Career Connect's annual flagship career fair kicked off the start of many students' heroic journeys towards internships andcareers.Bringingemployersandstudentstogetherinone vibrant space, it opened doors to opportunities, insights, and meaningfulconnections.
Here, students explored many potential career paths, gained valuable industry knowledge, and even engaged directly with companies.
Held on 27 February, the fair welcomed over 1,000 students a 60 companies, transforming the venue into a lively Mo Olympus of opportunities. Students arrived as prepared Athena to connect with employers, share their resumes, and in somecasesbeshortlistedforopportunitiesonthespot.
Beyond networking, students enjoyed interactive activities and complimentary drinks from Really Addictive Drinks (RAD), founded by SIM alumni Daryl Ang and Jonathan Lim. A lucky draw added to the excitement, with prizes such as Grab vouchers and power banks making the day both productive andrewarding!
On1April,over40studentsandalumni gatheredforanenriching evening of connection and learning. The event began with a networkingdinner,wherestudentshadtheopportunitytointeract, share experiences, and build new connections in a relaxed setting.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring 4 SIM alumni, who shared candid and relatable insights about their transition from campus life to the working world. They unpacked real challenges, personal growth, and the experience of building confidence in a new environment — exactly what soon-to-be graduates needed to hear. The night left attendees feeling encouraged, empowered, and ready to take on their next chapter!
Advice from Alumni
-RajbirSinghBal
-BeatriceChow
On the same evening, a prestigious award developed in partnership with employers was presented to recognise the awardees’ achievements throughout their journey. Each recipient trulyembodied9coreattributes:
She applied Python and machine learning from her studies in real-world projects, and learnt to balance multiple commitments effectively “I became more confident in ApplyingSkillsinReal-WorldSettings Inspirationfromotherstudent’ssuccessstoriesmotivatedherto TakingInitiativeEarly
Supported by a strong network of mentors, colleagues, she was able to stay grounded throughout her journey “I had a strong supportsystemfromfamily,friends,mentorsandcolleagues.”
This Heartset workshop on 26 February brought together about 20 students for a session on personal growth and self-improvement. The workshopcombinedviewsofpositive psychology to cognitive-behavioural therapy practices, and mindfulness, to support holistic development in emotional wellbeing, physical health, personalgrowth,andrelationships.
Through interactive activities, pair sharing, and reflections, students from diverse backgrounds gained self-awareness, learnt practical wellness techniques such as sleep hygiene and body relaxation, and strengthened their interpersonal andcommunicationskills.
This workshop also introduced a Social Support System, which explains how individuals need someone that fulfils each different typeofsupportinourlives,toexperienceflourishing.
For example, someone stressed from balancing part-time work and assignments may struggle with self-doubt and emotional regulation.
Onefriendencourageshernottogiveup → TheMotivator Anotherlistensandcomfortsheremotionally → TheSupporter
Anotherpersonwhoislostexploringcareeropportunities,finds...
UniversityofLondon
BachelorofScienceinBusinessandManagement
Driven by his passion for culinary arts, Bryan started his own fine-dining home restaurant during his university years, creating meaningful dining experiences for others while balancing academics and pursuing his entrepreneurial aspirations.Throughthisjourney,hecontinuestoexpresshis creativityandpassionbeyondtheclassroom.
Whatsparkedyourculinaryjourney?
Bryaninaction,preparing dishesduringhistimeas ChefDePartieatMarcy’s Restaurant(2024)
Iwantedtocreatemeaningfuldiningexperiencesthatcombinefood, creativity,andstorytellingwhilepursuingsomethingIgenuinelyenjoy.
Balancingstudiesandgrowingventure—howdoyoudoit?
Timemanagementanddisciplineareveryimportant.Iplanmyschedule carefullyandstaycommittedtobothmystudiesandmypassion.
Anyadviceforstudentschasingtheirinterests?
Don’t classr es.
YourRoadmaptoStarting
Step1: Startsmall(Betatestyouridea)
Step2:Stayconsistent(Reliabilitybuildsbrand)
Step3:Trusttheprocess(Enjoythegrowth!)
About 10 students attended this workshop and focused on building self-worth, projecting confidence, and navigating interviews with easeon26January.Throughhands-onactivities,studentspracticed self-introductions,workedoncommoninterviewquestionsinpairs, and role-played scenarios that included politely saying “no” with confidenceandclarity.
