Post Interview Thoughts

In an earlier post, I wrote that I've landed an interview with a property fund. Actually, that statement is incorrect. To be more accurate, it's actually with the direct property division of a fund. How it works is that investors typically want real estate exposure on their portfolios. Real estate is traditionally favoured for its steady capital appreciation as well as it being a hedge against inflation. Investors can invest in real estate either directly through the purchase of brick-and-mortar developments, or indirectly through property stocks, or funds with exposure to property.

Anyways the interview with the investment management company was at one of the intimidating office blocks along Shenton Way. Despite having worked at one before (SGX Centre), I still feel mighty awed when I step into the swanky lobby of a towering block, seeing impeccably dressed people whispering in crisp undertones. To these people, I must appear so insignificant. 

I've participated in so many competitions until I no longer feel nervous even with many eyes on me. But interviews are a whole different ball game! I had butterflies in the stomach in the days leading up to the meeting. Among other things, I diligently memorized their company values, read up on the backgrounds of the key people and rehearsed the nuts and bolts of financial modelling, all done in anticipation of the questions they would potentially throw my way. It was like preparing for an exam! The only difference being this one has rather immense repercussions.

First Impressions.. Don't Change Them

I've done almost every single group project since the start of my university life with this pair of girls. Interestingly, till today they still think of me as a scrawny boy who does some rockclimbing, but cannot possibly be very good because he's so skinny. Whenever they make a dig at me, I always laugh along with them at myself in a self-deprecating manner.

You see I so small size you all still bully me! I typically reply. 

Climb On 2011

By some strange twist of fate, I somehow managed to get 3rd for Climb On 2011. Heh.

Because of my injuries, prior to the event I did very little hard bouldering. Trainings mostly consisted of chit chatting with the guys, and then it's off to dinner and more chit chatting. I went into the event thinking that I'll do at most 3 climbs and then call it a day.

My movements were a little rusty at the start of the day, which was no surprise. I was afraid the elbow would act up, but it held up the entire day! Even so, I felt I didn't perform that well. I've lost that power endurance for longer and more trying routes. I was actually packing up to leave when Jups told me that I won something =x

I think I used up all my luck for the next 2 years..

Job Hunting

Sweet! Landed an interview with a property fund! Time to prepare and ace that interview!

2 things that made my day

It was after lessons and I headed to the engine canteen to have lunch. Nothing unusual, nothing out of the ordinary. Just that lo and behold, I chanced upon superiors from my ex company! They were at NUS to give a talk. Being my usual inquisitive (some would say kay-poh) self, I plastered them with questions regarding the career path decision making process. They shared with me some personal anecdotes, including but not limited to graduating into a bear market, sending out 90 resumes but only to receive 5 replies (all from the public sector - which he resolutely did not want), staking out for any opportunities that may present themselves while hanging onto an increasingly irritable job. I gleaned so many insights from their stories. I started talking to them about my career ambitions, and my frustrations at how companies seem only to want to hire 1st class honours graduates. I jokingly said that I might end up bumming around if I cannot find a job upon graduation. To that they replied that they'll be happy to take me if I applied to them. WHOOPIE. They even said to send the application to them, and that they would personally oversee my submission. Heh. A vindication of my efforts :)

In another incident, a totally random climber told me he's a big fan of my climbing!