Tang Kai Jun Deston

What is one thing you were unprepared for about university life that you wish you knew before joining SMU?

I realised that manging my school email and account is very important and didn’t anticipate that before joining SMU. Almost all updates and information that happens across campus would be through the school email and seems very overwhelming at first to approach as you see hundreds of emails (If you don’t look at it often enough). Now I have a habit of looking at my email every 1-2 days. It sounds boring but actually lots of opportunities and interesting titbits of what is occurring in school. It also lets you know what events are upcoming and there are lots of free goodies and fun activities to join in on.

What is your career aspiration and how have SMU’s career prep programmes helped you in making progress towards your goals?

SMU has multiple resources you can tap on to aid you in career prep. I think the greatest value I got was from the platform ONTRAC II where they posts opportunities with partnered institutions and corporations, making it easier for you to source for internships that would contribute to your portfolio for your career. I have not approached my career coach yet but am scheduling an appointment with them soon.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking of applying to SMU? 

SMU pedagogy does prepare you for the working world but you have to be willing to embrace the change and focus on what you can learn and grow from, and not sink into a mindset of competing. My advice would be to not be afraid to speak your mind and heart, and practice talking more to prepare for interviews into SMU and class participation because it is scary, but being exposed to it will help build our confidence and experience.