optimise the daily processes within the company. Moreover, the prospects for advancing my technical prowess, honing professional expertise, and gaining valuable leadership experiences in my current role serve as a constant source of motivation.

A crucial challenge for my scope would be the stakeholders being resistant to changes, particularly when improvements are implemented for long-term projects where the benefits may not be immediately visible.

My happiest moment at work

I have had the honour to be exposed to many major projects due to my management associate (MA) programme and my current scope as a project manager. Amongst these endeavours, the most memorable project has been my involvement in launching a major customer, an industry leader in their field, as part of the implementation team. It was through this project that I witnessed the beauty of an effective supply chain, and it showcased the seamless collaboration of various functions in the company, working in harmony to support each other and ensure the successful implementation of the program despite the exceptionally short timeframe.

Some advice

A key lesson I have learnt from my two years of experience is the importance of taking initiative. Advocate for the opportunities you wish to be part of and diplomatically express your preferences regarding tasks you would rather avoid. Moreover, cultivating a growth mindset is paramount. Embrace an open-minded approach towards new technologies and the inevitable changes that you will face. Recognise that your mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping these changes as either positive or negative experiences. By staying adaptable and fostering a mindset geared towards learning and growth, you empower yourself to navigate shifts in the professional landscape with resilience and optimism.

My job

I am currently the technical cofounder of our Figma-to-Code startup, FireJet.

My day-to-day involves implementing new features, architecting the software/ algorithms that will be used in our software, as well as guiding and mentoring our software developers and reviewing their work.

From time to time, I also help on the business development side by discussing technical requirements with potential enterprise clients and checking the technical feasibility of said requirements.

How I started

It is not too challenging to get a job if you hire yourself.

Jokes aside, to start a startup, you need to find someone who shares the same values and goals as you. This will be the most important decision you make because the leading cause for startups failing is co-founder disputes.

Thankfully, SUTD has quite a strong maker culture, so there is seldom a shortage of people who want to build something cool and bring it to the world. For example, my co-founder was my classmate from SUTD and I am very fortunate to be working with such a capable and dependable individual.

Philip Andrew Wee De Wang

Bachelor in Computer Engineering, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2022

Co-founder FireJet

If you want to be a start-up founder, you should always aim to sell before you build.

The highs and lows

I am extremely passionate about the work I do here at FireJet because we work on cutting-edge of technology.

At the heart of it, we are trying to solve front-end development by automating the process of design to code. This will save developers and companies thousands of hours and help them move their products and software forward even faster.

What makes running FireJet challenging (but yet exciting) is that we are in an extremely competitive space. We are competing with other startups with millions of dollars and established companies worth billions.

My happiest moment at work

I think our biggest achievement is being able to earn revenue. Too many startups in Singapore fail without even making a single dollar.

One of my happiest moments was when we got our first paying customer. Back then, we were still fresh graduates and it was incredibly scary to even ask for people to pay for our product. However, our first customer offered to pay six times the original price we were asking for, just because it was something he needed, which gave us a huge sense of relief and validation.

I remember the day we managed to get that first customer. I printed out the letter of intent signed by the customer and framed it up. Even today, I still have that framed copy of our first paying customer.

Some advice

Starting and running a startup is surprisingly straightforward – there are many reliable resources online, such as Paul Graham’s essays on entrepreneurship and the Y Combinator YouTube channel. The difficulty, however, is following the straightforward advice. If you want to be a start-up founder, you should always aim to sell before you build. Especially as SUTD students, it is all too common to fall for the trap of building before validating if the idea is something that anyone even wants.

My job

As a technical co-founder, I have two primary roles: one as the front-end lead and the second as the co-founder.

My journey as the front-end lead has been quite long. It started from the initial stage where I was the only developer, to hiring our first batch of interns and our first international developer, and eventually having a full team to execute the designs. My main job now revolves around hiring talented individuals, providing guidance to front-end developers and acting as a bridge between other departments in the company.

