Alumni Spotlight Stories: Lydia Tan

Lydia Tan currently works in the Legal and Compliance Department of GIC Private Limited, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund that invests foreign reserves for better long-term returns. She graduated in 2016 from the NUS Business School with Honours (Distinction), specialising in Accountancy. She was also from the NUS University Scholars Programme.

Q: How was your overall experience at the NUS Business School? What were your fondest memories?

One of my fondest memories was the decision to apply for a month-long summer school program at Texas in my first year (Global Business Leadership Institute at the University of Texas in Austin). Whilst most of my peers were either going for internships or planning for orientation camps in their first summer break, I decided to fly halfway across the world to take modules in entrepreneurship, intercultural management and international business. I also had the chance to meet people from different countries – such as Brazil, Austria and China – and I am still in contact with some of them till this day. It was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful to NUS Business School for providing me with that opportunity.

Q: On LinkedIn, we see that you were very active in Conjunct Consulting. Could you tell us more about your experiences there?

In my penultimate year at NUS, I joined Conjunct Consulting, which offers pro bono management consulting services to nonprofits and social enterprises. I was curious about skills-based volunteering and passionate to learn more about the social sector. I also wanted to know how I could use the skills I had learnt in Business School to help my community.

After my first strategic planning project with a large nonprofit, I assumed the role of Chapter Director at NUS. I was primarily responsible for a wide range of activities, such as: driving recruitment events, interviewing new student consultants, raising the profile of Conjunct Consulting within NUS through case workshops, and liaising with Conjunct HQ on student affairs. This leadership opportunity gave me the platform to experience how it was like running an actual nonprofit, and it helped me to work on my people management, time management and public speaking skills.

Q: What were your career goals as a student in NUS?

I was never the typical Business School student who signed up for case competitions or pursued multiple internships with hopes of landing a prestigious job. In fact, for the first two years, I questioned if Business School was really for me as I had initially wanted to pursue Psychology overseas. I didn’t start out with having clear career goals but I began to know where I was headed along the way.

Q: Could you tell us more about your role as a Compliance Officer and what have you enjoyed most about your career at GIC so far?

In my role as a Compliance Officer in GIC, I get to be involved in the day-to-day affairs of managing GIC’s regulatory and compliance risks. In a way, I help to safeguard the reputation and interest of GIC and our Client (the Singapore Government) by making sure that we do the right things and comply to applicable laws and regulations globally.

I am thankful that GIC invests generously in its people. There has never been a lack of learning and development opportunities, whether as a fresh graduate or an existing hire. For example, as part of the GIC Professionals Programme (GPP), all fresh graduates would have to attend a month-long intensive ‘bootcamp’ so that we are well-equipped for our roles. There is also a good balance between work and recreation, as I get to conveniently attend a Pilates class during lunchtime at our in-house gym. The atmosphere in the office whilst high-performing, is not highly stressful as I can always count on the good camaraderie and support from my colleagues.

Q: Was your role as a Compliance Officer where you envisioned yourself to be in?

I didn’t envision myself to be in this job, because I actually didn’t even know what Compliance meant when I was still a student. Nonetheless, in my penultimate year, I was grateful to chance upon and get an internship for a role in Compliance and Ethics at American Express. Thereafter, I was convinced that a career in Compliance was meaningful and suitable for me.

Q: How did you build your resume towards your desired job?

With respect to “building” my resume, I don’t think it was ever “doing this for the sake of getting that” – as much as possible, I pursued things I was genuinely interested to try and seized every opportunity that came my way. Having many meaningful experiences could also serve to showcase that you are a well-rounded individual when applying for your desired job.

Q: Did your internships prepare you well for your current job?

I had two internships as a student – a compulsory accounting internship with Deloitte & Touche’s Audit division and my penultimate summer internship in Compliance with American Express’ General Counsel Office. Whilst these internships gave me a taste of the corporate world, they didn’t exactly prepare me for my actual job because every job is so different. Much of my current job involves learning on the fly and being adaptable. Having the right attitude is also very important.

Q: Do you think your field of study (Accountancy) played a big role in your career choice?

The knowledge of accounting was never a prerequisite for my current job. However, I think having a degree in Finance or Accountancy is practical and forms a good foundation, especially for those who are keen on entering the financial industry. I believe the rigorous training that NUS Business School offers also helps one prepare well for the corporate world.

Q: What were your main considerations when you selected your first career?

I was looking for a place that could support my personal growth and professional development in the long-run. It’s great that GIC provided these opportunities for me; it is an organization that invests a great deal in their people by providing world-class training and resources for self-directed learning.

Q: Are there any insights in your career thus far that you feel students should know about?

A career in Compliance is dynamic; you have to stay on top of your game by keeping abreast of external changes in the political, regulatory and even technological landscape. Part of my job requires me to understand the various economic sanctions imposed by governments, and how they would impact my firm’s investment and operational activities. It also requires an aptitude for reading and analysing information – such as, when reviewing the nuances of the law and how they would translate to policies and procedures for the firm. In the technology space, machine learning and big data are transforming the way businesses are conducted. One therefore needs to continually build skills in these areas to stay relevant.

Q: Are there key traits/portfolio/experience that GIC looks out for when choosing future employees?

Generally, GIC looks out for people who can exemplify their core PRIME values: Prudence, Respect, Integrity, Merit and Excellence. In my opinion, this means being confident and competent, whilst playing the role of a good team player and a dependable individual.

Q: Do you have any other final advice to fresh graduates or current students?

To fresh graduates, the transition from school to work may not be easy. Stay humble and curious in all that you do, and don’t be afraid to obtain feedback. Also, find ways to develop yourself holistically and not just professionally.

For current students, my advice would be to enjoy your student life thoroughly and have fun. Make the best out of it. Chase opportunities that interest you as they will give you new perspectives and widen your worldview. Explore your passions and avoid doing things that you feel pressured to do. Own your journey and your experience!