Adjusting to Work Life in Singapore
By: Isabel Gan, Wharton ’26
Isabel in Singapore.
GRIP: Business Development in Singapore
Coming into Singapore, I was nervous yet so excited to meet everyone at the company I would be working at for two months. The work life culture, the local foods I would get exposed to, the projects I would work on, even just thinking about it all gave me butterflies.
Things, of course, were much different than I had imagined. Before leaving the States, I stuffed my luggage full of gifts for coworkers. Naturally, I brought around five to ten small items only to realize later how small of a company I would be working at. Although there are many people working remotely, the office space itself is shared with several other small family companies, leaving only a few rooms for us to work in. But surprisingly, I’ve found that I’ve adjusted really well to this small and intimate space. I like how I can just go to the room next door to ask anyone for help. I like how the pantry is ten feet away (necessary for fueling my caffeine addiction). I like how I can hear the murmur of small conversations from all around me. It makes the company feel very much alive.
I also came in with the impression that a hierarchical work culture would be very prevalent in my company. And while there is still some expectation of it, I’m grateful for the creative freedom that my company gives me. From working with data to brainstorming sales ideas, my supervisor has emphasized over and over again that this internship, more than anything, should be an experience I can learn from.
More than just simply being a kind person, my supervisor is someone I really admire. One instance was when another intern and I presented our sales strategies to the two CEOs. It was really nerve wracking, especially as we had not interacted with them a lot before. But with my supervisor’s help, we were able to readily prepare for all aspects of the presentation. Even after their round of rapid fire questions, my supervisor was there to back us up and voice his support for our work ethic. He honestly made me feel so appreciated and I’m thankful to be paired with such a great mentor.
Although I’m just wrapping up my second week of work, I’m excited for what’s yet to come. I hope to approach my work life with more curiosity, spontaneity, and a more open mindset.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.