That mostly covers the operational aspect of my work. In addition to that, as a co-founder, we spend a considerable amount of time strategising how to operate the company. This includes choosing which business ideas to validate, talking to users, strategising fundraising efforts, and working through technical limitations. In simple terms, I work on all the problems that the rest of the company is not focused on.

How I started

How did we start Scratchbac? Personally, I always believed that as a Singaporean living in HDB, we are so socially distant from each other while being so physically close. I felt there was potential to build a more connected community through technology.

I began by programming a Telegram bot that allowed HDB residents to reach out to each other for assistance during the pandemic. To my surprise, people wanted to use the crappy initial version that I built. At the same time, I found three other SUTD mates who shared a similar interest in building a better community through technology. We decided to work together to get more users and see how far we could push this.

Poh Jin Heng Princeton

SUTD CSD 2024

Co-founder Scratchbac

It takes a certain thirst for adventure to attempt a start-up.

The highs and lows

Although startup life is tough, there are indeed many wonderful moments that I cherish. One of them is hearing positive feedback from our users. I remember one user even wrote an extensive blog post about how she benefited from the platform. That warmed my heart.

Another great aspect is the late-night banter we engage in to keep each other motivated and focused on shipping our product. Seeing everyone coming together, especially during challenging times, to make things work is quite an experience. Ultimately, the relationships I have forged along the way bring me the most joy.

There are many low points, namely experiencing app crashes, managing low cashflow of the company, having uncertainties about the future, encountering arguments among the cofounders, hiring the wrong people and building the wrong product.

My happiest moment at work

My happiest moment at work is on the first day. When I received my first user to use my MVP, I was beyond happy!

Some advice

It takes a certain thirst for adventure to attempt a start-up. The journey ahead will be tough. You have only your co-founders and employees to experience them with you. Choose wisely and appreciate them!

CAREER PATHWAYS A - Z

As the number of sectors and industries continue to grow, new possibilities and prospects will also emerge accordingly

Career Pathways

Architecture and Sustainable Design

Corporate and Management Consultancy

Computer Science and Design

Digital Media and Public Relations

Design and Artificial Intelligence

Entertainment and Creative Arts

Engineering and Product Development

E-Commerce

Finance and Banking

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Healthcare

Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain

Public Administration and Defence

Scientific Research and Development

Architecture and Sustainable Design

Professionals in this industry are tasked with curating and designing innovative, functional, and visually stunning structures of varying scales. Using a wide selection of digital applications and skills, graduates will get an opportunity to shape future communities that require analytical thinking skills, strong attention to detail, and creativity.

• Architect, Landscape Architect

• Civil Engineer

• Biomedical Engineer

• Sustainable Designer

Corporate and Management Consultancy

Graduates who work in this field are well-versed in maximising their company’s profitability by analysing financial statements and operational data, as well as understanding the needs of the company. Consultations with department heads to work together and craft a bespoke report that outlines improvement strategies for profitability is also a part of their responsibilities. There are two main areas for management consultants to seek employment from: freelancing and consultancy firms, both of which require a whole host of skills. These include strong time management, organisation skills, active communication and listening, and good analytical abilities in conjunction with a degree in business, economics, or finance.

• Human Resources Consultant

• Financial Advisory Consultant

• Management Consultant

• Internal Consultant

Computer Science and Design

The computer science and design sector integrates technology with creative and functional design elements to solve problems and create innovative solutions. By combining the use of cutting-edge technology alongside design principles that incorporate sustainability, employees can use computer engineering to create new software like apps and websites that are user-friendly and visually appealing.

• User Experience (UX) Designer

• Software Engineer

• Game Designer

• Digital Product Designer: Creating and refining digital products such as apps, tools, and platforms with an emphasis on both aesthetic and functional aspects.

Digital Media and Public Relations

Diversity in roles and careers is one of the media and communications industry’s best aspects. There is a huge variety of positions that graduates can apply for like marketing, public relations, journalism, and more. Much like the range of jobs, the skills needed to succeed in this sector vary, and individuals are expected to have a versatile set of proficiencies like video editing, photography, production, and basic writing abilities.

