SIM Career Connect Newsletter Q2'23

CAREER CONNECT NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9 | 2023 Q2

DIRECTOR'SNOTE

DR AARON TAN

DIRECTOR, LEARNER ADVISORY & CAREER CENTRE

SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying the journey so far as you try to maximise your university life! Career Connect has been busy ramping up our activities since all Covid restrictions have been removed. We hope you have had the opportunity to participate in them. This issue we highlight some of these exciting activities that were rolled out, and we get to hear the views of a number of participants about these activities and perhaps you might take away something as they share their respective learning experiences.

A key highlight for me was the 8-day Motul Business Case Challenge where our students did very well against many other strong contenders and two of our own managed to secure a 6-month internship with the company. Congratulations to the two winners! Other highlights would include EMBARK, which is part of our early career development series to help students to ace their interviews and internships, and also the new workshops that we rolled out.

Just a quick recap: At our DREAMS Career Fair earlier this year we launched our very own app called Career Sense. This has been specially designed for you to be a one-stop app where you can have access to tools and resources to help you in your career planning towards your dream job. You can discover your own work values (what is important to you in a job), career interest(s), personality, as well as your skills. Armed with this knowledge you can then make better choices for your careers. Do drop by Career Connect to get more information about the app and we would also be happy to guide you through the features. Since the launch of the app, we have seen an increase in bookings for career coaching. In this issue, we have included one of our students who have benefitted from our coaching sessions.

We also feature a variety of other interesting topics which we feel might be helpful for you. We hope you will enjoy this issue, and do feel free to provide us with feedback on what other topics you would like to hear about, or how we might do better with this quarterly publication.

MEET THE TEAM

Abdul Majeed (Editor) University of Wollongong Bachelor of Computer Science Aizat Asyidiq (Editor) University at Buffalo BSc Business Administration Karen Foo (Writer) University at Buffalo BSc Business Administration Felicia Then (Writer) University at Buffalo BA Psychology Hau Bin Hui (Writer) University of Wollongong Bachelor of Computer Science Gayathri Soundarya (Writer) University of Wollongong Bachelor of Computer Science Ramnath Vyas Jyotsna (Writer) University of Wollongong Bachelor of Computer Science Written by: Aizat Asyidiq & Karen Foo

EMBARK EMBARK

AcingyourInterviewandInternship: AcingyourInterviewandInternship: How-ToSession How-ToSession

Having just ended the DREAMS’23 Internship and Career Fair, Career Connect provided a workshop on the 30th of March and the 5th of April as the next step for students to prepare for their first interview and internship.

The two sessions, conducted by career coach Karen Tang, aid students' development when it comes to the do's and don'ts of an internship. They covered all 3 areas namely the interview, the internship itself and the post-internship phase Karen Tang also ensured that all the student's doubts and queries regarding an internship were answered, be it coming from both local or international students. The new information and preparation thus allowed students the opportunity to constantly remain ahead of their peers.

"As an international student, there is a tendency to feel overwhelmed by the unknowns of post-university life The embark series seminar allowed me to learn the intricacies behind various internship opportunities, along with the skills required to express ourselves during job interviews "

Jason Thajeb Year 1 UOW Computer Science Look out for future sessions with our career coaches on CareerConnect's Instagram and Telegram platform ! Written by: Abdul Majeed

ThePowerofNetworking ThePowerofNetworking

OptimisingLinkedInforcareersuccess OptimisingLinkedInforcareersuccess

Unleashing the Power of LinkedIn

In today’s competitive job market, new graduates must recognise the significance of networking and establishing their brand. While a solid academic foundation is valuable, networking often opens doors to new opportunities In this workshop, participants learned ways of maximising the professional platform, LinkedIn, to build relationships with professionals in their field to gain access to valuable industry insights, mentorship, and potential job prospects.

Facilitated by Mindfulness Expert Ms Ratna Juita

One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of making meaningful connections. Students were guided on effective networking techniques, enabling them to establish valuable relationships with professionals in their desired fields. By investing time and effort into cultivating a robust network, graduates learned that they could significantly enhance their career prospects and open doors to a world of exciting opportunities.

