FASS Mentorship Experiences – NUS Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

Discover FASS Students' Mentee Experiences

Keen to gain insights from our mentors to excel in your career?

Find out more about your seniors’ experiences, takeaways and tips to embark on a successful mentorship journey!

Koh Fang Yu: Seeing the Banking Industry from a Wider Perspective

Samuel Tan Wen Xiang: Refuelling One’s Passion for Aviation

Vivian Wong Siqi: Thinking Beyond the Boundaries in the ASEAN-China Arena

Seeing the Banking Industry from a Wider Perspective

Fang Yu

Hello! I am Fang Yu, a final year student majoring in Economics. I am interested in the aspect of Monetary and Financial Economics; hence it was beneficial when I was allocated to a mentor with a wealth of experience in the banking industry, who broadened my views about my career path.

"Making friends with likeminded people who are able to guide you along the way"

Koh Fang Yu, Economics Major

What motivated you to participate in the FASS Mentorship Programme?

How has the FASS Mentorship Programme prepared you for your future career?

How have you developed professionally through the FASS Mentorship Programme?

I was able to get to know the industry better from the candid advice that my mentor had shared with me. My mentor not only gave me advice on a career in banking but also reminded me of the opportunities outside of it. I personally believe that it is important to have an alternative point of view to challenge our decisions. Therefore, on a professional level, this program has given me more insights into this industry and his knowledge and expertise helped me gain a new perspective and which helped me formulate my future career path. I was also able to pick up effective communication skills such as presentation and networking skills from the program.

What advice would you have for students interested in embarking on the FASS Mentorship Programme?

For juniors who might want to participate in the mentorship program, I believe that to benefit from this program, communication is key. Mentorship is a two-way street; one must actively reach out to the mentor for advice as well as to see things with an open mind. We might have an idea of what we want to do however it's always good to seek a second opinion from someone who has been through a similar path.

Refuelling One’s Passion for Aviation

Samuel Tan

I am Samuel, a Year 4 Economics Undergraduate from the 2019/20 Batch of Mentorship Program and Capstone Project. Having a keen passion in the Aviation industry, I was paired up with my mentor who had years of experience and is currently working with our national carrier. Although my mentor came from a different specialisation and training, we bonded quickly due to our common interest and passion for the industry. As a FASS alumni himself, we had many fruitful discussions that highlighted the strengths and merits that sets us apart from the other faculties.

"Inspiring and enriching experience"

Samuel Tan Wen Xiang, Economics Major

What motivated you to participate in the FASS Mentorship Programme?

How has the FASS Mentorship Programme prepared you for your future career?

Joining the mentorship programme has provided new insights into the reality as well as opportunities in the industry. Speaking to industry professionals offers you a glimpse of what a day in their role would be, the types of projects they embark on, and the technical skills involved. Interacting with my mentor, the greatest benefit would be to gain access to information, often not found in the public domain. These could be tips or knowledge that could impress your interviewers if you land an interview with the company!

What were some of your goals before embarking on the FASS Mentorship Programme?

Ever since my internship days, I realised that I needed to work on my workplace communication skills, especially with superiors in a professional setting. As an undergraduate, our professional communication has been limited to our Professors, NUS Staff and fellow schoolmates. For some, we could have had opportunities interacting with our internship supervisors. Personally, I felt that interactions at the workplace are different and required more careful deliberation. In fact, the interactions with your mentor would be a safe space for you to highlight some concerns and try your hand at professional writing or even your public speaking and presentation skills. The mentorship programme could also be a safe space for you to voice concerns about the workplace or dispel industry stereotypes without the formality of a superior-subordinate relationship.

What advice would you have for students interested in embarking on the FASS Mentorship Programme?

I would encourage all juniors who are serious in exploring their career options to actively seek and take part in these mentorship opportunities. As undergraduates, we might lack the information and industry knowledge about what is relevant and the challenges that the industry faces. The exposure to various professionals and their portfolios will enable you to make an informed decision in your job search process. It is ultimately a journey of self-discovery of your interests and personality. Be open to criticisms and embrace every interaction as an opportunity for learning and growth!

Thinking Beyond the Boundaries in the ASEAN-China Arena

Vivian Wong

Vivian studies Economics and China Studies at the National University of Singapore. Passionate about the ASEAN-China region, her career aspirations include engaging in regional work and public policy. In FAS3551, Vivian was matched to a mentor who has a wealth of experience working in the region and is currently a government affairs director. Beyond learning about the sectors she is interested in, her mentor provided her insights to other industries, enabling Vivian to chart a possible career roadmap.

"Invaluable opportunity to stand on the shoulders of an industry mentor and gain insights of a professional career."

Vivian Wong Siqi, Economics and China Studies Major

What motivated you to participate in the FASS Mentorship Programme?

I applied for the FASS Mentorship Programme humbly, hoping to learn from a regarded mentor and to think beyond narratives I hear as a student. Prior to the programme, I was conscious of the many preconceived notions of certain industries that constrained my choice of a professional career. I knew economic trends and opportunities were emerging and I wanted to make well-informed career decisions.

What were some of your key takeaways from the FASS Mentorship Programme?

The mentorship journey has been enriching on a professional and personal level. Apart from learning more about my mentor’s job and experience, my mentor was well-versed in other industries and able to relate to experiences of his acquaintances. This gave me insights to various industries and a possible roadmap to enter a specific industry upon graduation. Personally, I earned an invaluable mentor who is always generous in his sharing and willing to offer his guidance even after the mentorship period.

How has the FASS Mentorship Programme prepared you for your future career?

Working on the deliverables of FAS3551, the Mentorship Programme has braced me for my future career. Together with my mentor, we curated a LinkedIn account that was angled to support my volunteer efforts at a non-profit organisation. Alongside, my mentor also vetted my resume, taught me techniques to best reflect my past experiences and tips to polish my current resume.

Besides, the mentorship was timely situated in my second year and it gave me the opportunity to heed advices from my mentor such as exploring new industries and job functions I learnt over upcoming internship periods.

What advice would you have for students interested in embarking on the FASS Mentorship Programme?