Having a comprehensive portfolio coupled with a strong digital presence and personal brand can allow a potential employee to edge out the competition by highlighting their capabilities.

• Broadcast or Digital Journalist

• Advertising Professional

• Public Relations Specialist

• Social Media Manager

• Content Strategist

Design and Artificial Intelligence

Those who choose to join the Design and Artificial Intelligence industry are assigned to use the power of AI to enhance the designs of existing or upcoming platforms to better the world. The aim is to create products, systems, services and environments that have been built by experts who harnessed the power of AI-driven data and analytics. Employees will need to have specialised skills in specific AI platforms across different interfaces and be able to apply that to various settings like the medical field, the finance sector and more.

• Applied Machine Learning Engineer

• Business Intelligence Developer

• Data Scientist

• Data Visualisation Specialist

• Design Innovator

Entertainment and Creative Arts

The arts sector focuses heavily on disseminating stories and enriching lives by expressing them through arts and cultural creativity. Avenues for such opportunities include traditional media outlets like television, radio, theatre, film, and music. More modern and cuttingedge roles include animation, visual effects, and VFX production, all of which require technical skill that needs to be enhanced to ensure career progression.

• Musician or Composer

• Animator or Visual Effects Artist

• Scriptwriter

• Actor

Finance and Banking Engineering and Product Development

The Engineering and Products Development sector focuses on developing trends in the technological sector with innovations that are meant to change the market. Graduates will need to have a deep bag of technical skills and combine that with their innate ability to design, produce, and oversee the handling of their creations. These products typically include robotics, consumer electronics, information technology, semiconductors and many more examples that have a heavy emphasis on cutting edge engineering.

• Design Engineer

• Management Consultant

• Product Engineer

• Project Engineer

• Research Engineer

E-Commerce

The outburst of popularity for online businesses has spurred the growth of the e-commerce sector, driving the desire to create unique products and services to boost market share. Applicants who wish to secure a job in this industry will need to have a keen understanding of business analytics, programming, networking and international trade. They will also need to have a consumer mindset to determine what is in trend and demanded by customers, while ensuring that their business constantly evolves to stay ahead of the competition.

• Customer Service Representative

• Supply Chain Management

• Software Engineer

• Information Systems Technician

Finance and banking roles range from global investment banks to corporate finance and trading. There are also niche positions such as asset management and private banking for graduates to delve into, which offer a higher level of challenges in their specific areas compared to other, more general jobs.

Graduates are advised to arm themselves with experience and skills by way of internships, extracurricular activities related to the finance sector, and a deep set of abilities to impress employers. Staying updated on the most recent developments within industry circles also offer good insights into the health of the job market, and specific things that employers are looking for in potential employees.

Front Office

• Plays the role of being the “face of the organisation”

• Frequently deals with clients directly using good interpersonal and communication skills

• Manages the needs of the clients while balancing the objective of the company

• Roles include sales, marketing, pretrade, and execution activities

Middle Office

• Acts as an auxiliary force to the front office

• Emphasises roles that help assess and mitigate risk while tracking and calculating profits and losses

• Positions include risk management, compliance, and financial control

Back Office

• Not directly charged with the generation of revenue

• Tasked as a support element with administrative efforts for both the front and middle offices

• Roles include IT, operations, HR, and accounting

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

As its name suggests, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry focuses on consumer products that have a quick turnover rate. This typically includes things like processed foods, plastic goods and cosmetics, all of which sit within a relatively low-cost level and are accessible by the masses.

Management

Challenges in this sector like logistics and the fast-paced nature of this field require potential employees to think on their feet. The ability to adapt quickly and solve problems efficiently can not only prevent significant losses in profitability but also help them thrive in this ever-changing environment.

Research and Development

This segment is responsible for the creation of new and/or the refinement of existing products based on the demands of consumers. This means that applicants will need to have specialised skills and qualifications in STEM, on top of having a curious nature and a thirst for knowledge.

