Starting your career abroad

Even though Singapore is an incredible place to work and will undoubtedly be my lifelong home, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone after my time at Fordham, so I chose to stay in New York to experience a completely different working culture. The city’s energy is unmatched; you are constantly surrounded by young, hungry and highly driven talent from around the world. The biggest learning curve, and my favourite part of the transition, has been embracing a new approach to risk tolerance and creativity. Because I know I will eventually return to Singapore, this chapter feels almost like an extended work-abroad programme, and it has been an incredibly rewarding period of personal growth.

Growing up in Macau, then studying in the UK from age thirteen, gave me an early appetite for stepping outside familiar ground. After completing my bachelor’s, I chose to build my career in Hong Kong rather than return home, drawn by its position as a regional hub with fast-moving opportunities distinct from anything Macau, London or New York offered. Adapting meant recalibrating each time: Hong Kong’s relentless pace and distinct professional culture demanded a different rhythm from the collegial pace of London or the energy of New York. I built a genuinely international network by starting within my circles of international cohorts, then expanding through societies and clubs in each city. Next is a master’s at Cornell.

Before moving abroad, I had already seen what research opportunities looked like in my home country. I met incredibly talented people, but also saw how limited funding and resources could hold researchers and ideas back. That encouraged me to look beyond and experience different research environments. I moved to the UK to pursue chemistry, later spent a year at UC Berkeley, and attended a summer school at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Moving between these environments showed me how differently people approach teaching, research, communication and problem-solving. Adapting to each new place made me more flexible and open to different ways of working, and helped me build an international network. Next, I am excited to continue this journey with a PhD in Australia.

I graduated in 2025 from Imperial College London with a BSc in Biological Sciences, and stayed in London for my first full-time role as a Life Sciences Analyst at Charles River Associates. Starting my career in such a vibrant and international city was a fantastic experience, and I worked with colleagues from across Europe and the US. I have now moved back to Sydney as an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company. Two things I have learned. Embrace the learning curve: adapting to a fast-paced graduate job while living away from home pushed me to become more resilient and independent. And build a support network: go to events, meet new people, and stay in touch with your university friends. It is so much more fun with people around you.