You’ve got your degree, your LinkedIn profile is polished, and you’re ready to take on the working world — or so you think. The truth? Your first job can feel less like a launchpad and more like a rollercoaster. That’s why NUS Alumni Relations and the National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) hosted “Crushing Your First Job”, a candid panel discussion designed to help young graduates navigate the transition from campus to the workplace setting.
Held on 16 April 2025 at the Shaw Alumni Foundation House, the event featured two inspiring NUS alumni: Ms Sadhana Rai (Law ’12), Chief Representation Officer at Pro Bono SG and criminal defence lawyer; and Dr Jackie Tan (Science + USP ’12), a four-time tech startup founder, and the CEO and co-founder of Border Dollar. Moderated by Mr Sebastian Wynter Bryan, Deputy Director, (Alumni Relations & Community Engagement), NUSSU, the conversation pulled no punches — touching on burnout, office politics, setting boundaries, and what success really looks like.
KNOW YOURSELF, PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Dr Tan entered Life Sciences at NUS because his father had cancer and he wanted to understand the condition. But he quickly discovered he wasn’t cut out for memorising biology facts. “I was terrible at memory work,” he admitted, “but I found I loved research. I spent most of my time in labs, and that hands-on experience prepared me for real-world problem-solving.” He credits a critical thinking and writing course at NUS for shaping his ability to navigate work challenges. “Learning how to think is the most valuable thing you can get out of university.”
Ms Rai, who double-majored in political science and law, agreed. “Both taught me how to argue and analyse,” she said. But no amount of coursework could have prepared her for the 16-hour days and high-pressure culture at her first law firm. “I had seven sets of clothes in my office. I didn’t see my parents for days,” she shared. “I just thought if I worked hard, everything would fall into place. But I was burning out.”
LEARNING THE HARD WAY AND DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
After nearly quitting law to join an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, Ms Rai was persuaded by a senior lawyer to pursue meaningful work instead. That led her to Pro Bono SG, a charity offering free legal aid. Today, she heads the organisation and leads a team of in-house community lawyers and officers. Young graduates should also note that their first job is less about climbing the corporate ladder and more about building inner resilience. “Learn to manage stress and take care of yourself before entering the workforce,” Ms Rai advised. “I didn’t, and I ended up with an autoimmune condition. I even lost my eyesight temporarily.”
To cope with stress, Ms Rai sees a therapist monthly, which she described as “mental maintenance,” and encouraged students who could afford it do the same or speak to someone regularly. “Therapy is not just for people with depression. It’s for anyone who wants to grow,” she emphasised.
HOW TO BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF
When moderator Mr Bryan raised the topic of maintaining authenticity in competitive environments, both speakers shared refreshing perspectives. Dr Tan encouraged students to understand their own personalities and to find work that aligns with who they are. “You don’t have to fake it to get ahead. But you do need to know your boundaries.” Ms Rai added, “It’s okay to have a different work persona. I’m loud and assertive at work, but at home, I just want to lie down with my dog and read a book.” For young women, Ms Rai had an additional note: “Take care of your body. We’re built differently. If you don’t protect your physical and emotional well-being, your body will force you to.”
LEARN HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES & STEER CLEAR OF OFFICE POLITICS
Mr Bryan also asked about setting boundaries without seeming ‘lazy’. Dr Tan explained that saying “no” is a skill — and the most effective people know how to do it well. “You can say no by offering alternatives. For example, ‘I can’t finish this today, but I’ve spoken to a colleague who can support me on this.’”
Ms Rai shared that her junior lawyers are now better at this than she is. “They say ‘no’ so nicely, I end up doing the work myself!” she laughed. “But they’ve earned that trust by showing me the value they bring.” When asked by the moderator about navigating office politics, both speakers agreed that it’s best to stay focused on what really matters. “I’m mindful of office dynamics, but I don’t get involved in office gossip or power plays. I just focus on doing great work — it speaks for itself,” said Ms Rai. Dr Tan added, “It’s best to steer clear of unnecessary drama. Be professional, be kind, and smart about what you choose to share in the workplace.”
Q&A HIGHLIGHTS: GAP YEARS, TECH ANXIETY & COMPANY SIZE
Q: Is it okay to take a gap year after graduation?
Ms Rai: “Yes, but don’t expect to get all the answers at the end of your gap year. Use the time to live and explore. Your purpose will evolve.”
Dr Tan: “Speak to people in the field you’re curious about. A five-minute chat can give you more insight than months of overthinking.”
Q: How can we stay relevant in tech when AI is replacing coding jobs?
Dr Tan: “Focus on creative problem-solving and working with people — those are harder to automate. Potential graduates can also look into jobs in cybersecurity, which is harder to [replace] by AI. ”
Q: Should I start in a big or small company?
Dr Tan: “Small companies give you exposure to everything, which is great early on in your career. But big companies give structure. It depends on your learning style.”