Sales and Commercial

Sales and commercial employees are mainly client facing entities who are trained to foster and maintain relationships with both their customers and service providers. This means that as long as candidates have leadership, communication and negotiation skills, they are able to apply for such positions.

Healthcare

One of the most popular sectors is the field of healthcare, and this demand will never cease due to the increasing number of ageing people in our country. There are also a ton of different specific and general vocations within the healthcare industries, where a whole slew of opportunities awaits fresh graduates.

Biomedical Engineer

This role is incredibly diverse, requiring employees to combine knowledge from various areas of study like mathematics, engineering and biology. The main task is to develop specialised medical equipment and medication in response to the gaps found in the healthcare system. Graduates will need to have a strong base in research methods, along with a good understanding of technical concepts.

Medical Product or Equipment Designer

Designers in this role are tasked with overseeing the process of creating new types of medical products and equipment. This means that they are in charge of the guidelines and procedures for production, as well as, testing the prototypes once completed. Employers typically include medical organisations, manufacturing companies, private firms and R&D laboratories.

Medical Technologist

Otherwise known as a clinical laboratory technologist, they run tests on samples of bodily fluids and analyse the results. Their job is to support physicians and laboratory directors by interpreting outpatient data to cross-match blood samples for transfusion, for example.

Pharmaceutical Technologist

Staff in this role are involved in creating and producing pharmaceuticals and are quite specialised in areas like product delivery and design quality. Employers are usually universities, agencies, and national laboratories that have cutting edge research facilities and manufacturing plants.

Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain

Essentially the backbone of almost all industries, this sector focuses on the arrangement and transportation of goods and services across the world. This consists of elements like supply chain management, inventory control, and warehouse management, all of which is enhanced by the use of technology like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). Candidates applying to

this field will need to prioritise efficiency at all cost, as well as learn how to plan projects, negotiate with contractors and oversee processes.

• Procurement Manager

• Demand Planning Analyst

• Distribution Centre Supervisor

• Supply Chain Consultant

Public Administration and Defence

One of the biggest sectors, public administration includes major organisations like civil service agencies, non-departmental public bodies, and other government entities. They also consist of grassroots communities like state educators, social workers, the military and law enforcement agencies.

The Civil Service

Composed of the central governing bodies, these organisations assist ministers in formulating and putting government policies in place. They are arranged into different sub-statutory boards and ministries with specific areas of governance that they are responsible for in Singapore. For example, the Public Service Division (PSD) is in charge of HR policies in the civil service, making sure that the quality of civil workers and solutions for interdepartmental issues is high. Each individual ministry and board hire graduate applicants through recruitment practices native to each individual agency.

The Armed Forces

There are three branches to choose a career from: the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). There is a huge variety of roles which include combative, non-combative, support and administrative positions to choose from.

The Home Team

Operating under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, The Home Team consists of many different agencies like Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Each has their own sub-entities like the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) tasked with safeguarding our society in different aspects. Much like the armed forces, applicants can choose from specialist roles, to administrative or front-line combative roles as well.

Scientific Research and Development

The main objective of this sector is to design, carry out, and analyse data from controlled settings in laboratory experiments and trials. The experiments can range from different fields like aerospace and engineering to medical research, and are often specialised, like machine learning or stem cell research. Employers can come from the government like labs, environmental agencies and universities, or can also come from private research organisations as well. Graduates will need a strong academic background, a relevant postgraduate certification, and experience in advanced research or lab work for academic positions to succeed in this field.

• Research Analyst

• Research Chemist

• R&D Engineer

• Lead Research Scientist

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

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

Employers

[ ] = advertisement

IFC = Inside Front Cover

IBC = Inside Back Cover

OBC = Outside Back Cover

INCOME INSURANCE LIMITED

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

@IncomeInsurance

@Income Insurance Limited

@IncomeInsurance

LOCATION(S)

• Singapore

BUSINESS FACTS

Income Insurance Limited (Income Insurance) is one of the leading composite insurers in Singapore, offering life, health and general insurance.

