Project Protégé

Project Protégé is a four-month mentorship programme for SIM students. Through this collaborative partnership between the Career Development Office and Alumni Engagement, students can learn from our alumni and industry mentors on achieving their career aspirations while the mentors can impart their experiences and knowledge. Project Protégé is a platform for our alumni to make meaningful contributions to their alma mater by investing their time in shaping young minds and contributing to their juniors’ career journeys. The mentors, with multitudes of experience from diverse industries, would share their valuable professional expertise, career advice and job search strategies.

Since June 2012, there are about 100 mentors and 300 students who have participated in this programme. In 2018, Alumni Engagement partnered with CPA Australia and Young NTUC to have their members on this mentorship journey in guiding students with their career transitions along with helping the students to discover their career pathways and opportunities within the industry. The ultimate aim for Project Protégé is to enhance personal developments, career readiness and employability of our students as well as develop the SIM professional network among students, alumni and the industry.

Mentor, SIM Project Protégé Assistant Director Monetary Authority of Singapore University of London, Class of 2014 (Second Upper Class) Information System Module Achiever for 2014 SIM IT Club, Development Director (2012)

What encouraged you to decide to be a mentor? Being a part of Project Protégé is an honour and I enjoy the journey of reaching success together with my mentees. During my university days with SIM-UOL, there were no programmes like this that students can leverage on. I took the initiative to apply for an internship, which was uncommon back then. I completed my three-month internship with a German MNC and was eventually offered a full-time position with international travel opportunities. I have a strongpassion forfinance and myinternship mentorencouraged me to explore myoptions; myjourneyhas accelerated since then. Mymentor, who ultimately became my boss, inspires me to lead by example and share my expertise to benefit my mentees in achieving their aspirations.

2. What is one message that you could give to SIM students who are considering joining the Project Protégé programme? Keep an open mind about the idea of mentorship so that you will not restrict yourself to a narrow path in your career or future. Choose a mentor who has faith that you can achieve your goals and sincerely wants to help you along the way. Think about why you want a mentor and how a mentor could provide his or her unique perspectives to your situation. Embarking on Project Protégé is a two-way street where mentees learn from their mentors’ experiences and guidance while, at the same time, mentors growfrom the knowledge exchange with their mentees — a rewarding experience for helping someone.

Mentor, SIM Project Protégé Corporate Banker University of London, Class of 2007

What encouraged you to decide to be a mentor? I have benefitted greatly from my lifetime mentor for the majority of my career. I would like to help to pay it forward by sharing my professional experiences and career advice to SIM students. As Oprah Winfrey so aptly put it: “Helping others is the way we help ourselves”.

One message to SIM students who are considering joining the Project Protégé programme Keep an open mind. Being able to learn from people who have walked the path before you is valuable as one could expand their knowledge and skills, and build their professional network.

Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Economics and Politics, SIM-UOL (final year)

“I gained new knowledge on my preferred career path and that the HR industry is much broader in scope than I originally thought. The best piece of advice my mentor gave me is not to give up on my studies despite the difficulties faced and also, to step out of my comfort zone. Till today, I still keep in touch with mymentorto share ourperspectives and updates on the industry. I am thankful forherkind advice, support and encouragement throughout this journey.”

Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Current role: Country HR Operations Coordinator

“I learned how to do effective reflections on my actions when solving problems so that I will know myself better as to why I use certain methods to solve problems or react to things. Other than that, I learned more about my limitations and strengths, which I did not notice before meeting my mentor (my mentor would use the phrase, ‘room for improvement’). The best piece of advice given to me is to be more confident and open to different choices rather than limiting myselfto just one type ofjob.”

Mentee, SIM Project Protégé BSc in Accounting and Finance, SIM-UOL (final year) Current role: Intern, Ernst & Young, Advisory (Core) Executive Management

“The Project Protégé experience was fulfilling and rewarding. My mentor played a vital role in helping me identify and achieve my career goals while developing me personally as well. Through a series ofinsightful meetings, she shared herpersonal experience — the struggles and rewards in her career and personal life as well as tips and pointers to look out for when job hunting. The takeaways are helpful as they are relevant and relatable. Her guidance has given me a broader perspective on careeropportunities and options, and made me thinkofmylife goals as well. Heradvice and questions for me were thoughtful and understanding. I am grateful for this experience as I have gained a caring and helpful mentor!”