How did you find out about the NUS Alumni Network in London?
Through the NUS newsletter! I saw they were hosting a Lunar New Year lunch. It was really nice to connect with people who’ve been here for decades, as well as some others who have moved more recently to the UK. I’m still in contact with some people I met!
Since your graduation, have you met any alumni who have helped you professionally or personally?
There are a few alumni in London I’ve met that have similar paths like mine, having moved here for work within the last two years, who have helped me a lot in settling into the city! Professionally, at my previous role working on my startup Snowball, I was helped a lot by NUS and NUS Overseas Colleges alumni in building our brand, getting client meetings or just sharing our product.
Where’s the most unexpected place you’ve ever met another NUS graduate?
During my Student Exchange Programme at the University of Georgia, I ran into another student whose parents were NUS alumni and had shifted there years ago. It was a full circle moment, showing that even in niche corners of the world our alumni community is alive.
Looking back on your first year after graduation, what’s one important lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learnt is to always back myself and my abilities, no matter the landscape. Whether it’s to find a job, to build a product from scratch, or to convince others to join my mission, having self-belief (and arguably some stubbornness!) in the process is crucial.
What has surprised you most about life after NUS?
There’s a lot of things that I wasn’t ready for, but I’m more surprised by how much I was able to handle. My peers and I have been able to take what we’ve learnt in university to the real world. Some of my friends from NUS are building truly incredible companies and doing amazing work. I wouldn’t have expected it, and I’m really happy to see it!
What advice would you give new grads about making the most of NUS’ alumni community?
I think the power of a common identity or community can be easily lost on a lot of us. I strongly believe communities like NUS Alumni are strong differentiators for achieving anything in the real world. I’m also a big believer in the power of being a “giver” – that giving with no expectation of any returns is always beneficial. A lot of NUS alumni are similar and are happy to help, whether it’s professional advice, referrals, or some form of support. I’ve definitely benefited and would love to pay it forward!
