Physics Alumni Sharing Session, 31 January 2019
Do grades matter when it comes to landing one a desired job? How does one proceed in the face of rejection? Why would employers favour physics over computer science graduates in the data or IT-related industries? How can physics graduates showcase their problem solving skills during a job interview? What happens to job security in the event of an impending recession? What should one be thinking about towards the end of one’s university education? These and more burning questions were tossed by physics majors from the department who were present at the Physics Alumni Sharing Session organised by the Physics Society. On the spot to address their concerns were five physics alumni who have had their fair share of job experience in the marketplace.
Mr Ryan Goh, a trader with Standard Chartered bank, emphasised that employers do look beyond grades when hunting for new recruits. Soft skills and the ability to demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills in a group setting during the interview process will definitely help one to stand out among the potential candidates. Sharing about one’s experience gained from participation in the university exchange programmes and internship will be invaluable too. In the event of rejection from potential employers, it is alright to seek feedback from interviewers and find out which areas of improvement one needs to work on.
Instead of thinking of how one could be disadvantaged for lack of knowledge or training in a specific domain, think about what you are good at and what you could offer. This was the opinion of Dr Gong Zongying, currently senior imaging project manager with CGG Services, a geoscience company providing oil and gas exploration service. Dr Goh decided to venture out into the marketplace instead of continuing his research pursuit upon completion of his PhD with the department. It was a move he has not regretted as he is still applying his knowledge and ideas he has acquired in physics in the area of image processing.
Mr Kenneth Ho, data analyst at Dentsu Aegis Network, shared that he had not acquired any intensive coding experience from his undergraduate studies. But the training he had received from the department nonetheless has prepared him to do his own research and to keep up with the skills and technology along the way. Staying passionate about what one is doing makes a difference.
For Miss Woo Jia Qian, taking a chance to pursue one’s interest is always worth it. Formerly in the semiconductor industry, Miss Woo decided to pick up coding skills as her passion took on a new shape. Through a recruiter which has given her good advice in her career choice, she landed her present job as a software engineer at DBS Bank. Miss Woo felt it was important to put in effort in writing one’s CV and summarising one’s experience as an undergraduate during the interview process. Be prepared for a plan B as not all things always fall nicely in place.
Agreeing, Mr Donavan Cheah, cyber security engineer at the Defence Science & Technology Agency, reminded the audience there could be no eternal job security in the present economy. His advice for undergraduates is to always be ready to reinvent oneself in the light of new happenings. There is constantly a need to bridge the gap of knowledge and skills even at the end of one’s university education. One just has to explore the possibilities.
It was indeed an insightful sharing session by the five alumni. With more questions addressed, it was time for networking over dinner. The department hopes that all students present have benefitted from the sharing session. We also wish our alumni all the best in their career undertaking!