Growing Together Through Mentorship: SIT Alumni and Students Share Their Experiences

Meaningful connections, practical career insights, and shared learning journeys – these are just some of the benefits participants have gained through the SIT Alumni Mentoring Programme.

As registration for Cycle 13 will begin soon, two mentor-mentee pairs share how the programme has helped them grow professionally and personally, while building valuable relationships across the SIT community.

Learning Through Shared Perspectives

For alumnus Tan Lai Choon (UOL – Criminology and Security, Class of 2019), mentoring was an opportunity to give back while staying connected to the aspirations and challenges faced by today’s students.

“Being part of the SIT Alumni Mentoring Programme has been a meaningful and rewarding experience for me,” he shared. “It gave me the opportunity to connect with students, understand their perspectives, and share insights from my own professional journey and experiences in the industry.”

Throughout the programme, Lai Choon and his mentee, Hoo En Yi (SIT-TUM Chemical Engineering, Class of 2027), discussed topics ranging from internship experiences and career aspirations to current market trends and organisational changes.

“What I appreciated most was the genuine exchange of perspectives,” said Lai Choon. “Beyond sharing guidance and advice, the mentorship experience also reminded me of the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and open-minded in today’s fast-changing environment.”

For En Yi, the programme provided valuable exposure to the realities of working life and the broader industry landscape.

“I found the mentorship experience to be very valuable as it gave me the opportunity to learn more about the industry and working life, while also gaining insights from my mentor’s personal experiences,” she shared.

Their conversations often extended beyond professional topics, creating a comfortable environment where learning happened naturally.

“My mentor regularly shared what he had learned from his own career journey as well as updates on the current market. These conversations helped me better understand industry trends and made me more aware of different opportunities I could consider.”

Reflecting on the experience, En Yi said the programme broadened her perspective and encouraged her to be more proactive in exploring future opportunities.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Building Confidence

For Bryan Yohannan (SIT Pharmaceutical Engineering, Class of 2021), mentoring offered a chance to support students navigating a highly specialised industry.

“Coming from the pharmaceutical industry, I understand how difficult it can be for students to find clear and practical insights about the field, especially when deciding on internships and career paths,” he said.

Bryan was paired with Faaezah Binte Jamaludin (SIT Pharmaceutical Engineering, Class of 2027), who joined the programme while searching for internship opportunities.

“Being able to share my own experiences and lessons learnt felt rewarding because I knew it could help make her journey a little clearer and less overwhelming,” Bryan explained.

The shared SIT background helped foster open and meaningful conversations, covering not only career advice but also industry expectations and project work.

“Mentoring gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own journey and growth since graduation,” Bryan added. “I felt genuinely fulfilled knowing that even small guidance and encouragement could make a positive difference in someone’s confidence and direction.”

For Faaezah, access to first-hand industry knowledge proved especially valuable.

“I found the mentorship experience to be very valuable because it allowed me to gain a lot of industry insights,” she said. “Hearing firsthand about Bryan’s career path gave me a much better idea of what companies and roles to look for.”

She also appreciated being able to seek advice on academic projects and industry-specific questions that were difficult to answer through online research alone.

“Overall, it was a meaningful experience that gave me a much clearer perspective on my future career.”

Join the Next Cycle

The SIT Alumni Mentoring Programme creates opportunities for alumni and students to learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and support each other’s professional growth.

Whether you’re an alumnus looking to share your experiences and give back, or a student seeking guidance as you navigate your career journey, the programme offers a platform for valuable conversations and lasting impact.

Registration for SIT Alumni Mentoring Programme (Cycle 13) opens soon. Stay tuned for more details and be part of a community that grows stronger through mentorship.