Where Pooja comes from, a girl’s life is often predefined.
So, when she wanted to further her studies in Singapore, she was met with discouragement.
“My family had a clear idea of what my career and education milestones should look like,” Pooja explained. “But in a new environment with an entirely different system, my mum didn’t know what to expect. She wasn’t sure if I’d adapt, succeed, or find my way.”
However, Pooja refused to settle. At 18, she made the decision to move Singapore to pursue her undergraduate studies.
“I knew studying here would give me a different level of exposure, both academically and personally,” Pooja asserted. “It was also a chance for me to grow in terms of independence and confidence.”
“More than just personal achievements, I want to send a message back to my community: that it’s okay to choose differently, to aim higher, and to believe that we can achieve greatness no matter how distant it may seem,” she shared.
But reality had other plans.
FAILURES NURTURE SUCCESS
Coming to Singapore, Pooja had envisioned a vibrant campus life. However, COVID-19 meant that her first year of classes were fully online.
“Everyone, including myself, was quite hesitant to reach out or make new friends virtually,” she recalled. “It was a lonely and unexpected start.”
Pooja also had difficulties immersing herself in a new culture and education system.
“I struggled in silence, thinking I would eventually adapt. But when the time came for my Year 1 results, I woke up to a devastating news.”
Pooja did not qualify to proceed to her second year of undergraduate studies.
She confessed, “I was shaken. The future I had envisioned seemed to collapse in an instant.”
But breaking the news to her mum was worse.
“She went silent, but I could hear her unspoken concerns—about my future, our finances, and everything in between. At that moment, I realised I had no choice but to take control of my situation.”
After much consideration, Pooja chose a path that would set her back temporarily but would help her get back on track in the long run: she decided to drop her undergraduate programme and enroll in SIM’s Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) programme instead.
“I chose DIT because it provided a strong foundation in IT and programming, which I felt was important before moving to a more advanced degree,” Pooja explained.
She also assured her parents that she would make them proud: “From that moment, I made a promise to myself, failure would not define me, but my response to it would.”
FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BOLD
Pooja would go on to make conscious efforts to step out of her comfort zone. From talking to girls in the washrooms to participating in various CCAs, she saw every moment as an opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
And even though she was hesitant about going to events alone, she pushed through anyway.
“One thing I was clear about was wanting to meet as many people as possible and be visible in different spaces,” she said, explaining that this helped her build a network and gain experiences. “These experiences gave me immense confidence.”
Pooja also embraced a never-say-never attitude.
“Whenever I came across an opportunity, I never hesitated to pursue it, because what if this turns out to be a life-changing decision? I believe we lose nothing by trying,” she posited.
This mindset helped her stay persistent and open to opportunities.
For example, Pooja submitted more than 200 applications before she finally landed her first internship. But going through all those applications was also a learning process.
“It helped me understand how to improve my job search approach and how to better tailor my applications for each role,” she revealed. “It taught me patience and resilience, which were just as important as any skill on my resume.”
To date, Pooja has had the opportunity to intern under big companies like Deloitte and Shopee. This wouldn’t have been possible had she not stayed the course.
MAKING EVERY RESOURCE COUNT
Since graduating from DIT in 2023, Pooja started her Bachelor's in Computer Science with SIM-University of Wollongong and is now in her final year.
Through the years, she actively participated in campus activities such as volunteering as a Student Ambassador, signed up for CCAs like UOWSC and IT Club, and joined SIM Career Connect’s Talent Development Programme (TPD).
TPD is a structured in-house internship comprising of workshops, networking opportunities, and on-the-job training. It aims to give students a head start and prepare them for the working world, as well as help them expand their professional networks.
For example, Pooja was exposed to resume clinics and one-on-one consultations with career coaches where she gained actionable strategies and tailored advice that helped her better position herself for internships and job opportunities. She also utilised platforms like CareerSense App where opportunities are specifically curated to suit the needs and profiles of SIM students.
Pooja even participated and won hackathons and is now a recipient of the SIM Award.
Under the SIM Impact Fund, which aims to distribute up to $6 million in scholarships, awards, and other initiatives, the SIM Award is given to students with exemplary academic results. This is part of SIM’s mission to make education accessible to every student who deserves it.
Looking back, Pooja could barely believe how far she’d come.
“My 18-year-old self wouldn’t have imagined herself interning at major companies, growing into a confident and resourceful individual or building strong professional connections,” she confessed.
“I am proud of the work I’ve put in and the progress I’ve made, but I know that it is only the beginning.”
To her juniors, Pooja advises them to utilise resources provided by the school — from Career Connect to CCAs to scholarships.
“These resources proved to be game changers for students like me,” Pooja remarked. “Don’t wait until your final year to explore these resources. Start early, stay curious, and you’ll be surprised at how much they can shape your future.”
She also encourages them to be brave.
“No matter how much self-doubt or insecurity you feel, the only way to overcome it is to take action,” Pooja asserted.
“All you need is just five seconds of courage. So don’t hesitate—just go for it.”