Established in Singapore to plug a social need for insurance in 1970, Income Insurance continues to put people first by serving the protection, savings and investment needs of individuals, families and businesses today. Its lifestylecentric and data-driven approach to insurance and financial planning puts the company at the forefront of innovative solutions that empowers the people it serves with better financial well-being.

Additionally, Income Insurance is committed to being a responsible business that champions the environment and builds stronger communities by supporting financial inclusion, education for youth-in-need and seniors’ wellbeing.

For more information, please visit www.income.com.sg.

CAREER SECTOR(S)

• Insurance and Risk Management

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

Open to all disciplines

SELECTION PROCESS

Step 1: Online application

Step 2: Interview(s)

Step 3: Offer

DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY (DSTA)

1 Depot Road, Singapore 109679

WEB https://www.dsta.gov.sg

EMAIL internship@dsta.gov.sg hrjobs@dsta.gov.sg

BUSINESS FACTS

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) brings you to the forefront of technological innovation engineering, digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Look forward to a rewarding career as we work on state-of-the-art defence systems and capabilities, unmanned technologies, and software development to artificial intelligence.

Embark on a transformative journey as you build your technical expertise in diverse domains. Join us to make an impact to the defence and national security needs of Singapore.

DEGREE DISCIPLINES

Open to all disciplines. Enjoy a myriad of opportunities to work in diverse domains such as engineering, digital, procurement and corporate departments.

@SingaporeDSTA

@DSTA

@SingaporeDSTA

CAREER SECTORS

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

• Public Sector

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Learn more about DSTA careers and internships at https://dsta.gov.sg. Email us at hrjobs@dsta.gov.sg or internship@dsta.gov.sg for any enquiries pertaining to careers or internship.

APPLICATION PERIODS

Application for jobs and internships are accepted throughout the year.

MY JOB

ENSURING SAFER TECH DEPLOYMENTS

NAME: Peh Wei Ting, Jeslyn

DEGREE: Bachelor of Information Systems Technology and Design, SUTD, 2021

ROLE: Senior Engineer, Cybersecurity Programme Centre

EMPLOYER: Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

My role in DSTA is to strengthen the cybersecurity of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), by performing vulnerability analysis of related software. I analyse tools and templates used to set up cloud systems — such as the workings of Infrastructure as Cloud (IaC) — making them secure, efficient, and consistent. I also work with Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to address the shortcomings in their tools in meeting our deployment needs. It is meaningful to know my efforts make cloud systems more secure and reliable for our users

HOW I GOT MY JOB

I attended the career fair at SUTD and became excited by the prospect of using my technical skills and creativity for real-world cybersecurity in the defence sector. My willingness to build my technical knowledge, combined with a strong initiative to learn and improve, helped me get the job. This mindset is crucial in cybersecurity, where staying updated with complex topics is a constant challenge.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS

The variety in my work makes it exciting! While my main focus is analysing cloud infrastructures, I also contribute to other projects like penetration testing (pentest) for DSTA events. For instance, I helped pen-test a Capture The Flag (CTF) platform used in BrainHack 2023, which is an annual student learning festival organised by DSTA. The variation in work opportunities allows me to grow and sharpen my skill sets.

Sometimes, I face challenges with the testing coverage and worry about missing vulnerabilities, given the impact on MINDEF and the SAF. Thankfully, the strong teamwork and shared sense of responsibility helped us in providing comprehensive testing to cover all possibilities.

MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK

I remember fondly of my contribution to the Singapore Defence Technology Summit 2023, an event hosted by DSTA involving global leaders. We pen-tested virtual platforms, including the registration system, uncovered critical bugs and worked with the vendor to fix them before the event. Knowing that I am part of the team that contributed to the success of this large-scale event was incredibly satisfying and rewarding.