Trainer’s Tips to Boost Confidence
ValueYourself
Engageinpositiveself-talk
Developapositiveself-perception
Seebeautyinyouruniqueofferstotheworld
LearnWhattoDo
Educateyourselfonatopicyoumaydiscuss
Prepareyourselffordifferentinterviewscenarios
These “tricky” questions are often designed to test your professionalism,judgment, and ability to handle sensitive topics while staying focused on job-relevant points. They assess how well you can stay composed and steer the conversation constructively.
Avoidrigidanswers—stayflexibleandthoughtful
Answerstrategicallytohighlightyoursuitabilityfortherole
Showprofessionalismthroughcooperationandemotionalmaturity
Redirectfocustoyourstrengthsandrelevantexperiences
Ifuncomfortable,respondpolitelywithoutoversharing
Keepapositive,calm,andconfidenttone
“KnowThyself...”
Circle your scores below: Ihaveanactiveimagination.
ie hard-workingandself-disciplined
1=StronglyDisagree;5=StronglyAgree
Openness
Openness
Youarelikelyincludecreative,curious,willingtotrynewthings
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness
Yourstrengthsarelikelyorganisation,discipline,reliability
Extraversion
Extraversion
Youareprobablysociable,confident,energeticinsocialsettings
Agreeableness
Agreeableness
Yourstrengthslikelyincludecooperation,empathy,teamwork
Neuroticism
Neuroticism
Theremaybehigheremotionalsensitivity,intensestressresponse
Networkingcanfeelintimidating,especially for students new to professional settings. On3March,theworkshopbroughttogether up to 15 students for a session focused on building more confidence and professional communicationskills.
Through interactive activities and guided practice, students learnt how to start conversations naturally, and introduce themselves confidently, as well as prepare forreal-worldnetworkingopportunities.
AdelineGay UniversityofLondon BachelorofSciencein Accounting&Finance,Year2
Having an interest in Project Protégé and professional networking, I recognised that I lacked the skills and assurance needed to engageeffectivelywithmentors,andsawthis workshop as an opportunity to address that gap.Overall,theworkshopequippedmewith tangible, applicable skills in professional conduct and communication, and my key takeawaywouldbe;donothesitatetospeak up—confidencebeginswiththewillingness totry.
ReallyAddictiveDrinks(RAD)Co-Founder
University at Buffalo Alumni, Bachelor of Arts (Economics)
How did your university journey lead you from Career Connect’s Talent DevelopmentProgramme(TDP)toco-foundingRAD?
Throughexplorationduringuncertaintimes.Stayinginschoolfeltlikeasafetynet whileIfiguredoutmydirectionandjoiningTDP(SIM’sinternalinternship),provided my first exposure to corporate culture and diverse peers, reflecting real-world dynamics.Connectingwithaformerstaffmemberledtoa6-monthinternshipat acateringcompany,whereImetmyfuturebusinesspartnersforRAD
Whatarethechallengesyoufacewhenstartingyourcareer/business,and howdidyouovercomethem?
Finding the right people to build something with, followed by finding the right businessidea.Entrepreneurshipisrarelyasolojourney.Convincingotherstojoin without financial certainty was difficult, but I learned that strong teams and evolving ideas are key to making a venture sustainable. Listening to customers andadaptingbasedonrealfeedbackbecameaguidingprinciplewhendeciding whethertopivotorpersist
Say“yes”toopportunities andstaycurious
Exploreavarietyofthingsto discoverwhattrulyclicks
Commitfully when you findyourpassion
Specialiseyourskillsandmake yourselfimpossibletoignore
CareerCoach
Helpsalignyourcareeraspirationswith self-discovery, career planning, resume review,andmockinterviews.
They are here for students from all backgrounds!
Findinternshipsandjoblistingsacross numerous industries specifically for SIMstudents.
IndustryExpert
Offer insights about particular industry androlequestionsthatarehardtofind online
Bookanappointmentforexclusivetips
Stay updated with the latest career tips, industry trends, job market insights, and details of Career Connect initiatives like Project Protégé mentorship programme and more, thatarecuratedforSIMstudents.
Just enter your details, and let the resume builder take care of the formattingforyou!Yourresumewillbe saved on CareerSense so you can easilyreusethemwhereappropriate!