Moreover, Ms. Juita stressed the significance of utilizing online platforms and professional networks such as LinkedIn. By creating a compelling profile and actively participating in relevant discussions and groups, students could expand their reach and connect with professionals worldwide. She emphasized the value of personalized messages when reaching out to potential contacts, demonstrating sincerity and highlighting shared interests or commonalities.

Written by: Abdul Majeed

PublicSpeaking& PublicSpeaking& Communicationworkshop Communicationworkshop

Regardless of the industry or career path, new graduates must recognise the immense value of public speaking and communication skills. This comprehensive workshop provided students with practice and guidance to develop their ability to learn to confidently articulate their ideas, select eye-catching titles, present their work and engage with diverse audiences.

One of the core goals of the workshop was to empower participants to leave a lasting impression on their future bosses, colleagues, and clients. Through interactive exercises and real-life scenarios, participants honed their storytelling abilities, crafted compelling narratives, and developed strategies to engage and resonate with diverse audiences. They discovered the art of connecting on a deeper level and delivering impactful presentations that inspire action and leave a lasting imprint.

Recognizing the significant role of public speaking in professional growth, our workshop aimed to empower participants with the tools and skills necessary for longterm success. By mastering the art of public speaking, participants are now equipped to navigate these opportunities and seize new prospects with confidence. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in various speaking exercises, including persuasive presentations. They received constructive feedback from both their peers and the workshop facilitators, allowing them to refine their delivery, body language, and overall presence.

"Mr Christian Chua was an expert and he also taught us how to be a host, which developed us to become a proud public speaker, who is able to handle unexpected situations during the host "

"The workshop was about public speaking and presentation skill, which i had been always missing for and would love to improve for future works and projects. I was surprisingly connected with everyone else by the guide and talk of Mr. Chua. "

Facilitated by International Sales Motivational Speaker, Mr Christian Chua Vinh Khang Ngo RMIT Logistics and Supply Chain Graduate Goal Ngyuen SIM Diploma in Management Studies Written by: Aizat Asyidiq & Karen Foo

MOTUL’SMOSTPROMISING BUSINESS CASE CHALLENGE

This 8-day Business Academy Programme from 17th to 26th May in collaboration with Motul and Halogen Foundation Singapore, saw an opportunity for university students to be exposed to Motul’s business and organisation. The students worked on a business case focused on sustainability and there were mentoring sessions by both Motul and Halogen employees in an effort to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Five of our SIM students participated in this programme among other students from NTU & SMU, with two being offered a 6-months internship at Motul.

"We learnt a lot about the oil and automobile industry during this Motul. As we worked in our teams, we learnt trong suits to achieve efficiency. It was a fun nto the real working world!"

Tey Zee Hsien, Year 1 RMIT Business Management

"The 8 days programme had been incredibly enriching. I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into supply chain operations which have offered me a broader perspective beyond FMCG I also acquired a deeper understanding of the oil and lubricant industry and the significant role it plays in our everyday lives."

Jesline Wong Yue Na, RMIT Logistic and Supply Chain Graduate Written by: Karen Foo

CentreforMicro-Credentials

Want to expand your knowledge and skills sets on top of what you have learnt in school ? Enroll in a variety of courses at SIM’s Centre for Micro-Credential (CMC) to learn new skills.

From Accounting to Life Skills, CMC offers a myriad of courses for you to enhance your resume with industry-specific skills. Courses offered include

Introduction to Python Programming

AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Prep Course CPR + AED Provider Certificate and many more

Visit this website https://cmc.sim.edu.sg/s/ or scan the QR out the courses offered!

Scan to enroll into CMC courses!

Digital Batches will be awarded once you have completed the course, which can be included in your LinkedIn Profile and Resume to stay competitive.

“The AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Prep Course content was comprehensive, and the instructor was knowledgeable. "

"Enrolling into the Introduction to Python Programming course helped me gain computational thinking and have some programming knowledge

This can increase my skillsets and also boost my employability in future."

Darren Chua Year 1 UOL Computer Science Eugene Tan Year 2 RMIT Logistics & Supply Chain Written by: Bin Hui

EmbarkonSelf-Discovery withCareerCoaching

SIM Career Connect offers free services to help students discover and secure their dream job. Book a session with SIM's Career Coaches today!

Led by SIM career coaches, career coaching sessions allow students to:

Perfect your interview skills with mock interviews.

Have your resume reviewed to maximise your competitive edge.