SOME ADVICE

Stay curious and embrace learning! Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, and real-world scenarios differ greatly from classroom models. Curiousity is key — ask questions and seek guidance. I have learnt so much from my fellow colleagues who have had diverse experiences and expertise in different areas.

DSO NATIONAL LABORATORIES

12 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118225

WEB h�ps://join.dso.org.sg

EMAIL campusrela�ons@dso.org.sg

LOCATION(S)

• Singapore

BUSINESS FACTS

DSO Na�onal Laboratories is Singapore’s largest defence research and development (R&D) organisa�on with the cri�cal mission of developing technological surprises to sharpen the cu�ng edge of Singapore’s defence capabili�es. Established in 1972, DSO has more than 1,600 defence engineers and scien�sts today pushing the boundaries of science and technology, transforming ideas into reality across the domains of land to space, cyberspace and biological defence. This is where you can make a real impact and shape the future of defence.

Meaningful

You are not just developing tech and solu�ons. You are making a real diﬀerence by solving diﬃcult problems for the na�on.

Exci�ng

There are endless possibili�es for you to push the boundaries of science and technology, and develop cu�ng-edge solu�ons that are not available in the market.

@dso.sg

@discoverdso

@DSO Na�onal Laboratories

Fulﬁlling

A rewarding career goes beyond pay and beneﬁts. It’s about levelling up your mindset and skill set. This is why we have a whole suite of learning opportuni�es specially curated to support your personal and professional growth.

CAREER SECTOR(S)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

• Scien�ﬁc Research and Development

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

You may submit your resume to campusrela�ons@dso.org.sg. Alterna�vely, you may apply directly on our DSO LinkedIn Page.

APPLICATION PERIODS

Graduate jobs: All year-round.

Internships: All year-rounf

MY JOB

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

NAME: Cher Wei Min

DEGREE: Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Product Development, SUTD, 2021

ROLE: Radar Engineer

EMPLOYER: DSO Na�onal Laboratories

As a radar engineer in DSO, I conduct R&D to develop advanced radar capabili�es for na�onal defence. There is never a dull day at work as we seek to challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of science and technology, and achieve performances beyond off-the-shelf products. One day, I could be working on hardware tes�ng and so�ware algorithms in the lab, and on another, I could be out in the field pu�ng our R&D systems to field tests.

HOW I GOT MY JOB

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work alongside DSO researchers and par�cipate in ﬁeld trials and lab tests of an experimental radar system. It was an enriching experience as I could work on radio frequency circuits and antennas, areas that piqued my interest but were not oﬀered in SUTD’s curriculum. I applied for the job a�er the comple�on of my internship.

There were two rounds of rigorous interviews. I shared about my interest in radar design and systems, and how I had spent free �me reading up and taking notes on radar systems and signal processing.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS

I enjoy working on intricate systems that require hands-on work, such as pu�ng together building blocks for a radar system and integra�ng them onto test pla�orms such as drones. My job is not limited to system integra�on and tes�ng, as it is crucial to understand the signal processing algorithms which make radar systems possible. I thrive on seeking non-obvious solu�ons to diﬃcult issues, while ensuring that my solu�ons are prac�cal and implementable in real-world applica�ons.

MY HAPPIEST MOMENT AT WORK

My happiest moment at work was when I witnessed, for my first �me in the job, a successful flight test of an R&D drone-carried sensor payload. I spent months with my team in prepara�on for the trial, wri�ng processing scripts, and performing func�onal and system integra�on tests. It was fulfilling to see the system I developed with the team move from the lab to the field for flight tes�ng.

SOME ADVICE

One piece of advice I would give to students aspiring to pursue a career as a defence R&D engineer is to build a strong founda�on in engineering theory and prac�ce. This encompasses core areas in electrical or mechanical engineering complemented by relevant hardware design skills and prac�cal exposure. I would also encourage them to proac�vely adopt an inquisi�ve a�tude to seek new knowledge and to be able to work collabora�vely with team members from diverse backgrounds to create innova�ve solu�ons.