At the recent NUS Be A-HEAD event, titled “Building Your Global Career – Opportunities & Insights from Working Overseas [New York Edition]”, alumni and industry leaders who have lived and worked in New York shared firsthand insights on breaking into one of the world’s most competitive job markets. Held online on 20 March 2025, the session was moderated by NUS Chief Alumni Officer Ms Ovidia Lim-Rajaram (Arts & Social Sciences ’89) and was part of the NUS Be A-Head seminar series, which brings together established professionals to share career advice and workplace strategies with young alumni and graduating students.
Meet the Speakers:
- Ms Dhanya Balasubramanian (Engineering ’13): The Director of Digital Engagement & Personalisation at The Wendy’s Company, Ms Dhanya has built a career in retail and food service, leading digital marketing and loyalty programmes. A former civil engineer, she transitioned into business strategy, with roles at Burger King, Uniqlo and Zalora. She also holds an MBA from Columbia University.
- Dr Peter Allen: The Managing Director at Allen Strategies, Dr Allen is a seasoned executive coach with experience spanning McKinsey, Google, Standard Chartered Bank and private equity firms. A native New Yorker, he has worked extensively in Singapore and Bangkok, advising leaders in finance, technology and education. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Wharton.
- Mr Willie Wee (Business ’16): A Customer Success Business Partner at Anaplan, Mr Wee began his career as a Republic of Singapore Navy officer before moving into tech startups in Silicon Valley. He now advises Fortune 500 life sciences companies on enterprise software. An NUS Business School graduate, he relocated to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since worked across the West Coast and New York.
Together, the speakers outlined the challenges of working abroad and shared strategies for career growth.
1. KNOW WHY YOU WANT TO MOVE
Before deciding to work overseas, clarify your motivation — whether it is career progression, broader exposure or a fresh start. Having a specific goal helps you plan better, whether that means pursuing further studies, applying for roles directly or transferring internally within a company. “There is no one way to do this,” said Ms Dhanya. “But I would say never try to change two things at once — either move geographically, switch industries or seek career progression, but do not do all three at the same time.”
2. MAKE NETWORKING YOUR SECRET WEAPON
Online applications are rarely enough. Dr Allen emphasised the power of networking. “Applying [for jobs] online alone is not enough,” he said. “Networking is the key. Check out books like What Colour Is Your Parachute? [by Richard Nelson Bolles] and Your Invisible Network [by Michael Urtuzuástegui Melcher] for strategies.” Mr Wee echoed this, saying that networking is a numbers game. “You have to reach out to a lot of people. Attend networking events, use LinkedIn and find second-degree connections,” he said. “The Singaporean community overseas can also be a big help.” Alumni networks are also a good place to start. Reach out to former classmates and colleagues — many global roles are filled through referrals rather than job listings.
3. ADAPT TO A DIFFERENT WORK CULTURE
Adapting to new workplace norms can ease the transition into an overseas role. This may involve observing how teams operate, adjusting your communication style and finding mentors. Ms Dhanya, who moved from Singapore to New York, shared how communication styles differ. “I come from an Asian upbringing, where you defer to experience and seek permission before speaking,” she said. “In New York, I had to learn to speak up confidently.” Similarly, Mr Wee found that self-advocacy is equally important. “Americans speak with 100 per cent confidence, even if they’re only 50 per cent sure. We, as Asians, second-guess ourselves,” he said. “The first year I moved, I kept wondering — ‘Is everyone really smarter than me?’ Then I realised, no, they’re just better at speaking up.”
4. UNDERSTAND VISA OPTIONS AND ASSESS JOB OFFERS
Visa requirements can be a major roadblock. Dr Allen encouraged jobseekers to focus on multinational companies with a track record of hiring international employees. “For Singaporeans, there’s an easier work visa (H-1B1) compared to others, but still, the best bet is to join a large multinational company with a history of hiring Singaporeans,” he said. Aside from work permits, evaluate job offers carefully. Watch for potential concerns such as frequent staff changes or vague job descriptions.
5. STAND OUT IN A CROWDED MARKET
Technical skills are just one part of the equation. Showcasing your personality, interests and leadership experiences can help set you apart. Mr Wee noted that in New York’s competitive job market, having unique experiences on your CV can make a difference. “My CV listed poker, public speaking and competitive sports,” he shared. “One of my interviews turned into a discussion about poker strategy, which helped me land the job.”
6. STAY OPEN TO CHANGE
Pursuing a global career is not just about getting a foot in the door — it also involves adapting, networking and making considered career decisions. In countries like the US, career paths tend to be fluid. Dr Allen, whose background spans consulting, education and tech, noted that job mobility is common. “One of the biggest advantages of the US is career fluidity,” he said. “People switch careers all the time. I’ve been an academic, a consultant, a Google employee, an executive coach and more.” So, whether you’re eyeing a role in New York or Silicon Valley, understanding these dynamics can help you navigate the move more confidently.
How competitive is the job market in New York for fresh graduates?
Extremely competitive, said Dr Allen. Employers often prefer candidates they already know or who come from familiar backgrounds. That is why networking plays such a key role. Ms Dhanya recommended that recent graduates consider multinational companies with internal transfer schemes or structured training programmes. Alumni networks can also be a valuable way to find a warm introduction.
What are red flags to watch for in job offers?
When evaluating a role, Dr Allen suggested asking why the position is open in the first place. “If it’s a new role due to expansion, that’s great. But if there’s high turnover, it could be a toxic workplace,” he said. Ms Dhanya added that it is important to stay true to yourself. “If you feel like you have to change who you are just to fit in, it might not be the right company for you,” she said.