Plan out your career path and discover new opportunities.

Alight your career aspiration with your values, interest and skills.

Additionally, the coaches will recommend students to different workshops, networking events, and even career fairs organised by various companies. This helps students to be exposed to multiple opportunities and even more possibilities when it comes to their career aspirations

Scan the QR Code to book a Session on Career Sense today!

"Attending a Resume Review session with one of SIM's Career Coaches, Christopher Tan, enabled me to see the gaps and areas I can improve on my resume.

I was able to better understand the skills required for the job role I am applying for, for example, researching the job description to find out what the employer is looking for and to express it

Rishma Kanagaraj Year 1 RMIT Accounting

I have also become more proactive in gaining extracurricular experiences such as internships, CCAs and volunteer work "

Written by: Gayathri

StayAheadoftheCurve:

EmbracingContinuousPersonal EmbracingContinuousPersonal Development Development

In a rapidly evolving world, staying ahead of the curve requires embracing continuous personal development to thrive and adapt.

Digital Literacy and Data Analytics

Industry

Tips for Continuous Personal Development

Set Goals

Maximize Online Learning Attend Workshops & Conferences Seek Feedback & Mentorship

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Cybersecurity

Creativity and Innovation

Identify skills for development, set measurable goals, and maintain focus to track progress effectively.

Leverage on online learning platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn to acquire new skills and knowledge at your own pace.

Participate in workshops and industry events to network, learn from industry experts and gain exposure to emerging trends

Actively seek feedback from peers, supervisors, or mentors. Their insights can provide valuable guidance for your professional growth.

trends and skills that are high in demand:

Written by: Bin Hui

Discover the cutting-edge roles that are shaping Singapore's economic growth, and learn about the skills and qualifications that are in high demand. Whether you're a job seeker, exploring future prospects, or simply curious about the evolving employment landscape, this compilation will provide valuable insights into the future of work.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedinjobs-rise-2023-15-roles-singapore-growing-t

Back-end Developer 7 7 Cybersecurity Consultant 8 8 Technical Account Manager 9 9 Customer Success Specialist 10 10 Site Reliability Engineer 6 6 Cybersecurity Engineer 5 5 Health-care Assistant 4 Cloud Engineer Enterprise Account Executive Sales Development Representative Singapore's Singapore's Top10fastest-growingjobs Top10fastest-growingjobs

TransitioningFromStudentTo Professional

Transitioning from academic to professional life can be challenging for students. Common challenges include:

limited work experience a lack of practical skills difficulty adjusting to workplace dynamics time management issues high expectations

Setting realistic expectations is crucial in this transition. It helps students adapt better, reduces stress and anxiety, enables longterm career planning, increases job satisfaction, and promotes continuous professional development. By having realistic expectations, students can navigate the challenges and build a solid foundation for their professional journey.

Be open to learning and embrace new information and processes.

Observe and adapt to the work culture and established norms.

Seek guidance from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors.

Build positive relationships with colleagues.

Embrace feedback and use it as an opportunity for improvement.

Take initiative and be proactive in contributing to your work.

Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

Develop professional skills through training and resources.

Written by: Jytosna

MentalHealthintheWorkplace: MentalHealthintheWorkplace: Tipsformanagingstress Tipsformanagingstress

The importance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated. It directly impacts the overall well-being, productivity, and success of both employees and organizations. Here are a few tips to overcome stress at work:

Good time management

Plan your day beforehand, For example, you can prioritize important stuff that you need to do. This way not only can the deadline be met promptly, but you also have more time to yourself to rest and relax.

Listening to music

Listening to your favourite music or just simply listening to soothing tunes can help in reducing your stress. You can even listen to music while you are working!

Social Support

Find someone to talk to, especially confiding in someone that you are close to.Telling them your concerns and having someone who is willing to listen to you will make you feel better and motivated to do your work effectively.

Focus on your hobbies

Make time for your hobbies. Be it sports, writing, the arts or even reading. This not only helps to reduce stress but you will also find the meaning and importance of having a work-life balance.

Have a break at least once a day

Rest once every hour, for 5 to 10 minutes. Get up for a coffee, a walk around your school or office, or a toilet break. Rest and recharge yourself. This is necessary in order to complete your tasks effectively and efficiently.