NUS Bizconnect recently held its inaugural “Spec-Dating” event. As the name suggests, the idea of the session was to allow students to learn about their seniors’ career paths and experiences to help get a better understanding and direction in choosing their specialisations while making use of the concept of speed-dating for short sharing bursts.
Spec-Dating: Alumni networking with a twist
At the event, 10 alumni from a wide range of industries shared their experiences with some 50 students, mainly in their first year. A group of five students had 20 minutes to engage with each alum. Compared to a conventional networking event, the structured approach of Spec-Dating provides students with a more intimate setting and additional time to learn about the alumni’s careers and experiences. This also helped students who were shyer in asking questions in a larger group setting.
The students found the event meaningful and insightful. Yeo Enk Loui, a Year 2 BBA student said: “It helped us network and learn without the fear and anxiety associated with the usual networking event. It was also good that there was a wide range of alumni from different industries to help students understand and recognise what opportunities there were.”
BBA Year 2 student Xinwan added that the success of the alumni showcased the importance of hard work, effort and determination, something that the undergrads have learned and would apply in their NUS journey and beyond.
The alumni that joined the session include:
Kenneth Lou, Co-Founder, Seedly
Ryan Chong, Co-Founder, Pitchspot
Ted Teo, Executive Director, Kerrywood Advisory
Chee Kong Lim, Partner, BASK Consulting
Ram Kumar, Data Scientist, HP
Anand Ramchand, Assistant Dean, NUS School of Computing
Lee Ming Yong, Senior Associate, Strategic HR, RGE
Hari Vaerhn, Global People and Culture Intrepid Ventures
Kenny Tang, Regional Marketing Manager, International Beverages
Coling Pang, Manager, Marketing and Partnerships Ascenda
BizConnect serves as a platform for current students and alumni to stay connected. Through such events, both past and present Bizaders have the opportunity to interact and expand their networks. For more information, please visit BIZconnect Facebook.