Broadening Horizons 2021

Broadening Horizons is a professional development event that brings together speakers from a variety of industries and backgrounds, to shed light on the wide reach of mentoring across industries.

In November this year, The Mentoring Circle had the privilege of welcoming 15 experienced professionals across the Consulting, Finance, Marketing and Technology industries. The event was split into two segments.

The first segment was a panel sharing by a representative from each of the four industries, which provided all attendees with a breadth of knowledge and opinions about mentoring across different industries.

The second segment was an industry-specific breakout discussion, whereby attendees were allocated to a breakout room according to their industry interest and engaged in up-close conversations with industry professionals in that field. Many attendees have gained fresh perspectives and advice from the speakers' earnest sharings.

Here are some key takeaways from that evening.

Segment 1

During Segment 1, our speakers, Asilah, Ben, Delicia, and Mei Yoke shared a host of insights on personal development and professional proficiency. Among these perspectives, 2 comments were particularly impactful.

First, the speakers highlighted the importance of taking action and the peril of overthinking. They shared how many become trapped in a web of doubt, hesitation, and inaction, leading to stunted progress and missed opportunities. Rather, the speakers recommended the audience to shoot their shot, emphasising that taking the first step is often the largest inhibitor to embarking on a state-altering journey. Hence, when faced with an opportunity, the speakers suggested that we catch hold of negative thoughts, compartmentalise them, and focus on tackling the opportunity head on, channelling our efforts into overcoming the initial inertia of inactivity.

Secondly, our speakers reinforced the importance of finding yourself, believing in yourself, and being yourself. Centred around the importance of personal authenticity in bolstering one's unique value and appeal, the speakers recommend that we spend time to discover our personal stories and personalities, and thereafter make an active decision to believe in our strengths and capabilities. Armed with a clear self-concept and a strong sense of self-belief, we can then convey our uniqueness to others by being ourselves even at the workplace - letting every part of our being, our strengths and even our idiosyncrasies, shine through.

Segment 2: Consulting

In the Consulting breakout discussion, it was insightful to hear the perspectives and experiences of Boon Peng, Clive and Hong Wee. There were three main points that particularly stood out.

First, the panellists shared that it was important to understand the Consulting industry and how it has evolved, and decide what you want to go into based on your capabilities. To do so, aspiring consultants should think about specific verticals and horizontals, and learn about the many interesting roles in the Consulting field. Moreover, within the first two years, it is important to give yourself time to explore, make sense of the work, build your foundation and question whether it is right (or not) for you.

Second, the panellists echoed similar sentiments about how to keep one's mind active and engaged. Some of these ways include:

• Engaging in conversations with clients and colleagues
• Conducting training
• Filtering information
• Self-motivation to do your own research
• Enabling key content to be pushed to you (such as by using Google alert)
• Understanding that there are three different kinds of data research: facts and numbers, analyst views, and your perspective

Third, the panellists emphasised that mentoring helps to shape the person you are today, and it is inevitable in Consulting. There are different kinds of mentors in and out of work, and the panellists advised attendees to find multiple mentors. Moreover, a panellist shared that while we may meet bad mentors, that does not mean we cannot learn anything.

Segment 2: Finance

The Finance breakout session, featuring Eddy and Serene, provided fresh insight into the coveted and challenging industry. Our speakers' honest and frank opinions armed attendees with a fresh and realistic perspective of the industry.

One pertinent point raised by the panelists was the exciting reality of our careers being a long journey rather than a short-term destination. Students often view their careers as a static image, focusing on the first job and placing huge significance on it, and end up missing the forest for the trees. Rather, it would be more value-adding to view our careers as long journeys with multiple roads to success, leaving us sufficient flexibility to adapt and space to continue growing and improving. Hence, the speakers highlighted the importance of being patient with ourselves and holding a longer term outlook on our careers.

Another interesting insight was the speakers' recommendation to intentionally take mental breaks at work. Despite the accelerated pace of the industry, our speakers shared the importance of purposefully creating time for oneself to mentally recharge and refocus. Whether it be to clear a cluttered mind or recharge one's social battery, the speakers conveyed the utility such breaks could bring in improving both short term performance and long term consistency.

Segment 2: Marketing

In the Marketing breakout session, we had the opportunity to be a part of the conversation amongst Sulin, James and Cheng Cheng. There were three key takeaways from their sharing.

First, develop your niche and cultivate your own personal branding and knowledge. The three speakers echoed the importance of having a plan. By establishing an end goal (whether it is to one day become a C-suite executive, enter a particular industry, or to ensure diversity in experiences), it allows you to take small, but progressive steps. More importantly, it lays a path for you to follow without going in circles. Throughout the journey, it deepens your expertise and enables others to appreciate your purpose and identity.?

Second, understand companies’ culture and how you can fit into them. Every company has its own way of operating in terms of recognising and maintaining talent. Ultimately, recruitment acts as the ticket and entrance into a particular company. For example, Tech companies usually entail rigorous testing - solving problems under time pressure. Another common practice would be referrals, prioritising recommendations from current employees. By understanding companies’ hiring practices, it provides a glimpse into the fit of prospective employees.?

Third, appreciate diversity in every aspect. Given how rapidly trends are emerging and evolving, it is important to keep pace with the change through personal development. It entails embracing opportunities that allow for growth and dedicating time to experiment areas that may enable you to deepen your learning. It is also about conversing with your mentors to find out how you can best develop yourself.

Segment 2: Technology

In the Technology breakout discussion, Aatif, Sammy and Udaiya shared a diversity of insights with the attendees and answered many of their questions. Here are three key insights from their sharing.

First, the panellists highlighted that it was important to be agile, adopt a learning mindset, be adaptable and open to change. They touched on the importance of translating what they have learnt into meaningful outcomes in order to stay relevant. With the rate of change in the Tech industry, there is a need to shift from what you know and what skills you have to what you are willing and able to learn.

Second, the panellists shared their advice on job search. It is crucial to be clear of your passion, scrutinise the job description, and find ways to make yourself more visible. One panellist shared how he sent a synopsis of his final paper to the company, and eventually landed himself a role in it!

Third, the panellists shared their perspectives about networking. They echoed similar views that regardless of the industry, it boils down to being clear of what you want, being genuine and targeted in your networking. A piece of impactful advice that one panellist gave was: "Network when you don’t have to, not when you have to." This helps us have more meaningful interactions and genuine connections.

Closing remarks

The Mentoring Circle is extremely grateful to all the speakers who took time to share with our attendees their wisdom, knowledge and diverse experiences. Through Broadening Horizons, attendees have learnt lots about mentoring across and within industries, and also had the opportunity to deep-dive into their area of industry interest. It was definitely a memorable evening filled with meaningful conversations and we can’t wait to hold more events in time to come!