School of Social Sciences

Class of 2014
Degree: BSocSc major in Psychology and Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources

Research Officer

Please tell us more about where you are currently working at and what you are doing.

I am currently undergoing a trainee programme at a recruitment consultancy firm. My role is to assist my recruitment consultants by screening job applications and preparing candidates for interviews with our client companies.

What made you choose to do a degree in Social Sciences and why did you choose to do it in SMU?

I am interested in psychology, and enjoy the largely qualitative nature of Social Sciences. The reason I chose SMU is because of the school's flexibility in allowing their students to decide their educational pathway. There are no limits to the majors that I could pursue, and so I chose Human Resources from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business to complement my psychology major.

How has the SOSS experience been for you, and how has it benefitted you?

In a word, fantastic. The curriculum is flexible and allowed me to choose modules that interested me, and there was hardly any obligation to take specific courses to clear university requirements, except for core modules. Besides this, to fully benefit from the system, I had to really immerse myself into everything the school had to offer. In large part it included an exchange to Germany where I lived with two other buddies from SMU, made international friends and saw breathtaking sights. Besides this, I also made the effort to stay in touch with the people around in school, both friends and professors. They become a source of companionship and support, and become crucial, if not the most important takeaways that only a close-knit community like SOSS can offer.

How has your education in the social sciences been useful to you at the workplace?

My education in psychology has definitely helped me in terms of understanding workplace behavior and motivations of people – both extrinsic and intrinsic. The knowledge learnt in school allowed me to mature in my thought process, and provided a solid foundation from which to build my career. Moreover, the soft skills gained through interacting with friends, professors and project mates allowed me to adjust quicker to the work environment, where awareness of the self and others is essential.

Do you have any advice for your juniors that are currently in SOSS or for those who are planning to join the SOSS family?

Embrace the education you are about to receive, but do not walk the journey alone. The SOSS faculty is relatively small and there will always be familiar faces around. Peers turn to friends, and then become some of your most trusted buddies who will be with you through the four years as well as your careers. Attend social events, be present in school not just for classes and meetings, join interesting CCAs and go on an overseas exchange if possible. As these boxes are ticked over time, you end up with a very holistic education that will leave you mature and enriched with countless memories and stories to tell.