Tips & Resources
Tips & Resources

Starting Strong: Thriving at the Workplace

As you bid farewell to the familiar halls of academia, the exciting world of your career beckons. It’s a journey filled with potential, but it can also be overwhelming at times. In this article, we’ve tapped into the experiences of recent graduates who’ve cracked the code to thriving in their first job. Dive in and discover their invaluable insights and advice on how you can have a great headstart to a fulfilling career.
Masthead of Starting Strong: Thriving at the Workplace

Ashley Ng

“Make mistakes, lots of them, and learn from them. Since you are new, you have the privilege of not having to be perfect as the stakes are lower. Even if it feels awful at first, your failures and mistakes will teach you a lot and you’ll only improve from there.

Find a mentor. Having a good relationship with someone who is more experienced can help you assimilate into the company faster; you can always look for them to guide you. However, remember to always respectfully ask for help and write down the advice you get when you do so that you don’t keep going back with the same questions.

It also helps to be open-minded. Focus on being helpful, dedicated and eager. If you are willing to help others, others will help you too when you are in a tight spot. Finally, do not think that learning stops just because you have found a job. Continue to upskill yourself and network often. You never know when it can open doors to other opportunities!”
- Ashley Ng, Great Eastern Singapore, Customer Service Associate


Joshua Kovilpillai

“Proactive learning doesn’t stop when your education ends. As the lines between careers blur, you’ll notice that almost every skill is transferable – no matter the industry. Take courses to understand the emerging trends in other industries and adapt accordingly.”
- Joshua Kovilpillai, OCBC Bank Singapore, Executive


Sheree Ng

“Be more flexible with your job searches. If you’re dead set on a certain job that you’re seeking, you may find yourself getting dejected with possible rejections and jaded with the constant job searches. Instead, find one that meets most of your requirements and treat it as a steppingstone.”
– Sheree Ng, Impossible Marketing, Content Strategist


Rohan Shaik Aziz

“Absorb what you can from your various job stints. It is okay to not know the most appropriate designation for yourself as you are still figuring out your most optimal career path. Remember that it’s a process.”
– Rohan Shaik Aziz, Freelance Content Writer